Skyscript Astrology Forum

Ed F wrote:Don't forget that my free program does Placidus mundo and zodiacal directions using Rumen's formulations:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6qirr/myindex.html

There is also a free online program here, for those not daunted by a few terms in German:
http://www.astrotexte.ch/sources/primaries.jsp

Hello Ed,

Thanks for that. I was aware of your free programme but I haven't had my own internet provider for a while so been just logging in from work and at friends. However, once I sort this out I will definitely download your free programme. Its very nice of you to share this with others.

Rumen Kolev's programme does look the flagship of primary directions software but it is very expensive.

I do think its a pity that the recently updated version of solar fire didn't include anything on primary directions. I would have thought this would have been the most in demand upgrade amongst traditionalists.

More than anything though I want to spend time understanding the principles of primary directions before I start using any software. Hence I look forward to Martin's book very much. In the meantime I will probably see how I get on with Rumen Kolev's books. Which one would you suggest I start with?

Mark,

Actually, I've heard that SF6 does provide some form of primary directions. The question, though, is what flavor? As you can see even from this thread, sometimes terminology is used differently (and even in the opposite sense, eg converse vs direct) by different writers. So you could have an explanation in the program's documentation and still not know for certain what they're doing. I think one of the greatest contributions of Rumen's booklets is his "rationalization" of the terminology and notation for listing directions.

His two main booklets are Primary DIrections I & II, which I would read in that order. I have his third one, but don't remember the specific contents. It's optional and can be ready afterwards. The main booklets are inexpensive, something like US$15 each.

- Ed

Regarding software, Solar Fire does Placidean primary directions, but only in mundo (no zodiacal aspects). Kolev's program is much more versatile, but unfortunately also bug-ridden and very user-unfriendly. (My book on primary directions will contain software reviews.)

His two main booklets are Primary DIrections I & II, which I would read in that order. I have his third one, but don't remember the specific contents. It's optional and can be ready afterwards. The main booklets are inexpensive, something like US$15 each

Thanks Ed.

I decided to go all out and order all of Rumen Kolev's books on Primary Directions from the Astrology Center of America. These are:

1 Primary Directions I

2 Primary Directions II

3 Primary Directions of Regiomontanus and William Lilly

Hopefully, these will help me to be better informed before I use your software!

Mark

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions (I doubt that you have that problem).

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions (I doubt that you have that problem).

Yes that was never really one of my problems!

My view is it is always better to risk making yourself look a bit stupid if you overcome misunderstanding in the process. Much better than staying ignorant in silence and remaining unchallenged.

That is the beauty of skyscript. There always someone out there who knows more than yourself.

As the saying goes 'I'll be back.....'

Mark

I have had a look at the online program from The Czech Republic host. Do you know what method they are using In Zodiac or In Mundo?
I have a pocket German dictionary which I have been using to translate.

This gives another set of data for me. A few years ago I wanted someone to print in pdf a set of comparisons using the same input data and maybe limiting it to the Hyleg planets and a 10 year period. SF and Janus and AstroWin all have as as Ed's program a PD option. To make it clear to programmers and Software Companies a list may be useful. The Czech program (for want of a better description) has a method called Cardano which I assume is Cardin. Did he do a better job than anyone else? Personally too many options cloud up my whole field of view. Has anyone come close to defining what is the most useful set of parameters? I cannot afford Kolev and as I am on diability pension its hard to order online books and I have many other priorities. But I am stuck on this at the moment <grin>.
Majid

Majid Buell

The only specific thing I know about Cardan wrt to primaries is the "Cardan" key of 59' 12" of arc = 1 year. Don't know what particular method he used.

majid wrote:I have had a look at the online program from The Czech Republic host. Do you know what method they are using In Zodiac or In Mundo?

CH does not stand for the Czech Republic (which has CZ), but for Switzerland; hence the German. The directions are in zodiaco, though you can check 'Signifikator mit Breite' ('Significator with latitude').

The Czech program (for want of a better description) has a method called Cardano which I assume is Cardin.

It's Cardan. The box is labelled 'Direktionsschl?ssel', meaning 'Direction key' (as mentioned by Ed).

Has anyone come close to defining what is the most useful set of parameters?

As usual, many people have, and argue passionately about it. Personally I use the traditional planets and zodiacal aspects, only direct directions, and Naibod's key -- at least for the time being.

Thanks Martin good luck on the book. I will probably try and get a copy if I can.

Majid Buell