Testing astrology based on practice rather than theory A system for extracting themes in birth charts Robert Currey BSc. [Hons] D.F.Astrol.S. Abstract There is a disconnect between how researchers test natal astrology and how consultants practise natal astrology. In consultation, astrologers will consider multiple variables when interpreting a birth chart. So in research, testing for single factors such as Sun Signs is unlikely to yield the same results. This is partly due to the small effect size and a lack of sizeable homogenous groups. The problem is not just quantitative, it is also qualitative. In the 21 st century researchers have been successful in testing multiple factors, notably by matching the birth charts of samples with astrology textbook descriptions. However, professional consultant astrologers are not guided by ‘cookbook’ trait descriptions which operate in isolation. They seek to consider the horoscope as a whole. To do this they identify themes or sub personalities. By analysing how these themes are reinforced by, or contradict, each other, the astrologer attempts to bring the chart into a coherent whole. Replicating this complex process has always been a challenge for researchers. Some themes, such as rating the elements, are used successfully in research. Here we outline a more precise and powerful technique known as mutual reception or double whammies, recommended by many top consultants. For our purposes, a mutual reception theme is the relationship between two planets located in the sign or house in which the other rules and any conjunction between them. These interplanetary combinations share a dual common principle that researchers can measure to test themes in a chart. The Problem with Univariate However, they should come with a (Single Factor) Research caveat as they can give a misleading impression that single chart factors Astrology books that list are strong enough to work in interpretations for every planet by isolation. This is exemplified by Sun sign, house and aspect, are known as Sign tests which have consistently “astrology cookbooks”. This format failed to live up to the expectations is useful as it introduces the student inspired by these books. to the meaning and essence of the various astrological concepts. Nevertheless, Michel and Francoise (2013) has focused on extreme case Gauquelin were able to demonstrate sampling using in harmonics. These a high level of statistical significance approaches have proved to be highly in their tests of single factors. They effective, although there has been no countered the low effect size by systematic analysis of chart themes collecting large samples from using techniques applied by homogenous groups of eminent consultant astrologers. professionals (1955 N=576; Ertel & Irving 2000 N=4,384). Nowadays, even with access to Big Data, large Why the Standard Approach to data sets which include the time of Chart Synthesis is limited in birth are hard to obtain due to data Research protection laws. Under the heading ‘Techniques of chart synthesis and interpretation’, Resourceful Solutions by Current astrologer and psychotherapist Tracy Researchers Marks (1986 pp.24-37) instructs astrologers to start by reviewing the Using smaller samples or subjects distribution of the elements, the without times of birth, contemporary modes, chart shapes and stelliums1. researchers have had to become From her advice, a researcher might resourceful when testing natal assume that simply counting the astrology. One method has been by number of planets that fall in signs, matching horoscopes with houses, elements or modes in a biographies of notable individuals sample would be an ideal model for a using intelligent software that multivariate approach. This analyses multiple factors (Godbout technique has some value as each 2020, N=73). Another is to measure planet counted shares only one how astrologers can blind-match attribute: the sign, house, element or birth charts with self-reporting