Created by Hungarian astrologer László Wladimir Orosz, the theory of Synoptical Astrology considers the Sidereal and Tropical Zodiacs simultaneously with the Zodiacal Constellations. It is the type of thing we are really interested in here at Maps For Moments.
The Tropical frame represents the personal life path, the destined road and emphasizes the most somatic, psychic and psychosomatic elements of the nativities – in analogy with the physical body. The Constellation and Sidereal frames give information on the spiritual relations and reveal the post mortem conditions – in analogy with the subtle body.
What Does a Synoptical Astrology Chart Look Like?
Synoptical Astrology uses its own astrology chart. The Tropical signs can be seen inside of the cartwheel, the Sidereal Zodiac can be seen in the middle and the Zodiacal Constellations are in the outer zone. As the constellations aren't equal, the Synoptical Astrology chart divides the sectors uniquely. Dynamic degrees are used to measure these unequal sectors.
Each sector is opened by the first ‘fixed' star that traditionally belongs to the given constellation. The sector is then closed by the first ‘marker' star of the next constellation. The sectors are dived into northern and southern regions by the ecliptic plane; for instance, Aquarius - Pisces or Aries - Taurus. This means that a planet with northern ecliptic latitude enters the consolation of Taurus before one with southern latitude.
In terms of the astrological aspects, Synoptical Astrology also looks at the arithmological characteristics of the integer which divides the 360-degree circle.
Constellation Sectors
Below, we explore the constellation sectors of Synoptical Astrology and list the first marker star and the Tropical frame.
-
Capricorn
First Marker Star: Algiedi
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 303.76° - Aqr 3.76°
-
Aquarius
First Marker Star: Albali
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 311.71° - Aqr 11.71° (N. Lat.)
-
Pisces
First Marker Star: Fum Alsamakah
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 348.58° - Psc 18.58° (N. Lat.)
-
Aries
First Marker Star: Mesarthim
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 33.18° - Tau 3.18°
-
Taurus
First Marker Star: o Tau
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 51.16° - Tau 21.16° (S. Lat.)
-
Gemini
First Marker Star: Propus
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 93.44° - Cnc 3.44°
-
Cancer
First Marker Star: Tegmen
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 121.34° - Leo 1.34°
-
Leo
First Marker Star: Alminliar
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 135.30° - Leo 15.30°
-
Virgo
First Marker Star: Zavijava
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 177.16° - Vir 27.16°
-
Libra
First Marker Star: Zuben Elgenubi
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 225.08° - Sco 15.08°
-
Scorpio
First Marker Star: Dschubba
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 242.56° - Sgr 2.56°
-
Sagittarius
First Marker Star: Alnasl
Tropical frame (J2000.0): 271.25° - Cap 1.25°
What Does Synoptical Astrology Consider?
Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs
Tropical and sidereal are two systems of ecliptic coordinates used in astrology. Both systems split the ecliptic into several "signs" named after constellations; however, the sidereal system bases these signs on the fixed stars, while the tropical system bases them on the position of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere.
The precession of the equinoxes means that the systems do not remain in a fixed position; instead, they move apart by roughly 1.4 arc degrees per century. The Tropical system became prevalent during the Hellenistic period and remains popular in Western astrology. The Sidereal system is now used in Hindu astrology and some systems of Western astrology.
Tropical Astrology deals with the orientation of the Earth relative to the Sun and planets. Sidereal Astrology, on the other hand, is based on the position of Earth relative to both of these in addition to the stars of the celestial sphere.
The Zodiacal Constellations
The Zodiacal Constellations are the constellations along the plane of the ecliptic or the apparent path of the Sun. The ecliptic is defined by the path of the Sun across the sky as it's seen from Earth. Essentially, the Sun will pass through the Zodiacal Constellations over the course of a year.
Years ago, the path of the Sun through the zodiac was used to determine the time of year. Most of the planets in the solar system have orbits that take them within 8 degrees of the ecliptic plane.
12 zodiac constellations can be seen along the ecliptic. These are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, and Pisces. At some point in the year, the Sun also passes through Cetus and Ophiuchus; however, these constellations are not part of the zodiac. Instead, they belong to the Perseus and Hercules families.
The northern zodiac constellations are located in the eastern celestial hemisphere. These are Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo. The southern zodiac constellations are found in the western celestial hemisphere. These are Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, and Aquarius.
What is the Zodiac?
The zodiac is an area of the sky that extends roughly 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic. The paths of the Sun, Moon and visible planets are within the area of the zodiac.
In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve different signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. In Synoptical Astrology, these sectors aren't even in size. These signs form an ecliptic coordinate system that takes the ecliptic as the origin of latitude and the position of the Sun at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude.
The word zodiac derives from the Greek word zōidiakos, which means "circle of animals". Seven of the zodiacal constellations represent animals, as they did in Roman and Greek times. These are Aries (the Ram), Taurus (the Bull), Cancer (the Crab), Leo (the Lion), Scorpius (the Scorpion), Capricornus (the Goat), and Pisces (the Fish).
In Summary
While Synoptical Astrology may seem confusing, it's actually pretty straightforward. Essentially, it's just a branch of astrology that considers the Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs simultaneously with the Zodiacal Constellations. The Synoptical Astrology chart shows all three aspects. The Tropical signs appear inside the wheel, the Sidereal Zodiac can be seen in the middle and the real zodiacal constellations are on the outside. Once you've got to grips with the basics, you can use the Synoptical Astrology chart to read your horoscope.