Vox StellaHorary astrology is a classical technique that answers a specific question by casting a chart for the moment the question is understood by the astrologer. Unlike natal astrology—which studies lifelong themes from a birth chart—horary focuses on the present situation and provides a structured way to reach a judgment.
The Basics
Definition: A horary chart is calculated for the exact date, time, and location at which a question is received and understood.
Origins: The method developed in medieval and early-modern practice and was codified by astrologers such as William Lilly in the 17th century.
Assumption: The chart reflects the circumstances surrounding the query and the querent's state of mind at that moment.
Key working principles include traditional house rulerships, planetary dignities, reception, and aspects. These rules guide the astrologer toward a clear "yes/no," a conditional outcome, or a description of the situation.
How a Horary Reading Proceeds
Formulate the question
It should be specific and sincere (e.g., "Will I receive the offer from Company X?" or "Where is the missing document?").
Cast the chart
The chart is set for the time and place the astrologer understands the question.
Identify significators
The querent is usually represented by the 1st-house ruler; the matter asked about is assigned to the relevant house (e.g., the 7th for partners, the 10th for jobs).
Evaluate testimony
The condition of the significators (dignity, speed, retrogradation), aspects between them, reception, and the Moon's motion are weighed to reach a judgment and, where appropriate, timing.
Example: If the querent's significator applies by a strong aspect to the job's significator with mutual reception, the testimony favors an affirmative outcome. Lack of aspect or denial by dignity may point to "no" or "not yet."
When Horary Is Useful
Decisions: Offers, relocations, negotiations, purchasing or selling.
Relationships: Clarifying intentions, prospects, or next steps.
Practical matters: Locating lost items, understanding delays, assessing timing.
Horary can be effective when a quick, targeted answer is needed and waiting for longer-term transits is impractical.
Practice Standards and Ethics
Clarity first: Vague or compound questions reduce accuracy; refine to one central issue.
Considerations before judgment: Many practitioners review early chart conditions (e.g., late/early Ascendant, void-of-course Moon) to decide whether to proceed.
Scope: Horary offers symbolic guidance, not medical, legal, or financial advice.
Using an App (Without Replacing Judgment)
Accurate charts depend on precise moment and location. A horary tool can streamline time capture, house system selection, and chart storage, so the astrologer can focus on interpretation. Our horary app supports these steps and preserves charts for follow-up, while leaving the final judgment to standard traditional methods.
Summary
Horary astrology is a focused, rule-based approach to answering specific questions by reading a chart for the question's moment. With clear queries and careful method, it can provide practical insight into decisions, relationships, and everyday problems.