Chapter 3. Secondary Progressions

This chapter starts with:

"The next tool that we have to add to the equipment of the predictive astrologer is that of secondary progressions"

and the idea that secondary progressions are the most popular. I can tell the same thing because I found secondary progressions to give good results almost every time. Also, seems more "natural" to move the planets after day-for-a year formula (secondary progressions) than to move them with  1 degree each year (primary directions) or, more exactly, the apparent daily motion of the Sun. Why to move all planets with the apparent daily motion of the Sun? Isn't normal to equate a year with a day and to move the planets with the distance covered by themselves in that day? For me, it seems right to choose secondary progressions. In the same time, I must admit that I had good results with primary directions too. Bernadette Brady don't tell anything about primary directions, in this book. It is clear that she, also, prefer secondary progressions.

She separates progressions in two types: chart related and non-chart related. She believes that non-chart related progressions (aspects with other progressed planets or progressed planets changing sign, direction) generates action from deep inside, determined by faith and intuition, while chart related progressions (aspects with natal chart) gives events when you let the world change yourself. It is a pretty weird hypothesis... I don't find the reason behind it. Then, there are some practical examples on the chart of Joan of Arc. Also, the author writes about the orb used for progressions, suggesting that should be about 1 degree.

In the final part of the chapter are presented the interpretations of the progressed planets in signs, houses and aspects with the natal planets. I like this in this chapter the part with progressed lunar phases: New Moon (0-45 degrees), Crescent (45-90 degrees), 1st Quarter (90-135 degrees), Gibbous (135-180 degrees), Full Moon (180-135 degrees), Disseminating (135-90 degrees), 3rd Quarter (90-45 degrees), Balsamic (45-0 degrees). These pages are very useful because presents aspects that always have a great influence in any chart.  

In Chapter 4. Time Maps is presented a technique which should help you use and combine the predictive methods. It is something very easy, you should just draw on a page the months and the astrological periods of transits, progressions, eclipses etc. for a better visualization of the aspects involved. See the practical examples on the following charts: Marie Curie (also presented in Essential Dignities) , Napoleon Bonaparte, Elizabeth- Daughter of Henry VIII, King Edward VIII of Great Britain and Elizabeth Barett Browning. Those case studies are thoroughly analyzed (cover 35 pages) and present a detailed situation, showing the way in which the author conceives and judges time maps. Clear, useful information and, in the same time, an example, even a standard, of how to use more predictive techniques together to analyze a time period.