mode, in common with each other. psychological profiles (Ertel 2009 However, much depends on which N=116). Personality test results for planets are included and how they extraversion and neuroticism from are weighted. outliers have been shown to correlate with the position of the Sun, Moon For example, the impact of Saturn in and the Ascendant in the four a sign, house, element or mode is in elements at birth (Currey 2017, most interpretations quite different N=288). Kyösti Tarvainen and others from Uranus – in some instances, it have demonstrated the correlation is the opposite. So, this equates to between multiple chart factors counting apples with oranges – both confirmed by key words in textbooks are fruit but different fruit. by well-known authors with Astrologers can weigh up and sort objective data such as profession the unique mix in a consultative (Tarvainen 2017). David Cochrane environment, but when applied to samples collectively, the results Table 1 become blurred – more like Modern Rulerships by Planet, Sign & comparing prepared fruit salads House instead of the neat sections of a fruit market stall. Is there a better way to Planet Sign House separate themes within birth charts? Sun Leo 5th Moon Cancer 4th How can we apply Astrology’s 12- Mercury Gemini 3rd letter Alphabet? Mercury Virgo 6th Award-winning astrologer and Venus Taurus 2nd clinical psychologist Dr Zipporah Venus Libra 7th Dobyns writes, “In metaphorical Mars Aries 1st terms, astrology presents a twelve- Jupiter Sagittarius 9th letter alphabet. … Letter ‘A’ however, is still ‘a’ whether it is Saturn Capricorn 10th capital or small case. The same Uranus Aquarius 11th principles can be used with any Neptune Pisces 12th combination of the different forms of the astrological alphabet: planets in Pluto Scorpio 8th signs; planets in houses; signs in houses. This does not mean that planets and signs and houses are the Mutual Reception themes offer a same, but that they signify the same powerful targeted technique parts of life in their own way. … The Tracy Marks, in her instructions on blend of a planet with a sign or a the technique of chart synthesis, planet with a house is similar to a points to a technique that can take conjunction between that planet and advantage of the 12-letter alphabet. the natural ruler of the sign or Mutual Reception is the relationship house. Thus Mars in Capricorn, between two planets, when the first Saturn in Aries, Mars in the tenth planet is located in the sign or house house, Aries in the 10th house, Saturn ruled by the second planet and the in the 1st house, and Capricorn in the second planet is located in the first first house, are all similar to a Mars- planet’s sign or house and an aspect Saturn conjunction.” (Dobyns 1973, between them. With two attributes in pp.8-11) common, this association has twice as many connections as simply counting signs, houses, elements and modes. Mutual reception is like Zip Dobyns’s Mars/Saturn alphabet example but without the house cusps. For the sake of clarity, an example of house (both ruled by Leo) in a birth mutual reception is any two or more chart. So in this theme there are of the following: a Sun/Jupiter between two and five possible close conjunction or the Sun in Sagittarius interconnections. A full list of 64 or in the 9th house (both ruled by mutual reception themes is set out at Jupiter) or Jupiter in Leo or in the 5 th the end. Figure 1 The Atomic structure of Single-Factor Astrology The scheme in Figure 1 shows the 12th house in a chart, or in research structure of single-factor counting the frequencies of such a interpretation in a consultation or in configuration in isolation in a research. This might, for example, be sample. It is simple and clear but the Sun in Cancer or the Moon in the limited in scope and effectiveness. Figure 2 Multi-Factor Astrology with more than one planet in a house or sign The consultant’s point of view is set resulting in the diagrams on the out on the left of