Hello
In one of the recent threads Sue used the 10th for Mother. I know there's a debate about this in natal astrology but in traditional horary I thought the 4th is usually used for mother?? And am I right in thinking that the 10th is for both parents?---though I can imagine there are valid arguements for the 4th. I'd be grateful if someone could clarify this.

Hi doublegem,

In traditional Hellenistic astrology, the 4th house was used for both parents and they were not differentiated. It is still used in a general question about both parents based on the concept of the 4th house being our roots or our foundation. It then became the 4th for the father and 10th for the mother and this is where it has stayed - 7th from the 4th, partner of the father.
However, as you pointed out, there are quite a few variations on this theme within modern astrology. Many give the 4th to the mother because of its supposed connection with Cancer, the 4th sign and the 10th to the father because of its supposed connection with Capricorn, the 10th sign. Others advocate using the 4th for the parent of the same gender as the querent and the 10th for the other parent. However, none of these is traditional.

Sue, Thank you so much for answering my question again. So I suppose the association of father/parents with the 10th as authority figures in modern astrology comes from confusing signs and houses... and assignining the 10th to Mother is because it's the 7th from the 4th and has nothing to do with Mother being a dominatnt figure in the household.