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Predictive Astrology


Predictive Astrology Techniques:

Techniques for Preparing for the Future and Understanding the Past

Most astrologers use a variety of techniques to "look into the future" of an individual. There are plenty of techniques used to make predictions for—and plan for—the future. Here, we share our preferred techniques—transits, secondary progressions, solar arc directions, solar return charts, and more. Transits, for example, challenge and pressure us to make changes in our lives and in our attitudes toward our lives. They bring us joy and sometimes sorrow—they pull out parts of ourselves and "force" us to face them. Secondary progressions reveal our cycles of maturity and growth, showing us how our personalities unfold. 

Transits & Cycles

Our natal chart is very much like a snapshot of the sky at the moment we took our first breath. We carry our natal chart with us through the entire course of our lives, even though the planets and luminaries continue their movement and cycles. However, as the planets and points move ahead, they form special relationships to the planets and points in our individual natal charts. 

So, for example, if my Sun in my natal chart is at 25 degrees Virgo, and Saturn is moving towards that same degree of Gemini (25 degrees of Gemini), Saturn is said to be transiting square my natal Sun. Similarly, if Saturn is in 25 degrees Gemini, I can look in my natal chart to see where Saturn would fall in terms of house position. If that degree of Gemini is found in my 3rd house, then I would know that Saturn is transiting through my 3rd house. 

It is not our aim here to offer tutorials on the technical aspects of transits. We will assume a basic knowledge of the technique so that we can move ahead to interpretation of transits.

Transits act to stimulate what is already there! In other words, they highlight and trigger parts of our own psychological make-up. 

Outer Planets First, Inner Planets Later

With transits, it is generally best to first look at the outer planet (slower-moving) transits and cycles in order to get an overview and a "context" before refining our predictions with inner planet cycles and transits. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Determine "where a person is at" in an overall achievement sense by looking to where transiting Saturn is by house. Read more about Saturn Transiting Through the Houses

  2. Note whether transiting Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto are making major aspects to the individual's natal Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Ascendant, or Midheaven. Read about Uranus Transits, Neptune Transits, and Pluto Transits  in more detail.

  3. Determine Saturn's transits. Read more about Saturn Transits.

  4. Look to the Jupiter cycle—where is transiting Jupiter by house, and what aspects does it make to natal planets? Read about Jupiter Transits to the planets.

Working "outside in" is best because this way one gets a broader overview of the longer-lasting transits and conditions. This provides better context for the refinements that the inner planet transits offer us.

Outer planet transits affect us in large chunks—they can be active before the transit is exact by aspect, but we have seen the following: Many times an outer planet transits our natal point once by direct motion, moves forward and then retrogrades back over that point, only to turn direct again and pass that same natal point for the final time in that cycle. Generally, the seeds of the transit are being sown in the first part of this cycle (when the transiting planet first "hits" our natal point), and the "problem" or crisis reaches a head during the middle part of this cycle (when the transiting planet retrogrades back over the point). Finally, the situation is resolved around the time the transiting planet moves over our natal point for the final time in the cycle. Note: we often "see" or "feel" some sense of imminent resolution when the transiting planet goes direct after its retrograde period, before it passes again over our transited point. If our experience of the transit has been a crisis, then we feel marked release at this point. This is likely because a planet going direct after a period of retrogradation is symbolic, in general, of resolve

In order to understand overall trends and movements in a person's life, you may also consider the outer planets' transits through the houses: Jupiter transits the houses, Saturn transits the houses, Uranus transits the houses, Neptune transits the houses, and Pluto transits the houses.

Inner Planet Transits: Power Days, Cycles of Activity, and More

Here are some interesting points to take into account:

  1. When transiting Moon conjuncts the natal Sun (monthly): These are generally considered "power days".

  2. The 2-Year Mars Cycle—Energy Cycle. When transiting Mars nears the sign of your natal Mars, your personal energy increases. Energy wanes as Mars moves away from the sign of your natal Mars and is at its lowest when it transits the opposing sign. For example, if your Mars is in Sagittarius, as transiting Mars moves from Gemini through to Sagittarius, your personal energy increases until it reaches a peak at Sagittarius. When Mars transits the signs following Sagittarius, personal energy decreases until it reaches a low when Mars is in Gemini. This theory was presented in John Townley's Dynamic Astrology: Using Planetary Cycles to Make Personal and Career Choices.

  3. When the New Moon contacts a natal planet or point: This suggests a renewed focus in that area of life for a period of approximately one month. If, for example, the New Moon conjuncts our natal Venus, we will experience a "fresh start" and a new perspective in Venus matters (such as love and money). It is also illuminating to interpret the placement of the New Moon by house.

