Sect

Definition

Sect divides a chart into two "parties" based on whether the birth was diurnal or nocturnal. Born with the Sun above the horizon → diurnal (day chart), Sun below the horizon → nocturnal (night chart). Diurnal sect party: Sun, Jupiter, Saturn. Nocturnal sect party: Moon, Venus, Mars. Mercury can be in either party (depending on morning/evening star status). Sect is foundational to Hellenistic astrology — whether a planet's effect runs positive or negative depends largely on its sect-party status. In a day chart Jupiter runs more "fortunate"; in a night chart Mars runs more "compatible." Modern astrology forgot this concept between 1900-1990; it returned with Project Hindsight.

In practice

From birth time, determine if the Sun is above or below the horizon. If above, diurnal chart; the day party (Sun-Jupiter-Saturn) runs strong, the night party (Moon-Venus-Mars) runs tired. From this angle Mars in a chart runs "harsh" by day; "productive" by night.

Themes

• day vs night
• party division
• classical foundation
• interpretation modulation