Thank you all for your comments. Carol, that was very kind of you to summarize Lehman's recording on the subject. I have been thinking of buying the CD to learn more. Was there ever an outcome to the woman's question on the physical fitness program?

Someone brought up "at the bending" on another site recently, regarding natal charts (I have it in natal with my ASC ruler) and it made me curious about its applications in horary. If I learn more about this down the road, I will add to this post.

Tanit wrote:Thank you all for your comments. Carol, that was very kind of you to summarize Lehman's recording on the subject. I have been thinking of buying the CD to learn more. Was there ever an outcome to the woman's question on the physical fitness program?

Hi Tanit,

No, there wasn't a specific outcome given to that question. However, there was this added bit of information on that chart during the discussion:

Someone in the audience wondered if Moon being in the 7th might mean there was someone specifically whom the woman was angry at and might want to get back at, and Lee just laughed and confirmed that yes, "you do have to wonder about that," and then went on to say that male-female spars can be "very interesting" in this kind of martial art, and guys usually take the worst end of it 'cause they tend to pull back and be excessively gentle, and the woman is in there "wailing away."

And at this point Lee just said she was glad the woman wasn't local to her, which leads me to believe she anticipated the woman would do it anyway, and she was glad that whatever happened wouldn't happen in her circle (Tai kwan do is one of Lee's great passions.).

So apparently with Moon in the 7th, not only did it suggest the woman might have a specific person in mind to get back at, but that that person was likely a guy.

Hello Tanit and skyscript members,

First, let us discuss the terms nodes and bends (or bendings):

As I mentioned elsewhere (and to the common knowledge of all astrologers), the nodes are simply intersections of two lines or (in our case) two circles. Using this definition the luminaries and the planets all have their own pair of nodes (one north where the planet or luminary goes ?northward? or up and another South, where the planet or luminary is going ?southward? or down). The nodes of Moon and the planets are benchmarked against the path of the Sun (the great circle of the ecliptic) for he sets the standard for the rest of the planets. The nodes of the Sun himself cannot be benchmarked on himself (it would make Sun always on the nodes which will be infinite in number!). So, the Sun is benchmarked against the celestial equator which gives rise to the seasons.

The Sun?s path (the great circle of the ecliptic) intersects the celestial equator at two points i.e. the equinoctial points Aries and Libra which sets the beginning of spring and autumn/fall respectively. The north node of the Sun is at 0 Aries from which the sun then increases in declination (hence, 0 Aries = North Node of the Sun) until it reaches its highest declination at 0 Cancer which is one of the two solstitial points. The sun then ?turns? or ?bends? or ?makes a bending? so that it can return to the celestial equator which results in its declination to decrease until it reaches the other equinoctial point i.e. 0 Libra. Its declination continues to decrease after passing the Libra point (hence, 0 Libra = South Node of the Sun) until it reaches its lowest declination at 0 Capricorn which is the other solstitial point. The sun then ?turns? or ?bends? or ?makes a bending? so that it can return to the celestial equator which results in its declination to increase until it reaches the equinoctial point of Aries again.

These 4 points mark the beginning of what is known as cardinal or moveable signs. So, when a planet is in one of these moveable signs, it will be active and is making a change (for the seasons change too!). Observe that all four signs are ?moving? (moveable) but only two out of the four are ?moving? and ?turning? i.e. Cancer and Capricorn. So, when a planet is in Aries or Libra, they ?change? but they change in the same direction whereas when a planet is in Cancer or Capricorn, they change in different (or even opposite) direction. In fact, these two signs (Cancer and Capricorn) are known as ?turning? signs by some medieval astrologers. It is befitting to have Cancer and Capricorn ruling the ascendant and descendant of the Thema Mundi (hypothetical chart of the World) because the ascendant-descendant of Thema Mundi represents the major turning points of world histories. So, when Sun is ?on the Node?, it is either on Aries or Libra point (it is on the celestial equator) and when it is at the bends (or at the bendings), it is at its maximum distance from the celestial equator (highest or lowest declination). These 4 points are so important that they are the benchmarks of so many concepts in astrology e.g. moveable, fixed and common signs, northern vs. southern signs, long vs. short signs, equal rising and equal power signs, why we use Aries ingress in mundane astrology, etc. We would think that these 4 points are going to be very important points for the sun and indeed they are. Aries = exaltation of Sun, Libra = fall of sun (and it is the beginning of fall season!), Cancer being the highest point of the Sun, which is why Sun rules Cancer (yes, Sun rules both Cancer and Leo in Persian astrology, only then the Sun takes Leo as his domicile palace...).

