TIPS ON INTERPRETING THE HOROSCOPE

• Determine which house rules the subject of the question. Similarly, determine which planet rules the subject of the question.  Subject matter for all 12 houses is in Appendix C.  The first planet shown to be in dignity in that house should be used as the planetary ruler.
• Look for themes from the card interpretation in Step 4 that coordinate or emphasize the chart analysis in Step 6.  The Tarot card analysis should offer some guidance in delineating the meaning of the horoscope.
• Determine where the querent indicator is located by house-the Sun for men, and Moon for women.  Decide if the querent indicator is placed in a beneficial or difficult relationship to the subject-related house by sign or house placement.  If the querent indicator is in the question-related house, it shows a greater focus on the subject at hand, a greater personal investment in the outcome.  The querent indicator also benefits by being in a house belonging to the same zodiac element of the question-related house.  If the querent indicator is in a house whose meaning is contrary or contradictory to the question, then the matters indicated by that house may act as a deterrent or distraction to fulfilling the matter.
• The planet that rules (dignifies) the question-related house is a crucial planet in the astrological delineation.  Look to see if it is in a house that is friendly or inimical to the querent�s question, and determine dignity or debility, by house or zodiac sign.  The question-related planet gives additional emphasis to any planets that share the same house.
• If planets are placed in opposing houses, then that axis gains great importance in the delineation.  Opposite houses are always: 1st-7th; 2d-8th; 3d-9th; 4th-10th; 5th-11th; 6th-12th.  Planets contained in opposite houses indicate polarized tension, and reveal an inherent need for either coordination or resolution of those planetary forces.  A conscious effort is necessary to reconcile the planetary energies that interact in an opposition.  Friendly houses share similar topics, whereas unfriendly houses are distinguished by topics that are in conflict.  Generally, odd numbered houses harmonize with other odd-numbered houses (1st, 3d, 5th, 7th, etc.); even numbered houses coordinate with even numbered houses.
• Planets in the 7th house define the condition of the client�s relationships.  Generally, Mars or Saturn here signals difficulties or restrictions in relating to others.  The other planets and lights are more beneficial and helpful.
• The 4th house represents the beginning and ending of the matter, and the core of the issue.  This house should be examined in every case.  If planets are placed in this house, they speak directly to the results of the matter at hand, and should be given extra attention in the delineation.  If the planet related to the question is located in the 4th, the result may be more speedy or noticeable.
• Loaded houses, with three or more placements, will need special attention.  The area of life indicated by a loaded house takes greater precedent in the reading.  A loaded 3d house, for instance, would show that daily events and messages may be extremely active during the period chosen for the reading.
• Consider the personalities of the planets involved.  Some planets are considered as pairs-Sun and Moon, Venus and Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, Mercury and either Node.  The Part of Fortune shows a comfort zone, and is friendly with all of the other planets.  (The Part of Fortune is not a planet, but an Arabic Part.  Arabic Parts were an important feature of astrology during the medieval and Renaissance periods.  The Part of Fortune is created by using the Ascendant, Sun and Moon, the three most important coordinates in a chart, which is probably why Etteilla included this Part in his attribution scheme.  The two Lunar Nodes are called �shadow planets,� and reveal magnetic qualities of the past and future.)
• Emphasize the importance of any planet that falls in an angular house (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th).  These houses are the most powerful, and the influence of a planet contained in these houses will be noticeably active throughout the forecast period.
• Any planet will benefit from being in a sign or house where it is dignified.  Likewise, any planet will struggle in a sign or house where it is debilitated.  Debility may be considered a kind of handicap�it doesn't imply that the planet isn�t functional, but it does mean that the planet has to work a lot harder to fulfill its potential in that house.

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Copyright � 2003 Elizabeth M. Hazel & James W. Revak.  All rights reserved.  (10/25/03).