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Notes:
1 Synodic is from the Greek, meaning to meet, or travel together. The cycle consists of the planet being (or traveling) in proximity with the earth, an example of the astronomical condition called 'conjunction'. This is followed by departure for their respective cyclic orbital journeys. Completion of the synodic cycle is signaled by a resumption of the same phase-position (usually measured as 'starting' from the point of conjunction), e.g. the Moon's oft-seen phases of New, followed by 1st Quarter, Full, 3rd Quarter, and finally, a return to New...
Because of the twin elements of multiple planets being in combination, and of having a phase-position with each other, the synodic cycles are of a different duration than a simple return to a specific Zodiacal degree. The later is exemplified by Solar or Lunar Returns, or Cardinal Ingress charts, wherein a singular planet returns to its own, or a specified degree of the Zodiac. Because both planets are moving, synodic cycles, with their characteristic phase-position returns, take longer to reoccur.
· A simple Lunar return, for example (drawn for the monthly arrival of the Moon at her own natal zodiac degree), takes approximately 27 days.
· Consecutive new Moon phases take longer, because the Sun is also (apparently) moving through the Zodiac. Their recurrence requires about 29 days.
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2 Declination is defined by Princeton University's database 7 as an Astronomical term meaning "the angular distance to a point on a celestial object measured north or south from the celestial equator; expressed in degrees; used with right ascension to specify positions on the celestial sphere".
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3 Saturn was at his aphelion (when his elliptical orbit carried him nearest the Sun), when in Gemini, a couple of years ago; and henceforth also conveyed a closer seasonal apogee. About that time, I bought my telescope. Since he was so close to the earth, more of his reflection was visible, especially with the aid of optical equipment.
Desert winters are especially good for viewing objects in the night sky, so it was with wonder and astonishment that I gazed upon Saturn those first few times. I literally could not take my eyes off him! He was clothed in a mellow light; one that's similar to that found in the longer, angling sunbeams of afternoon's light: when it's reflecting off highly refined gold....
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4 Culmination of a planet is when it arrives at the Midheaven, which is the highest point in an astrological chart. This corresponds with the planet's actual location arriving at its highest point overhead, in the arc of its daily trek through the sky.
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5 Normal Zodiac motion is antegrade. Exceptions to this do seem to occur, however. Occasionally, moving planets apparently change over to a backwards direction called 'Retrograde'. During certain times of the year, relative to the cycle of the Sun in relationship to each individual planet---and its location in the Zodiac---planets will appear to move backwards. The exceptions to this rule are the Sun and Moon.
In actuality, of course, the orbit of all planets always continues forwards. The apparent backwards motion is due to a combination of our earthbound observation post, her alignment with the Sun, and the relative Zodiac positions of other planets. All outer planets (those with orbits beyond the earth) will always be retrograde when astronomically and astrologically in opposition to the Sun.
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6 Two Zodiacs are recognized. One connects the various signs with the 'Seasons of the Earth', in her annual trek around the Sun. This is called the Tropical Zodiac. The Sidereal Zodiac follows the 'Vernal Equinox' as it completely circuits the stars of the Zodiac, over the course of a 'Great Year': a 26,000 year cyle.
This movement of the constellations in the Sidereal Zodiac is caused by a slight wobble of the earth on its axis (as our planet is not completely round). Like the movements of a tottering but-still-spinning top, it creates a secondary spin-in-slow-motion of our axis of rotation. This mild sway of the axis creates an apparency of movement in what we otherwise see as the fixed background of stars. The rate of movement is about 1° in 71½ years.
Because of it, every 2,150 years, or so, the sign containing the earth's Vernal Equinox changes. It travels in a retrograde motion, moving backwards through the constellations of the Zodiac. These "2,000" year-long eras form the various 'Ages'; such as the 'Age of Aquarius', which Earth is progressing into, and the 'Age of Pisces' from which it is exiting.
Knowledge of these effects, called the Precession of the Equinoxes, dates from at least the second century, B.C.. Use of the "Western" or Tropical Zodiac (so strongly linked to the regular rhythms of Declination) was urged by Ptolemy (who lived in the 2nd Century A.D.). He is considered the "father" of Western Astrology.
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7 The Tropical Zodiac reflects seasonal fluctuations that foster life on Earth. Concentrating Nature's efforts, mankind develops fields of grain to harvest, rather than stumbling on individual plants scattered across the land. Then he settles down to tend his crops, his herds, and raise his families.
Formal agricultural endeavors generally precede the building of cities, and these, the myriads of other advancements in civilizations. Yet, they are only possible because of Earth's specific climactic factors. Life, as we know it, would not exist on Earth, were it not for her seasonal changes.
Allegories based on her fluctuating seasons can define and clarify much that is experienced in the rhythms of the lives of individuals. Astrologers are well aware of these symbolisms, and of their extension into daily life.
Despite its lack of literal confluence with the current Sidereal Zodiac, the Tropical Zodiac is a valuable and worthy system in its own right. (Systems highlighting the Sidereal Zodiac generally offer equally valuable, but somewhat different benefits.)
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8 Cardinal Ingresses of the Tropical Zodiac signs arrive when the Sun reaches 0° of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn. Each of these positions coincides with the onset of one of the four seasons. Cardinal Ingress charts, usually set for the location of a nation's capitol, are often used in Mundane Astrology to catch preliminary glimpses of the 'temper of the times' for the upcoming quarter-year.
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9 Vesica Piscis, Almond, Mandorla are all related entries in the excellent Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols, J.C.Cooper, Thames and Hudson Ltd., London, 1990.
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10 Solstice Points Compendium of Astrology, Rose Lineman & Jan Popelka, Whitford Press, Atglen, PA, 1984
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11 Solstice Points Encyclopedia of Astrology, Nicholas deVore, Philosophical Library, N.Y., 1947
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12 Definitions quoted from Word Web Thesaurus/Dictionary 1.61 which uses the Princeton University database.
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Articles on Using Astrology's Starlit Path:
[Table of Contents] [Decans] [Duads] [Eclipse] [Declination]
[Horoscope] [Ascendant] [the Angles] [Combust!] [Zodiac]
[Page Designing in Solar Fire®] [News'n Views]
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