How to Use the Planetary Calendar
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Whenever we introduce people to our strategic astrology calendar we tell that it's very important to read the instructions. It uses a unique system that allows people to personalize the material and get the clearest picture of how the upcoming time is going to affect them. Even though the instructions are not very long, they role their eyes. So we decided we would read the instructions to them and include the graphics from the section. This allowed to high light sections of the graphics to make it easier to understand.
We also used this opportunity to rewrite some of the instructions, and improve them and make it easier to understand. We hope you find them helpful. The Planetary Strategic Astrology Calendar is a powerful timing tool that many businesses use for planning campaigns and events. It works equally well for individuals wanting to make their personal life more productive and enjoyable.
Part One: Calendar Instructions
We call the boxes where the dates are the Day Blocks. Each is divided into four quadrants reflecting the design of the human body. The upper half is like your head which optimistically thinks, ‘Let’s go for a walk.” The lower half is like your feet which are sore later! The left side is emotional and Lunar. That’s where you hold a newborn baby, so they hear your heartbeat. Emotions, like Lunar connections, or Aspects, come and go quickly and relate to people you encounter personally in your intimate life. The right quadrant is the social or Solar side, where you extend your right hand in greeting. That’s where the Sun and Planets make social connections, or aspects which are less personal but last much longer. The Moon’s Sign is on the left and when it’s entering a new Sign the time is immediately below that. The Moon’s Aspects are listed above and below the Date. The Moon’s phases are listed at the top and, any Void of course Times, which we’ll explain later, are at the bottom. The Moon’s data covers two thirds of the Block because it’s so influential.
The ‘upper’ supportive Aspects are the Conjunction (0 degrees) meaning the Planets are close together. The Sextile where they’re 60 degrees apart and the Trine where they’re 120 degrees apart. The ‘lower’ or challenging Aspects are the Square where they’re 90 degrees apart and the Opposition where they’re 180 degrees apart. We highlight days with mostly supportive Aspects with a large ‘White Circle.’ When Challenging Aspects dominate the Date is white and surrounded by a Black Box. Because the Moon phases are so important the New and Full Moon have Fenced Borders around the Day Block. When the Sun changes Sign (the Ingress) there’s a Dark Border around the Block.
To personalize the calendar, find your Sun Sign’s Ruling or Social Planet in section 'Four: About the Signs'. When your Plant’s Glyph is above the Date, the day feels easier because the Moon is supporting your talents. When it’s below, it takes more effort to make things work right. Note: The Sun and Moon don’t appear above the date, so those born in the Sign of the Crab (Cancer) and the Lion (Leo) will find days easier when multiple Planets make supportive Aspects to the Moon. The Lion also thrives when the Sun makes supportive Aspects on the right side above the line.
The ‘upper’ supportive Aspects are the Conjunction (0 degrees) meaning the Planets are close together. The Sextile where they’re 60 degrees apart and the Trine where they’re 120 degrees apart. The ‘lower’ or challenging Aspects are the Square where they’re 90 degrees apart and the Opposition where they’re 180 degrees apart. We highlight days with mostly supportive Aspects with a large ‘White Circle.’ When Challenging Aspects dominate the Date is white and surrounded by a Black Box. Because the Moon phases are so important the New and Full Moon have Fenced Borders around the Day Block. When the Sun changes Sign (the Ingress) there’s a Dark Border around the Block.
To personalize the calendar, find your Sun Sign’s Ruling or Social Planet in section 'Four: About the Signs'. When your Plant’s Glyph is above the Date, the day feels easier because the Moon is supporting your talents. When it’s below, it takes more effort to make things work right. Note: The Sun and Moon don’t appear above the date, so those born in the Sign of the Crab (Cancer) and the Lion (Leo) will find days easier when multiple Planets make supportive Aspects to the Moon. The Lion also thrives when the Sun makes supportive Aspects on the right side above the line.
Part Two: The Written Forecast
At the top in plain language, are the Signs the Sun is traveling through that month. The monthly Forecast begins with an overview, followed by analysis of specific significant dates which are noted by an * Asterisk. You will see those Asterisks on the Calendar where there are days you should pay attention to. They usually relate to how Planetary Movements, Direction changes or Aspects are shaping events. Because the Date Blocks use astronomical symbols, or glyphs, there’s a handy and helpful Glyph to English translation key. It also provides brief descriptions for each Planet, Sign and Aspect. The expanded descriptions are in the following sections.
