planet speed?

[milkywaygirl]

what is planet speed? i havent come across this anywhere. what unit of measurment is the speed in? does planet speed have any relevance in chart delineation?

[Howl]

Hey Milky :) The only time I have heard reference to speed and planets is in horary astrology. I believe that a planet travelling "swiftly" (however you define that) has dignity. Is that the kind of planet speed you are referring to, or have you seen that particular term somewhere?

[milkywaygirl]

yeah thats the kind of speed i mean. oh i just realised the speed measured in degrees, minutes and seconds as well.

the reason i ask is because i was looking at a chart with pluto and uranus conjunct and both retrograde, and uranus's speed was -1" and plutos speed was -13".

hmm.. do planets move much slower when they are retrograde? does neptune travel faster than uranus and pluto?

[Howl]

I don't know if some planets reach faster retrograde speeds, but I do know that all planets travel slowest when closest to their "stationing" points. If Uranus' speed is -1" it might be because it is about to station, and turn direct?

[Arian Maverick]

I don't know if some planets reach faster retrograde speeds, but I do know that all planets travel slowest when closest to their "stationing" points. If Uranus' speed is -1" it might be because it is about to station, and turn direct?

What an interesting thread! :)

Do you suppose that a slower-moving planet would have more weight in one's natal chart, regardless of its distance from the Sun? Is it possible for stationary Mercury to move more slowly than direct Venus or Mars? And how exactly would an astrologer determine the speed a particular is traveling through space at any given time?

Arian Maverick

[Howl]

Forgive me Arian, I can't resist this technicality!
And how exactly would an astrologer determine the speed a particular is traveling through space at any given time?
It's how fast the given object appears to be travelling across the sky from Earth that counts. It's actual speed in space is not reflected, especially during retrograde motion, in an astrological chart :). In which case, I have absolutely no idea how astrological speed is calculated. I say progress the charts and count the degrees each planet moves in a given time!

I think stationary Mercury can probably move more slowly than direct Mars or Venus, for a short while. By slower moving planets, do you mean the permanently slow planets, or say Mercury (for example) if it happens to be slow moving in a given chart? Hmmm, good question. I think few people even know if they have a recently stationed mercury in their natal chart. I don't!

[MichelleAnderson]

This has been a really interesting thread for me to read. I didn't actually realize that any form of astrology used this in their readings. I'm just curious as to whether this actually makes a person's chart more accurate. Does anyone know? Thanks!

[Frisiangal]

Forgive me Arian, I can't resist this technicality!

It's how fast the given object appears to be travelling across the sky from Earth that counts. It's actual speed in space is not reflected, especially during retrograde motion, in an astrological chart :). In which case, I have absolutely no idea how astrological speed is calculated. I say progress the charts and count the degrees each planet moves in a given time!

I think stationary Mercury can probably move more slowly than direct Mars or Venus, for a short while. By slower moving planets, do you mean the permanently slow planets, or say Mercury (for example) if it happens to be slow moving in a given chart? Hmmm, good question. I think few people even know if they have a recently stationed mercury in their natal chart. I don't!

Hi,
This is the biggest difference between computerised astrology and 'old' astrology which needed an ephemeris, a table of houses, pencil and block-note to mathematically calculate a chart. Obviously computerised charts are mathematically more accurate to the second but they give no information regarding any planet's speed ( i.e. calculated movement in degrees and minutes within a day) at any particular point in time. 'Reading' an ephemeris does. It's particularly of interest when doing a progressed chart and seeing that a planet has changed motion. When, where and how can offer vital information regarding one's attitude pertaining to the function of said planet, and the year it reaches its natal or changed motion position again will usually strike a chord within the individual if they are old enough to remember it.

E.g. I have two retrograde planets in my chart. Borm May '44, I was 3 1/2 years old when Mercury stationed and then turned direct. Its forward motion coincided with October '47 that my parents moved from a flat to a 3-bedroomed house. I remember riding on my my dad's bicycle to the new house. My evacuated sisters returned to live with us, giving me their toys to play with, and my BIG brother completed his national service. I have a clear memory of him sleeping on the floor in front of the fire tucked inside his navy blanket. The year progr. Mercury reached its natal position again coincided with my brother's marriage. He moved out and grandpa came to live with us. I have fond memories of him.

