The First Systematic Integration
of Tarot and Astrology: Etteilla�s
Correspondences and Divinatory Method
 

SAMPLE CHART INTERPRETATION

Step 6 is to interpret the chart using astrological techniques.  Appendices A, B, and C provide keywords for the signs, planets and houses; and the Tips on Interpretation, provided below, gives more detailed information about the specific terms used in this sample.

In traditional horary astrology, in a reading for a woman, the location of the Moon (Four of Coins) is sought, and found in the 2d house.  The Moon represents a female querent.  If the reading is for a man, the Sun represents the male querent indicator in the horoscope.  The Moon in the 2d house is a fortunate placement, as it signifies a flow of income.  As indicated in Appendix C, the Moon is dignified in the 2d house, and reveals a major goal of the querent�s current work-a positive flux of income.  There is further benefit from the Moon, because it is also dignified in Cancer, the sign that occupies the question-related 6th house. All 6th house matters are strengthened with the Moon in this powerful position.

The 6th house, which regards the subjects of �work, work place, and co-workers� has both the Sun and Saturn.  Both planets are paternal in nature-very yang.  This potent duo juxtaposes Ego and Restrictions. The energy and vitality of the Sun should be focused and disciplined (Saturn) in order to secure the desired outcome in work.  Saturn, debilitated in Cancer, indicates these efforts may require more time than expected; in literary matters, solid, historic authorities are required (these qualities are Saturnian in nature).

The 12th house (designated with the sign of Capricorn) is inhabited by Mercury, the North Node, and the Part of Fortune.  This house is �loaded,� prominent because there are more than two planets here.  Mercury is the question-related planet, but debilitated in the 12th house.  This weakened placement is assisted by the vitality of the future-oriented North Node, and by every planet�s friend, the Part of Fortune.  Mercury, as the question-related planet, also gains strength by being in a notable relationship (an opposition; see Tips on Interpretation below) with the question-related 6th house and the planets contained there.

These three 12th house placements accent the theme of messages (Mercury) about future efforts (North Node), the importance of accuracy when scheduling work activities and a keen interest in written work (Mercury), and adds good fortune and good timing to work efforts (Part of Fortune).  As with any placements found in the 12th house, the assistance and messages indicated by the trio of placements here may come from hidden, distant, or unexpected sources.

The planets in the question-related 6th house should be examined in context with the planets in the 12th house, as planets in opposite (axial) houses activate one another by creating polarized tension that requires effort to harmonize.  The Part of Fortune mitigates Saturn�s proclivity for delays and complicated obstacles.  Saturn actually benefits the 12th house trio, as it exchanges energy with the planets placed in its sign of dignity, Capricorn.  Pre-existing structures, forms, and wisdom gained by age are all positive Saturnian qualities.  Although typical Saturnian limitations and delays can be expected in exchanged messages (Mercury), these delays may be beneficial to the end results (Part of Fortune and North Node).

Venus and Mars both inhabit the 4th house.  This is always a critical house to examine in every reading, because it signifies the beginning and ending of the matter (i.e., of specific question asked by the querent). This house belongs to the zodiac sign Taurus.  Venus is dignified in Taurus, so she dominates this house and takes the lead in the interpretation.  Benefits and acquisitions (Venus) will arrive at home (4th house) from work-related activities.  Much of the actual work (Mars) will take place in the house.  Note that Mars is debilitated in Taurus, so this planet will have to work harder to fulfill its nature as a goal- and action-oriented planet.  Venus portends possible profit; thus she repeats the theme of the Moon in the 2d house, and reiterates the Queen and Ace of Coins from Step 4.  Venus and Mars are a planetary pair, so this accents the theme of working partnerships, married couples, and good new agreements (Four of Staves from Step 4).

Jupiter is in the 7th house, designated by Leo.  This is a good place to find this benefic planet.  It shows the potential for learning and growth (Jupiter) through relationships (7th).  As Jupiter occupies the house belonging to Leo, it will operate in playful, creative, and risk-taking ways.  The quality of exuberant, fun-loving working relationships shows how partnerships can contribute to the theme of partnerships with the Four of Staves, and the potential for acquisition shown in the Ace of Coins from Step 4.  Relationships may involve great distances, as Jupiter is the planet of travel and foreign exchange.

The South Node is placed in the Aquarian 1st house.  Since the 1st house is the house of personality, it shows that issues and attitudes from the past are a strong influence on current work.  The South Node is entwined with the past -accumulated knowledge will come in handy in current work situations; likewise, rigid patterns and habits could contribute to problems.  Aquarius is an airy, mental- and social-oriented sign, so shared ideas from the past may offer current and future opportunities.  Once again, there is a planet in the opposite, 7th house-Jupiter.  Jupiter influences the South Node, and the South Node influences Jupiter.  Learning and personal growth are strongly accented by this positive exchange.

Another way of adapting Etteilla�s basic method is utilization of either the Sun (male querent) or Moon (female querent) as timing indicators.  In order to focus on the next several days, as a woman, the Moon is used as the timing indicator.  The 2d house, where the Moon is placed, is the house used to represent today, Tuesday.  The 3d house becomes Wednesday, the 4th house Thursday, and so forth, with 1 house = 1 day.  These days are noted around the edge of the horoscope chart in Appendix G.  If this reading was for a male querent, the reader would start with the house containing the Sun, the 6th, as the house representing Tuesday; the 7th house as Wednesday, etc.

This technique gives a very accurate picture of when the planetary placements will be most strongly activated in the next 12 days.  The Moon arrives in the 4th house on Thursday, so perhaps the ordered books will arrive that day,54 or other acquisitions that improve working conditions; exchanges with partners, or benefits from married couples-all qualities of a Venus-Mars combination.  The day-by-day interpretation moves forward to Saturday, when the Moon moves into the 6th house and joins the Sun and Saturn.  Again, the key ideas of those planets are emphasized by the Moon�s catalyzing motion: physical vitality must be applied to disciplined activity.55


In a retrospect, this method provided an accurate 12-day forecast. Mercury, question-related planet, was more important to the overall interpretation than expected.  Throughout the forecast period, 12th house issues, �hidden matters,� were a distraction to the working matters, the subject of inquiry.  Learning Etteilla�s method requires some trial-and-error experiments to gain fluency and accuracy with traditional horary interpretation techniques.  The condition of the question-related house and the question-related planet in the derived horoscope cannot be underestimated.

To place the timing technique in a broader context, if a question requires an extended forecast, the Tarotist may interpolate this timing method into 1 house = 1 week; or 1 house = 1 month.  Always use the house location of the timing indicator (Sun for the male querent, or Moon for the female querent) as the first time unit, and calculate forward through the remaining eleven houses.  This astrological technique of moving the querent indicator (Moon/Sun) forward is enormously useful if precise timing is a critical factor of a querent�s question.



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