Primary Directions

This calculation block is designed for computing primary directions within a specified time range. This is one of the oldest and mathematically most complex forecasting methods in astrology.

What are primary directions

Unlike symbolic directions (where all planets are shifted by a conventional step, e.g., 1 degree = 1 year), primary directions are based on the actual rotation of the Earth on its axis during the hours immediately following birth. In this method, the celestial sphere rotates (primary motion), carrying objects (promissors) to the positions occupied by other objects (significators) at the moment of birth. Calculations are not performed along the ecliptic, but in a system of equatorial coordinates using spherical trigonometry, taking into account the right ascension (RA) and declination of planets.

The Zeus program offers a powerful and flexible set of tools for calculating primary directions. Settings are divided into four tabs: “Objects”, “Aspects”, “Direction”, and “Speculum”.

”Objects” Tab

Here you select Promissors (moving points) and Significators (points to which aspects are formed).

• You can flexibly configure the participation of planets, chart angles, lunar nodes, and lots.
• Separate columns allow you to include antiscia in the calculation.
• Star set: The button below the lists allows you to select a specific set of fixed stars to be included in the calculations.

”Aspects” Tab

Allows you to select which angular distances will be tracked.

• 12 classical major and minor aspects are available, as well as the option to set a Custom aspect (uA).
• Exceptions: In the “Conjunctions only for promissors” block, you can select groups of objects (Angles, Antiscia, Stars, Nodes, Lots) for which the program will ignore any aspects, calculating only the moments of their exact conjunctions with significators.
• Calculation can be performed both from promissor to significator, and from promissor to the aspect of the significator.

”Direction” Tab (Method Settings)

This tab contains the fundamental settings of the mathematical model:

• Direction type: Choice between Mundane (position in houses) and Zodiacal. For zodiacal directions, the inclusion of ecliptic latitude can be independently configured for promissors and significators.
• Method: Selection of the coordinate system and house division (Placidus — semi-arc method, or Regiomontanus).
• Key: The dropdown list offers many time keys for converting the arc (in degrees of equator) into years of the native’s life. Available keys:
  • Ptolemy (1° RA = 1 year)
  • Naibod (1° RA = 1.0146 years)
  • Various steps (1° per day, 59’08” per day, 12°/13°10’37” per day/year)
  • Solar arc (equatorial) — Placidus method (a dynamic RA method where the Sun’s path over days after birth equals years of life)
  • Solar arc (ecliptic)
• Direction: Directions can be direct (forward) and converse (reverse). In the results table, direct and converse directions are distinguished by the direction of the circular arrow symbol.

Reading Results and the “Speculum” Tab

After calculation, a table of exact exactitudes is generated, containing the direction type (M — mundane, Z — zodiacal), Promissor, direction (direct/converse), Significator, arc value in degrees, the native’s age, and the event date. Rows involving terms are highlighted with a different background color for ease of reading.

Speculum: If you click on any row in the calculated event table, the “Speculum” tab will display detailed astronomical data (coordinates, right ascension, declination, semi-arcs, etc.) for the selected Promissor–Significator pair. This is an indispensable tool for verifying the calculation mathematics.

Additional Functions

• Synchronization: The button with the chain link icon (“Synchronize with time dynamics”) allows you to recalculate the table on the fly when the date is changed in the main program window, without pressing the Calculate button.

Display on chart: Primary directions can be analyzed visually on the program’s graphical chart. To do this, use the “Mundane Position” projection and the chart type “Direction”. The primary direction key in the chart settings will serve as a combination of the arc value and the corresponding period.

Context Menu

• Deselect all aspects except conjunction
• Deselect all objects
• Lot of Fortune — diurnal formula — enable only the diurnal calculation formula for the Lot of Fortune.
• Speculum — hovering the mouse over any calculated row will display the speculum as a tooltip.
• Show time — the “Date” column will show the date with time.
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