What is a Hellenistic transit chart?

This page applies the transit delineation method of Vettius Valens, a 2nd-century astrologer whose Anthologies sets out a systematic procedure for assessing what a given period of time will bring.

Valens works with seven classical planets (Sun through Saturn), Whole Sign houses, and sect (whether the chart is a day or night chart). Transit windows cover a planet's full passage through a sign, not a degree-based orb.

The central technique is Zodiacal Releasing: a timing system that divides life into nested periods governed by the Lots of Fortune and Daimon. The Convergence section follows Valens' procedure for synthesizing three assessments: the Zodiacal Releasing period quality, the annual Lord of the Year, and current transit contacts to the natal positions of the releasing rulers. When these agree, results are more certain. When they diverge, outcomes are partial or mixed. The Synthesis panel states the combined verdict.

Transit panels show the planets currently aspecting the releasing signs, the month's operative timing triggers, and the Lord of the Year at its operative natal places. Supporting layers show the Recast Horoscope (Valens' solar return technique), the primary aphetas, and Jupiter's relationship to the releasing signs.

The Background and Timing section shows the annual and monthly profection frame, the Lord of the Year, and its natal condition.