Part Three - Problems

In Chapter 18 the author wrote about "what determines phase" using Gauquelin studies. In Chapter 19 are presented several points of view about the debate on tropical or sidereal zodiac:

"In the light of the concept of harmonics one can see where some of this confusion arises. Part of it evidently comes simply from the over-emphasis of the twelve-fold division and the neglect of other valid divisions which must be just as strong if in a sense less basic. But another distorting factor comes from that view of the ecliptic which sees it, astrologically, as twelve box-type sectors, each sign having a uniform quality from start to finish, instead of as a complex of wave forms."

In Chapter 20 - Astrology, Harmonics and Genetics the author writes about how astrological positions are inherited:

"To put the matter in a nutshell, we know that there are laws of heredity by which natural characteristics are transmitted from generation to generation. We also know that the natural characteristics of each person are described by the horoscope calculated for his date, time and place of birth. It therefore follows - and we must be clear about this, it does inevitably follow- that the astrological code by which the horoscope is interpretated must be in agreement with the genetic code by which natural traits are transmitted from one generation to the next. The two things must be parallel expressions of the same theme."

One of the first observations is the study of Michel Gauquelin which showed that a planet rising or culminating in parents charts had great chances to be in the same position in children's charts. Also he presents practical examples like the Moon taking the same position or opposite for the women in the author's family.

The subject is indeed very interesting and needs further researches because the simple hereditary astrological positions can already be observed by any astrologer.

MY EVALUATION: 8,45

Conclusion. The author wrote himself in Chapter 14 a good conclusion for the book and, in the same time, a lesson for understanding aspects and the relation between major aspects, recognized by almost all astrologers, and minor aspects, some of them not used:

"In summary, a clear recognition of the relationship between the symbolism of number and divisions of the aspect-circle, combined with a definite norm for deciding upon orbs, enables one to move freely and think creatively about the whole field of aspect relationships. Major aspects are more important in the sens that they are more general and more comprehensive in their significance, but minor and unusual aspects can reliably be given full weight when the orbs are kept proportionately small and when their meaning has been defined and understood. The former reveal the character and balance of the horoscope in general terms. The latter can contribute most valuable insights into the precise direction and flavour of the chart. Such minor aspects will often supply the key to those things which make one person so different from another, his special aptitudes and not only in what he does but how goes about it."

Generally, the book is an invitation to rethink astrology in some of her fundamental parts. Why 12 signs, why 12 houses, why only the traditional aspects? Why to use  only the 12th harmonic when we divide the Zodiac? Why a zodiacal sign has the same influence, characteristics through the whole length? These are questions with no definitive, clear answers upon which harmonics could throw a new light and give us new ways to see astrology, maybe more close to reality. The author propose the theory of harmonics as a logical, mathematical, realistic approach, as a theory based on the symbolism of numbers. Could be a cornerstone in the evolution of astrology.

On the other hand, what John Addey wrote is only the seed. The theory of harmonics in astrology needs more research and development in order to see how can be better applied in practice. Unfortunately it didn't made much progress since 1976, when the first edition of the book was published. My evaluation is 8,45.