the-astrology-book

Concept Asteroids
COMMON
Mercury is a neutral planet in the sense that it is neither feminine nor masculine, neither
malefic nor benefic, etc. As a planet that tends to take on the traits of its sign and
house placement more readily than other planets, the astrological tradition has characterized
Mercury as a common (meaning, in this case, neutral) planet. “Common
signs” is another designation for mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and
Pisces), which represent a kind of halfway point between the two extremes of cardinal
and fixed signs and are thus common (again in the sense of neutral).
COMMON PLANET
The planet Mercury is sometimes refered to as a common planet, perhaps because of
its androgynous character.
COMPOSITE CHART
A composite chart is a form of synastry in which the horoscopes of two individuals (or
of some other entity, such as a corporation) being compared are overlaid, the midpoints
between the planets and the house cusps calculated, and a third chart generated
consisting entirely of these midpoints. For example, if one individual’s Sun was
located at 15° Scorpio and the other person’s Sun at 15° Virgo, the Sun in the composite
chart would be placed at 15° Libra. The same operation is carried out for all of
the planets and houses.
A composite chart, like other methods of chart comparison, is supposed to
reveal how two different people or entities interact. Many astrologers, however, have
criticized the composite method, finding it less than satisfactory for uncovering interpersonal
dynamics. An alternative interpretation is that, rather than providing insight
into the interpersonal dimension, the composite chart shows how the pair of people in
the relationship operate together in the world. According to this line of interpretation,
a composite chart would provide insight into the “personality” of a marriage or
the “personality” of a business partnership.
All major astrological software programs will calculate a composite chart, and
many software companies also market report programs that interpret composite charts.
CONCEPT ASTEROIDS
Asteroids are thousands of small planetoids, 95 percent of whose orbits lie between
those of Mars and Jupiter. Initially these asteroids were given mythological names, but
as more asteroids were discovered, astronomers began naming them after places, people,
and, eventually, concepts. Astrologers who have studied the influence of asteroids
have reached the conclusion that the name of an asteroid gives one preliminary
insight into the asteroid’s astrological effects.
THE ASTROLOGY BOOK
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