Figure 2. This is a right-hand side. If planets in signs or typical key natal configuration: a houses are being counted, the sign or conjunction of two planets. They are house is the only known quality in in the same sign and probably in the the mix. This theme is compromised same house. At best it is a complex by the overwhelming participation of mix of up to four qualities (2 planets, 10 planets, 12 houses (if signs are 1 sign and 1 house) that an astrologer being measured) plus every possible can interpret in a consultation. The aspect. Many will counter or distract connections are likely to be strong from the essence of the sign or house and the interpretation insightful. being tested. It is as if a musician is being auditioned, but every musician Once this datum is added to a sample in the orchestra insists on tuning up, these connections are severed, resulting in a cacophony. Figure 3 Mutual Reception Theme Figure 3 shows the five possible subject’s chart. This multiplies the connections between planets in a possibility of identifying a mutual reception theme as it occurs significant correlation. This time two in both a chart reading and in musicians are playing a melody that research. In both cases, there are two can be heard over a muffled central planetary themes overriding background noise. other influences. However, the dynamics are different. What is How do leading astrologers view usually just two connections in most Mutual Reception? natal charts becomes five Marks (1976) comments that Mutual connections once pooled in a large Reception has “the power and enough sample. In a chart, themes meaning of a conjunction, with work in unison reinforcing each additional advantages. Each planet other. In a sample, they aggregate in a mutual reception is capable of into a consistent theme that we know functioning within the sign and exists in various forms in the house of the other planet; its dignity (Farnell et al.) additionally. influence is not limited to the house The latter adds “Mutual reception by in which it is placed and the house ruling sign is the strongest.” which it rules. … a connection is established between the planets, Which aspects should be included signs and houses involved in mutual in a Mutual Reception theme? reception.” Marks, Hone and Dobyns equate There is a consensus among authors mutual reception to a conjunction of that the two planets in mutual the two planets. However, other reception form an interchangeable authors are not specific about the pair with a strong affinity. aspect. Farnell et al (p.124) “It is stronger if the planets concerned are  Margaret Hone (1951 p.144) in aspect to each other.” Oken writes in her classic textbook that (p.36): “The effects of mutual mutual reception brings the two reception are strengthened for good planets “into a relationship as if or ill depending on the nature of the they were in conjunction.” aspect.” As an example of a double whammy, Tompkins cites Princess  Nicholas de Vore (1976 p.264) Margaret who had a Mercury-Mars describes it as “a configuration square plus Mars in Gemini and in of singular amity and the 3rd house (both ruled by agreement.” Mercury).2  Alan Oken (2000 p.32) states So, the scope of Mutual Reception that this “intimately links planets Themes could be worked out by and/or houses. When two planets future research. For example, which are in this type of relationship, aspects to include may depend on the they have to be considered as a sample under study. Oppositions or pair.” squares may be appropriate for a  Kim Farnell et al (2002 p.124) group that experience stress or challenges of some kind. “Each planet can be read as though they had exchanged It may also be worth exploring the places.” inclusion of signs on house cusps as advocated by Dobyns. (1973)  Sue Tompkins (1989 p.66) and Stephen Arroyo (1979) refer to Mutual Reception is more than “a situation where a statement is counting planets by Sign, House or written several times within the Aspect