Sun, Moon, Ascendant and M.C. Thus the p.a. of Venus in 19°, Aries to the Sun in 5° Aries
falls upon 21° Pisces where its influence would be felt when a New Moon falls thereon, or
the directional Moon or transit of any planet. Each planet has a p.a. to the Ascendant and M.
C., making 9 points; also 8 points each for the Sun and Moon, a total of 34. When the
influence of the planet is thus brought out it supposedly brings into activity the affairs of the
House in which the arc falls. It is an extension of the theory of Converse Directions.
Prorogator. A term used by Ptolemy in connection with a method of direction, effected by
proportion of horary times - semi-arcs. One must distinguish between the Prorogator, the
body directed and the Prorogation or method by which it is directed. The Prorogator is the
Apheta or Life Giver, in contrast to the Anareta. By day and in aphetical places, the Sun holds
the position of Prorogator; by night the Moon. (v. "Hyleg.")
Psychography. In occult terminology it signifies automatic writing in which the hand
supposedly transcribes supernal concepts without mental direction.
Psychometry. (1) The art of measuring the duration of mental processes; of establishing the
time relations between mental phenomena. (2) As employed by occultists it applies to an
adept's supposed ability to weigh or determine psychically the qualities of inanimate objects -
such as metals, textiles, antiques or potentially active chemicals. It is explained as the reading
of the "memory" of innate powers of material things.
Psychophobia. Fear of the unseen. Literally a horror of destiny. A psychosomatic
manifestation, often of astrological genesis.
Ptolemaic Astrology. A correct appraisal of Ptolemy's work might well begin, not with what
he knew but with what he did not know. From a careful study of the Tetrabiblos, one must
classify his work under three headings: (1) A valid philosophy that treats in theoretical terms
of the plausible value of astrology and the benefits it would confer if properly assayed and
applied. (2) A compilation of knowledge from "ancient" sources, for which he erected a
consistent framework of practice: an excellent piece of editorial work in any day. (3) An
attempted scientific explanation of how and why it works in terms of what was then known of
astronomy and physics.
In the first classification his work is superb. He shows the importance of giving consideration
to education and environment as modifying factors in delineation; of continued study to
establish the actual factors upon which judgment should be based; and the damage done to all