Book Review on Electional Astrology by V E Robson
The book on Western system of electional astrology by Vivian E. Robson (1890- 1942) is claimed by the author to be the first book on Western electional astrology, & said to have been compiled both the then ancient as well as modern information on the subject. Poverty of knowledge of the author on the subject is abundantly reflected.
The book is widely advertised on the various websites & free down load facility is provided through http://www.panplanet.com/library/download. Some websites are selling the book on price of about $ 20.
The author of the book opines that electional astrology “starts from the point at which Horary astrology finishes and works back to the point at which the latter begins.” It has deep rooted repercussions in the thought process of Western electional astrology, as the present day Western astrologers have since towed this line, which perhaps has never been intended by ancient astrologers. In Hindu / Vedic astrology, Horary astrology is distinct from electional astrology having different set of rules, principles & significations.
The author has given useful hints when the Moon should be considered week & afflicted in elections. He opines that combust Moon (within 12 degrees from the Sun) should be avoided. He is correct, but it is contrary to the opinion of William Lilly, who opines that “cazimi” Moon is wondrously strong.
About Lunar Mansions, he has stated that “exact astrological significance of lunar mansions & methods of using them have been almost entirely lost, and there is need for research in this matter’ yet he has surfacially touched the matter for sake of completeness in giving references in his book. His lack of knowledge about the Lunar Mansions is painfully felt. He has given reference of some Indian astrologers in this chapter, but has not made any effort to study the Hindu system in depth, as the latter electional astrology is fundamentally based on lunar mansions. This reflects author’s depth of knowledge about the different systems of astrology using lunar mansions. Uasges ofr different lunar mansions is nothing but flight of imagination.
About planetary hours, he has given a new concept inventing to divide time between Sunrise to Sunset in 12 parts & similarly divide Sunset time to following Sunrise time in 12 parts. He opines that this planetary hours be used in “supplementary way”. How come that he has taken the concept of planetary hours from Hindu system, but is proposing it to use in a different mode, perhaps without checking veracity & usefulness of its usage. On the contrary in Hindu system of electional astrology, detailed guidelines are existing in usages of planetary hours( called Hora, in numerous treatises).
Robson has expressed following opinions which the learned electional astrologers following the Western system shall find to be raw & incomplete :
a) The author opines that radical “ascendant should be upon 12th, 11th or 10th house of the elcctional map rather upon 2nd, 3rd or 4th:” – How many astrologers shall agree with this? (Refer page 6 – Radical elections)
b) Further he opines that cusps of Midheaven (in addition to the ascendant) has a major bearing on the election event – without reference to the event under consideration in the election. How come electional M.C & its ruler have been given importance comparable to electional ascendant, is not known. Reader shall find this direction applicable to the matters related to the 10th house & not in all other cases. (Refer page 8 of the book)
c) The author also opines that afflicted lord of the election ascendant may be placed in trine or sextile to the rising degrees.
d) The ascendant & the Moon in long ascension signs is considered to cause speed & success whereas in short ascension signs conduce to hindrances & difficulties.
e) The Moon in the ascendant is very unfavorable for almost everything, unless it is strong by sign & very well aspected.
f) The Moon’s North node is favorable & benefic, while its South node is unfavorable. & malefic in nature. This general rule is certainly contrary to the Hindu system of electional astrology.
The above observations are made on the general rules & principles of electional astrology opined by Vivian E Robson in his said book. Comments on specific rules about specific elections shall be dealt in another article / blog