Arguments of Death.
I have edited the rules from Christian Astrology to fit the topic of the Early Death of the Father, by largely focusing on the Ruler of the IC, and his condition.
My father died when I was 20. I would consider "early" to be before the Second Saturn Square. This is because Saturn rules the father, and the cycles of Saturn are great markers of maturity. If before this age, then there will be immaturity, or a great sense of loss that will not have been able to be dealt with properly.
In all cases the multiplicity of testimonies must be observed, the strength of the Afflicting planets, and the absence of assistance to neutralize the evil influence, before you predict death.
The Lord of the 4th in Conjunction with the Lord of the 8th, without interposing Aspects of Fortunes or Reception.
It is a very ill sign when the Lord of the 4th is in Conjunction with the Lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th, and in ill aspect to a malefic with no reception.
The Lord of the 4th Cadent, and the Lord of the 8th in an Angle, especially if the latter be a Retrograde, Peregrine, Combust, Slow, Detriment, Fall. Or there be no reception.
The Moon applying to a Planet in the 8th, and the Lord of the 4th applying to the Lord of the 8th, or to evil planets therein, indicates the death of the father.
The Lord of the 4th under the Earth, and in ill-Aspect to the Lord of the 8th in the 8th, or if the two Lords be Malefics in Conjunction in the 4th House, without any Reception.
the Lord of the 4th in the 6th, 8th, or 12th House, and Afflicted by Malefics, with no Reception, are very evil.
The Lord of the 4th Retrograde and Conjoined with the the Moon in the 8th, or in Square or Opposition to the Lord of 4th.
Ruler of the 4th conjoined with Aldebaran, Antares, Caput Algol, or other violent fixed stars, is also evil.
Both Luminaries Afflicted by Saturn in an Angle, it is testimony of a tedious, long illness.
The Moon in the 4th with Mars; The Sun with Saturn, are testimonies of death.
Also when the Moon is near the Cusp of the Ascendant, in Square of Mars from the 4th.
The Lord of the 4th Combust in the 8th House, or if the Ruler of the 6th is Combust in the 4th House. And especially if the Lord of the 8th be Afflicted or Peregrine.
If astrologers aren't comfortable with the topic of the 8th house, death, they ought not to do astrology, no offense. We can't judge these things. Each house has a topic, and every question is exceptionally valid.