Placidus House System

by Jamie Longstreet I wonder why people DON'T like Placidus. Other than for those born at extreme north latitudes (in which case an Alcabitius system can be substituted), it seems to me to be the perfect system. It assumes that each degree of the zodiac traces its own diurnal arc through our sky relative to our focus point on the earth. If we change latitudes, for instance if we head north in the summer, we see the sun for a longer period of time in the sky. This is because its diurnal arc is long relative to the viewer and its nocturnal arc is short relative to the viewer. In the Placidus system, the arc itself is measured (i.e., how long does it take the sun to rise on a given day at a given latitude) and divided into three equal parts. But, in my mind, this is where the Placidus system gets interesting. I find it so because there is no easy way to measure/divide the arc in a linear fashion because the Sun's path does not move at a constant rate of speed. Therefore, it must be found by successive iteration, because at any given time, the speed of the Sun in that arc is different than it was at a previous moment in time. Each cusp must be calculated according to the relative solar motion over the earth for that moment. I believe this is what accounts for (IMHO) the cusp's exceptionally sensitive accuracy; the cusp's degree is based upon the Sun's motion at that moment. A larger problem with different house systems lies in the complexity of the mathematical derivation. Knowing the difference between right ascension and the degree of the midheaven exists, while understanding why this discrepancy exists can be a challenging task. The conic nature of an orbit is based upon its acceleration which is measured in three dimensions (x,y,z). The angle is represented by two separate focuses. One to the perigee, and the other to the object's current position. Thus, geometrically, you come up with a kind of odd-looking wedge off in the corner of a two-dimensional pie. One side of the wedge is the focus of the perigee, the other side is a moving object.

Essentially it is a problem similar to the one Einstein worked out in his theory of relativity which stated that the motion of an object is based upon the viewer's position relative to the action of that object. Also, consider that right ascension is based upon the radius of a conic section; it changes its distance relative to its position along the conic axis. This is Kepler's law. The area of arc traced during any given place along the axis is equal to the area of arc traced along another similar section for the same duration. Simply explained, the body accelerates as it approaches a larger body and decelerates as it separates from a larger body but when the forces are taken as a whole they remain constant. The motion is based upon the constant "gravitational" forces between the two bodies.

As far as visualization goes, I always base this on a model of the Sun as it shines on the earth, whose tilt causes shadows to appear longer at certain times of the year. If you extrapolate the shadow, and somehow slice it into 12 equal parts based upon the speed that the shadow moves across the earth's surface, you should be able to visualize that these positions change from moment to moment and are completely dependent on this relative speed. Koch, Placidus, Meridian, Regiomontanus, etc... all have their own methods for sub-dividing this space. Equal House does it like the world map we looked at as kids where Greenland is huge in comparison to it's real size (Canada, Alaska for that matter), primarily because it must be stretched out to appear flat on a map.

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Last updated 29 March 1998

House Systems

Although there are a number of different house systems in use today, most of these systems use either the ascendant (ASC) or mid-heaven (MC) as a point of reference or house cusp division. The most significant differences between the many house systems are the sizes of the intermediate houses which are houses two and three, five and six, eight and nine, and eleven and twelve. The most frequently asked question is, Which house system should I use? It should be remembered that all house systems work, but some are more efficient than others in certain types of astrology. Ultimately, it doesnt matter which house system you use providing it works for you.

EQUAL HOUSE SYSTEM

The Equal house system is the only system that is erected in the plane of the Earths orbit. It is reputed to be the earliest system of all and it dates back to the

first century BC. It was recommended by Parasara and may have been used by Ptolemy. In this system, the zodiac is erected in the plane of the Earths orbit around the Sun which comprises of a 360 degree circle that surrounds the Earth. It uses the ascendant as the first house cusp, and then divides the zodiac into twelve equal houses of exactly thirty degrees starting from the sign and degree on the ascendant. The mid-heaven is often more, or less than ninety degrees (three signs) from the ascendant, therefore it is not often placed on the tenth house cusp, but marked where it appears in the mid-heaven according to the latitude and longitude of birth. The mid-heaven is taken as an important point; it is the point of self-mastery.

PLACIDUS SYSTEM
The Placidus system was popularised in the seventeenth century by the Italian Benedictine monk Placidus de Titis (1590-1668). Placidus did not invent the Placidus system, though it was found in his work Primum Mobile. Placidus tables were discovered before the birth of Placidus on an astrolabe in 1305, and Placidus tables were made available in 1604. The Placidus system is based on the time it takes for each degree of the ecliptic to rise from the lower meridian to the ascendant and from the ascendant to the mid-heaven which is placed on the tenth house cusp. The four semi arcs, made by the movement of the ecliptic, are trisected to form the cusps of the twelve houses. This system works for latitudes near the equator because the houses become more equal in their number of degrees, but in the higher northern and southern latitudes an increasing amount of distortion occurs because the houses become intercepted, and as a consequence the Placidus system loses its accuracy. I have experimented with many different house systems and I have come to the conclusion that there is not any one correct house system. Although I prefer to use the Equal house system, it may not be correct for everyone. If you are

unsure as to which house system to use, then experiment with the many house systems available today and you will find the one that is correct for you.

Libra Ascendant
ASCENDANT AND FIRST HOUSE CUSP LIBRA

ou are a sociable person who tries to maintain harmony in close

relationships. However, if you feel an injustice has occurred then you will make a stand on principle. You will state your opinions if you do not agree with the actions of others but you will not attack them on a personal level. You may find it difficult to make decisions because you weigh and balance all sides of any situation. To solve problems you tend to bounce your ideas off others, weigh up the pros and cons and then make your decision. You may attract friends and partners with organisational or leadership skills, and to this end you may give your support while other people take the credit.