By analogy, the moon and the rest of the planets also have their own nodes and bendings but they are benchmarked against the ecliptic great circle (not the celestial equator). Hence, when moon or a planet is on its node (Northern or Southern), it is on the ecliptic (it has zero celestial latitude). When moon or a planet is at its bends, it has maximum distance above or below the ecliptic (it has maximum celestial latitude). However, it has been the practice of astrologers to chart lunar nodes only. So, when astrologers like Abu Ma?shar says something like ?when a planet is on the northern node?, he is probably not referring to a planet conjoining lunar north node, he is probably referring to a planet conjoining the planet?s own north node (planet is at zero celestial latitude i.e. on the ecliptic AND about to go ?up? or is going to have its latitude increased). Similarly, when a planet is said to be at the bends, it probably means that the planet is at its maximum celestial latitude (on its own bends and not on the lunar bends). I know that a few astrologers seem to take ?on the bends? to mean on the lunar bends but I don?t think this should be what was intended UNLESS the text says so explicitly (like when a planet is on the lunar north/south node or when planet conjoins or conjuncts Rahu/Ketu). When we say that a planet is slow, we refer to the motion of the planet itself i.e. planet is moving slower than its own average speed. Similarly, we should use planet?s own nodes when talking about ?at the bends?.


Let?s see what Ptolemy says:
There are two places where Ptolemy seems to mention the bend/bends/bendings i.e. in Book III, in the Chapter that discusses Injuries and Diseases and in the same book, in the following chapter that discusses Quality of the Soul (or Mind depending on which translation you look to!).

Robbin?s Translations:
Tetrabiblos, Book III, Chapter 12: Of Bodily Injuries and Diseases:

Again, if the luminaries, together or in opposition, move toward the maleficent planets upon the angles, or if the maleficent planets move toward the luminaries, particularly when the moon is at the nodes or her bendings, or in the injurious signs such as Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, or Capricorn, there come about deformations of the body such as hunchback, crookedness, lameness, or paralysis, congenital if the maleficent planets are joined with the luminaries,...

Tetrabiblos, Book III, Chapter 13: Quality of the Soul:

While the foregoing is true as stated, nevertheless the condition of the moon itself also makes a certain contribution. For when the moon happens to be at the bendings of its northern and southern limits, it helps; with respect to the character of the soul, in the direction of greater versatility, resourcefulness, and capacity for change; at the nodes, in the direction of greater keenness, activity, and excitability; again, at rising and in the increases of its illumination, towards greater natural endowments, renown, firmness, and frankness; and in the waning of its illumination, or its occultations, towards greater sluggishness and dullness, less fixity of purpose, greater cautiousness, and less renown.

Ashmand?s translations:
Tetrabiblos, Book III, Chapter XVII. The Hurts, Injuries, and Diseases of the Body:

Further, should the malefics be in angles, and the luminaries, either together or in opposition, be brought up to them; or, if the malefics be brought up to the luminaries, especially when the Moon may be in her nodes, or in her bend, or in obnoxious signs, such as Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, and Capricorn, the body will then be afflicted with excrescences, distortions, lameness or paralysis.

Tetrabiblos, Book III, Chapter XVIII. The Quality of the Mind

To these influences and their effects, as above detailed, the Moon also contributes: for, should she be in the bends of her southern or northern boundary, she will render the properties of the mind more various, more versatile in art, and more susceptible of change: if she be in her nodes, she will make them more acute, more practical, and more active. Also, when in the ascendant, and during the increase of her illumination, she augments their ingenuity, perspicuity, firmness and expansion; but, when found in her decrease, or in occultation, she renders them more heavy, more obtuse, more variable of purpose, more timid, and more obscure.

Observe that Ptolemy explicitly mentions Moon and her nodes and bendings! This is logical because when speaking about at the nodes or bendings, he is referring to Moon being at her own nodes or bendings. If we were to extrapolate this concept, we should use planet at its own nodes or bendings and not planet at the moon?s nodes or bendings! Moon represents the physical body and the mind. When delineating Moon as body, Ptolemy doesn?t seem to distinguish the nodes and the bendings. Native will suffer some form of illness when malefics afflict luminaries esp. when moon is at her nodes or bendings. When delineating moon as mind, Ptolemy differentiates the delineations for when moon is at her bendings or her nodes.

Does this mean that a planet (or even sun) conjoining lunar North/South Node has no meaning? NO! We have to exercise caution when reading these ancient texts and extrapolating the concept to other planets and/or topics.


Ibnu Ezra gives simple delineation for when a planet is the ruler of the chart and on the ecliptic (i.e. on its own node!) and when it has latitude (above or below the ecliptic) and when it has positive or negative latitude (see his ?The Book of Nativities and Revolutions?).


OK ? to the delineations (my suggestions according to my reasoning and experience):

Planet on its own node: straddling between two seemingly different states but on one continuum (planet is about to change from north to south or vice versa but is not turning). Smooth and proper change. Why proper? Because when a planet is on its own node, it is also by definition, on the ecliptic (which is ?Greek? and proper). Hence, it imitates the Sun. The planet will function in a more proper ?Sun? way.