The Calendar
The calendar includes a Monthly Text Ephemeris combining the glyphs with plain language showing Planetary Positions. It gives the Planet’s Sign and Degree on the first day of the month, and subsequent Sign or direction changes. There is also a scientific Ephemeris for the serious reader, but the Compact Ephemeris is quicker. There are four Time Zone calculations at the bottom of the calendar. We use Pacific ‘Clock’ Time which shifts with Daylight Savings.
The Day Blocks
We are Using the Date in the Center as the Reference
1) To the left of the date is the Moon’s symbol and Sign. 2) Below that is when the Moon enters that Sign. 3) An Asterisk in the lower left corner tells you the day has a special forecast. 4) At the lower edge is when the Moon is Void of Course.5) The top edge shows Planetary Ingresses, Lunations, Eclipses, Meteors and Holidays. 6) Above the Date are Supportive Lunar Aspects listed from left to right as they occur. 7) To the right of the Date on the Dotted Line are Planetary Aspects. Supportive are above and Challenging are below. The time sequence starts at the Line and goes up or down. Planetary Direction changes are also shown here with ‘Dx’ for Direct above and ‘Rx’ for Retrograde below. 8) Below the Date are challenging Lunar Aspects.A large Circle notes a supportive day when projects encounter minimum resistance. The Black Box around the white Date notes a challenging day when starting a new project is inadvisable and tasks require extra work. A thin Black Frame Around the Date notes a long, problematic Void of Course Moon.
The Calendar
The calendar includes a Monthly Text Ephemeris combining the glyphs with plain language showing Planetary Positions. It gives the Planet’s Sign and Degree on the first day of the month, and subsequent Sign or direction changes. There is also a scientific Ephemeris for the serious reader, but the Compact Ephemeris is quicker. There are four Time Zone calculations at the bottom of the calendar. We use Pacific ‘Clock’ Time which shifts with Daylight Savings.
The Day Blocks
We are Using the Date in the Center as the Reference
1) To the left of the date is the Moon’s symbol and Sign. 2) Below that is when the Moon enters that Sign. 3) An Asterisk in the lower left corner tells you the day has a special forecast. 4) At the lower edge is when the Moon is Void of Course.5) The top edge shows Planetary Ingresses, Lunations, Eclipses, Meteors and Holidays. 6) Above the Date are Supportive Lunar Aspects listed from left to right as they occur. 7) To the right of the Date on the Dotted Line are Planetary Aspects. Supportive are above and Challenging are below. The time sequence starts at the Line and goes up or down. Planetary Direction changes are also shown here with ‘Dx’ for Direct above and ‘Rx’ for Retrograde below. 8) Below the Date are challenging Lunar Aspects.A large Circle notes a supportive day when projects encounter minimum resistance. The Black Box around the white Date notes a challenging day when starting a new project is inadvisable and tasks require extra work. A thin Black Frame Around the Date notes a long, problematic Void of Course Moon.
Part Three: Text Ephemeris, Planetary Speed & VOC
It’s better to start projects between the New and Full Moon when energy is rising. The Sun Trine Moon before the Full Moon (Waxing Gibbous) is a great time to rally the troops. The Sun Trine the Moon after the Full Moon (Waning Gibbous) is a great time for any big push because the energy of the Moon is releasing and flowing smoothly. While western calendars start the year on January 1st, the Earth’s energy cycle has its low ebb at the Lunar or Chinese New Year, marked by the Aquarius New Moon. With large projects, it’s better to start projects after that date, which changes each year.
When the Planets are moving faster than average, any project you do related to their area of expertise will put the wind at your back. For example, when Mercury is moving faster communication projects do too. Venus in high gear is great for expanding your social circle. Jupiter setting sail with all the canvas out moves enterprises along swimmingly. Everything related to them happens more quickly and easily. That’s why it’s helpful to understand where each Planet most successfully operates. We take planetary speed into account in creating the Forecasts. In comparison, Planets appear to slow as when they change Direction and those areas become harder to advance.
