A Workshop on Current Patterns

The best way to practice learning about current patterns is to apply the tools to your horoscope for past events to see how the symbols worked. Once you have a good mastery of the past, you'll feel more comfortable considering the future.

One of the general "rules of thumb" for looking at astrological patterns is: the more rare a pattern is, the more significant it is. Thus, with progressions, changes of house or sign by the Sun, Mercury, or Venus are very important—because such occasions only happen about once every 30 years or so! Following is my checklist for progressions.

Progressions - What To Watch

1. Look first for any long term (sometimes lifetime!) progressed aspects. Aspects from outer planets to natal ones can last many years in secondary processions. Sometimes, with retrogrades, an aspect will hold (within-degree orb) for a lifetime. These aspects are very significant! They indicate enduring, character issues which will pervade the life. All aspects (here and below) can be progressed to progressed planets OR progressed to natal planets.

2. Look for any "one-time only" or "rare" progressed events. This includes progressed planets changing direction (retrograde to direct or direct to retrograde). Such changes are often keys to major new chapters in the life. (Turning retrograde does NOT indicate going inside, nor does newly direct motion guarantee a more outward expression. Both indicate a shift in how you are handling the matters symbolized by that planet— or the matters of the house ruled by that planet in your natal chart.)

   Also look for the Sun or any other planets (except the Moon) or angles changing house or sign. The Sun only changes signs (after the 1st change) every 30 years or so. Any sign or house change suggests a new focus, a new emphasis. Also note any progressed new Moon (planting seed for whole new cycle) or progressed Full Moon (fulfillment stage; time to move to a new level, or begin another cycle).