Solar Arc Directions
Event-Oriented Predictive Technique
Learn how Solar Arc directions work — advancing every planet by the Sun's progressed arc (~1° per year) to predict major life events and timing.
What Are Solar Arc Directions?
Solar Arc directions advance every planet and point in your chart by the same amount — the distance the progressed Sun has traveled from its natal position. This is approximately 1° per year. When a solar arc planet contacts a natal planet or angle (within 1° orb), a significant event is indicated.
How Solar Arcs Work
- Calculate the progressed Sun's distance from natal Sun (the "arc")
- Add this arc to every natal planet and point
- Check which solar arc planets are within 1° of natal planets or angles
- The conjunction is the primary aspect used in solar arcs
- Hard aspects (square, opposition) are also significant
Solar Arcs vs Progressions
| Feature | Solar Arcs | Secondary Progressions |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | All planets move equally | Each planet moves at its own speed |
| Speed | ~1° per year for all | Moon: 12°/yr, Sun: 1°/yr, etc. |
| Focus | Event-oriented | Internal evolution |
| Orb | 1° standard | 1° standard |
| Best for | Timing external events | Understanding maturation |
Frequently Asked Questions
How exact do Solar Arcs need to be?
Use a maximum orb of 1°, which represents about a 1-year window. The peak effect is at exact (0° orb). Events typically occur within 6 months of the exact hit.
Which contacts are most significant?
Solar arc planets to natal angles (ASC, MC) are the most dramatic. Solar arc outer planets (especially Pluto, Uranus) to natal Sun or Moon indicate transformative periods.