What annual profections are

Annual profections are a timing technique from Hellenistic astrology. On each birthday, the Ascendant advances one house: age 0 starts in the 1st house, age 1 in the 2nd, and so on, cycling every 12 years. The house activated for the year is called the profected house, and the planet that rules that house's sign is the Lord of the Year.

The Lord of the Year is the most active planet for that year. Any transits to the Lord of the Year, or transits by the Lord of the Year to your natal chart, carry extra weight during that 12-month period. Planets natally placed in the profected house are also relevant: they describe circumstances or people who come into focus that year.