Hi Kate!

Not sure what you mean. I agree if you mean that observation is an important part of learning astrology. Yes, absolutely we should observe what's going on in real people to see if these techniques work or not, or in what ways they work.

It may sound like I'm splitting hairs, but I do my best to make sure I'm describing a technique the way it was taught to me, for the benefit of somebody who might want to try it. No technique is going to be 100% accurate - there are too many factors in the chart. However, if I find a technique that works most of the time, then I know I've found something that can help me to understand the deeper nature of astrology, and that's valuable to me.

I like to share what I've learned here because it helps me to absorb the information, and also in case somebody else might find it useful or enlightening. But don't use it if it doesn't resonate with you. Mostly I was posting it in response to Sandra's question about whether we look at all the planets or not. This technique, though just using the traditional planets, seems to say yes, we should look at the chart as a whole and not certain planetary placements, as each planet is like an equal pillar in the chart.

DR

And I think the returns make a difference in this conversation. The planets that were for centuries viewed w/the eyes were once the only planets in a persons chart. That is the Sun to Saturn. And with Saturn having a 28 year return it was significant that that at one time was a long life span. The discovery of Uranus happened about the time that Mozart was writing much of his music and I really don't know how weighted Uranus was in his chart but he is considered to be one of the great Aquarians. There are many great Aquarian names (well Capriquarious?) Many were around at the time of that planet being discovered. What am I saying...

Oh yes the outer planets are considered generational planets and that means they influence a whole generation. And their RETURN (of that planet into the original place in a natal chart) MAY NOT OCCUR IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFETIME. I am sure there are astrologers on this discussion that know the return estimates of the Outer/Generational planets. So when you look to them they can give you a sense of community. And that is where Aquarius' ruler started. Aquarius signifying unity of the masses. (Just one interpretation,)

Uranus transit return in the chart is 82 to 84 years of age and not everyone will live that long to experience that type of transit so you look to the body of people it effects the most. Neptunes transits are even longer and I am not sure when they will have studied the first transit of Pluto since it was discovered only in the 20th century. Also the study of the signifigance of the timing and body of work of the discovery of the outer planets plays a role and the mythology that is chosen to accompany the body in the solar system. I don't go in for weights in a chart they don't really make a lot of sense to me. But then again I am not an eastern astrologer. The scientific and theoretical basis of a planet what it means for the individual and populace is important and the Outer Planets are being studied at a much slower rate than the inner planets.

Did I say thanks for the chart? Lots of 9th house activity!

Leonine ? That was my previous wife (1988-95); a Leo Sun (also Aries Rising)