testimony of importance, for which reason the heliocentric longitudes 2nd latitudes of the
planets are to be found in some ephemerides. In reducing heliocentric positions to geocentric
terms, a mean orbit is employed wherein the planets are presumed to move in a circle at a
uniform rate. This is corrected by an equation to centre, based upon the eccentricity of the
orbit - its departure from a true circle. Having determined the true position in the orbit, a
further equation, improperly called parallax, is employed to reduce the position to its
geocentric longitude.
Heliocentric Astrology. One wherein the astrological interpretations are based upon a Figure
in which the solar system bodies are located according to their heliocentric longitudes. It is
more or less experimental and used by but few astrologers.
Heliocentric Longitude and Latitude. That based on the Sun as a center. The Nautical
Almanac gives the Heliocentric positions of all celestial bodies. The Astrologer's Ephemeris
is now made from the Nautical Almanac by reducing these positions to their Geocentric
equivalents.
Helios. The Greek Sun God, who went home every evening at sunset in a winged boat made
of gold.
Hemisphere. The half-circle: either that East or West of the meridian, or that North or South
of the Equator.
Hermaphrodite. Compounded of both sexes. Derived from the names of the god Hermes or
Mercury, and the goddess Aphrodite, or Venus. The combination of the two influences, Art
and Science, in the mind of man constitutes the true human, in whom the emotional and
rational powers are presumed to be in perfect balance. Astrology under this appellation
speaks of a higher order of intellect, combining masculine and feminine qualities or
propensities, yet with no inference of bisexual functioning. The term is sometimes applied to
Mercury, because of its dual and changeable nature.
Hermes. (1) An olympian god, son of Zeus and Maia, identified by the Romans with
Mercury: messenger of the gods; giver of increase to herds; guardian of roads and commerce;
the god of science, inven- tion, eloquence, cunning, trickery, theft, and luck in discovering
treasure. of course, in creating the god they endowed him with the astrological attributes of
the planet, of whose influences he became the personification. (2) Hermes Trismegistus,
identified with the Egyptian god Thoth, was the fabled author of Neo-Platonic, judaic,