SECOND HOUSE CUSP SCORPIO

You may be forced to take a very deep look at your values and assess your attitude towards other peoples value judgements. You may trust other people and share your resources with them but your trust can be tested. As a means to material growth you can use other peoples money for investment purposes, but you can lose your resources through other peoples values and financial control. This can lead to power struggles over financial agreements. Money is not the

issue, but how you use it is. You will support financial growth but losses can occur unless you stay within the parameters of financial agreements.

THIRD HOUSE CUSP SAGITTARIUS

You are interested in different philosophies, cultures and beliefs because you like to know how other people live. You need to gain knowledge on any subject of interest in order to widen your world of ideas and possibilities. You have the ability influence others by what you say and you can turn pessimism into optimism through your philosophical attitude to life. Your relationship with your family, relatives and others is likely to be casual because you have your own ideas and opinions and you do not want others to tell you how your life should be run. However, different ideas, opinions and statements between extended family members or in-laws can divide the family. It is all a matter of prioritising loyalties.

FOURTH HOUSE CUSP CAPRICORN

Your mother may have worked very hard to provide family security and your father may have been emotionally distant but also supportive of family security. In your growing-up years you may have felt a lesser being than your siblings, perhaps shy and unassuming where you preferred to say things to please others in order to be liked. You may have been reared in a family business environment but your needs were met. Through your childhood upbringing you will probably have a serious attitude towards your family where you will try to provide family security. However, you will have to take full responsibility for the family decisions you make because it is here you stand alone to take lifes challenges.

FIFTH HOUSE CUSP AQUARIUS

You may experience difficulties through the changing conditions revolving around leisure-time activities where family and children are concerned. Also, the wheels within wheels of change between extended family members, friends and work associates can create difficulties where sudden unpredictable changes can occur. Love relationships can also be unpredictable with sudden disruptive and unusual events occurring which may not have been easily foreseen but which may impact on the enjoyment of life. Diverse conditions can revolve around children, extended family members, love relationships and/or work related group goals. When this happens you will be called upon to maintain your equilibrium in order to sustain balance.

SIXTH HOUSE CUSP PISCES

You absorb the moods and feelings of co-workers; therefore it is important that you work with positive people. It may be hard for you to concentrate on routine work, but once you become inspired you will help those who need your assistance. You are extremely helpful towards others and you will sacrifice your time in support of their needs. However, this can encourage co-workers to take advantage of you. You must learn to draw the line on exactly how much you are prepared to give otherwise you can become the martyr who puts others peoples needs ahead of your own. With maturity, you will learn to consider your own needs.

SEVENTH HOUSE CUSP ARIES

You have a tendency to give more than you receive emotionally in close relationships, but a mediatory point must be reached between give and take. Partnerships should be based on equal sharing and equal responsibility. If you can find the balance you will have rewarding relationships, if not, you or your partner can become too assertive or submissive which can result in conflict. Your partner may not always consider your feelings in decision making, but if things go too far you will make a stand on principle. Balance is the key in any relationship but you may bend more towards partner support to achieve your needs and goals.

EIGHTH HOUSE CUSP TAURUS

You may support your partner but you must not lose your own sense of values. You will use practical common sense in joint financial investments. Financial commitments such as household expenses/mortgage repayments etc: can worry you unless the budget is balanced. You are security conscious and practical and you will focus on joint financial control for future security. When necessary you will discuss financial matters with your partner. However, you may find yourself providing and/or supporting your partners business/financial interests while your partner makes the decisions.

NINTH HOUSE CUSP GEMINI

With practice and confidence you could make an excellent speaker and you can widen your horizons through meetings, seminars and different viewpoints. With your open mindedness and progressive thinking you can learn through the general trend of day-to-day communications. You may listen to gossip but you will not gossip out of hand. You have a philosophical mind with wide range vision,

and in your quest for knowledge you may be interested in foreign countries, cultures and beliefs where you can expand your understanding, and become more intellectually informed as to why you are here and what your purpose is.

TENTH HOUSE CUSP CANCER

You may carry heavy responsibilities connected to your family in which you can either take control or be controlled by family and/or business responsibilities. At times you may feel you are being taken for granted by your family for the support you give, and at the same time you may feel your achievements are not recognised owing to the established structures of management and control in the public sector of society. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction in parental and/or personal achievement. However, you will be called upon to take domestic/financial responsibility in order to provide security for your family.

ELEVENTH HOUSE CUSP LEO

You are a sociable fun loving person who enjoys the company of people and you put others at their ease through your natural warmth and friendliness. You are popular among staff members, but colleagues or company associates can be disruptive in the achievement of associated goals. Although you work hard, it may appear that certain members within groups dont listen to your opinions which can override your work initiatives and future goals. However, you are a person who works collectively and separately to achieve group and/or company goals where the wheels within wheels of social progress can ultimately lead to independent goal realisation.

TWELFTH HOUSE CUSP VIRGO

You have a tendency to keep your inner fears well hidden because you do not want to burden others with your problems. You will be very selective as to who you confide in because you prefer to solve your problems alone. At work you tend to keep your worries to yourself and if you should make an error of judgement you will worry for fear of exposure, therefore you will analyse your moves to cover your traces. When you are under pressure you have a tendency to worry about all the things that could go wrong before completion. When work problems become all consuming you will support others where you can but others can take you for granted without recognition.

THE TWELFTH HOUSE CUSP REPRESENTS YOUR INNER FEARS

Keywords - Fear of letting go of work/job security. FAQ - Will I keep or lose my job? Will I keep or lose my money? What if things dont work out?