The inner Planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars, affect our daily lives while Jupiter and Saturn affect our social standing. For example, Jupiter Returns to your birth position at ages 12, 24, 36, etc., often lucky, growth years. Saturn takes 29.5-years to 'Return', once the average lifespan, thus Saturn's traditional connection to maturity. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto affect society. The orbit of Uranus is 84-years and whenever it Returns to the place where it was at the founding the USA, the country is at war; Revolutionary, Civil War and WWII. Neptune and Pluto mark developments in chemistry, power and global communication. While we live up close and personal with the near, visible planets, those beyond our unaided eyesight, from Uranus on out, live in the background. Like the utilities, we don't notice them until we do, like when the power, water or internet go out.
About the Void of Course (VOC) Moon
The time after the Moon makes its last connection, or Aspect, to any Planet or the Sun, until it enters the next Sign is a directionless period. When it arrives in the next Sign it gets a new agenda. This time is called the Void of Course. The times are listed at the bottom of the Date Blocks, and ugly VOC’s are marked with a Black frame around the date so you don't miss them. Some people are more sensitive to them than others. To understand the VOC, imagine yourself as the Moon running between errands and meetings. Oops! You didn’t plan the day perfectly, so you find yourself with excess time until your next appointment. You don’t have anything productive to do so maybe you go window shopping. Of course, sometimes having free time is a good thing, if you have plenty of money in your pocket, and some things you’d like to do without asking the opinion of anybody else. Those very cool times are when the Moon is VOC in the Social Signs of Jupiter, Sagittarius and Pisces, and the Moon, the Crab, aka Cancer, and the Cow, aka Taurus. In these Signs the Moon is self-directed and resourceful.
When the Planets are moving faster than average, any project you do related to their area of expertise will put the wind at your back. For example, when Mercury is moving faster communication projects do too. Venus in high gear is great for expanding your social circle. Jupiter setting sail with all the canvas out moves enterprises along swimmingly. Everything related to them happens more quickly and easily. That’s why it’s helpful to understand where each Planet most successfully operates. We take planetary speed into account in creating the Forecasts. In comparison, Planets appear to slow as when they change Direction and those areas become harder to advance.
The inner Planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars, affect our daily lives while Jupiter and Saturn affect our social standing. For example, Jupiter Returns to your birth position at ages 12, 24, 36, etc., often lucky, growth years. Saturn takes 29.5-years to 'Return', once the average lifespan, thus Saturn's traditional connection to maturity. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto affect society. The orbit of Uranus is 84-years and whenever it Returns to the place where it was at the founding the USA, the country is at war; Revolutionary, Civil War and WWII. Neptune and Pluto mark developments in chemistry, power and global communication. While we live up close and personal with the near, visible planets, those beyond our unaided eyesight, from Uranus on out, live in the background. Like the utilities, we don't notice them until we do, like when the power, water or internet go out.
About the Void of Course (VOC) Moon
The time after the Moon makes its last connection, or Aspect, to any Planet or the Sun, until it enters the next Sign is a directionless period. When it arrives in the next Sign it gets a new agenda. This time is called the Void of Course. The times are listed at the bottom of the Date Blocks, and ugly VOC’s are marked with a Black frame around the date so you don't miss them. Some people are more sensitive to them than others. To understand the VOC, imagine yourself as the Moon running between errands and meetings. Oops! You didn’t plan the day perfectly, so you find yourself with excess time until your next appointment. You don’t have anything productive to do so maybe you go window shopping. Of course, sometimes having free time is a good thing, if you have plenty of money in your pocket, and some things you’d like to do without asking the opinion of anybody else. Those very cool times are when the Moon is VOC in the Social Signs of Jupiter, Sagittarius and Pisces, and the Moon, the Crab, aka Cancer, and the Cow, aka Taurus. In these Signs the Moon is self-directed and resourceful.
Part Four: About the Signs and Planets
What are the Signs? They are thirty-day periods starting on the first day of Spring. Tribal elders used the Signs to time the essential tasks for managing food resources. The stone circles were used for ‘counting the days’ which is what the Egyptian word Horoscope means. Our book ‘Reclaiming Astrology from the Patriarchy’ explains the Sign’s true, original symbols. They are Aries the Shepherd, Bovis or Taurus the Cowherd. Gemini the Goatherd. Cancer the Crab Catcher. Leo the Lion Hunter. Virgo, the Winemaker. Libra, the negotiator. Scorpio, the Eagle trainer. Sagittarius, the mounted Archer. Capricorn, the Sea Lion Trainer. Aquarius the Farmer and Irrigator. Pisces, the Dolphin riders and Fishermen. The Signs alternate in polarity from Masculine to Feminine depending on whether men or women led in that task. Astrology’s central philosophical instrument is called the Table of Planetary Dignities. It explains how the seven traditional bodies, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn each connect to six Signs. This describes how they behave at work or home. A better, modern title is The Table of Defined Roles. The celestial geometry this is based on was broken over the centuries, but we restored it in our ‘Reclaiming’ book. Check it out, it will change your understanding of Astrology.
