The purpose of this treatise is to explain to the Astrologer how to find out the physical features and temperament of the Native through his Nativity (or Horary). By using the below rules, we will be able to identify the appearance and behavior or actions of the Native simply by their Nativity rather than their person. Each of these significators placements add testimonies and must be counted at the end and mixed to create a clear picture.
The first and primary describer of the Native is their Ascendant. The Ascendant is the angle of the eastern horizon at birth. It rules over the appearance of the Native in general and specifically the face. It also has rulership over their behavior and actions because of its control over the brain. In this place we look to see which Sign it is placed in. We then analyze the characteristics of that Sign. For example, let's suppose that the Ascendant is placed in Aries 15'. We can determine from this placement that the Native is rash, hasty, choleric in his behavoir and actions. In his appearance we can determine that he is lean, has a slight red color or tone (especially to his face), a flat nose and is strong in body. Each signification for each House can be found in the Sympathies of the Zodiac section of this website. We find now that Aries is a masculine Sign and therefore the Native will be apt to be more masculine in his behavior and actions as well have a more masculine look. We see that he is placed also in a masculine degree (15) which another testament to his masculinity and behavior. If this happens to be a female Native, the woman will be more manly, with masculine features and temperament. She will also be more dominating and strong. We find that the 15th degree of Aries is also considered a Dark degree which makes the individual and his behavior more concealed and private. He is not outward in his matters and keeps such things to himself hidden from others. His face is also darker and more swarthy. His hair is a dark color, specifically auburn color and the eyes are also darker (even though Aries gives a lighter color). Secondly, we find that the Ascendant is in the Terms of Mercury and therefore this also adds that the Native is of the quality and behavior of Mercury. He is mutable in behavior, intelligent, ingenious, wise, wavering, sometimes violent and sometimes a liar. To find out more of Mercury's significations, look to the Mercury page.
The second describer of the Native is from the Lord of the Ascendant. The Lord of the Ascendant primarily describes about the behavior of the Native more than their physical characteristics. In our example with Aries as the Ascendant that indicates that Mars is the Lord, he is found in Leo at 12'. This indicates that the Native is proud, courageous and strong. Therefore adding testimony to the previous judgment of Aries in the Ascendant. We see that Leo is also a masculine Sign making the Native's temperament and actions very manly. Mars is placed in a masculine degree (12) which further adds testimony to the fact this individual is male. We find also that the Lord of the Ascendant is in the Terms of Mercury as the Ascendant, again adding further testimony to the above described traits. If this Lord was found in a feminine Sign and degree, we may conclude that the Natives actions would be more womanly than manly, even though their physical traits display them as very masculine. When making a judgment we must weigh the testimonies.
The third describer of the Native is the Almuten or Lord of the Geniture. This is the Planet which hath the most essential dignities in the chart. For our example we will say that Saturn is Lord of the Geniture or Almuten. The Lord of the Geniture also describes the physical traits of the Native. We find that Saturn (being well dignified and aspected) shows a pale man, slender and tall. He displays darker features and tends to be very reserved, pensive and contemplating. We find the Saturn is placed in Libra 21'. Saturn is a masculine Planet, Libra a Masculine Sign and 21 degrees of Libra is a feminine degree. However since there are so few testimonies of femininity in these significators, we can conclude that this one position has little weight. We find Libra 21' is also the Terms of Mercury.
The last describer of the Native is minor but important to take into consideration. This has to do primarily with the Lord of the Hour. The Lord of the Hour is the Planet which ruled that specific day and time of the Nativity (or Question). The Lord of the Hour will also add its testimony to the description of the Natives temperament.
From all of these describers we have certain traits which must be conjoined and mixed together. For we see that the individual described is definitely a male, masculine in his features and actions. He has auburn or dark red hair, darker eyes, possibly a light brown. His skin is swarthy or a darker color with a somewhat pale tone. We find that in body he is slender (but not skinny), has great strength and power in his body, he has a very masculine form especially in his face but also in the shape of his body. In his temperament he is dark or hidden, contemplative, rash and sometimes hasty in his actions or decisions. His behavior is wavering, sometimes towards violence, he is intelligent, ingenious and wise, he tends to lie, proud and honorable.
From this example we can see the multiple layers that go into describing of a certain individual in their looks and temperament. With their being so many layers that need to be compiled, great distinction and differences can appear between two men through their Astrology. We must use these method to verify charts, especially Nativities and Horary to see if each of these match the Native or Querent accurately. If we find that they do (and if the time is correct they will always) than the chart is Radical and fit to be judged. If in a chart we find two conflicting testimonies, for example, one position states blonde hair while the other states black, we must look to see which testimony has more support. If we find that Mercury and Saturn are strongest, the Native will have black hair. If we find Mars or Sol stronger and giving their testimony, the Natives hair will be lighter and more fair. This goes for all other contrary judgments produced. The greater the testimonies the stronger the result. If we find that the results are equal, we must look further for things are never constant but always in a state of change and therefore, while we may be born with blonde hair, over the years it may turn quite dark.
This analysis will also apply to all of the Houses in interpretation by using the questioned House as the Ascendant for that individual. For example, if we would like to know about the appearance and behavior of a brethren or neighbour, we use the 3rd House as their Ascendant and it will accurately describe each individual in the Natives life.
