Progressions and Directions: The Inner Clock of Life
If Transits are the external weather, Progressions are the internal seasons. A sophisticated clock of destiny telling when your soul grows and when it blooms.
Introduction: "Why Did I Change?"
The job I loved until yesterday suddenly becomes hateful, and a lifelong bachelor suddenly decides to marry. The external situation hasn't changed, but my mind has. In astrology, Transits show external events (Where & What), but Progressions show internal changes (Why & How). If Transits are the 'weather' (rain), Progressions are the 'inner season' deciding whether I want to use an umbrella or feel the rain.
Core Concept: A Day for A Year
Like the biblical verse "A day for a year" (Numbers 14:34), astrology sees micro-time and macro-time connected like fractals.
1. Secondary Progression
- Principle: Converts one day of celestial movement after birth into one year of life.
- Meaning: Biological and psychological maturity. Evolution of the soul.
- Example: The Moon's position 30 days after birth shows my emotional state at age 30.
2. Solar Arc Direction
- Principle: Since the Sun moves about 1 degree per day, advance all planets 1 degree per year.
- Meaning: Occurrence of concrete and decisive events.
- Example: If my Sun moves 30 degrees (age 30) and meets born Jupiter, great success or expansion occurs that year.
Detailed Analysis: The 27-Year Cycle of Progressed Moon
The most important is the Progressed Moon. Moving about 13 degrees a day, it takes about 27-28 years to circle the 12 signs in the progressed chart. This is similar to the Saturn Return (29.5 years), forming a massive life cycle.
- P-Moon enters Aries: New beginning, impulsive challenge, rising confidence. (Lasts ~2.5 years)
- P-Moon enters Taurus: Desire for stability, accumulating wealth, seeking comfort.
- P-Moon enters Scorpio: Emotional upheaval, deep reflection, healing and regeneration.
If you feel "My mood has changed lately," it is highly likely your Progressed Moon has changed signs.
Deep Dive: When the Inner Sun Changes Signs
The Progressed Sun moves 1 degree per year, so it takes 30 years to pass one sign (30 degrees). It's a huge change happening only 2-3 times in a life.
- Case: Someone born with Leo Sun enters Virgo around age 30.
- Change: The flamboyant youth seeking attention (Leo) suddenly turns into a pragmatic, analytical, serving adult (Virgo).
- This is a change at the level of personality overhaul. "People don't change" is wrong. When the Progressed Sun changes, people change.
Practical Application: The Art of Timing
Combination of Transits and Progressions
Transits trigger events, Progressions approve them.
- Even if Transit Jupiter (Luck) comes, if Progression isn't ready, you pass it by saying "Nice opportunity."
- Even if Transit Saturn (Ordeal) comes, if Progression is strong, you endure saying "This is nothing."
Timing of Marriage
- When Progressed Venus hits your Sun or Ascendant.
- When Solar Arc Venus touches key points in the chart.
- During this time, you are "ready to fall in love," so you are attracted like fate to someone you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Conclusion: What Time is Your Clock?
Don't be anxious even if others rush you saying you're late. Your Progressed Clock is waiting for the precise time. Do not try to bloom flowers in Winter (P-Moon in Capricorn). It is time to take root. When Spring (P-Moon in Aries) comes, flowers bloom even if you try to stop them.
Knowing Progressions is learning the "Wisdom of Waiting". There is a season for everything.
References:
- Robert Hand, Planets in Transit
- Marion D. March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to Learn About Tomorrow
- Noel Tyl, Solar Arcs