The Ruler/Social Sign operates best in the career world which is why it was highlighted in Patriarchal societies. The Four Elements of the Signs start with Fire for Aries, and then alternate between Earth, Air and Water through the twelve Signs. The Elements are the four States of Matter in physics: Plasma, Solid, Gaseous and Liquid. Dynamic Fire energizes, Responsive Earth stabilizes, Dynamic Air interacts and Responsive Water dissolves. The Signs are also defined by three Qualities which are stages in the seasonal cycle which describes a way of acting. They start with Aries as Cardinal which initiates, followed by Fixed which systemizes and Mutable which humanizes.
There are no ‘Rulers’ for Uranus, Neptune or Pluto because they’re outside our visual range. The geometry that underlies the Table describes the relationships between the seven bodies as a reflection of human relationships. The Astrologers in the 1930’s who gave these invisible planets 'modern' Rulers were clueless about the celestial geometry, the nature of the Planets, and their historical influences in the twelve Signs, which would have required extensive research. Instead, they depended on mythology and spiritual mediums. Their choices, to put it mildly, were misogynistic. Subsequent research reveals the three as being very different from their conclusions. That means both Aries and Scorpio/Eagle will look for Mars above or below in the Day Blocks as an indicator about the day. Sagittarius and Pisces/Dolphins will look for Jupiter. Capricorn/Sea Lion and Aquarius will look for Saturn.
The Ruler/Social Sign operates best in the career world which is why it was highlighted in Patriarchal societies. The Four Elements of the Signs start with Fire for Aries, and then alternate between Earth, Air and Water through the twelve Signs. The Elements are the four States of Matter in physics: Plasma, Solid, Gaseous and Liquid. Dynamic Fire energizes, Responsive Earth stabilizes, Dynamic Air interacts and Responsive Water dissolves. The Signs are also defined by three Qualities which are stages in the seasonal cycle which describes a way of acting. They start with Aries as Cardinal which initiates, followed by Fixed which systemizes and Mutable which humanizes.
There are no ‘Rulers’ for Uranus, Neptune or Pluto because they’re outside our visual range. The geometry that underlies the Table describes the relationships between the seven bodies as a reflection of human relationships. The Astrologers in the 1930’s who gave these invisible planets 'modern' Rulers were clueless about the celestial geometry, the nature of the Planets, and their historical influences in the twelve Signs, which would have required extensive research. Instead, they depended on mythology and spiritual mediums. Their choices, to put it mildly, were misogynistic. Subsequent research reveals the three as being very different from their conclusions. That means both Aries and Scorpio/Eagle will look for Mars above or below in the Day Blocks as an indicator about the day. Sagittarius and Pisces/Dolphins will look for Jupiter. Capricorn/Sea Lion and Aquarius will look for Saturn.
Part Five: About the Planets
The Planets move in predictable patterns and speeds. The Moon is the quickest. Mercury and Venus are next and never wander more than a couple Signs from the Sun. Mars is the next quickest, and from Mars out the Planets form every Aspect from Conjunctions to Oppositions. When analyzing charts start with the Table of Defined Roles to see whether the body is operating in its Social or Family personality, or neither. Next look at the Aspects to see the relationships they’ve formed. Finally look at House Placement on the charts which are found in the Day Planner and Digital versions, to understand the power of their positioning on the map.
