Astronomy for Astrologers
The Ecliptic Sphere
Be sure to gain a sense of what a system of coordinates
is and how such a system is defined. All coordinate
systems will have a center, a plane of reference (i.e. a
North and South Pole), and a point along the plane from
which to measure the longitude factor. The latitude
factor is measured above and below the reference
plane.
There are many useful coordinate systems in
astrological work besides the zodiac, or ecliptic, one.
The two other outstanding systems that must be
understood, for competent astrological considerations,
are the Equatorial System of right ascension and
declination and the Horizon System of azimuth and
altitude. Yet other systems include the Galactic System,
Super Galactic System and the Local System (the
system of near stars, of which our Sun is one member);
all this, in addition to the various orbital planes of