  4. Read about inner planet transits.

General Cycles & Phenomena

  1. Mercury Retrograde Cycles

  2. Venus Retrograde Cycles

  3. Mars Retrograde Cycles


Secondary Progressions

There are many ways that astrologers "progress" a chart. One of the most popular techniques is called "Secondary Progressions". 

Some of the most significant secondary progressions:

  1. When the Progressed Sun Changes Sign: Depending on how long a person lives, the progressed Sun changes sign perhaps 3 times in the entire life span. The period when the progressed Sun is very late in a sign and is about to change to a new sign (this occurs for about a year) is often a rather critical year in which many changes occur. When the progressed Sun changes signs, there is usually a very clear change in a person's general orientation and responses to his or her environment. Plenty of real-life events are possible (such as relocation, a new job in a new field, etc.), but the common theme is starting fresh—"out with the old and in with the new"—and a marked change in the outlook and attitudes of an individual. Before the progressed Sun changes signs, there can be some fear and dread—even a feeling that things are being "taken" from us. Hasty and poor decisions and a sense of urgency can be characteristic of this period. (Read more about the Critical Degrees and their impact in progressions here).


  3. The Progressed Lunation Cycle: This is the cycle from one progressed New Moon to the next (every 27-28 years). Look to the phase of the progressed Sun and progressed Moon. During the progressed New Moon phase, individuals instinctively start a new phase or chapter in their lives. The Crescent phase brings about new challenges and opportunities, as well as adjustments, that don't always feel pleasant, to the new cycle as a purpose is not entirely clear at this point in the cycle. The First Quarter phase represents a particularly active, building stage, while the Gibbous stage presents a time of refining and fine-tuning. This makes way for the Full Moon phase, which is a time of fruition and accomplishment. This marks the beginning of the progressed waning moon phase, when some things dissolve and one begins to recognize the need to let go. The Disseminating phase is a time of sharing and literally "disseminating" that which has been learned in the waxing phase of the moon. The next phase, the Third Quarter Moon phase, marks a time of one's life when there lies some discontent and dissatisfaction with the way one has been approaching life. This can be a somewhat confusing time, as one instinctively prepares for the final stage of the waning Moon: the Balsamic phase. During this phase, old systems begin to phase out, and there may be a desire for withdrawal and reflection.

  4. Progressed Planets Conjuncting an Angle of the Natal Chart or Progressed Angles Conjuncting a Natal Planet or Point. These activations involving natal and progressed angles (the Ascendant and Midheaven) generally point to significant personal changes in the native's life.

  5. Transits to the Progressed Planets and Points: Transits to progressed planets and angles are extremely significant, and should never be overlooked. For example, transiting Saturn may not be making any significant aspects to our natal chart, but if it is squaring our progressed Sun, we will feel its influence in our lives.

Solar Returns

Solar Return charts are calculated for the exact moment when the Sun returns to its natal position (within 2 days of one's birthday). These charts can be read much like natal charts, except that it must be kept in mind that they are in effect only for the course of a year (approximately from birthday to birthday).





  4. What is the condition of the Sun? Where is it located by house? (We know the sign, of course, because it will be at the exact natal position). This can show an area of focus for the upcoming year. What kind of aspects does it make?





Read more about Solar Returns.


Combining Transits and Progressions in Predictive Astrology

In predictive work, we look for more than one activation in order to see a predictive theme in the native's life. One factor alone, such as progressed Venus square natal Mercury, is generally not enough to predict a significant event occurring in the native's life. We look for confirmation elsewhere. 

An illuminating technique involves creating a tri-wheel with the natal chart in the center, secondary progressions in the second wheel, and transits in the outer (third) wheel. This way we can easily see transits to both the natal chart and the progressed chart, progressed planets in relationship to the natal chart, and progressed planets in relation to other progressed planets. This will help us to see the big picture, in terms of general themes. If we study transits to the natal chart alone, we will find that significant events are not always confirmed. If we add transits to progressed planets and points to our study, we open up much more detail. Studying progressed planets and points and their relationship to the natal chart (and to each other), our study becomes even more fine-tuned.


We are currently developing this area of the site, where we plan to share our knowledge in the field of Predictive Astrology. There are plenty of techniques used to make predictions for—and plan for—the future. We will be sharing our preferred techniques here—transits, secondary progressions, solar arc directions, solar return charts, and more. Please check back often for new additions to this area of the site—we are adding interpretations of specific transits and progressions, as well as guidelines, tips, and "tricks".