Sun Aspects bring energy. Its supportive Aspects promote stability. Its Challenging Aspects promote aggression. Lunar Aspects lend emotional oomph. Its Supportive Aspects are a helping hand. Its Challenging Aspects are an encouraging slap. Mercury Aspects promote engagement. Its Supportive Aspects provide valuable info. Its Challenging Aspects tease and test.Venus Aspects promote self-awareness. Its Supportive Aspects lend grace and artistry. Its Challenging Aspects promote indulgence. Mars Aspects add passion and heat. Its Supportive Aspects are protective and engaging. Its Challenging Aspects are defensive and destructive. Jupiter Aspects expand. Its Supportive Aspects promote possibilities and imagination. Its Challenging Aspects encourage recklessness. Saturn Aspects contract. Its Supportive Aspects promote maturity and discipline. Its Challenging Aspects create structure and punishment. Uranus Aspects electrify. Its Supportive Aspects promote networks and communication. Its Challenging Aspects promote insurrection. Neptune Aspects add molecular, sub-surface energy. Its Supportive Aspects promote invention. Its Challenging Aspects provoke reactions from others. Pluto Aspects add perspective. Its Supportive Aspects promote a global vision. The Challenging Aspects personalize global events.
Sun Aspects bring energy. Its supportive Aspects promote stability. Its Challenging Aspects promote aggression. Lunar Aspects lend emotional oomph. Its Supportive Aspects are a helping hand. Its Challenging Aspects are an encouraging slap. Mercury Aspects promote engagement. Its Supportive Aspects provide valuable info. Its Challenging Aspects tease and test.Venus Aspects promote self-awareness. Its Supportive Aspects lend grace and artistry. Its Challenging Aspects promote indulgence. Mars Aspects add passion and heat. Its Supportive Aspects are protective and engaging. Its Challenging Aspects are defensive and destructive. Jupiter Aspects expand. Its Supportive Aspects promote possibilities and imagination. Its Challenging Aspects encourage recklessness. Saturn Aspects contract. Its Supportive Aspects promote maturity and discipline. Its Challenging Aspects create structure and punishment. Uranus Aspects electrify. Its Supportive Aspects promote networks and communication. Its Challenging Aspects promote insurrection. Neptune Aspects add molecular, sub-surface energy. Its Supportive Aspects promote invention. Its Challenging Aspects provoke reactions from others. Pluto Aspects add perspective. Its Supportive Aspects promote a global vision. The Challenging Aspects personalize global events.
Section Six: About the Aspects
Aspects are the angles made between the celestial bodies. Planets can also form Aspects to the chart angles, Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven and IC. While Planets show a person’s talents, the Aspects show how the bodies and talents are working together, or not.
The Conjunction is when celestial bodies are within 0 to 7 Degrees of each other. The Planets are close together, deciding and working in concert.
The Sextile is 60 Degrees. Because they live nearby with the same Polarity, the Sextile creates an easy, supportive relationship, like cousins of the same gender working and playing together.
The Square is 90 Degrees. Imagine cars meeting at an intersection. The drivers must use the rules and their wits to get where they’re going and avoid crashes. They have opposite polarities so it’s like when men and women work together, productivity depends on negotiation.
The Trine is 120 Degrees. This harmonious, strongly supportive connection is like siblings who provide muscle and resources for each other without question. They have the same polarity.
The Opposition is 180 Degrees. Imagine two people sitting opposite each other negotiating. While each is committed to their position, they have a great deal in common and yet different goals. But they shift their actions because of this connection.
The Parallel is 0 degrees of Latitude. The Planets are at the same altitude, although they may quite far from each in longitude. They hold equal rank. By itself it’s not a significant Aspect unless there is another Aspect or connection. The Contra Parallel shows bodies the opposite distance above and below the Ecliptic and describes a mentor relationship. But like the Parallel it only matters when there is another connection. Aspects to the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars are felt most personally. Jupiter and Saturn Aspects affect you socially. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto Aspects are societal and because the change Signs slowly, they’re develop gradually. When they pass over your personal Planets they are connecting you to a global evolution.
Outer planet Aspects are like sitting on a boat deck with friends and a big bottle of wine, enjoying the afternoon turning into evening. As the tide rolls in and the boat gradually rises, no one notices. It’s only later, as they step down to the dock, that they’ll recognize the change. Outer Planet Aspects are a different experience from the inner Planetary Aspects that say, ‘Bam! Wake Up, Mars is Here!’
Outer planet Aspects are like sitting on a boat deck with friends and a big bottle of wine, enjoying the afternoon turning into evening. As the tide rolls in and the boat gradually rises, no one notices. It’s only later, as they step down to the dock, that they’ll recognize the change. Outer Planet Aspects are a different experience from the inner Planetary Aspects that say, ‘Bam! Wake Up, Mars is Here!’