Other Schools of Astrology

i.e. non-traditional Astrology

1) Cosmobiology (Midpoints)

Cosmobiology is a term used by German astrologer Reinhold Ebertin for his system of interpretation based primarily on midpoints. Ebertin preferred not to use the word astrology for his method of chart interpretation because he did not want his techniques to be confused with many of the traditional techniques which he felt were inadequately tested, often followed on faith, and unable to be substantiated by research. Cosmobiologists (practioners of cosmobiology) put little or no emphasis on the sign and house placements of a planet, and they put little emphasis on the trine and sextile aspects, and they feel that the semisquare and sesquiquadrate aspects are very important. A common strategy for interpreting a midpoint structure is to combine the meaning of the two planets that make the midpoint (for example, in the example of Jupiter opposition the Mercury/Pluto midpoint, then Mercury-Pluto combination may indicate compulsive or deep (Pluto) thinking (Mercury), and Jupiter aspecting this midpoint means that the person wants to develop and spread their deep thoughts, which, for example, might be a person who writes or promotes ideas that are based on some form of deep thinking or research.

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2) Sidereal

Cyril Fagan studied Egyptian hieroglyphics, ancient manuscripts, ancient history, and astronomy and concluded from his research that many of the techniques currently used in astrology are rooted in ancient astrology, but also have deviated throughout the years from the original approach. Furthermore, Fagan believed that many of the techniques in their original form are more accurate than the modern version of these techniques. Fagan's book Astrological Origins gives an excellent description of his research.

One of Fagan's conclusions from his research is that the sidereal zodiac is more useful than the tropical zodiac. Many other astrologers were impressed with Fagan's work and they developed a style of chart interpretation based on the sidereal zodiac and these astrologers tend to use technically advanced methods that rely on a more thorough knowledge of astronomy than is common with traditional astrology. The approach to astrology that they developed is known as sidereal astrology. There are many differences between traditional and sidereal astrology but perhaps the most conspicuous is the siderealists use of the sidereal zodiac rather than the the traditional zodiac, which is known in astronomy as a tropical zodiac. To explain the difference between these two zodiacs requires some astronomical background. Here is the explanation:

First of all, let's clear away some confusion about zodiac signs. Probably you have often heard people say things like "He is an Aries" or "She is a Taurus" because they were born on a certain calendar date. The statement "He is an Aries" is an abbreviated way of saying "The Sun was in the 30 degree section of the sky that was the tropical zodiac sign of Taurus when he was born". A zodiac sign is a section of the sky. There are 360 degrees in a circle and there are 12 zodiac signs each of precisely 30 degrees. To repeat: a zodiac sign is a 30 degree "slice" of the sky. Every planet, in fact every object whether it be a planet, star, comet, or even an airplane, is in a zodiac sign because the entire sky is divided into 12 zodiac signs. The zodiac sign of the Sun is the only one that can be known by knowing only a calendar date without the year of birth, so it is a convenient one to discuss because it requires no advanced calculations by a computer or look-up in a book of tables of planetary positions; you can usually determine it from knowing only the month and day of birth.

If you look out at the night sky and are able to locate several planets and the Moon and you were to draw an imaginary line connecting these planets, they would all exist approximately in a straight line. All of the planets, the Sun, and the Moon are always in a circle and this circle is called the ecliptic plane in astronomy. Actually, the planets do deviate slightly from this plane but in astrology this deviation is ignored. The deviation, incidentally, is called the latitude of the planet, and the point on the circle where the planet exists is known as its longitude. But a circle has no beginning and no end, so astronomers (and astrologers) must have a specified beginning

point on the circle that is agreed upon so that we can understand each other when we discuss the position of the planet in the sky. Astronomers have several different ways of describing where the planets are, and one of them is known as the tropical longitude of the planet and this is the one used by most astrologers. Tropical longitude is determined as follows: each of the 4 seasons begins at a specific moment in time. In winter the Sun is lower in the sky. On the first day of winter the Sun reaches its lowest point, and then it gradually gets higher and higher until the first day of summer when it reaches the highest point. If you go outside at midday on the first day of winter, the Sun will be much lower in the sky than it will be at midday on the first day of summer, and every day in between these 2 extremes the Sun will be somewhere in between. Astronomers can calculate the exact moment when the Sun has begun to change its direction and this precise time can occur at any time of the day, not necessarily at midday. The position of the Sun at the exact moment when it reaches its lowest point is the beginning of the tropical zodiac sign Capricorn. The position of the Sun when Spring begins is the beginning of Aries, the position when summer begins is the beginning of Cancer and the position of the Sun when autumn begins is the beginning of Libra. Each of the 12 zodiac signs is precisely 30 degrees in length.