alone same configuration” as a ‘Double Whammy’. The standard approach to research: calculating the strength of signs, While all these authors accept mutual houses, aspects, elements or modes reception by ruling sign, some claim in a sample, measures just one by house (Oken 2000) and others by quality. When mutual reception pairs two qualities, something different is process of gathering a series of created. independent statements. Yet astrologers never consider planets in The planetary pairing is like the signs or houses and the bonding of two (chemical) elements interplanetary aspects as separate such as hydrogen (H2) and oxygen units. Chart synthesis involves (O2) to form water (H2O). No amount combining key factors into themes. of isolated hydrogen molecules Every astrologer has his or her own without oxygen in a synthesis way of doing this. Many may not be reaction constitutes evidence of able to document this process that water. In this way the whole is they have consciously and sub- greater than the sum of the parts. consciously refined over years of For example, if you are testing a experience. group of yoga or tai chi instructors Univariate testing lacks power and for the Mars/Neptune combination, precision. Themes derived solely counting Mars in Pisces or a from signs, houses, elements and Mars/Neptune conjunction or modes are limited by being based on Neptune in the 1st house or Mars in only one shared facet and are the 12th house is appropriate. fragmented. Mutual reception themes However, Mars in Aries and Neptune require a dual planetary mix and it is in the 12th is outside the scope of the possible to connect these two planets theme. in up to five ways via Signs (2), Basic Resumé Houses (2) and Aspects (1). There are no other configurations in a This may all be obvious to many birth chart that repeat the same consultant astrologers. However, theme so closely. there are astrologers and astrology students who will find this technique Signs and houses divide humans into alien. If this is still unclear, consider twelve categories, elements into four two charts that are almost identical. and modes into three types. This is If you can see how one with a Sun useful in researching broad Aries conjunct Mars is more likely to categories such as extraversion, but express Aries traits than one with not for specifics such as particular Sun in Aries without an aspect to professions. Mutual reception covers Mars, then you already understand a range of 64 possible themes and use the technique of mutual (modern rulerships only) or 88 if we reception as outlined here. add ancient rulers. Even though some themes such as (Taurus/Gemini Conclusion and Libra/Virgo) have traits in Replicating the success of the common, all are unique. practice of astrology in research is a So, mutual reception themes are not holy grail. Textbooks imply that only unique, precise and strongly chart reading is merely a mechanical interconnected, but also wholistic in that planets, signs, houses and Delving beyond a Sun Sign Test of aspects are merged into a coherent 113 Justices (Currey 2020). The theme. The reason why mutual sample is small; there are no times of reception works consistently in a birth and a standard test (Boxer consultation is that the themes are 2020) claims it fails to support clear and specific. Since the task of traditional astrological claims. research is to identify clear-cut, However, a re-examination using detailed and unique patterns from the mutual reception themes reveals that sample, a vital line of enquiry is to it was the standard test that failed to test mutual reception themes that are deliver evidence and not the sample. appropriate to the nature of the subjects. In some cases, this may be Acknowledgements the only way of using astrology to I am grateful to researcher Dr Kyösti identify the special qualities that Tarvainen for his patience and some samples have in common. wisdom in reviewing many drafts of The technique outlined