Astrology is a vast field that has been studied and practiced for centuries. Over the years, certain tools and techniques have been used by astrologers to interpret birth charts and make predictions about the future. One such tool is the Placidus House System, which is a popular choice among professional astrologers.
In this article, we will delve into what Placidus is in astrology and how it differs from other house systems. We will also explore the history and development of the Placidus system, the benefits and limitations of using it in astrology, and some of the controversies surrounding its use.
What Is Placidus In Astrology?
The Placidus House System is a technique used in astrology to divide the sky into twelve segments or “houses” using the position of the local horizon and the time and location of a person’s birth. Each house is associated with a specific area of life, such as career, relationships, fame, spirituality, and so on.
The Placidus system was invented by Johannes Placidus de Tito, an Italian monk and astrologer, in the 17th century. It is one of the most widely used house systems in Western astrology, along with the Equal and Koch systems.
How Does Placidus Differ From Other House Systems?
Placidus differs from other house systems in the way it calculates the size and placement of the houses. Instead of using an equal division of the sky, or dividing the birth chart into twelve 30-degree sections, the Placidus system uses the local horizon and the Meridian (the highest point in the sky at the time of birth) to determine the division of the sky.
The Placidus system takes into account the curvature of the earth and the shifting angles of the planets as they move across the sky, resulting in curved house lines and unequal house sizes. This means that the cusp of each house can fall at a different degree of the zodiac than the cusp of the adjacent house, depending on the latitude and longitude of the birth location.
This unconventional approach to house division is said to provide a more accurate representation of the angular relationship between the planets and the horizon, and thus a better understanding of the individual’s life circumstances and experiences.
Benefits and Limitations of Placidus
As with any astrological technique, there are both benefits and limitations to using the Placidus system.
One of the main advantages of Placidus is its ability to pinpoint the exact location of the planets in relation to the horizon and the Meridian. This precision can be helpful in identifying the most influential planets in a person’s chart, and understanding how they interact with each other and with the house cusps.
Another benefit of Placidus is its recognition of the importance of angles in astrology. The four angular houses – the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth – are considered the most significant in the birth chart, as they represent the most dynamic and visible areas of a person’s life.
However, one limitation of Placidus is the inconsistency of house size and cusp placement. Depending on the latitude and longitude of the birth location, some houses may be very small or large, and the cusp placement may vary significantly from the adjacent houses. This can lead to interpretation difficulties, as the meaning of a planet in one house may be quite different from its meaning in another house.
Another criticism of Placidus is the lack of a clear rationale for the way the system divides the sky. Some astrologers argue that the Placidus system is arbitrary and based on outdated concepts of astronomy, and that more modern approaches, such as the Equal or Whole Sign systems, are more accurate and easier to use.
Controversies Surrounding Placidus
The use of Placidus in astrology has sparked debate and controversy among astrologers for decades. Some practitioners swear by the system, while others reject it as outdated and inaccurate.
One common criticism of Placidus is that it is not suitable for use at extreme latitudes, such as the North and South poles, where the curvature of the earth and the position of the planets are drastically different from the rest of the world.
Another controversy surrounding Placidus is its inconsistent application in different parts of the world. Some countries, such as France and Italy, have a strong tradition of using Placidus in astrology, while others, such as the United States and England, tend to favor the Equal or Koch systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Placidus House System is a popular and widely used technique in astrology, known for its precision and attention to angles. While it has its advantages and limitations, its use remains a matter of personal choice for astrologers and their clients.
Whether you prefer Placidus or another house system, it is important to remember that astrology is a tool for self-discovery and self-awareness, and that the birth chart is just one piece of the puzzle. By combining a variety of astrological techniques and approaches, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the universe.