Whole Sign vs Placidus vs Porphyry: Which House System to Use in Astrology?
Astrology enthusiasts love to debate the merits of different house systems. One of the most heated discussions is around Whole Sign vs Placidus vs Porphyry. These three house systems are the most popular ones used in astrology, but they differ significantly in their approach to dividing the sky into 12 houses.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Whole Sign, Placidus, and Porphyry house systems. We will explain how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is best suited to your needs. So, let’s dive in.
What is Whole Sign House System?
Whole Sign is the most straightforward house system in astrology. It assumes that every sign of the zodiac takes up an equal amount of space in the sky, and the house cusp falls at the beginning of each zodiac sign. This means that the first house always starts at the sign of the Ascendant and includes the whole sign that contains it. The remaining houses follow in a counterclockwise direction.
For example, if your Ascendant is in Aries, your first house would be the whole sign of Aries, the second house would be the whole sign of Taurus, and so on. The Whole Sign system is popular amongst traditional astrologers for its simplicity and ease of use.
What is Placidus House System?
The Placidus house system is one of the most commonly used systems in astrology. It is a quadrant system that divides the sky into 12 unequal parts based on the location of the Ascendant and Midheaven. The first house begins at the Ascendant, and the remaining houses are created by dividing the sky into three unequal sections. This system makes the houses shrink or expand based on the degree of the Ascendant and Midheaven.
Placidus house system is widely used in modern astrology because it takes into account the curvature of the Earth and the timing of the birth. However, it can create discrepancies in chart interpretation, particularly when the houses are unevenly distributed over the zodiac, which commonly occurs at higher latitudes.
What is Porphyry House System?
Porphyry house system is another quadrant-based system that divides the sky into 12 unequal parts. It is similar to Placidus in how it creates houses, but there are some key differences. The Porphyry system divides the space between the Ascendant and Midheaven and projects those subdivisions onto the ecliptic.
This approach makes the house cusps appear more evenly spaced than they are with Placidus. However, it can still lead to uneven or overlapping houses near the poles.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Whole Sign, Placidus, and Porphyry House Systems
Now that we have a basic understanding of these three house systems, let’s explore their strengths and weaknesses.
Whole Sign House System Strengths:
– It is easy to use and understand.
– It works well with traditional approaches to astrology, including Hellenistic and medieval astrology.
– It offers a clear and direct interpretation of the relationship between the planets and the houses.
Whole Sign House System Weaknesses:
– It may not accurately reflect the location of planets in the sky.
– It doesn’t take into account the curvature of the Earth or the timing of the birth.
Placidus House System Strengths:
– It is widely used in modern astrology.
– It reflects the curvature of the Earth and the timing of the birth.
– It is easy to calculate with computer software.
Placidus House System Weaknesses:
– Houses may be unevenly distributed, particularly at higher latitudes, leading to differences in interpretation.
– It can create discrepancies in the placement of planets in particular houses, leading to a need for correctional measures.
Porphyry House System Strengths:
– It creates evenly spaced houses, making interpretation easier.
– It is a simple and easy-to-use quadrant system.
Porphyry House System Weaknesses:
– Houses may still be uneven or overlapping near the poles.
– It doesn’t take into account the curvature of the Earth and the timing of the birth.
Which House System to Use in Astrology?
The choice of house system ultimately comes down to personal preference and the needs of your chart interpretation. Some astrologers contend that the Whole Sign system provides a more holistic view of the chart through the sign’s placements, whereas Placidus and Porphyry focus on the angles and aspects.
In modern astrology, Placidus is the most commonly used system, as it takes into account the curvature of the Earth and the timing of the birth. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional or holistic approach to astrology, you might prefer the Whole Sign system.
It’s worth experimenting with different house systems to see which one resonates with you. If you’re not sure which one to use, you can always consult with an experienced astrologer who can guide you through the complexities of your chart.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice of house system comes down to personal preference and the needs of the chart interpretation. Whole Sign, Placidus, and Porphyry house systems each have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s worth experimenting with them to see which one works best for you. Ultimately, the most important thing is to use a house system that feels right for you and aligns with your astrological philosophy.