here is this paper, to astrologer Roy Gillett demonstrated in a paper in this for his valuable suggestions, to Jill edition of Correlation entitled Davies for proof reading and to my Justice for the Supreme Court: wife, Karen Chiarello for her statistical advice. References Arroyo, Stephen (1979) Relationships & Life Cycles. CRCS Publications, NV Boxer, Alexander (2020) A Scheme of Heaven: Astrology and the Birth of Science. Profile Books. pp.86-89. Cochrane, David (2012) The First 32 Harmonics, A Qualitative Research Study https://www.astrosoftware.com/harmonicfirst32.pdf Dean, Geoffrey & Mather, Arthur (1977) Recent Advances in Natal Astrology. Analogic pp.313-314 de Vore, Nicholas (1976) Encylopedia of Astrology. Littlefield, Adams. Dobyns, Zipporah Pottenger (1973) Finding the Person in the Horoscope. T.I.A. Publications: CA Ertel, Suitbert & Irving, Ken (2000) The Mars Effect is genuine: On Kurtz, Nienhuys, and Sandhu’s missing the evidence. Journal of Scientific Exploration Vol14 (3) pp.421-430 Gauquelin, Michel (1955) L'Influence des astres: étude critique et expérimentale. Habauzit Hone, Margaret (1951) The Modern Text Book of Astrology. Fowler, Romford, UK Marks, Tracy (1986) The Art of Chart Interpretation. CRCS. (Originally The Art of Chart Synthesis 1979) Oken, Alan (2000) Rulers of the Horoscope. The Crossing Press, CA Tarvainen, Kyösti (2017) On Lawyers’ Astrological Factors Journal of Research of the AFA, Vol. 17, pp.1-10. Tompkins, Sue (1989) Aspects in Astrology. Element Books, Dorset Table 2 List of Mutual Receptions List of 64 Mutual Reception Themes # Code Sign Sign Aspect House House 1 LEAR Sun i n Aries Mars in Leo Sun/Mars Sun i n 1st Mars i n 5th 2 LETA Sun i n Taurus Venus in Leo Sun/Venus Sun i n 2nd Venus in 5th 3 LEGE Sun i n Gemini Mercury in Leo Sun/Mercury Sun i n 3rd Mercury i n 5th 4 LECN Sun i n Cancer Moon in Leo Sun/Moon Sun i n 4th Moon in 5th 5 LEVI Sun i n Vi rgo Mercury in Leo Sun/Mercury Sun i n 6th Mercury i n 5th 6 LELI Sun i n Libra Venus in Leo Sun/Venus Sun i n 7th Venus in 5th 7 LESC Sun i n Scorpio Pluto in Leo Sun/Pluto Sun i n 8th Pluto i n 5th 8 LESA Sun i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Leo Sun/Jupiter Sun i n 9th Jupiter in 5th 9 LECP Sun i n Capricorn Saturn in Leo Sun/Saturn Sun i n 10th Saturn i n 5th 10 LEAQ Sun i n Aquari us Uranus in Leo Sun/Uranus Sun i n 11th Uranus in 5th 11 LEPI Sun i n Pi sces Neptune in Leo Sun/Neptune Sun i n 12th Neptune i n 5th 12 CNAR Moon i n Aries Mars in Cancer Moon/Mars Moon i n 1st Mars i n 4th 13 CNTA Moon i n Taurus Venus in Cancer Moon/Venus Moon i n 2nd Venus in 4th 14 CNGE Moon i n Gemini Mercury in Cancer Moon/Mercury Moon i n 3rd Mercury i n 4th 15 CNVI Moon i n Vi rgo Mercury in Cancer Moon/Mercury Moon i n 6th Mercury i n 4th 16 CNLI Moon i n Libra Venus in Cancer Moon/Venus Moon i n 7th Venus in 4th 17 CNSC Moon i n Scorpio Pluto in Cancer Moon/Pluto Moon i n 8th Pluto i n 4th 18 CNSC Moon i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Cancer Moon/Jupi ter Moon i n 9th Jupiter in 4th 19 CNCP Moon i n Capricorn Saturn in Cancer Moon/Saturn Moon i n 10th Saturn i n 4th 20 CNAQ Moon i n Aquari us Uranus in Cancer Moon/Uranus Moon i n 11th Uranus in 4th 21 CNPI Moon i n Pi sces Neptune in Cancer Moon/Neptune Moon i n 12th Neptune i n 4th 22 GEAR Mercury i n Aries Mars in Gemi ni Mercury/Mars Mercury i n 1st Mars i n 3rd 23 GETA Mercury i n Taurus Venus in Gemi ni Mercury/Venus Mercury i n 2nd Venus in 3rd 24 GELI Mercury i n Libra Venus in Gemi ni Mercury/Venus Mercury i n 7th Venus in 3rd 25 GESC Mercury i n Scorpio Pluto in Gemi ni Mercury/Pluto Mercury i n 8th Pluto i n 3rd 26 GESA Mercury i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Gemi ni Mercury/Jupiter Mercury i n 9th Jupiter in 3rd 27 GECP Mercury i n Capricorn Saturn in Gemi ni Mercury/Saturn Mercury i n 10th Saturn i n 3rd 28 GEAQ Mercury i n Aquari us Uranus in Gemi ni Mercury/Uranus Mercury i n 11th Uranus in 3rd 29 GEPI Mercury i n Pi sces Neptune