Primary directions and the speculum
Calculate the directions of the placidus semicircles.
Screenshots show the Ukrainian app interface. The English guide describes the same controls.
What it is and why it matters
Primary directions associate the days of the sky sphere movement with the age of the chosen key. speculum shows intermediate coordinates and semicircles to see the basis of this particular method.
When to use it
- When your practice uses primary directions.
- When you need to check why the age or date of the contact’s directions has changed.
Terms explained
- Direction
- A forecasting technique that moves chart points by a calculated arc. The selected method determines how the arc is calculated.
- Significator
- A point or planet assigned to represent a person, topic or object in a particular astrological technique.
- Promissor
- In primary directions, the point whose motion toward a significator or its aspect position is examined. Promissor and significator play different roles in the calculation.
- Asc and MC
- The Ascendant (Asc) is associated with the intersection of the ecliptic and the eastern horizon. The Midheaven (MC) is associated with the upper part of the local meridian. Both depend on time and location.
Where to find it
Table → “Primary directions”.
How to use it
- See "speculum" for coordinates, semicircular and mundial positions of points.
- Choose a Mundan or Zodiac method and consider the promissor latitude.
- Enter the key, straight/conversion direction and limit age.
- In the table directions filter out the significator and read the arc, age and date of each aspect.
Settings and options
Select an option to learn how it works and when to use it. The label beside its name shows whether it affects calculations, chart appearance or data.
Speculum / DirectionsAppearance
speculum shows the output geometry of points; directions - found arches and dates for the chosen key.
- What changes
- Switches the table. L is longitude, Lat is latitude, D is declination, RA is right ascension, AD is ascensional difference, MD is meridian distance, SA is semi-arc and PMP is mundane position.
- When to use it
- In case of discrepancies, first wrap the speculum, then the key to convert the bow into age.
Method: Mundane (Placidus) / ZodiacalCalculation
The method of determining the mutual position of promissor and significator in the primary movement.
- What changes
- Mundan uses positions in days in semicircles; Zodiac - corresponding zodiac points. Contacts lists may vary.
- When to use it
- Choose the source method; these primary directions differ from a simple 1° shift in the forecast circle.
Promissor latitude: Without latitude / With latitudeCalculation
Consider the deviation of promissor from ecliptic in the zodiac method.
- What changes
- "Without latitude" takes its projection on the ecliptic; "With latitude" takes into account the latitude. The field is shown only for the zodiac method.
- When to use it
- For accurate playback, specify this mode in the settings; do not confuse it with the latitude of birth.
KeyCalculation
Converts the direction of the arc to a symbolic age and calendar date.
- What changes
- Ptolemy — 1° per year; Najboda — 0°59′08′′ per year; Kepler — by days movement Sun; true solar arc — variable solar conversion.
- When to use it
- The same arc can give different dates for different keys. Trust them to assess the accuracy of the method.
Direction: Direct and converse / Direct / ConverseCalculation
What direction of the primary arc to include to the result.
- What changes
- “Both” combines options; individual items select only one. The mark “k” indicates the conversion directions.
- When to use it
- For a separate analysis of directions; do not treat the mark as the planet’s retrograde.
Up to ageCalculation
Upper age limit for showing directions.
- What changes
- Less value narrows the list; does not move the date of birth.
- When to use it
- For a specific life period or reduction of the volume of results.
Significator: All / selected pointAppearance
The point of reference to which the promissor movement is considered.
- What changes
- Select the appropriate rows. “All” returns the full available list.
- When to use it
- To analyze a specific topic; for an empty table, check this filter and age limit.
The result
The table will show directions aspects within the selected age range.
Worked example
This is a teaching example; results for your chart may differ.
- Situation
- For the same arc, two keys give different dates.
- What to do
- Leave the method and points unchanged and only switch the key.
- How to read the result
- You will see the effect of how you turn the bow into age, not the change of the bow itself.
For professional practice
speculum, the choice of the Mondana or Zodiac method, the promissor and direction latitudes allow to clearly describe the calculation.
What to check for a precise comparison
The accuracy of the birth time here is especially important. Match the method, key and consideration of latitude; this is not a table of solar arc.
Keep in mind
Key turns the bow into age: different keys can give different dates for the same bow.
Independent points are marked separately; conditions at high latitudes limit the applicability of the method.