Post by Calli on Jul 21, 2014 8:33:04 GMT
Tropical Astrology, also known as Western Astrology due to its usage in the Western hemisphere since 100 BC, consists of twelve equal signs, each of 30°. Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds. This allows for precise calculation of the position of all of the planets.
Tropical Astrology is oriented to the Seasons. The Sun enters the sign of Aries on the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox, which is when then Sun crosses the celestial equator. The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of Cancer, the Winter Solstice marks the start of Capricorn, and the Autumnal Equinox signifies the beginning of Libra.
While Tropical Astrology does not correspond to the physical location of the Stars, the divisions where named after the Zodiacal Asterisms and have the same implications.
The seasonal orientation of the signs in the Tropical Zodiac is also very important. One reason is because the nature of the signs themselves corresponds to their seasonal attribution. The English astrologer William Lilly wrote;
Another factor of Astrology that has furthered its prolonged widespread use, is its regularity and orderliness - the organization. The medieval Italian astrologer Guido Bonatti wrote,
Each Zodiac Sign can be classified in groups of 2, 3, 4, and 6. The groups of two are called the Polarities, Groups of three (triplicities) are classified by the elements - Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Groups of four (quadruplicities) are classified by the Modalities – Cardinal (previously movable), Fixed, and Mutable (previously common).
Tropical Astrology is oriented to the Seasons. The Sun enters the sign of Aries on the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox, which is when then Sun crosses the celestial equator. The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of Cancer, the Winter Solstice marks the start of Capricorn, and the Autumnal Equinox signifies the beginning of Libra.
While Tropical Astrology does not correspond to the physical location of the Stars, the divisions where named after the Zodiacal Asterisms and have the same implications.
The seasonal orientation of the signs in the Tropical Zodiac is also very important. One reason is because the nature of the signs themselves corresponds to their seasonal attribution. The English astrologer William Lilly wrote;
"Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn are called moveable and Cardinal: moveable, because when the Sun enters into Aries and Libra, the Weather and Season of the Year quickly varies and changes; they are called Cardinal, because when the Sun enters into any of those Signs from that time we denominate the Quarters of the yeer. For from the Sun entering into Aries and Libra the Equinoctial or the Spring and Autumne arise; from the Sun his entrance into Cancer and Capricorn ariseth the Solstice of Summer and Winter.
The Fixed Signs doe in order follow the Equinoctial and Tropicks; and they are called fixed, for that when Sun enters into them, the season of the yeer is fixed, and we doe more evidently perceive either Heat or Cold, Moysture or Drinesse. The fixed Signes are these, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
Common Signes are constitutes between moveable and fixed, and retain a property or nature, pertaking both with the preceding and consequent Sign"
--Christian Astrology, page 88.
The Fixed Signs doe in order follow the Equinoctial and Tropicks; and they are called fixed, for that when Sun enters into them, the season of the yeer is fixed, and we doe more evidently perceive either Heat or Cold, Moysture or Drinesse. The fixed Signes are these, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
Common Signes are constitutes between moveable and fixed, and retain a property or nature, pertaking both with the preceding and consequent Sign"
--Christian Astrology, page 88.
"But perhaps it might be asked, why the signs are only twelve?...One {reason}...is that twelve [or the duodenary] is more perfect than practically all other [numbers] not exceeding it...For it arises by the multiplication of the ternary {3} by the quaternary {4}, and the quaternary {4} by the ternary {3}, and the binary {2} by the senary {6}..."
--Book of Astronomy, Tr II, part 1, ch. 1, Dykes trans, at 27-8.
--Book of Astronomy, Tr II, part 1, ch. 1, Dykes trans, at 27-8.