Lot of Deceit

Definition

Where the vocational lots ask what work a person does, the Lot of Deceit (Greek klēros dolou) asks at what moral cost. It is taken by sect: the Sun-to-Mars arc by day, Mars-to-Sun by night, cast from the Ascendant. Valens uses it to diagnose a livelihood won through violence or crime.

In Tradition

Among Valens's special-purpose lots, this one reads the moral tone of how a living is earned. When the rulers of Fortune, Daimon (Spirit), or Accomplishment fall in the Lots of Deceit or Theft, he takes the livelihood to come through violence and crime, or through another's help. Deceit, Theft, and Debt form his triad of "unwholesome-activity" lots.

In Practice

Measure Sun-to-Mars for a day birth, or Mars-to-Sun for a night birth, then count that arc forward from your Ascendant. Read the lot by its place, then watch which planets connect to it. Valens treats benefics in aspect — especially in their own places or own sect — as giving good moral character; malefics opposing or squaring it call for careful judgment. Note above all whether the rulers of Fortune, Spirit, or Accomplishment land in this lot or in the Lot of Theft — his signature for an ill-gotten livelihood.

Historical Origin

The sect-conditioned formula and reading come from Vettius Valens, Anthology (Book II), in Mark Riley's translation — part of the wider Hellenistic catalogue of topical lots, each tied to a life-topic.

Etymology

Origin: Greek. Meaning: lot of deceit or trickery.

Further Reading

• Vettius Valens, Anthology
• Chris Brennan, Hellenistic Astrology