I was 30 when retrograde Neptune in Libra turned direct. I returned to work that year. My first job was with a firm that made aromatic perfumes and soap! I STILL have a number of free samples tucked away somewhere! The reason that it must have been so important was because, up to that time, I had never been a 'feminine' and 'perfumey' person. But that year the short skirts and 'platform' shoes were the fashion and I felt very feminine rather than motherly. I resigned within the year. I have always had a fad for shoes, but through that job I also developed a taste for 2 particular perfumes that my girls always 'associate with mum'.

This coming year progr. Neptune reaches its natal position. I wonder if I'm already feeling its effects. I am trying to get hold of C.D's of all the musical films I love so much. I did go to the theatre last weekend, something I haven't done for years, to see the musical about Rembrandt !:D

F.

[MichelleAnderson]

Wow! I'm glad that you posted all of this wonderful information. I knew that there was a big difference between computerized and "old school" astrology but didn't realize just how big the difference was. Do you think that computerized is better though?

[Frisiangal]

Wow! I'm glad that you posted all of this wonderful information. I knew that there was a big difference between computerized and "old school" astrology but didn't realize just how big the difference was. Do you think that computerized is better though?

Hi Michelle,
I think it's a question of moving with the times. I was raised on 20th century astrology that takes in a psychological and holistic approach towards the chart, giving qualities and rulerships to the planets beyond Saturn that seemed to be taken from the inner planets. Traditional astrology, using the big 7...Sun to Saturn, was much more event orientated. 21st Century astrologers are being introduced to new objects in the solar system almost daily, use of the asteroids are becoming very popular, and all are, in their way, splitting, taking, and turning the qualities and eventual rulerships into something more defining. In about 30 years, a now 'new' astrologer will probably be able to get as much from a chart, using all the modern techniques, as a traditional astrologer did with his 7 planets and a handful of fixed stars.

I use the computer to calculate the chart, for quickness's sake, but I STILL draw up a chart by hand, otherwise I can't read it. It's my way to get the feel of the chart. A Sun square Mars in mutable trine Venus in Air but opposing Jupiter will work differently to the same square in fixed trine Venus in Water but opposing Jupiter. You 'feel' that when drawing in the aspects from each planet separately. Computerised analyses can tell you a lot about each individual part of your character and where it may be focused, but they can't provide a complete picture of what all the entwined strings together mean....as yet.

For many the computerised chart and computerised analysis is enough, but IMO a lot 'gets lost', as seen with the change in speed and motion. But maybe in the future that won't matter because the hypothetcial planets will fill in the gaps left by Eris, Sedna, Quaoar, etc., the centaurs and 9500 asteroids :D.

F.

[virgo96019]

I came across this in the program that i use, I'm not sure if it's helpful!

Sun..1 degree per day, 1 month thru sign, 1 year thru zodiac

Moon..13 1/2 deg. per day, 2 1/4 days per sign, 27-28 days thru zodiac

Merc..1 deg. per day, 1 month per sign, 1 year thru zodiac

venus..1 deg per day, 1 month per sign, 1 year thru zodiac

mars..1/2 deg. per day, 2 months per sign, just under 2 years thru zodiac

Jupiter..5' per day, 1 year per sign, 12 years thru zodiac

Saturn..2' per day, 2 1/2 years per sign, 29 1/2 years thru zodiac

Uranus..less than 1' per day, 14 years per sign, 165 years thru zodiac

Pluto..less than 1' per day, 21 years per sign, 248 years thru zodiac

[milkywaygirl]

I came across this in the program that i use, I'm not sure if it's helpful!

Sun..1 degree per day, 1 month thru sign, 1 year thru zodiac

Moon..13 1/2 deg. per day, 2 1/4 days per sign, 27-28 days thru zodiac

Merc..1 deg. per day, 1 month per sign, 1 year thru zodiac

venus..1 deg per day, 1 month per sign, 1 year thru zodiac

mars..1/2 deg. per day, 2 months per sign, just under 2 years thru zodiac

Jupiter..5' per day, 1 year per sign, 12 years thru zodiac

Saturn..2' per day, 2 1/2 years per sign, 29 1/2 years thru zodiac

Uranus..less than 1' per day, 14 years per sign, 165 years thru zodiac

Pluto..less than 1' per day, 21 years per sign, 248 years thru zodiac
cool! what about neptune?

