Secondary Progressions - Predictive Astrology
A symbolic forecasting technique that measures internal psychological evolution and the slow unfolding of a person's character over time, distinct from the external triggers of Transits.
"If Transits are the daily weather (sunny, rainy, stormy), Secondary Progressions are the Season (Winter, Spring, Summer). You might have a sunny day (beneficial Transit) in the middle of Winter (challenging Progression), but the underlying climate remains cold."
Understanding the Principles
Key Concepts and Cycles
The Day-for-a-Year Method
The fundamental mathematical and symbolic logic of the system. Based on the fractal relationship between the Earth's daily rotation and its annual revolution around the Sun, this method equates 24 hours of planetary motion to one year of personal growth.
The Progressed Moon
Acting as the 'minute hand' of the progressed chart, the Moon moves approximately 1 degree per month. It spends about 2.5 years in each zodiac sign, signaling the specific emotional flavor and area of focus for that period. It completes a full cycle around the chart approximately every 27-29 years, marking a major emotional maturation cycle often culminating near the Saturn Return.
The Progressed Sun
The Progressed Sun moves very slowly, roughly 1 degree per year. Consequently, it will only change signs two or three times in an average human lifespan. These sign ingresses are profound life milestones, marking a fundamental shift in the individual's core identity, vitality, and how they seek to express their ego.
Progressed Retrogrades and Stations
Because progressed motion is slow, a planet turning Retrograde or Direct in the progressed chart is a rare and significant event. A 'Station' (the point where the planet appears to stand still before turning) represents a year of intense focus on that planet's themes. A shift to Retrograde implies an internalization of energy, while a shift to Direct suggests a release of energy into the world.