Astrallis Software Review: Primary Directions, Features & Pricing

Astrallis Primary Directions Explained — Tips for Professional AstrologersPrimary directions are one of the oldest predictive techniques in astrology, prized for their precision and historical pedigree. Astrallis is modern software that brings traditional primary directions into a usable, contemporary workflow. This article explains how Astrallis implements primary directions, practical considerations for professional astrologers, and tips to improve accuracy and usefulness in consultations.

What are primary directions?

Primary directions measure the symbolic “movement” of points in the natal chart by rotating the celestial sphere—traditionally using the diurnal arc—to bring one point into aspect with another. Time is derived from this rotation: typically, one degree of rotation equals one year of life (though variants exist). Primary directions were central to Hellenistic, Medieval, and Renaissance astrology and remain valuable for timing major life events (health crises, career changes, relationships).

Key fact: Primary directions attempt to predict events by equating arc motion with elapsed years.

How Astrallis handles primary directions

Astrallis integrates classical methods with modern computing speed. Important features include:

• Accurate astronomical ephemerides for planet and house cusp positions.
• Multiple direction types: zodiacal (along the ecliptic), mundane/diurnal (along diurnal circle), and direct great-circle measures.
• Configurable “one-degree = one-year” scaling and alternative time scales.
• Options for different orbs and applying antiscia/contrantiscia.
• Automated listing of directed aspects, with timestamps and event windows.
• Graphical timelines and overlay with transits/progressions for cross-checking.

Choosing the correct method in Astrallis

Different historical sources use different conventions. Astrallis typically offers these direction methods:

• Zodiacal Directions: measure along the ecliptic—useful when focusing on the zodiacal geometry of planets and points.
• Diurnal (Mundane) Directions: measure along a planet’s diurnal circle relative to the horizon—favored by many traditional practitioners for event timing.
• Great-Circle/Equatorial Directions: measure along the celestial equator—sometimes used where equatorial relationships are emphasized.

Tip: Match your method to the tradition you follow and the nature of the question. For natal life events, many professionals prefer diurnal directions; for zodiacal themes and symbolic narrative, zodiacal directions can be more transparent.

Important settings and parameters

When preparing a directions chart in Astrallis, check these settings:

• Reference point(s): Choose whether to direct planets to natal cusps, other planets, fixed stars, Arabic parts, or house cusp arc-points.
• Promittor vs. Significator: Decide which point is moved (promittor) and which is stationary (significator). Astrallis lets you invert these for symmetrical analysis.
• Orbs: Set acceptable angular tolerances (orbs) for exactness. Smaller orbs yield stricter timing; larger orbs provide wider “event windows.” Typical practice uses orbs from 1°–3°, but adjust by planet and importance.
• Orbs by planet/class: Many astrologers allow larger orbs for luminaries and personal planets and smaller for outer planets.
• Latitude/care with enclosing latitudes: When using zodiacal directions, consider planetary latitude: some software simplifies latitude handling—verify Astrallis’ latitude model and whether you need great-circle corrections.
• Local horizon/house system: Astrallis calculates directions relative to your chosen house system (often Porphyry, Regiomontanus, or Placidus in tradition). Ensure your house system aligns with your technique.

Interpreting directed aspects

• Sequence matters: Note the order of directed contacts (which planet meets which, and in what sequence) to read event narratives.
• Multiple hits and conjunctions: A directed planet might apply to several points within a short span—overlapping directions can indicate complex or prolonged events.
• Exactitude vs. symbolism: Even if a direction isn’t exact to the minute, the approach within orb can mark a period where the theme is active.
• Combine with transits/progressions: Directions are most reliable when supported by contemporary transits or secondary progressions that share similar themes or timings.

Practical tips for professional consultations

• Use event windows: Present timings as windows (e.g., “around 2026–2027”) rather than a single day—this respects interpretive uncertainty.
• Prioritize significators: Focus client attention on directions to natal rulers, angles, lot of fortune, and luminaries—these produce clearer life-markers.
• Cross-validate: Always cross-check major directions with transits and progressions; contradictory timing signals deserve cautious wording.
• Document your method: Tell clients which direction method and orbs you used. This keeps interpretations transparent and reproducible.
• Graphical timelines: Use Astrallis’ timeline exports to show clients how directions, transits, and progressions cluster around key periods.
• Use radix and relocated charts: For relocation questions, run directions in the relocated chart—directions to local angles can be decisive for place changes.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Overprecision: Claiming a precise day for an event from directions alone is risky. Use ranges and narrative context.
• Ignoring planetary latitudes: Latitude affects exactness — verify Astrallis’ handling or apply equatorial corrections where necessary.
• Too-large orbs: Excessive orbs can produce spurious hits. Use conservative orbs for outer planets.
• Failure to prioritize: Treat every directed contact equally and you’ll overwhelm clients. Prioritize by ruler status, luminaries, and angularity.
• Misreading promittor/significator roles: Be explicit which is moving and which is the goal; different traditions read these inversely.

Examples of useful queries to run in Astrallis

• Directions of natal Sun and Moon to chart angles (Ascendant/MC) across ages 20–60, with 1.5° orb.
• Diurnal directions of Mars to natal Saturn to time potential career or authority challenges.
• Directions to Arabic Parts (e.g., Part of Vitality) combined with transits of outer planets.
• Relocated primary directions of a natal chart for a planned move or emigration.

Combining modern techniques with traditional rigor

Astrallis shines when it balances computational power with historical options. Use its features to reproduce older methods faithfully (choose historical orbs, house systems, and direction types) but also to run comparative analyses (zodiacal vs. diurnal) to see which aligns better with lived events.

Quick checklist before running a directions report

• Confirm birth time and place; small time errors shift angles and directions significantly.
• Choose direction method (zodiacal/diurnal/equatorial).
• Select promittors and significators.
• Set appropriate orbs and planet-specific allowances.
• Decide whether to include fixed stars and parts.
• Run cross-checks with transits/progressions.

Final note

Primary directions are a nuanced, historically rich timing tool. Astrallis makes them accessible and flexible for professional practice, but skillful interpretation requires discipline: careful method selection, conservative orbs, and corroboration with other predictive techniques. Use directions to add depth and perspective to timing work—presented as part of a layered prognosis rather than a standalone countdown.