IV. The Celestial Pattern

In this investigation, we sought for those flashes of inspiration called eureka-moments, as described in Arthur Koestler's book, The Act of Creation: 'The Eureka act proper, the moment of truth experienced by the creative individual, is paralleled on the objective plane by the emergence, out of the scattered fragments, of a new synthesis. (1965, p.145)
Using these moments, as could be dated, we tested an astrological theory of John Addey:
' … yet the charts of creative people very often seem devoid of anything really noteworthy unless the fifth and seventh series of aspects are observed' (Harmonics in Astrology, 1976, p.123.) We tested this theory both on the natal charts and on the event-charts (i.e., the eureka-moments).

Our enquiry confirmed Addey's insight into the quintile and especially septile aspects. It found a fifty percent excess of septiles present during the most celebrated moments of scientific discovery, where their time could be ascertained. Further, an excess of septiles replicated through three sets of data: the natal eureka scientists, the eureka moments, and the invention-moments. In each case the septiles had similar characteristics, in that the largest excess occurred within 1° of orb, and appeared more in applying than in separating aspects. In the two groups of Invention an Eureka moments, 'overtones' of the seventh harmonic turned up, with the latter group showing a stronger 14th-harmonic excess than for the seventh. Conversely, there was a deficit of septiles in the non-eureka group.

It was a surprise when a septile excess reappeared in the invention-moment group. What is shared by these moments - euphoria, excitement and inspiration - may be qualities of the septile. To quote US harmonics theorist Delphine Jay, 'I like to refer to the septiles as the consciousness-expanding aspect' (Practical Harmonics, AFA 1983 p.7)

The Invention-moments had a deficit of quintiles, plus a deficit of the 10th and 15th harmonic aspects, the 'overtones' of a quintile. That these more practical events should have a deficit while the E-moments had an excess of quintiles, may accord with the customary image which astrologers have of these aspects, as linked to mental activity. The trine aspect likewise seems appropriate for these times of new creation, when an invention begins to function. As regards why trines should be in excess, the authors of Mundane Astrology say:
'The number three is related to the idea of life, vitality and enjoyment, and hence to what motivates us and moves us to action.' (M.Baigent, C.Harvey and N.Campion, 1992, p149).

In scientific reports the vital inner experience of inspiration tends to be omitted and forgotten and the important dates are so often lost. We need to focus more on these important moments, and realise that there are some times that are more inspirational than others. These times can depend upon the geometry and harmonic arrangements of the solar system. Meetings for creative endeavour may wish to choose such days for a productive outcome.

Next section: V. Using the harmogram