Alexandrian Directions

This calculation module is designed to compute Alexandrian directions within a specified time range. This method relies on ancient astrological techniques (specifically, the works of Paulus Alexandrinus) and is based on the ascension times of signs (anaphora) for a specific geographical latitude. Directly above the results table is an information panel displaying the oblique ascension values (in degrees and minutes) for each pair of equally ascending zodiac signs, calculated for the native’s birth latitude.

Algorithm Settings

Method settings are available in the upper right part of the window:

• Direction: Choose between direct (forward in time) and converse (backward) movement of the promissors. In the table, converse directions are marked with a circular arrow symbol.
• Algorithm: The program supports two calculation variants:
• A — Benjamin Dykes’s algorithm.
• B — S.N. Kovalenko’s algorithm (see details below).

”Objects” and “Aspects” Tabs

The settings on these tabs are almost entirely identical to the functionality of the Primary Directions module.

• Objects: Flexible selection of promissors (moving points) and significators.
• Aspects: Selection of angular distances (including custom aspect uA).
• Exceptions: In the “Exceptions (conjunctions only)” block, you can select groups of points (Angles, Antiscia, Stars, Terms, etc.) for which all aspects will be ignored except for the exact conjunction.

Additional Features

• Synchronization: The chain-link button (top right) allows the table to recalculate in real-time when you change the date in the program’s main window, without needing to click the “Calculate” button again.
• Export: By right-clicking any row of a calculated event, you can copy the data to the clipboard (as text or an image), or save the table in PDF, PNG, or TXT formats.

Theoretical Background: S.N. Kovalenko’s Algorithm (Alexandrian Directions)

This algorithm is based on the kinematics of elements according to the ascension coefficients of signs (anaphora) for the latitude of the location (according to Paulus Alexandrinus, Ch. 34 “On Crises”).

The essence of the method (Alexandrian directions / peripatetics): Starting from 0° Aries in Right Ascension (RA), the Asc is set, and the MC is fixed at 270°. In the next step, +30° RA is added to the Asc. Then, the arc traversed by the cursor from the initial MC (0) to the new MC (1) in Right Ascension is measured (while the Asc travels 30°). This traversed arc from MC(0) to MC(1) in RA is taken as the ascension value (anaphora) for the sign of Aries. Next, another 30° is added to the 30° (resulting in 60° for the Asc). The arc from MC(1) to MC(2) in RA is measured. This value is taken as the ascension for the sign of Taurus. We add +30° again (resulting in 90° for the Asc). The arc from MC(2) to MC(3) in RA is taken as the ascension for Gemini, and so on. In the ancient model, signs are considered to ascend equally in pairs: Aries = Pisces, Taurus = Aquarius, Gemini = Capricorn, Cancer = Sagittarius, Leo = Scorpio, Virgo = Libra. The calculations obtained in Right Ascension are transferred to the ecliptic (similar to affine transformations or Anaxagoras’s homoeomery). If a promissor changes signs while moving, its kinematic coefficient changes proportionally. Note from the algorithm’s author (S.N. Kovalenko): If standard tables of Oblique Ascension (OA) are used, the ascension value of Libra/Virgo will be less than that of Scorpio/Leo, which does not match the classical ancient model. This discrepancy is often explained as a legacy of the Chaldean arithmetic progression. However, the calculation variant via the MC described above clearly demonstrates the logic of ancient astrologers (transferring values from the celestial equator to the ecliptic), explaining why they duplicated specific sign ascension variants for different climates.