Solar arc direction is a predictive timing method that moves your whole chart forward at a steady rate of about one degree per year of life. This calculator works out that arc for any date you choose and applies it to every planet, so you can see which directed planets are reaching an exact aspect to your birth chart.
How Solar Arc Works
First the calculator measures how far the Sun has travelled by secondary progression at your chosen age. That distance, the solar arc, is then added to every natal planet and point. Because all bodies move by the same amount, the pattern of your chart is preserved while the whole picture advances together.
When a Direction Becomes Exact
The technique is read by aspect. When a directed planet reaches an exact conjunction, square, trine, sextile or opposition to a natal point, that year tends to mark an event or turning point in the affairs of both planets. Because solar arc moves about a degree a year, directions are slow and their timing is fairly precise.
Solar Arc and Progressions
Solar arc directions and secondary progressions are close cousins. Both use the symbolic day-for-a-year rhythm, but progressions let each planet move at its own speed, while solar arc moves everything at the Sun's rate. Many astrologers use solar arc for clear, datable turning points and progressions for the slower inner shifts.
What You Need
Enter your birth date and, for best results, your birth time, then the date you want to direct the chart to. The calculator returns the solar arc in degrees and the directed sign of each planet.
Common Questions
What does solar arc direction show?
It shows your birth chart advanced forward by the Sun's progressed motion, used to time turning points by the exact aspects directed planets make to your natal chart.
How fast do solar arc directions move?
About one degree per year of life, so a directed planet takes roughly a year to move through one degree and reach an exact aspect.
Is solar arc the same as progressions?
They share the day-for-a-year idea, but solar arc moves every planet by the Sun's arc, while secondary progressions let each planet move at its own natural speed.
Positions are computed with the Swiss Ephemeris. Astrological interpretations are traditional and are offered for reflection and entertainment, not as guaranteed predictions.
Related tools
Take it a step further with these astrology calculators: Void of Course Moon Calculator, Eclipse Calculator, Draconic Chart Calculator and Secondary Progressions Calculator. Looking at a couple of them together rounds out the picture and adds useful context. Find the full set under astrology calculators, or open all the calculators in one place.