To direct the Ascendant to an aspect with a promittor first bring the longitude of the point of
aspect to the horizon. This can bc done roughly from the Table of Houses for the latitude of
birth. Observe that the passage of the Midheaven is uniform while that of the Ascendant is
irregular.
Take the Ascendant degree, find the related Midheaven, then find the degree of the point of
aspect and its related Midheaven; whence deduct the difference in time at the rate of 1° per
year. That these calculations involve the use of so uncertain a factor as the exact moment of
birth is a perpetual hindrance.
For that reason resort has been made to easier methods. The method most generally employed
is that on which is based a system of so-called Secondary Progressions (q.v.) (v. Directions).
Prime Vertical. The vertical circle that lies at right angles to the meridian, and passes
through the East point, Zenith, West point and Nadir of any place.
Primum Mobile. The first mover, the outermost, or tenth sphere of the ancients, which in its
daily motion carried all of the fixed stars. It is purely a Ptolemaic concept, exploded in theory
by the Copernican concept of a solar system revolving about the Sun instead of the Earth.
From the standpoint of Astrology, which deals with the effect of those apparent motions
around the Earth by virtue of the Earth's own motion, the concept is as valid today as it was in
Ptolemy's time.
Principal Places. The five places in which the luminaries are said to have the most beneficial
effects in a Nativity; the hylegiacal places: the 1st, 11th, 10th, 9th and 7th Houses. v. Hyleg.
Process. v. Progression.
Profections. A term used by Ptolemy to indicate the successional rising of the Signs, hence
of the Sun and other Significators, at the rate of one Sign per year, or 2°30' per month. First
study the rules for determining the Hyleg, or hylegiacal degree. With that located advance it
30° for each year. Bearing in mind that the year from your third to your fourth birthday is
your fourth year, proceed as follows: Assume a Protectional Figure for the year beginning on
your 27th birthday with the Hyleg at Pisces 15°. 28 Signs minus 24 - two circles - equals 4