A note or two about Rulership in
    Horoscope Analysis

    When I use the term rulership, I am referring to the planet that
    rules each house. This is determined by the sign on the cusp,
    and the planet ruling the sign as well as the planet ruling any
    intercepted signs. Occasionally we must recognize a strong
    planet powerfully aspected as the ruling planet.  So for
    example,if one sees Gemini on the cusp of the 5th house. Than
    Mercury will rule 5th house concerns. This suggesting that
    ideas, communication and “mind” are an active part of the art
    of giving to others in relationships.  Those endeavors that
    might be considered creative would also have a very active
    intellectual component.  Over all a very promising and positive
    sign on the 5th cusp.  This same idea is employed when we
    consider rulership of all the houses.

    However lets suppose that the 4h house ruler is Pluto and that
    it is in square aspect with Saturn.  Putting aside any
    immediate interpretation of the aspect, the very nature of a
    square aspect would suggest a great deal of tension is focused
    on that particular house.  Now we also know that the 4th
    house cusp can represent a parent, so in addition to the house
    being under tension, we can surmise that most likely one of
    the parents was also not likely meeting his/her obligations as a
    role model. Altogether it fits, if the parent had not measured
    up to his/her archetypical role than most likely 4th house
    issues, family issues were also under a great deal of stress.   
    And the ruler on the opposing cusp, opposing end of that same
    axis can be considered the “other” parent.  I certainly would
    want to see if there are any aspects between those two
    planets and to consider the nature of the aspect,  because
    such consideration  might be suggestive of the relationship
    between the parents.

    This rulership idea is most important because it becomes a
    integral part of the analysis of each chart. In effect we see the
    Planet placements and the aspects providing important basic
    information. The rulership of each house adds a holistic and
    very practical element.  In a fairly quick glance we can see the
    houses that are under stress.  And those important life areas
    suggest the purpose and direction of the consultation.

    Considering Time from an
    Astrological Perspective

    Symbolically, each planet represents time uniquely, differently.
    This is a growing and blooming idea to me, the idea of
    measuring time from different perspectives, adding different
    layers of understanding to our life experience, by measuring
    different life cycles. Each planet a different life cycle. It is not
    so much about adding something new to one’s life as it is
    about acceptance, adding depth to understanding allows one
    to accept some life events that might otherwise be difficult to
    understand.

    Of all the planets Saturn stands out pragmatically as a means to
    measure time and the symbols of life changes. At best we can
    experience three Saturn cycles. The first cycle, from birth to
    age 29 represents the initiation phase. All education matters,
    career decisions and first romances typically occur in this
    period. The second period, from 29 to 58, represents the time
    that we are most productive. Families are raised, careers are
    rewarded, the structures of ones life are well set. The third
    passage of Saturn, from 58 through the 80, is a time to “retire”,
    to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor, and it is often a time of
    personal reflection.

    Years ago I knew that the Martian two year solar cycle was very
    real and important to address. I realized that after about two
    years in any employment situation, program of study or hobby,
    that my interest would begin to slack, and that it was
    necessary for me to find a way to renew my interest in that
    particular area, or I would quickly lose interest. It was clear
    that a concerted effort was good for a two year period, and
    that after that period, a break, rest or re-dedication to the
    project was necessary.

    Age 7 coincides with Saturn’s first square from its natal
    position, or a quarter turn. Jean Piaget, renowned child
    psychologist, suggested that at approximately age 7, children
    entered into a developmental period referred to as concrete
    operational. “Concrete” aptly describing the type of thinking
    processes typical of the age. Its interesting especially because
    children’s thought organization relies on realism. This first
    Saturn square and its related stress relates well to that time
    when children are first participating in some required social
    duties, educational, or simple work duties such as watching or
    entertaining the younger siblings. You may find it interesting
    to know that the first Kindergarten programs were designed to
    prepare young children to complete the simple tasks they
    might be asked to do as children working in factories, because
    children often around the age of 7 years would have been
    employed at a factory during the early years of the western
    industrial revolution.

    At 14 years Saturn will be near it’s first opposition, Jupiter will
    have made a complete solar cycle plus several signs, Mars will
    have completed 7 passages, but Uranus will have passed
    through 2 signs. But perhaps as important as Saturn’s
    opposition and Jupiter’s compete solar cycle, Neptune will be
    entering a second sign. At this time of Jupiter's opposition
    most teens will have found their voice, and like a typical two
    year old child discovers his voice and the power of the word
    “no”, teens re-discover the word “no”, realizing that it may be
    difficult to exercise independence but that they do indeed
    have choice. This age period also reflects abstract thinking
    processes, or what is referred to by Piaget as Formal
    Operations. In some native societies, youth's emerging
    physicality and mental skills are the entranceway to adulthood.

    In Western Societies age 21 is considered the entrance age to
    full adulthood. It also represents the 3rd quarter position of
    Saturn from it’s natal position. Most American and European
    youth are well into their first career position, or completing
    their under graduate degree. Saturn at this position is also a
    square away from its natal position, equal but opposite it
    position at age 7. Both times when an individual is entering a
    period of responsibility. The Planet of Uranus is another
    interesting measure of time. At or around the 21st year, Uranus
    has progressed through it’s first quarter. Uranus’s 84 year cycle
    accompanies us throughout a typical life span. This angular
    contact at the 21st year suggests a high time of independence
    and opportunity, typical of the 21st year in Western Cultures.
    At 35 -36 Jupiter will have it’s third return to it’s natal
    position; Saturn will have made the first pass and return to the
    first quarter position again (Saturn being a square away from
    from its birth position as well as it’s position from Jupiter),
    Uranus is entering it’s sixth sign, moving toward a position
    opposite it’s natal position. For many adults this is a very
    productive period of adulthood. Contact between Jupiter and
    the Sun at this time is especially important, it can suggest
    opportunities for personal reward and self-expression through
    business and social contacts.

    Finally consider the 42 to 46 years of age period of life. By solar
    Arc all the planets are semi-square to their natal position. This
    suggests a tremendous period of developmental tension, a time
    of focus, re-evaluating past relationships, and patterns of
    behavior. This is the time when Uranus is opposed its natal
    position, symbolically representing the potential mid-point in
    an individuals life. Saturn will also be half way through its
    potential 3 life time cycles. A time for deep self-evaluation. At
    this time we should expect individuals to be reviewing their
    career choice, relationships, and other quality of life
    consideration.

    There is of course so much more to be said about this subject,
    but I thing this is a good start and I would certainly be
    interested in hearing other opinions.


Rulership in
Analysis

&

Measuring Time
Astrology by Joseph


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