Secondary Progressions 2
Secondary progressions in astrology
Predictive Astrology – Techniques for Predicting the Future (Continued)
On this Page:
- More Details about Interpreting Secondary Progressions
- Secondary Planets Turning Retrograde and Direct
We’ve seen that the most significant secondary progressions are those progressed to progressed and progressed to natal aspects that occur between planets that form a relationship by aspect to each other in the natal chart.
We have also noted the significance of a progressed planet changing sign, the impact of the progressed Moon, the general meaning of the progressed lunation cycle, and the importance of a progressed planet conjunct a natal angle. We emphasized that transits act as triggers for these progressions.
With the exception of the progressed Moon, secondary progressed planets move rather slowly, and thus form new aspects somewhat infrequently. The Sun moves just under 1° per year using the system and the Moon moves approximately 12-15° per year (about a degree per month). Mercury progresses more erratically, as it moves from direct to retrograde motion (and back again) the most frequently. The average motion of Venus in secondary progressions is 1°12′ per year, and the average motion of Mars is approximately half a degree per year. The outer planets move much more slowly.
Because of the frequency of Mercury retrograde periods, most people experience a progressed retrograde Mercury in their lifetime. During this phase, it is common for interests and hobbies to change and for natives to become more internalized, self-interested, and requiring time alone to regroup. This is especially apparent in the year before and the year after the retrograde occurs, as the individuals adjust to the changes in mental outlook and perception. It is common for natives to withdraw somewhat, and to feel left out in some way.
One person described this period in her life as a time when she felt “invisible”. When progressed Mercury is stationary Retrograde: “The effect usually lasts about a year and may signal period of frustration, turning inward, introversion, or inhibition. There is likely to be a significant change in mental attitude and possibly also a change of residence. You may wish to get away to clarify your thinking about a matter. Students may have trouble with their studies. The affairs of siblings may become a matter of concern. One’s manner of thinking and communication may become restricted. Hindrances occur related to matters governed by the house containing natal Progressed Mercury and the houses that have Gemini and Virgo on their cusps in the natal horoscope. The retrograde station of Progressed Mercury is more difficult to manage if it occurs before the first Saturn return (about age 29).” — our Progressions report.
A retrograde Venus period might be considered a time when we pull back from social contact, or when opportunities for social contact decrease. However, what largely occurs is a shift in focus and perception–a time when Venus matters become more potent for the native. The native becomes more sensitive to Venus energies, recognizing Venusian needs more acutely.
At first, there can be a feeling of being somewhat isolated as the native adjusts to the shift in perception. Individuals may look around them and feel that “everyone else” seems to be finding love, or is appreciated, more easily than they are.
This is truly a personal perception–as the natives become more deeply aware of their needs, their sensitivity is heightened. Progressed Venus turning retrograde represents, more than anything, a shift in the natives’ perception. It does not actually decrease their opportunities for establishing love bonds, unless they choose to hide from these opportunities.
Remember, however, that when a secondary progressed planet changes motion, the years surrounding that change of motion see the most drama, simply because these are times of adjustment to the shift in perception.
When progressed Mercury moves from retrograde to direct motion, the native feels some form of release, and begins to feel “heard” and, perhaps more importantly, understood. In fact, when any progressed planet changes to direct motion, there is a “coming out” of sorts, as well as a more sociable attitude and a feeling of acceptance.
When progressed Mercury turns direct: “This is an important year in your life. Thought processes and communication become more fluent and easy. School and intellectual tasks go especially well. A change of residence is possible. The affairs of siblings take a turn for the better. There will be a lifting of restrictions or barriers related to matters ruled by the house containing natal Progressed Mercury and the houses with Gemini and Virgo on their cusps in the natal horoscope. If Progressed Mercury was retrograde at birth, it will turn direct by progression before age 25.” — our Progressions report.
Similar to progressed planets turning direct, progressed planets hitting the angles of the chart represent a time when natives feel more visible, recognized, and, in some cases, effective.
Progressed Moon in Aspect to Natal Planets
As noted before, the Moon progresses approximately one degree per month or less. The aspects it forms to both natal and progressed planets and points are short-term effect. The progressed Moon aspects reveal our emotional orientation at that time in our lives.
Harmonious aspects of the progressed Moon indicate periods when one feels natural or comfortable in the areas of life affected. Challenging aspects indicate periods of time when we feel that our natural responses do not bring us what we want in the affected areas.
Watch the progressed Moon’s relationship with the natal Ascendant. With challenging aspects, we can feel a bit “off”. Social, emotional, or physical discomfort are all possibilities. With harmonious aspects to the Ascendant, we feel emotionally “well”. We feel that the environment and situations support our natural responses. We feel good, and our popularity with others increases. We might meet, or associate with, people who make us feel good or facilitate our natural expression.
Trines and sextiles of the progressed Moon do not always correspond with times in our lives when major events happen. However, we feel these aspects in little ways. For example, a woman who, because of scheduling and timing problems, was unable to fit exercise into her daily routine began an exercise routine when the progressed Moon trined her natal Mars conjunct Ascendant. Although we cannot classify this as a major event in her life, it was a personally significant time when she was feeling good about herself. We can say that circumstances were such that she could make time for her exercise program. However, it is more likely that her emotional orientation was such that she made time for exercise.
From the outside looking in, her circumstances didn’t seem to change at the time of the trine–she still had a busy career and family life. It was a personal choice she made, likely because she felt better about herself and made exercise one of her priorities. She was emotionally ready and disposed.
See Progressed Planet Aspects for interpretations of progressed planets in aspect to planets and points.
See The Progressed Station and the Mythic Quest.
We offer a Progressions Report that interprets the secondary progressions based on your personal birth data.
References & suggested further reading:
Progressions (Astrology: a Language of Life) by Robert Blaschke (affiliate link to the product page of this book on Amazon)
Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark (affiliate link)
In Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark by Bernadette Brady, an illuminating chapter dedicated to progressions offers students of astrology tools to help understand the meaning of progressions in individual lives. Excellent!
Find out more about this book (affiliate link)
The Art of Predictive Astrology (affiliate link goes to this book’s product page on Amazon)
In The Art of Predictive Astrology, Carol Rushman shares with readers some very valuable predictive techniques, culled from over 30 years of experience. This is a fascinating read for intermediate students of Astrology. The book contains quite a bit of information about progressions in addition to other techniques.
Find out more about this book (affiliate link)
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