Natal Promise: How many Marriages?

The natal promise in the chart has always fascinated me, and the first time I came across these ideas was in the book "Predictive Astrology" by Carol Rushman. I read the book a few years ago and I remember vividly reading the back cover of the book in the store and immediately taking it to the counter. I was sold by what the author claimed could be predicted. Here is what it said:

"Are you likely to meet a new love soon? Is the coming year a good time for that major career change you've been contemplating? Are you likely to make a lot of money in your life, or will you be challenged to make the most of what you have? The techniques presented in "The Art of Predictive Astrology" shows you how to forecast upcoming trends and life events for yourself, friends and family, and astrological clients. Author Carol Rushman, a practicing astrologer for over thirty years, shares her method for astrological prediction, including:

-THE "NATAL PROMISE" OF THE BIRTHCHART

-SECONDARY PROGRESSIONS INCLUDING THE PROGRESSED MOON, AND PROGRESSED CUSPS

-TRANSITING PLANETS

-LUNATIONS (NEW AND FULL MOONS) AND ECLIPSES

After reading this book you will be able to predict major events such as marriage, and minor events like receiving a small gift. Real-life examples drawn from the author's experience show you firsthand how to practice the art of predictive astrology." 

I took the book home and excitedly rushed through it, applying all the techniques to my own natal chart. I couldn't really test the theory out fully, as I didn't have a computer or access to many charts. I think it's a limited technique - if you don't have the correct birth time. I introduced these ideas on an open forum that I had joined when my interest in astrology heightened. However, as the post went out, I got multiple requests to count the number of marriages in a woman's chart. It was a bit overwhelming for a beginner in astrology and all these women were desperate to know their marital fate. A new astrology student shouldn't be inundated with all those tough questions, and I was only learning the ropes in astrology. All I did was share what I had read on the subject of marriage. The number of marriages predicted never always matched up the actual number of relationships. So there are times when you really need to throw the rule book out!

I jokingly called this natal prediction theory for marriage in a woman's chart, the "Sun game", in some ways it kind of felt like a prediction game that was fun for others and miserable for the rest of us. It's like when you shake a magic 8 ball and ask a question. The prediction for marriage in a woman's chart, follows the Sun and it's applying aspects and to determine the number of marriages for men, you look to the Moon and it's applying aspects. It is easy to use once you know how to do it. However, there are rule breakers. For example, if Jupiter is involved and there are multiple signs on the Asc-Dsc.

Astrology is often a weighing system, trying to judge the chart fairly, and weighing up the so called "negative" factors and "positive" factors. In my next couple of posts, I will look at multiple marriages. The second batch of charts will show one marriage and maybe no relationship at all. Here are a few brief notes from the book.

The natal promise for marriage.

Charts resistant to marriage: Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius, and Aquarius seem to have less need for partnerships than other signs. The Sun will describe the men in a woman's life and the Moon will describe the women in a man's life. One thing that will bring a lot of marriages is Sagittarius on the 7th house cusp or Jupiter in the 7th house. The opposite is true when Capricorn is on the 7th house cusp or Saturn is placed there, they may limit their own marriage opportunities.

Classic Natal Indicators of Marriage Potential

- Aspects to and from the Sun in a woman's chart, or to and from the Moon in a man's chart
- Applying aspects from the ruler of the seventh house
- Planets in the house and their aspects
- An interception in the seventh houses indicates multiple marriages

Determining the Number of Potential Marriages

- I use only the major applying natal aspects; that is, the conjunction, square, opposition trine and sextile.
- When calculating the number of potential marriages for a woman, I look at he applying her natal Sun makes before it leaves a sign. The Sun can only apply to the slower moving planets- Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto (Use the Moon for a man)

The houses describing the different marriages are seven house for the first mar rage.  The second marriage is the 11th house, but it has some funny reasoning for this in the book. Each "love affair" after the first marriage is counted five houses for each marriage.

If there are no applying aspects to the Sun or Moon in a chart, or if the luminary is in a late degree (27, 28, or 29), I have found that anything can happen when it comes to marriage. Carol Rushman calls these degrees "wild cards".

In my next post I will look at multiple marriages.