Planet at its own bends: abrupt change (planet is changing direction or making a turning at the bendings). Can even mean improper change. Why improper? Because when a planet is at its own bendings, it is also by definition, most distance from the ecliptic (which is most ?unGreek? or barbaric i.e. the planet doesn?t want to follow the King e.g. anarchy). Stressful change; maybe even unexpected. You may have to repeat something or do it in a totally different approach (unlike retrograde which is a reversal in attitude or change of mind).
A planet approaching its own maximum bendings: things are reaching its peak, leaving maximum bendings: things are cooling down. A planet approaching its own minimum bendings: things are reaching its bottom, leaving minimum bendings: things are recovering.

Planets at the Sun?s Nodes or bendings: This is easy because the Sun?s Nodes and bendings coincide with our tropical zodiac because the beginning of the tropical zodiac happens to be one of the nodes (Aries point). Whenever a planet is at, say the maximum bending of the Sun, it is also at 0 Cancer and on the ecliptic. The delineations associated with the sign Cancer have already included the meanings of the Sun?s maximum bendings! So, when we describe a planet in Cancer, we inadvertently describe that planet on Sun?s maximum bendings.

Planets at the Moon?s Nodes or bendings. THIS is the one many (modern) astrologers refer to when they say ?Mars conjuncts North Node? or ?Venus is at the bends?. When a planet is on the Moon?s nodes or bendings, it partakes the nature of the Moon. North Node is the place where Moon is about to ?increase?, hence, lunar north node has the effect of increasing or multiplying the signification of the planet that is in proximity to it. South Node is the place where Moon is about to ?decrease?, hence, lunar south node has the effect of decreasing or diminishing the signification of the planet that is in proximity to it (consistent with some of the medieval conceptualization of the lunar nodes). When a planet is conjoined to the lunar bendings (squares the nodes), it can mean crisis due to unwelcome change or things will bend in the direction that is away from that which is proper.

An example: Horary: Should I sue them?

A client wants to sue a company (including the directors and the other shareholders) for making a questionable investment decision which would make him lose millions (he is a minor shareholder of large corporation).




In a legal case, I would want to see the party suing to be in strong position (angular and/or exaltation) and if the judge favours him to win. Conversely, the party should not be in weak (or weaker position compared to the other party) e.g. in fall or cadent.

He is ruled by Venus (L1) in Taurus in the 12th house. The party he is suing is Mars (L7) in Leo in the 3rd house. Moon (co-significator of querent) is in Scorpio just outside the cusp of the seventh house.

Usually, if the significator or co-significator of the querent is just outside the seventh cusp (like in this case where moon is just outside the seventh cusp), it means that the querent has power over the other party. If it is inside the seventh house, then the other party has power over the querent (because querent is in his turf). However, the moon is in her fall. Hence, the querent has no power over the other party. This is a negative indication for the querent. Venus (querent) is in the twelfth and Mars (other party) is in the third. Both are cadent. Hence, we can't make direct delineation from this i.e. both are not favoured by angularity. Although Venus (querent) is in its own domicile, this does not give power to the querent. It suggests that the querent is probably the innocent party here (the one who is upright) but this is not going to help him win the case. Venus in its own domicile also suggests that he has the resources to sue and he is probably alone in this endeavour (both happens to be the case here). Mars (the other party) however, is in the sign ruled by Sun (Mars in Leo) and Sun is exalted in Aries and trine Mars. Exalted Sun means power (in court case and competition angularity and Exaltation counts!). Mars and Sun are in mutual reception which means that the other party can win by gaining power through help form powerful people. This is really not good for the querent especially when Sun is Lord of the 4th (which represents outcome of the query). On this basis alone, we could say that the querent will not win. Saturn (lord of 9th and 10th i.e. judge and judgment) is also not in Ptolemaic aspect to querent (Venus).

The chart indicates that the other party will win through corrupt means. Neptune is near the midheaven (not conclusive of course!). Saturn lord of the ninth and tenth is retrograding and, more importantly, look at the Sun (the dispositor of the other party i.e. Mars which is in trine and mutual reception with Mars). The Sun is applying to square the lunar nodes (about to go to the lunar bendings). This shows that the assistants to the other party will "bend backwards" and will try to win and will win through corrupt means (improper means) and Sun is also exalted lord of the 12th - and that was exactly what happened. The querent decided to sue anyway against the astrological judgment as evidenced by Venus applying square Mars (just to make a point to the other party) and did lose (but not without causing problems to the other party!). He later found out that there were "behind the scene" activities made by the other party to ensure his losing the case.

Astrojin, hats off to you. That is some research!

But to be fair the chart says the Querent is going to lose regardless of the Sun being near the bendings.

Can someone give an example where a planet/significator at the bendings greatly affects the outcome of the chart? At this point, you have to admit it's a bit vague.

I find the idea or use of terminology of the Sun's 'bendings' a bit confusing. This actually is about the Sun's highest declination above the equator , while the Moon's bending is at the highest latitude above the ecliptic.

There is namely also a highest declination of the Moon above the equator. This usually doesn't coincide with 0? Cancer but can be up to over 12? before or after it. This is a difference of ca. 1 day.

In 2011 there are these extremes of 12? before 0? Cancer (and before 0? Capricorn) when the Moon has a higher (lower)declination than when at 0? Cancer (0? Capricorn).