[Frisiangal]

Oh dear, I hate to be a nit-picker but those speed motions are only VERY average, astrologically speaking. Take them with a LARGE pinch of salt. For instance, Sun averages between 57- 61+ mins per day, Moon between 11-14 degr., Mercury is faster than the Sun most times!, Mars more like 45 minutes of a degree per day, Jupiter 8 minutes and Saturn 6 minutes, according to the sign they are in. This isn't taking retrograde motion into account whereby speed is slower, as seen from Earth. It's the combination of direct and retrograde/stationary/direct motion that provides the averages listed. Of themselves, they are worthless. A good way to find out is by taking the birth positions, taking a specific age (e.g. 25) and then multiplying the motion listed by 25. Then progress the chart in the normal way to see the actual positions. You could be a few years out with interpretation using the listeed motion.:D

I'll probably be thought of as an interfering, old-fashioned busy-body, but I really would like to stress the importance of 'knowing' some of the mathematics involved in astrology and how and what is going on in forming a chart. A computerised print out is just that. It's a static picture of a moment, just like a photograph. The difference is, that when you look at a photograph your mind also takes in what was happening to create the photo at that precise moment. The same applies when you know just a bit more about astrological techniques and can perceive more than what the print out shows you.

F.

[virgo96019]

Frisiangel

You are right it is a very average table, Thanks for your input it is helpful to me as i am just a beginner, only been studying astrology for about 7 months, and am not nearly as advanced as most of you. So, I for one, appreciate your old-fashioned busy body-ness!
Oh and i kinda ******* that up...Uranus..is 7 years per sign, and 84 years thru zodiac...and Neptune is 14 years per sign and 165 thru zodiac.....on average of course!

[MichelleAnderson]

That makes sense. Maybe even though I think I'm moving with the times, I'm not. I really like the way that you say that you do your charts though. So, what are some of the great computer programs that you can recommend? I'd like to give it a test drive and see how it "fits" with me. Thanks!

[Frisiangal]

That makes sense. Maybe even though I think I'm moving with the times, I'm not. I really like the way that you say that you do your charts though. So, what are some of the great computer programs that you can recommend? I'd like to give it a test drive and see how it "fits" with me. Thanks!

I think you may be answering my message, Michelle, and I'm afraid I am going to have to pass with an answer. I have never looked up or at any computer programs analyses, for the simple reason that I prefer to trust my own thoughts than be influenced by others. This isn't big-headedness or arrogance, it's just the way I prefer to work. Many clients have called me AFTER they had a computer analysis done. One client even paid an astrologer who simply provided him and his sister with the computer analysis off her computer program!! I am NOT saying computer programs analyses are useless, but they ARE limited in scope. Hopefully, others may be able to offer web sites that provide such a service.

F.

[Virinchi]

speed of any planet is with reference to earth's speed.
if a planet is moving with same speed, its said to be stagnant
if slower then retro

[MichelleAnderson]

Thank you for the information F. I do prefer to do my own readings too but I thought that maybe a computer program would give me some idea as to how this form of astrology works.

[The_Sundance_Kid]

On the cafe astrology site, I read an article that referred to planet speeds for Mercury and the moon.

The moon's speed was said to be indicative of the native's speed of perception, once sign is taken into account as well.

Mercury's speed was not mentioned, but instead it was held that if it is behind the sun in the zodiac (so conversely in the natal chart it would rise before the sun) then it works faster than if it were not.

I'm not sure about the Mercury (I think speed might be relevant.) But I can understand the moon speed point. My moon speed is slightly slower than the average, and I am slower in perception than normal. My mind can work quickly once I know the situation, but it takes a while for me to figure out the situation with my senses.

[blueheron]

A planet is considered to be "stationary" while it's turning from retrograde to direct. From the perspective of the earth, it isn't moving. (movement is measured in celestial longitude.)

In vedic, a stationary planet is considered auspicious. I don't know if that applies to Western or not.