On a clear night when the Moon is new and and you are far away from city lights you can see stars in every direction. Of course we can not see the stars during the day because the bright light of the Sun makes them invisible. Imagine, however, that you can see stars during the day, and on the first day of spring, you were able to see the star that is directly behind the Sun. This star could be used as a marker for the beginning of the zodiac sign Aries. If you were to make this observation every Spring for 72 years you would notice something very interesting: the star that was directly behind the Sun when Spring began 72 years ago had gradually moved by a very slight amount each year and after 72 years has moved about 1 degree. The tropical zodiac moves very slowly, about 1 degree per 72 years, through the fixed stars. After a little more than 2,000 years the tropical zodiac will have moved through 30 degrees of the fixed stars, so this slight movement is hardly noticeable over a few years but across a larger time span it is very obvious.

The sidereal zodiac, unlike the tropical zodiac, is based on the positions of the fixed stars, a tangible thing, rather than an abstract point like the position of the Sun when the seasons begin. However, there is one major problem in using the sidereal zodiac: astrologers who use the sidereal zodiac do not agree about which fixed star to use as the starting point! Vedic astrologers, like sidereal astrologers, use the sidereal zodiac; one Vedic astrologer may say that the Sun at the time of your birth is 3 degrees of Gemini and another may say it is at 5 degrees of Gemini. Cyril Fagan's research of Egyptian hieroglyphics convinced him that in ancient times the fixed star Aldebaran was at 15 degrees of Taurus. "Aldebaran" means bull's eye and to this day we use the phrase "bull's eye" to mean the center of something! Sidereal astrology has very little in common with Vedic astrology other than that both approaches use the sidereal zodiac. All sidereal astrologers use the sidereal zodiac based on Fagan's research and it is often referred to as the Fagan-Bradley ayanamsha. The word "ayanamsha" means the difference between the sidereal and tropical zodiacs. The ayanamsha increases by about 1 degree each 72 years, as described above. The current ayanamsha according to siderealist astrologers is about 24 degrees, so that all planet positions are about 24 degrees earlier in the sidereal zodiac than they are in the tropical zodiac. Some Vedic astrologers use a larger ayanamsha.

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3) Vedic (Hindu):

Vedic astrology is astrology as practiced in India. It is sometimes called Hindu astrology. Vedic astrology is markedly different from western astrology. The list of similarities is smaller than the list of differences. Vedic astrologers, like most western astrologers, do use a system of 12 houses with somewhat similar meanings for the 12 houses, and they also usea system of 12 zodiac signs which have similar meanings to those used by western astrologers, although they use a sidereal zodiac rather than a tropical zodiac. There is a thorough discussion of what a sidereal zodiac is in the [Sidereal astrology] section. Vedic astrologers also use some aspects that are similar to traditional western astrology. They also use a chart called the navamsa chart which is the same as what harmonic astrology calls the 9th harmonic chart. The astrological influence assigned to each planet is substantially the same as that given by western astrologers. Beyone this, though, there are major differences. Techniques for comparing charts or for forecasting are very different. The procedure for synthesizing the data in a birth chart into a coherent interpretation are very different. Vedic astrology uses a list of rules known as yogas to draw conclusions and Vedic astrology also employs many techniques like nakshatras (lunar mansions) which typically are not a part of western astrology. Philosophically as well as technically, Vedic and western astrology very often differ as well; Vedic astrology is often more specific and unwavering in its interpretation whereas modern western astrology often makes statement of a psychological nature and gives the person options for how to best handle the astrological influences.

Vedic Terminology

(Names are listed alphabetically, and their most commonly used name is in boldface)

The Different Vedic Names for the Signs

The Different Vedic Names for the Houses

The Different Vedic Names for Divisional Charts

Note: Spelling variations abound for these names

The Twenty-seven Constellations or Lunar Mansions
Note: there are many spelling variations for these names
Vedic name Position Location Ruler

The Constellations (Lunar Mansions) in alphabetical order:

Constellation from the birth constellation
(the one occupied by the Moon at birth):

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4) Harmonic:

Harmonic astrology was developed largely by British astrologer John Addey. Harmonic astrology provides a conceptual model for understanding how aspects work, and this conceptual model expands the concept of aspects enormously beyond the concept of aspects as used in traditional astrology.

