What’s baffles me is how an astrologer could manage without using the bounds !

The bound is an oversight principle, according to Schmidt. A planet in its own bound is extremely effective in realizing its signification. A planet so placed is — quite simply — in a Chariot. That is the quick answer, but here are some interesting tidbits about the bounds which will serve to tickle your fancy, and curb your enthusiasm towards learning to use the bounds for yourself.

Planets can form reception, and even mutual reception by being in the other’s bound, as long as they are of the same sect. Mars in Leo trine the Sun in Aries does not form an insanely powerful reception as modern astrologers might imagine; that is because the Sun and Mars are not on the same team, or sect.

A planet in the bound of the other sect will have a hard time getting by, since it is subject to the jurisdiction of a planet not freely or naturally cooperating.

When Mercury is between 17 and 20 degrees Pisces, it is in its own bound and if it is in its own sect, will function remarkably if Jupiter is in Cancer.

A planet in its own bound is in a Chariot, as stated. That means that Mercury in the above example could be conjunct the Sun and would still result in clarity of thought and superior intelligence, since The Chariot Has A Cover, which blocks out the rays. Smooth sailing!

Since Mercury is both depressed and in exile in Pisces, those 3 degrees allotted for its bound is amongst the very shortest out of all 60 of them. Only Mars in the final 2 degrees of Libra is shorter. Mars also is in Chariot in the final 3 degrees of Taurus.

It is good for the Sun, Moon and Ascendant to all be in the same bound (different signs, whatever) and to witness the ruler of that bound, especially when that ruler is in a Chariot, in sect, and on an angle. This would be a lucky chart.

The worst thing in a chart is when a planet is placed in a bound ruled by a planet of the opposite sect, while those planets are in opposition to the other. This is according to Rhetorus, I believe. And thinking about it, it makes perfect sense and I wonder why I didn’t think of it myself.

For example, this will occur when Mars is 8 degrees in Gemini, opposite to Jupiter in Sagittarius 9 degrees. Mars will Testify against Jupiter (not just witness or observe him) since the aspect is within 3 degrees. In a nocturnal chart, where Jupiter is out of sect, the prediction is that this person will lose ALL their possessions in a riot or raid and will be subject to violence and condemnation by superiors, suffering the greatest losses, being reduced to nothing. They will rash and prone to fits of fury where they lose the whole of their fortune. If it is a woman, she will be raped. Eventually they will through their own efforts recover, since Jupiter in Sagittarius isn’t without beneficence, but the pitfall will not be avoided by fate.

Without knowing the bounds, that Mars opposite Jupiter would have looked bad, in general, but knowing the bounds and the principle of oversight (along with Sect) we are able to see Who Is Controlling Whom, and essentially the final outcome, which in this case, is quite bad.

After that, the sophisticated astrologer uses — along with the bounds — the deodectamorin to gain further insight to the outcome; seeing what kind of fate is being handed to the native.

All these things being said, it is my belief that we have free will even before incarnation and elected the various experiences we deem to be unjust to happen “to us??? full on knowing the implications — in order to exercise Rational Choice. Choice is the great purpose for which we live. Choose wisely, no matter what happens. Especially, choose not to suffer, for “in forgiveness lies the stoppage of the wheel of karma.??? (- Ra, Law of One)

Like I said, I don’t know how an astrologer can get by without using bounds. It is my hope that this information serves you well and leads you unto clarity of purpose.

Much praise be to Robert Schmidt.

Blessings.