What is heliocentric astrology? To put it simply: it is an astrology which uses a map (the astrological chart) in much the same way as traditional (geocentric) astrology. This map contains the positions of the planets within the reference frame of the twelve signs of the zodiac.

The difference with traditional astrology lies in the map's viewpoint: heliocentric derives from the greek word helios, which means sun, so the heliocentric map has the Sun instead of the Earth at the centre.

"But we don't live on the Sun!"... This is the first common objection to the idea of a Sun centred astrology.

The second objection is related to the 'loss' of the Sun in the chart and its symbolical meanings.  There is also the question about the meaning of the Earth, since the Earth appears in the chart instead of the Sun.

A third objection is related to the inevitable loss of certain points of reference which we are so accustomed to in astrology that it makes us dizzy at first. These points of reference are of course the angles of the geocentric chart: the ascendant and the midheaven, with their counterparts the descendant and the imum coeli.

Giving up these points appears also to imply the loss of the 'house wheel', which gives so much meaning to any chart interpretation and forecasting.

Let's attempt to address each of these issues one at a time.

The horrified exclamation "we don't live on the Sun" usually implies something more profound than the self-evident factual statement. What astrologers really mean by this is that the planets (including the Sun) have an influence on us due to their position in the sky as seen from Earth.

However, if we take a broader look at the matter, we soon realize that changing a perspective does not change the real position of the planets, just as taking a photograph of an apple from one angle instead of another does not change the essence of the apple.

The change of perspective however does change the chart in many ways. Not only does the Earth appear instead of the Sun, the whole structure changes significantly with different angles forming between planets and often even totally different sign placements, especially in the case of Mercury and Venus.

Here we come to the core of the matter. What does the heliocentric chart, with all its differences compared to the geocentric one, actually mean and why should we use it? Answering this question is addressing the objection about the loss of the Sun in the chart.

In astrology, the Sun ultimately signifies the spirit. In traditional, geocentric charts, this spirit is qualified by sign placement, house placement and aspects. The philosophy behind heliocentric astrology is that the Spirit is undivided and cannot be reduced by the above mentioned qualifications. The Sun as Spirit is. The Sun as Life is. There can be no more qualifiers to the very essence of being.

What qualifies the particular existence of the individual is the structure of the Sun centred chart, where each planet signifies particular levels of existence.

The most evident level of existence is the material level, represented by the planet Earth. With a traditional, geocentric chart, the viewer (astrologer) identifies with the physical environment of the individual concerned. The astrologer will see, through the chart, the planets including the Sun-Spirit. With the heliocentric chart, the astrologer becomes one with the essential Spirit of the individual and, through the Spirit-Sun's perspective, will be viewing the various planes of existence of the individual, including the material, bodily environment represented by the Earth.

The third issue traditional astrologers have with heliocentric charts is the lack of cardinal directions: there is no east or west, no north or south. So where should we be looking when using a heliocentric chart?

The answer to this is easy and difficult at the same time: as there is no special focal point (such as the ascendant we find in geocentric charts), the astrologer is obliged to take an holistic view of the chart, which is the ultimate goal for an astrologer anyway. The lack of points of reference, initially very difficult, turns around as a great benefit in chart interpretation.

Apparently gone with the horizon and cardinal directions is also the wheel of houses, which begins with the ascendant in geocentric astrology. However, nothing is further  from the truth, as it is absolutely possible to use houses in heliocentric astrology. For more on this, please see Aspects and Houses in the Astrology section.

Given this different perspective, heliocentric astrology is a very exciting new field to explore. Delineations and forecasting are very compelling, so much so that once you really get into heliocentric astrology you simply cannot leave it.

Back to Home