In harmonic astrology an aspect is viewed as a fraction of a circle. For example, a trine aspect of 120 degrees is 1/3 of a circle, a square is 1/4 of a circle, a sextile is 1/6 of a circle, a quincunx is 5/12, and so on. Some of the critical ideas in harmonic astrology are:

ANY fraction of a circle can be used!

John Addey, for example, did research using fractions of a circle like 1/25, 2/25, 3/25, and even fractions like 1/125, 2/125, 3/125, etc. The staggeringly enormous number of possible aspects used in harmonic astrology is perhaps one reason that it has been accepted rather slowly and gradually despite the impressive research results that John Addey had using this concept. Certainly, using harmonic astrology requires a computer, and even then one can be overwhelmed by the vast amount of data and at a loss as to how to utilize it practically.

The astrological influence of an aspect is based on the numbers in the fraction.

For example, the number 3 gives smoothness, agility, and ease, so the 1/3 aspect (trine) has these qualities. Note that the meanings of numbers in harmonic astrology may not necessarily be the same as those used in numerology. For example, in harmonic astrology, the numbers 4, 8, and 16 are challenging and stressful while in numerology these numbers are often assigned a different meaning.

The denominator is far more powerful than the numerator.

In most harmonic astrology the numerator is dispensed with entirely! Therefore, a 1/7, 2/7, and 3/7 aspect, for example, are very similar in influence. Also, the 1/9, 2/9, and 4/9 aspect are very similar in influence. Note that I skipped 3/9 because 3/9 reduces to 1/3 so the 3/9 aspect is actually a 1/3 aspect and has the qualities of 3 rather than 9.

The denominator of a fraction is often to referred to as "the harmonic".

For example, if someone says "I have Venus and Jupiter in 7th harmonic" this means that Venus and Jupiter are either in a 1/7, 2/7, or 3/7 aspect. Since harmonic astrologers are usually relatively unconcerned with the numerator, they very frequently discuss only the harmonic (that is, denominator) of an aspect rather than the specific aspect. In other words, most often they are content to simply say that Venus and Jupiter are in 7th harmonic rather than specify whether the aspect is a 1/7, 2/7, or 3/7 aspect.

Many harmonic astrologers believe that doubling a harmonic does not change its essential meaning.

For example, it was stated earlier that the numbers 4, 8, and 16 are challenging and stressful. This doubling of the number can be continued: the harmonics 32, 64, and 128 are also challenging and stressful. It may seem strange that doubling a harmonic does not change the essential meaning of a harmonic, but this makes more intuitive sense when you realize that the theory of harmonic astrology has many similarities with wave theory in physics (which we will not go into detail here, but John Addey does discuss this in his books) and in music, the note A is 440 cycles per second. if you double the cycles per second to 880 cycles, then you have reached the note A again one octave higher. Doubling again to 1760 cycles per second produces A an octave higher. Also interesting is that a musical string such as on a guitar, for example, can be caused to double the cycles per second and therefore play one octave higher by pressing down one's finger on the guitar string so that precisely one half of the string is vibrating. In harmonic astrology, an extraordinarily similar thing occurs: an angle of 90 degrees, for example, is 1/4 of a circle, and when we cut this distance in half to 45 degrees, 1/8 of a circle, the essential meaning of the aspect has not changed. To musicians there is little difference between the note A played at different octaves, but there is some subtle difference; clearly the notes are not identical. Some harmonic astrologers believe that the higher harmonics are more internal, more hidden attributes not as visible to the outer world. The higher harmonics give talent and inner power. The lower harmonics give personality and style but not a deep inner power, talent, or extreme problem for the person. In harmonic astrology it is generally believed that an anlysis up to about the 180th harmonic is possible, but clear limits are not known.

The orb is proportionate to the harmonic.

A general rule of thumb is that for an aspect to be really signficant the harmonic

can be divided into a number between 12 and 30. Some harmonic astrologers use a number of about 16 to limit themselves to aspects that are definitely significant in a person's life. A 1/4 aspect (square) has an orb of about 4 degrees to be strong (16 divided by 4 equals 4), a 1/8 aspect has a 2 degree orb (16 divided by 8 = 2), and a 16th harmonic aspect has a 1 degree orb.

Factor a harmonic to get its meaning.

Harmonics that are not prime numbers derive their meaning by

factoring the harmonic. For example, the 15th harmonic has a meaning

that is a combination of 5 and 3.

