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Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos

Chapter 30: CHAPTER XXVII APPLICATION, SEPARATION, AND OTHER FACULTIES
By Ptolemy
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About This Book

A systematic astrological treatise that explains how the sun, moon, planets and fixed stars are understood to affect weather, geography and human affairs. It lays out technical vocabulary and procedures—signs, houses, aspects, triplicities, exaltations and terms—then applies them across four parts: foundational principles and methods; climatic and regional forecasts including eclipses and atmospheric phenomena; rules for casting nativities and interpreting birth, temperament, health and longevity; and worked examples with tables and commentary. The work emphasizes a disciplined, observational approach to linking astronomical positions with types and timings of terrestrial events.

CHAPTER XXVII
APPLICATION, SEPARATION, AND OTHER FACULTIES

In all cases when the distances between planets or luminaries are but trifling,[61] the planet which precedes is said to apply to that which follows; and that which follows to be separating from that which precedes.[62] The same rule obtains both in respect to bodily conjunction and to any other of the aspects before described; except that, in the application and separation of the bodily conjunction, it is also essential to observe the actual latitudes of the bodies, in order to receive and consider only such a transit as may be made in the same parts of the zodiac.[63] But in the application and separation of aspects merely, the same attention is not requisite, since all the rays are uniformly converged into one focus, that is to say, into the angle of the earth,[64] and meet there alike from every quarter.

It appears, therefore, by the whole of what has been already delivered, that the effective influence of the stars must be considered as arising not only from their own peculiar natures and properties, but also from the quality of the surrounding signs, and from configuration with the Sun and the angles; all which has been pointed out. The influence of each planet, however, is strengthened chiefly when it may be oriental, swift and direct in its proper course and motion—for it has then its greatest power: but, on the other hand, it loses strength when occidental and slow in motion or retrograde; as it then acts with smaller effect.[65] Its influence also receives accession or diminution, from its position with regard to the horizon; as, if it be situated in the mid-heaven, or succedent to the mid-heaven, it is especially strong; likewise, if it be on the actual horizon, or succedent to the horizon, it is also powerful—particularly if in the eastern quarter. Should it, however, be below the earth, and configurated with the ascendant, either from the lower heaven, or from any other part below the earth, its influence then becomes more languid; but if, when below the earth, it hold no such configuration, it is entirely deprived of efficacy.[66]