in Gemi ni Mercury/Neptune Mercury i n 12th Neptune i n 3rd 30 VIAR Mercury i n Aries Mars in Virgo Mercury/Mars Mercury i n 1st Mars i n 6th 31 VITA Mercury i n Taurus Venus in Virgo Mercury/Venus Mercury i n 2nd Venus in 6th 32 VILI Mercury i n Libra Venus in Virgo Mercury/Venus Mercury i n 7th Venus in 6th 33 VISC Mercury i n Scorpio Pluto in Virgo Mercury/Pluto Mercury i n 8th Pluto in 6th 34 VISA Mercury i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Virgo Mercury/Jupiter Mercury i n 9th Jupiter in 6th 35 VICP Mercury i n Capricorn Saturn in Virgo Mercury/Saturn Mercury i n 10th Saturn i n 6th 36 VIAQ Mercury i n Aquari us Uranus in Virgo Mercury/Uranus Mercury i n 11th Uranus in 6th 37 VIPI Mercury i n Pi sces Neptune in Virgo Mercury/Neptune Mercury i n 12th Neptune i n 6th 38 TAAR Venus i n Aries Mars in Taurus Venus/Mars Venus i n 1st Mars i n 2nd 39 TASC Venus i n Scorpio Pluto in Taurus Venus/Pluto Venus i n 8th Pluto i n 2nd 40 TASA Venus i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Taurus Venus/Jupiter Venus i n 9th Jupiter in 2nd 41 TACP Venus i n Capricorn Saturn in Taurus Venus/Saturn Venus i n 10th Saturn i n 2nd 42 TAAQ Venus i n Aquari us Uranus in Taurus Venus/Uranus Venus i n 11th Uranus in 2nd 43 TAPI Venus i n Pi sces Neptune in Taurus Venus/Neptune Venus i n 12th Neptune i n 2nd 44 LIAR Venus i n Aries Mars in Libra Venus/Mars Venus i n 1st Mars i n 7th 45 LISC Venus i n Scorpio Pluto in Libra Venus/Pluto Venus i n 8th Pluto i n 7th 46 LISA Venus i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Libra Venus/Jupiter Venus i n 9th Jupiter in 7th 47 LICP Venus i n Capricorn Saturn in Libra Venus/Saturn Venus i n 10th Saturn i n 7th 48 LIAQ Venus i n Aquari us Uranus in Libra Venus/Uranus Venus i n 11th Uranus in 7th 49 LIPI Venus i n Pi sces Neptune in Libra Venus/Neptune Venus i n 12th Neptune i n 7th 50 ARSC Mars i n Scorpio Pluto in Ari es Mars/Pluto Mars i n 8th Pluto i n 1st 51 ARSA Mars i n Sagittarius Jupiter in Ari es Mars/Jupiter Mars i n 9th Jupiter i n 1st 52 ARCP Mars i n Capricorn Saturn in Ari es Mars/Saturn Mars i n 10th Saturn i n 1st 53 ARAQ Mars i n Aquari us Uranus in Ari es Mars/Uranus Mars i n 11th Uranus i n 1st 54 ARPI Mars i n Pi sces Neptune in Ari es Mars/Neptune Mars i n 12th Neptune i n 1st 55 SASC Jupi ter i n Scopio Pluto in Sag Jupiter/Pluto Jupi ter i n 8th Pluto i n 9th 56 SACP Jupi ter i n Capricorn Saturn in Sag Jupi ter/Saturn Jupi ter i n 10th Saturn i n 9th 57 SAAQ Jupi ter i n Aquari us Uranus in Sag Jupiter/Uranus Jupi ter i n 11th Uranus i n 9th 58 SAPI Jupi ter i n Pi sces Neptune in Sag Jupiter/Neptune Jupi ter i n 12th Neptune i n 9th 59 CPSC Saturn i n Scorpio Pluto in Capricorn Saturn/Pluto Saturn i n 8th Pluto i n 10th 60 CPAQ Saturn i n Aquari us Uranus in Capricorn Saturn/Uranus Saturn i n 11th Uranus i n 10th 61 CPPI Saturn i n Pi sces Neptune in Capricorn Saturn/Neptune Saturn i n 12th Neptune i n 10th 62 AQSC Uranus i n Scorpio Pluto in Aquarius Uranus/Pluto Uranus i n 8th Pluto i n 11th 63 AQPI Uranus i n Pi sces Neptune in Aquarius Uranus/Neptune Uranus i n 12th Neptune i n 11th 64 PISC Neptune i n Scorpio Pluto in Pis ces Neptune/Pluto Neptune i n 8th Pluto i n 12th Table 2 sets out a list of 64 mutual Each mutual reception is listed with receptions for modern rulerships a unique four-letter code. The with all five possible manifestations. modern ruler codes are based on the In addition, there is a list of 24 first two letters of the signs starting mutual receptions for traditional with the one with the higher rulerships not included in the main planetary order (Sun, Moon, list. Mercury etc) first. The ancient rulers are based on the signs in reverse planetary order and those based on the same two planets use the two- letter planet code repeated. Table 3 Mutual Reception based on Traditional Rulerships List of 24 additional Mutual Reception Themes (Ancient Rulerships) # Code Sign Sign Aspect House House 1 SCLE Sun in Scorpio Mars in Leo Sun/Mars Sun