The Hellenistic Astrology Approach: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Insight

Hellenistic is one of the oldest documented branches of astrology. We now have translated materials revealing how the ancients approached the craft, thanks to project hindsight in 1993. Rooted in the traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, the practice emphasizes the philosophical and predictive aspects of astrology offering a structured framework for understanding the cosmos. When using the Hellenistic approach in a natal chart reading we honor its focus on planetary rulerships, dignities, aspect doctrine, and the interplay between fate and free will.

Equal Whole Sign Houses 

One of the key features of Hellenistic astrology is its use of whole sign houses where each zodiac sign rules an entire house, starting with your rising sign (Ascendant). For example, if your Ascendant is in Taurus the entire sign of Taurus governs your first house, Gemini rules the entire second, and so on around the wheel. This approach simplifies house divisions ensuring clarity in interpretation and providing a cohesive narrative for how the houses interact.

This is different from modern astrology, which often uses systems like Placidus that divide houses unevenly. The greatness is that both systems, when used consistently, produce very reliable results. What's nice about the Hellenistic whole sign approach is the houses and signs are aligned perfectly, allowing for a more straightforward exploration of planetary placements and their influence on life areas.

Why Hellenistic Astrology?

Hellenistic astrology relies on clear planetary rulerships, using the seven traditional planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). Each planet has a specific role:

•Jupiter and Venus bring blessings and ease.

•Saturn and Mars highlight challenges and growth.

 •The Sun, Moon, and Mercury weave the narrative of life-purpose and emotions.

Through this lens the chart is not just a collection of symbols but a coherent system where each planet plays a part in the narrative.

Fate, Fortune, and Free Will

The Hellenistic approach also explores the balance of fate and free will, focusing on two key points in the chart: the Lot of Fortune (linked to circumstances and fate) and the Lot of Spirit (aligned with purpose and choice). These points provide insight into where life flows naturally and where effort and intention are needed to evolve and learn.

Hellenistic astrology combines philosophical depth, timeless wisdom, and practical clarity, making it a powerful approach for understanding your cosmic blueprint. It’s a journey into ancient traditions with modern relevance, helping you align with the universe’s rhythms and your soul's intention in this life.

The Sun in Sagittarius: Exploring Life’s Big Picture

With the Sun moving through Sagittarius we are invited to embrace adventure, growth, and a broader perspective. Sagittarius, the seeker of truth and expansion, inspires us to explore life’s meaning and aim higher in all we do.

The Energy of Sagittarius

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, optimism, and growth. As a fire sign its energy is bold, enthusiastic, and driven by a desire to explore. This is a time to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Whether through travel, education, or  seeking philosophical truths, Sagittarius encourages us to look beyond the horizon.

The Sun’s Role in Sagittarius

The Sun represents vitality and purpose, and during its transit through Sagittarius, it amplifies the Sagittarian call for adventure and meaning. This is a season of optimism and exploration! The Sun shines a light on the paths we want to follow, whether they involve setting new goals, diving into learning, or pursuing a long-held dream.

How to Harness This Energy

To make the most of this transit, ask yourself:

• What areas of my life need more growth? 

• Are there new skills, perspectives, or opportunities I’m ready to explore?

• What steps can I take to align with my inner truth and purpose? What is my inner truth or purpose?

Use this time to break free from limiting routines and try something new. Embrace the big picture.

Personal Chart Focus

The Sun in Sagittarius activates a specific area of your natal chart, depending on where Sagittarius falls. Find Sagittarius in your chart to see where growth and opportunity are possible.

Also, be sure to look at where/what house Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, is in your chart. This area of life may add color and could also be the outflow of the sign's activation. For example, I have Sag in my 5th House. However, Jupiter is in the 7H of my natal chart. Therefore the house of creative exploration (Sag/5H) is active now (as I write these words), but since Jupiter is positioned in my 7H/Aquarius, its effects could manifest through partnerships. You could say something like, "you may explore creatively with a partner," or "this may be a favorable time for starting a creative partnership". 

Any combination of signs, planets, and houses are fair game. This makes it sO interesting. You can always blend the sign flavors for even more nuance. For me, I'd add Aquarian topics like "socially innovative, forward thinking, and idealistic" to the Sagittarius need for growth and action oriented exploration. Is it magnanimous or fanatical? Gee, we'll see!

• First House: Step into a bold new version of yourself, or maybe you are just feeling generous and optimistic 😍

• Seventh House: Expand your approach to relationships or partnerships. Ever go on an awesome adventure with someone else? This is an opportunity to discover that joy and freedom with a partner. Get creative, be generous, enjoy.  

• Tenth House: Seek growth and recognition in your career. This might be a great time to get noticed for your amazing insights and hard work. 

Sagittarius season is a time to explore, dream, and embrace what makes life meaningful. No matter which house is activated for you, step into it with confidence and curiosity. For me it's the philosophical journey. I love astrology, tarot, hermetic Kabbalah, and what they bring to my daily life, but it's the deep mystical philosophical Jupitarian wisdom they bring that offers me the greatest Joy. So where is Sagittarius lighting up your chart?

Symbols 🛞

If you are anything like me you have been compelled to learn more about the symbolic meanings behind Tarot cards.  For one reason or another you have been shown the tarot path.  It may have presented itself to you before as it did me.  Maybe you didn't have space in your life to acknowledge it but now are excited to get started with the profound learning that comes with tarot study. 

Maybe you have been seeking other truths, digging around and reading into esoteric subjects to have found yourself looking at ancient symbols wondering what they mean.  Perhaps this was prompted by spiritual work or other esoteric books and practicers.  Needless to say, finally something has pushed you enough to come looking for a greater understanding of the mysteries contained therein.  

Understanding the various aspects of Tarot is proving to be a challenge for me. Parts of it are easy, like story building from looking at the pictures, other parts are not so easy.

Mainly. because they require quite a bit of background knowledge.  If you are like me and you want to gain deeper understanding to some of the story of Tarot, especially for purposes of a spiritual quest, then you desire this knowledge of how things fit together.

Being a complete noob in tarot and astrology, it behooved me to set aside some time and memorize the twelve Houses of the zodiac.  Then I started to wonder how the tarot cards fit into the scheme of the zodiac wheel.

Thinking back I guess this was prompted by the THOTH deck by Alister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris.  Most if not all of the Minor Arcana cards have the symbol of the assigned house in addition to the Hebrew letter and the ruling planet.  These attributions piqued my curiosity.  I needed to know how this impacted the character of the cards.   

They have a deeply symbolic meaning, a soft beacon into a previous lifetime.