Introduction to progressions, a technique involving the advancement of the birth chart

Progressions are a predictive astrological technique that involves advancing the birth chart to determine the potential influences and events in a person’s life as they progress through time. Unlike transits, which analyze the current positions of planets in relation to the natal chart, progressions focus on the gradual movement of the natal planets themselves.

In progressions, each day after birth is considered to symbolically represent one year of a person’s life. By advancing the positions of the planets in the birth chart at this rate, it is possible to gain insights into the evolving energies and experiences that a person may encounter throughout their lifetime.

There are different types of progressions used in astrology, but the most commonly employed are Secondary Progressions and Solar Arc Progressions.

1. Secondary Progressions: In Secondary Progressions, the positions of the planets on the date of birth are advanced by one day for each year of a person’s life. This means that the positions of the planets progress at the same rate as the Sun’s apparent movement around the zodiac. Secondary Progressions provide a symbolic representation of the gradual unfolding of an individual’s life experiences, personal growth, and psychological development. They can offer valuable insights into long-term trends and themes that may manifest over the course of a person’s life.
2. Solar Arc Progressions: Solar Arc Progressions involve advancing the positions of the planets in the birth chart by the same arc distance that the Sun has moved since birth. For example, if a person is 30 years old, the positions of the planets in their birth chart would be advanced by 30 degrees. Solar Arc Progressions provide a more dynamic and immediate perspective compared to Secondary Progressions. They can highlight significant events, turning points, and shifts in a person’s life. Solar Arc Progressions are particularly useful for pinpointing major life transitions and important events.

Progressions are interpreted in conjunction with the natal chart and other predictive techniques, such as transits, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential life experiences and developmental patterns of an individual. They offer a valuable tool for astrologers to provide insights into the timing and themes of significant life events, personal growth, and unfolding potentials throughout a person’s lifetime.