A much more interesting part of astrology is that which discusses astrological progressions, showing how the birth chart—and hence personality and life journey—evolves over time. Unlike transits, which track, in real time, the movement of planets, progressions are a symbolic movement of the planets from our birth chart to show personal growth and inner changes as we age. By studying progressions, one learns how our focus, emotional needs, and ways of dealing with life develop over the years.
These are worked out by understanding the progression of each planet one day for every year of the individual’s life. This is otherwise referred to as “secondary progressions.” Suppose you are 30 years old. Your progressed chart is cast for the planetary positions 30 days after your birth. This slow movement reflects the evolution in our inner world, hitherto covering changes in personality, interests, and emotional responses.
Progressions depend especially upon the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. The Progressed Sun reveals evolving patterns of our core selves. Every time that it changes signs, we undergo some kind of identity shift, or at least a shift in priorities. Consider, for example, that your Progressed Sun has now moved from Taurus into Gemini—the more curious and social vibrations of Gemini start to awaken within you.
The Progressed Moon changes signs every two-and-a-half years and reflects changes in emotional focus and needs. For instance, a Progressed Moon in Cancer may bring a caring period, a family-oriented time, filled with emotional sensitivity. The Progressed Ascendant has to do with how we project to and meet the world. When this sign changes, our outer personality and style may change.
Progressions give us several points to consider on the topic of how we grow and adapt. They show times in our lives where we might feel natural changes in goals, emotional responses, or even how we feel about ourselves. By understanding progressions, we get to find better ways through these shifts and put into perspective how to work with the natural flow of our personal evolution. Astrological progressions outline the changes and development one goes through during his or her lifetime. Progressions unfold as subtle changes in identity, emotional nature, and aspiration. This study of progressions teaches how to understand and align with these inner changes so growth may be harmoniously joined with the special journey of life.
