Astrological progressions are one of the main means used in Horoscopic astrology to forecast future trends and developments (the other means is transits, which are simply the ongoing movements of the planets across the sky). As its name implies, astrological progression involves a method of progressing the Horoscope forward from the moment of the birth or beginning of the subject into the future, and is most usually done for the birth or natal chart of a particular individual.
There are two main forms of progression: Secondary progression or 'a-day-for-a-year' progression; and Solar arc direction or 'a-degree-for-a-year' progression. In both systems, the planets, Ascendant, and Midheaven are all seen to have changed position in the progressed chart, and these changes are noted. Particular attention is paid to changes of zodiac signs and houses, and to the angles or aspects the progressed planets form with the original natal chart.
Predictive astrology
Astrological progression is a part of what is usually called predictive astrology, the claim of astrology to predict or forecast future trends and developments. Most astrologers nowadays regard the term 'prediction' as something of a misnomer, as modern astrology does not claim to directly predict future events as such. Instead it is claimed that an astrological pattern with regard to the future can correspond with any one of a variety of possibilities. What is in fact foretold is the trend of circumstances and the nature of the individual's reaction to the situation In other words, progressed and transiting movements of the planets indicate phases in the individual's life when the potential shown in the natal chart will be given opportunities for development, whether through favourable or unfavourable circumstances
In addition all modern astrologers stress the role of free will. It is asserted that astrology does not reveal fate or patterns which are 'written in stone', rather it reveals a person's strengths and weakness, talents and opportunities. The horoscope does not determine the future, but shows the possible paths that lie ahead so that the individual can choose between them. Modern astrologers argue that no planetary aspect brings a fate that cannot be counteracted in some way and some benefit derived from it - what actual events happen are largely dependent upon the freedom of choice of the individual. The role of the astrologer is to create self-knowledge and awareness of the movement of the planets and their meaning, so as to give the individual an improved ability to make reasoned and sensible life choices. In short, modern astrologers do not generally predict actual future events, or claim that the future is mapped out and determined.
Secondary progressions
Also called a-day-for-a-year progression, Major progression and Secondary direction. This progression involves moving the natal chart forward one day for each year of a person's life. So, for example, a person born on April 2, 1982, would have a progressed chart for 2007 drawn up based on the position of the planets on April 27, 1982 (i.e. 25 days for 25 years). The patterns formed 25 days after the person's birth are considered to be symbolic of the person's 25th year of life, and indicate potential tendencies and trends for the year. Secondary progressions are considered by the majority of astrologers to be the most important form of progression.
Solar arc progressions
Also called a-degree-for-a-year progression, and Solar arc direction. This form of progression involves the whole natal chart being moved forward one degree for each year. So, for 2007, a person born on April 2, 1982, would have a progressed chart drawn up based on the position of the planets moved forward 25 degrees from their position on that birth date (it is important to note that this creates a chart of planetary positions that never existed in real life). The name 'solar arc progression' derives from the fact that the sun moves about one degree a day, so the rest of the planets in this method are in a sense 'made to follow' the sun. In other words, the planets are made to move the same distance as was travelled by the sun in secondary progression. Those astrologers who use solar arc progression usually regard it as an additional source of information, to be used in combination with secondary progression .
Other progression methods
A variety of other methods of progression have also been used. They include the following: