Predictive Graphs and Time Maps in Astrology Software
by Hank Friedman
Updated Monday, March 22, 2021
Table of Contents
The Criteria for Evaluating Time Maps
A Table Comparing Time Map Features
Other Types of Transit Graphs
Images of Time Maps
A major function provided by the top astrological programs is the ability to create a graphic representation of the transits, progressions, and directions. This predictive graph, aka Time Map, Time Line, Aspect Diagram, or Transits Calendar, as it is called in different programs, makes it much easier to see what events are going on, how the events reinforce, counterbalance, or otherwise interact with each other, and how long each event will last.
[By the way, I am not talking about a graphic ephemeris, which is quite limited in its scope, but a depiction that shows the range of dates across the top of the diagram and then one predictive event, e.g. transiting Saturn conjunct Mars or progressed Moon opposite the Sun, on each line.]
Different astrology programs implement this feature in their own ways, and in this article I will explore each programs methods and options, show images of each program's time map, examine the unique strengths and weaknesses for each, and then compare the different programs' features with each other.
Before I start, I'd like you to view the following video about Solar Fire Gold's Time Map. This will serve to illustrate the potential value of such depictions very clearly:
My YouTube Video on Solar Fire Gold's Time Map
The Criteria for Evaluating Time Maps
There are many factors to consider in evaluating the functionality of each program's Time Map. Each capability can make a big difference in how useful the Time Map is. Here are a list of some desired functions.
Are the dates visible across the top of the Time Map?
The Time Maps must show the dates in an easily readable fashion to be useable.
Does the map show the exact dates of each of the events?
Some programs don't show the date for each event, and are therefore much less useful.
Does the map show entering and leaving dates?
A surprising number of programs lack this important feature.
Is there a pointer or vertical line that can be moved over the Time Map to show the exact date?
This is a very useful feature, especially if exact, entering, or leaving dates are not shown.
How scalable are the date ranges?
Some programs are ultimately flexible, allowing date ranges from one day to hundreds of years, while others have a limited fixed number of ranges.
Does it show exact times for short scans?
In examining a day or two, e.g. for choosing a time for the "I do's" at a wedding, it is incredibly useful to be able to create a one or two day time graph that shows the exact time each transit occurs.
Does the graph show events already in motion?
A major failing of astrology programs in the past was the omission of events from transit hit listings and time maps that had already begun but wouldn't arrive at an exact hit during the range of dates being searched. All the transit graphs examined in this article now will show all such events.
Does the program indicate the changing intensity of the predictive events?
Some programs actually show an increasing color intensity as each event approaches exactness. This is a nice visual reminder that the moment of exact hit is the strongest expression of each event.
Can one see changes in direction of the moving planets?
Planets can retrograde or turn direct while making an aspect to a natal point. To be able to see these changes in motion can be incredibly valuable, especially since at the turning point the intensity of the event is very high.
Can planetary stations be interpolated into the graphing of each line?
In 1984, I wrote my own software to place planetary stations in a transit graph, to show the changes of direction that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Besides the method mentioned above of showing the changes of direction, actually placing the planetary stations on each line can also allow one to see these crucial times.
How easy is it to set the starting date?
All programs allow you to set a starting date for a search, but some allow you to preset different starting dates (e.g. six months before the current date).
Can events other than transits (e.g. progressions, directions, etc.) be included in the map?
The more events mapped, the more one can observe the synergy between them.
If so, what types of predictive events can it display?
The more types of events, the more the astrologer work with at one time.
Does it collate different predictive events (e.g. transits, progressions, directions) in one Time Map?
Some programs show all the events in one map, which gives the astrologer the most integrative perspective.
Can the map be sorted in different ways?
Sorting can be incredibly helpful, e.g. seeing the map organized by natal point, or entering date, etc.
Can you select different planets for each type of predictive search?
Can you select different aspect sets for each type of predictive search?
Can you select different extra points for each type of predictive search? If so, what types of points?
Can you easily select a different location or starting date for the search?
Some astrologers want to watch transits to and from midpoints, or to Fixed Stars or Arabic Parts. Or want to use a different set of aspects for transits vs. progressions vs. directions.
Can you to save specific search configurations for later reuse?
Different searches can be designed for different purposes, and so being able to save and re-use searches is a very valuable feature.
Is it possible to merge two or more searches into one Time Map?
When looking at two people's transits, for example, at the same time, merging searches can be very valuable.
What advanced features does each program offer?
I was surprised, in writing this article, to discover that some programs are introducing pioneering astrological techniques to their transit graphs. E.g. progressions to another person's chart, composite transits, and phase angle return events.
Can one see interpretations of Time Maps?
Being able to point-and-click on an event and see a delineation appear is important to beginning astrologers. Some programs can generate a full report based upon the events in the graph.
I have just designed a table showing how different programs meet the above criteria. In order to do so accurately, I contacted each company to verify the accuracy of my analysis.
A Table Comparing Time Map Features
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