Lot of Livelihood

Definition

Most lots run between two planets; this one runs between a house and its ruler. Following Dorotheus through Hephaistio, you measure the arc from the ruler of the second house to the second house itself, then cast it from the Hour-marker, the Ascendant. Under the whole-sign convention the arc runs to the start of the second sign. The lot — its Greek name carrying the sense of livelihood — does not reverse by night.

In Tradition

Hephaistio of Thebes draws this lot from Dorotheus and directs that it be judged by the same conventions as the Lot of Fortune. He reads it by which planets behold its place and how they stand. A benefic beholding the place while occidental and about to rise after seven days — its heliacal-rising window — he takes as a sign of wealth and well-being.

In Practice

Measure the arc from your second-house ruler forward to the start of your second sign, then count that arc forward from your Ascendant; that degree is the lot. Because it does not reverse by night, the same procedure serves day and night charts alike. Read the place much as you would read the Lot of Fortune: weigh the planets that behold it, their condition, and their phase. A benefic that sees the place near its heliacal rising is a strong sign for wealth. The second-place anchoring ties this lot to resources and sustenance.

Historical Origin

The formula and reading come from Hephaistio of Thebes, Apotelesmatics Book II, in Robert Schmidt's translation, transmitting Dorotheus; the second-place identification and whole-sign convention rest on Schmidt's editorial note. It belongs to the wider Hellenistic catalogue of topical lots.

Etymology

Origin: Greek. Meaning: lot of livelihood or means of living.

Further Reading

• Hephaistio of Thebes, Apotelesmatics Book II
• Chris Brennan, Hellenistic Astrology