People ask me all the time where horary astrology came from, as if it just fell off a turnip cart or was birthed under a giant rose cabbage. Its historical depth is what initially drew me to it. And then, I had a transformative personal experience with it which may have saved my life. I'd never heard of it before, and I had been practicing natal astrology for years!
So I am not surprised that it is not mainstream knowledge. Why it isn't is likely because it does not lend itself to pithy sound bites. It's not generalizable enough to delight late-night scrollers searching for tips on their latest crush. It follows a rigorous set of interpretation rules. It requires study, knowledge of astronomical principles, and consistency in application. It's not a vibe, an intuition, or subjective. It's not grounded in Western psychology, and it would not be spouted by a Dr. Feelgood. Horary recognizes that there is suffering, servitude, darkness, and death. It is fierce like that. It's not here to hold your hand and enable. Horary is strong medicine. Ask and you will receive.
Let's take a quick look at horary's roots. Horary astrology, a branch of astrology that answers specific questions based on the time the question is posed, has captivated seekers of knowledge for centuries. With roots tracing back to antiquity, horary astrology became a significant tool in discerning fate and guiding important life decisions. Although often overshadowed in Western culture by its more popular, better-looking, and younger cousin, natal astrology, horary astrology gives insights for people strong enough to deal with them.
The Ancient Roots of Horary Astrology
Horary astrology has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with origins traced to ancient Babylonian and Greek civilizations. The Babylonians were known to create celestial maps and observe astrological phenomena to interpret events. Similarly, the Greeks, particularly the Stoic philosophers, considered astrology an art deeply intertwined with the divine order of the universe.
Notably, ancient astrologers believed that the positions of celestial bodies at the time of asking a question—sometimes referred to as the "horary moment"—held significant implications for the answer. This practice spread throughout Europe, gaining popularity in the Middle Ages when scholars combined astrology with their theological studies.
The Influence of William Lilly
Horary astrology was notably popularized in the 17th century by William Lilly, an English astrologer who authored the groundbreaking book, Christian Astrology, in the year 1647. Lilly's work is often regarded as the foundational text for horary astrology, and it served as a guide for future astrologers seeking practical answers to pressing questions. This is the foundational text for all Western horary astrologers - and it is one that I read and reread annually to keep the saw sharp.
In Christian Astrology, Lilly detailed methods for interpreting charts and provided examples of how horary astrology could be applied to various situations, from mundane queries about lost items to complex issues in relationships.
How Horary Astrology Works
Horary astrology operates on the principle that the cosmos reflects our individual experiences. It does not dictate them. It does not control them. Free will is real. So are the vast containers of interpretation that each planet contains. It shows where the energies and potentialities are pointing at the moment. But, as we all know, things change dynamically and sometimes very quickly. The future is not set - we create it every day, individually and through community.
When posing a question, the astrologer casts a chart for the exact moment the question is articulated in a way that the astrology understands. This may involve some back and forth with the client. It's not something best accomplished in the dark. What is?
This chart is then analyzed to glean insights into the query's context and possible outcomes.
For instance, if a woman wishes to inquire about the success of a new relationship, the astrologer would create a chart for the moment she asks the question. The positions of planets, houses, and aspects within the chart would provide crucial information about compatibility, potential challenges, and even the timing of significant events.
Applications of Horary Astrology
The beauty of horary astrology lies in its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of life questions, making it an invaluable tool for people navigating various phases of life. Here are some common applications:
Relationships
Relationships, whether romantic, business, or familial, are probably the number one source of questions for which clients come to me - and in many ways, they are the hardest because they involve other people who have their own paths, agendas, and evolutionary trajectories. That is not to say that horary won't work - but it is important to remember that relationships directly involve the free will of others. Another caveat when it comes to relationship questions - the answers are often not pleasing to the questioner. If they were, the questioner wouldn't be asking to begin with. People typically don't seek astrological consultation when things are swimming right along.
Here is a sampling of the relationship questions I received and answered in 2024:
Will this woman be my wife?
Is my boyfriend having an affair?
Is my father cheating on my mother?
Will this relationship work out?
Should I go into business with this person?
Career Prospects
Searching for a new job or contemplating a career change can be daunting. Horary astrology can help determine the best timing for job applications or offer insights regarding opportunities. For instance, if someone is offered two positions, a horary chart can help clarify which is the more favorable option. I absolutely love career-based questions because they are incredibly important to the questioner, but not quite as painfully loaded.
Family Planning
Planning for a family is a significant decision in many people's lives. Horary astrology can provide insights into fertility issues, the timing of conception, or even the potential for family harmony. This aspect highlights the deeply personal connections many women have with astrology. These questions often break my heart since they hit very close to home for me. I am always deeply honored to be a small part of helping others navigate these waters. They are deep.
Travel and Relocation
These types of questions are so much fun! Someone might wonder whether a particular trip will be successful or if it's wise to relocate to a new city. The horary chart can help illuminate any potential obstacles or favorable conditions related to her travel. Some questions in this vein that I received and answered in 2024:
Should I go to the Bahamas with my family?
Should I relocate to Chicago?
When should I plan my trip to Poland?
Should I seek dual-citizenship?
When will my visa arrive?
The Resurgence of Horary Astrology Today
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in horary astrology, with schools, programs, and incredible teachers to light the path. I personally studied with Deb Houlding, Wade Caves, and Lee Lehman, among others. Chris Brennan and Adam Elenbass, Nightlight Astrology, have been ongoing sources of knowledge and insight as well. I am deeply grateful to both of those people for their commitments to share their knowledge so deeply and freely. Kepler College offers courses, and I took a great one with them a few years ago.
Final Thoughts
2025 promises to be a whizbang year - likely a watershed year for many. Life will look different after 2025 than it did before. This is exciting in many ways - the wheel of life is always turning.
I will be here to help those seekers who want help through horary. I look at each chart as a divine mandala, and I do so with compassion because I, too, know that life is filled with shadow as well as light; with death as well as birth; with suffering as well as resurrection.
Into the light.
Angela