Meanings of the harmonics.

Virtually everyone agrees that the harmonics based on 1 are driving and motivating forces for the person. These are harmonics 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128. In a sense these are the most important harmonics because they are the most dynamic and basic and obvious traits of the person. Harmonics based on 3 (3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96) are also fundamental forces for the person although they are not as stressful and motivating as the harmonics based on 1.

The 5th harmonic is associated by many astrologers with freedom and lack of control. Some astrologers believe that the 5th harmonic gives intelligence and mental talents. Astrologer Ken Negus hypothesizes that the 5th harmonic is involved in hereditary patterns. Astrologer David Cochrane believes that the 5th harmonic gives a taste for cultural activities which can range from enjoying watching television to any form of art, literature, music, or cultural activities; the 5th harmonic also gives a disinclination to involve oneself with taking care of basic daily chores; the 5th harmonic wants to be free from struggling for food, clothing, and shelter so that the world of entertainment and ideas can be enjoyed.

The 7th harmonic is considered to confer spiritual awareness and interest by many astrologers. Astrologer David Cochrane hypothesizes that the 7th harmonic gives a serious, deep approach to life, a motivation to uncover the depth of things, an interest in symbols and the roots of things, and also steadiness and self-discipline to achieve one's goals. The 7th harmonic is rather introverted, inner, quiet, persevering, stabile, self-controlled, and discipined.

The number 9 is not a prime number as it can be factored to be 3 times 3, but it seems to act as a prime number nevertheless. In Vedic astrology the 9th harmonic has been used for many hundreds of years as a key to compatibility in marriage. Some astrologers believe that the 9th harmonic is a key to understanding the sexuality of a person. Others believe that the 9th harmonic gives caringness and warmth, a desire for harmony and peace, and a disinclination to involve oneself in struggle. The 9th harmonic person, for example, although good with children and loved by children may not have children of his/her own because of the great amount of work and sacrifice required. Whatever the exact meaning of the 9th harmonic, it is agreed by most harmonic astrologers that Vedic astrologers are correct: the 9th harmonic is critically important in issues of love and marriage.

There is little agreement about the meaning of harmonics above 9. Astrologer David Cochrane hypothesizes that the 11th and 13th harmonics are dynamic, unstable, and restless. The 11th harmonic is more prone to feelings of frustration and lack of fulfillment; the 13th harmonic confers greater confidence and sometimes egotism. The 17th and 19th harmonics seem to be involved with idealism and imagination, and the 17th harmonic appears to be more involved with emotional and artistic areas while the 19th harmonic more inclined to poetry and more mental issues rather than emotional. Prime numbers higher than 19 have rarely been discussed in harmonic astrology. The basics are still be worked on, but eventually it is likely that all prime numbers up to 180 will be analyzed thoroughly.

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5) Uranian:

Uranian astrology is a school of astrology developed largely by German astrologer Alfred Witte.

Uranian astrology is also known as the Hamburg school of astrology. It has in common with cosmobiology the use of midpoints, but Uranian astrology is, in a sense, a more radical departure from traditional astrology, and Uranian astrologers use techniques and concepts that are a more radical departure from the traditional approaches. Perhaps the most unusual feature of Uranian astrology is its use of 8 hypothetical planets! I once heard a skeptic of astrology say, upon hearing about the Uranian approach, that is is bad enough that astrologers believe that the planets influence human behavior and human characteristics but they also use their own imaginary planets to do it! There are many astrologers who feel similar to this skeptic; it is better to build upon a foundation that appears more solid, but there are also some astrologers who have become convinced of the validity of the 8 hypothetical planets by studying them after initally being extremely skeptical of their validity. The 8 hypothetical planets, often referred to as the 8 transneptunian planets, are Zeus, Kronos, Cupido, Admetos, Apollon, Vulcanus, Hades, and Poseidon. Uranian astrologers, like cosmobiologists, rely heavily on midpoints, but in addition to using the 8 transneptunian planets, they also use 4 additional aspects: the 1/16 (22 1/2 degrees), 3/16 (67 1/2 degrees), 5/16 (112 1/2 degrees), and 7/16 (157 1/2 degrees) aspects. Another technique used by Uranian astrologers are planetary pictures. A planetary picture is calculated by adding the position of 2 planets; for example, if adding the positions of Sun and Jupiter equals the positions of Moon and Mercury added together, then the following planetary picture is formed: Sun+Jupiter = Moon+Mercury.