in 8th Mars in 5th 2 AQLE Sun in Aquarius Saturn in Leo Sun/Saturn Sun in 11th Saturn in 5th 3 PILE Sun in Pisces Jupiter in Leo Sun/Jupiter Sun in 12th Jupiter in 5th 4 SCCN Moon in Scorpio Mars in Cancer Moon/Mars Moon in 8th Mars in 4th 5 AQCN Moon in Aquarius Saturn in Cancer Moon/Saturn Moon in 11th Saturn in 4th 6 PICN Moon in Pisces Jupiter in Cancer Moon/Jupiter Moon in 12th Jupiter in 4th 7 SCGE Mercury in Scorpio Mars in Gemini Mercury/Mars Mercury in 8th Mars in 3rd 8 AQGE Mercury in Aquarius Saturn in Gemini Mercury/Saturn Mercury in 11th Saturn in 3rd 9 PIGE Mercury in Pisces Jupiter in Gemini Mercury/Jupiter Mercury in 12th Jupiter in 3rd 10 SCVI Mercury in Scorpio Mars in Virgo Mercury/Mars Mercury in 8th Mars in 6th 11 AQVI Mercury in Aquarius Saturn in Virgo Mercury/Saturn Mercury in 11th Saturn in 6th 12 PIVI Mercury in Pisces Jupiter in Virgo Venus/Jupiter Mercury in 12th Jupiter in 6th 13 SCTA Venus in Scorpio Mars in Taurus Venus/Mars Venus in 8th Mars in 2nd 14 AQTA Venus in Aquarius Saturn in Taurus Venus/Saturn Venus in 11th Saturn in 2nd 15 PITA Venus in Pisces Jupiter in Taurus Venus/Jupiter Venus in 12th Jupiter in 2nd 16 SCLI Venus in Scorpio Mars in Libra Venus/Mars Venus in 8th Mars in 7th 17 AQLI Venus in Aquarius Saturn in Libra Venus/Saturn Venus in 11th Saturn in 7th 18 PILI Venus in Pisces Jupiter in Libra Venus/Jupiter Venus in 12th Jupiter in 7th 19 AQAR Mars in Aquarius Saturn in Aries Mars/Saturn Mars in 11th Saturn in 2nd 20 PIAR Mars in Pisces Jupiter in Aries Mars/Jupiter Mars in 12th Jupiter in 2nd 21 SCSA Jupiter in Scorpio Mars in Sag Jupiter/Mars Jupiter in 8th Mars in 9th 22 AQSA Jupiter in Aquarius Saturn in Sag Jupiter/Saturn Jupiter in 11th Saturn in 9th 23 SCCP Saturn in Scorpio Mars in Capricorn Saturn/Pluto Saturn in 8th Pluto in 10th 24 PICP Saturn in Pisces Jupiter in Capricorn Saturn/Jupiter Saturn in 12th Jupiter in 11th While I use modern rulers in my studies. The sign position of modern practice, the ancient rulers may offer an outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and advantage to researchers in some Pluto) is often not personally relevant to samples. If the subjects are close in in Scorpio may have a sharp tongue. age, the outer planets tend to cluster Both qualities are encompassed by a around a few signs. Mercury/Mars aspect. But a Mercury/Pluto aspect may be oriented towards research and For our purposes here, it does not probing which relates to Mercury in matter whether you subscribe to Scorpio. Research requires patience, ancient or modern rulerships. What it a quality not associated with is important is recognition that the Mercury in Aries or Mercury/Mars. sign has traits in common with its traditional ruler and traits in common with the modern ruler, but also that Lastly, research can only progress if they are mostly different. For we are open to alternative theories example, a Mercury in Aries may especially if those that have a long have a quick tongue while a Mercury history of use. Table 4 Mutual Reception Themes for Research purposes only 5 Mutual Reception Themes for Research purposes (not possible in natal charts) # Code Sign Sign Aspect House House 1 MEME Mercury in Virgo Mercury in Gemini Mercury Unaspected Mercury in 6th Mercury in 3rd 2 VEVE Venus in Libra Venus in Taurus Venus Unaspected Venus in 7th Venus in 2nd 3 MAMA Mars in Scorpio Mars in Aries Mars Unaspected Mars in 8th Mars in 1st 4 JUJU Jupiter in Pisces Jupiter in Sag Jupiter Unaspected Jupiter in 12th Jupiter in 9th 5 SASA Saturn in Aquarius Saturn in Capricorn Saturn Unsaspected Saturn in 11th Saturn in 10th It is not possible to have a planet in two signs in a natal chart, but it is in a sample. These planets in their ruling traditional and modern signs have qualities in common that may apply to a group. 1 Stelliums or stellia are usually three or more planets in one sign or house. 2 Tompkins also discusses other chart features: Aries Rising and Mercury in Virgo in the 6th house.