Timing is one of the most exciting and challenging parts of horary astrology.
While the chart answers “Will it happen?”, students also want to know “When will it happen?”
The ability to estimate timing accurately distinguishes a good horary astrologer from a great one.

In this lesson, we’ll learn how to use planetary motion, aspects, houses, and signs to determine when an event will take place.

1. The Foundation of Timing in Horary

Timing depends on the relationship between the significators — the planets representing the querent (the person asking) and the quesited (the subject of the question).

When these significators perfect an aspect, something happens.
The distance and speed between them show how long it will take.

Example:

If Venus (querent) applies to Mars (partner) by trine and the aspect perfects in 3 degrees,
the event happens in “3 units of time” — days, weeks, months, or years depending on context.

2. Determining the Unit of Time

The most important step is interpreting what those “3 units” mean.
To decide, the astrologer considers:

1. Speed of planets
   • Fast planets → quick events (Moon, Mercury, Venus)
   • Slow planets → long-term results (Saturn, Jupiter)
2. Mode of signs (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable)
   • Cardinal → quick, immediate (hours, days)
   • Mutable → medium speed (weeks, months)
   • Fixed → slow or delayed (months, years)
3. House placement
   • Angular (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th): fast-moving, quick action
   • Succedent (2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th): moderate delay
   • Cadent (3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th): slow or uncertain results

All three factors — planetary speed, sign modality, and house position — combine to define how quickly the event occurs.

3. Planetary Motion and Speed

The faster a planet moves, the sooner it delivers the result.

If the Moon is the main significator, events unfold quickly.
If Saturn is involved, patience is essential.

4. The Role of the Moon in Timing

The Moon is the clock of the horary chart.
Her movement shows the unfolding of the situation, often timing events precisely.

• The distance (in degrees) to her next aspect represents time until the next development.
• The type of aspect shows the quality of the event.
  • Trine/Sextile → easy, natural unfolding
  • Square/Opposition → delay, difficulty, obstacle
  • Conjunction → immediate, decisive change

Example:

Moon at 10° Aries applying to trine Jupiter at 15° Aries → 5° difference
→ Event in ~5 days (if cardinal/fast), ~5 weeks (if mutable/moderate), or ~5 months (if fixed/slow)

5. Determining Which Aspect Times the Event

Only the aspect that perfects between significators (querent and quesited) indicates timing.
Do not use every aspect the Moon makes — only the ones related to the question.

If there’s no applying aspect, the event may not occur or is too far away to predict.

6. Accidental Factors Affecting Time

Timing is not mechanical — accidental factors (like retrogradation or combustion) change results:

• Retrograde planet → delay, reversal, or repetition
• Combust planet → hidden matters, slow resolution
• Planet leaving sign → interruption, change of course
• Void-of-course Moon → no immediate outcome

Always interpret timing within these dynamic conditions.

7. Example 1 — Relationship Question

Question: “When will he contact me?”

• Querent = Venus (1st ruler)
• Partner = Mars (7th ruler)
• Venus at 12° Leo applying to Mars at 17° Sagittarius → trine in 5°
• Both in fire signs (cardinal/moderate) → weeks
  ✅ Answer: Contact in approximately 5 weeks.

If the Moon were applying faster (within hours) → contact might come sooner.

8. Example 2 — Job Offer

Question: “When will I receive the job offer?”

• Querent = Moon (1st ruler)
• Employer = Saturn (10th ruler)
• Moon at 5° Pisces applying to sextile Saturn at 7° Taurus → 2° separation
• Mutable + succedent → medium speed
  ✅ Result: Job offer in about 2–3 weeks.

If the Moon were in an angular house, the result could arrive within days.

9. Example 3 — Delayed or Blocked Event

Question: “When will my ex return?”

• Venus applying to Mars by square (5° difference)
• Both in fixed signs (Taurus/Leo) and Mars retrograde.
  ❌ Interpretation: Delay, reversal, or no immediate return.
  If reconciliation happens, it will take months or longer — if at all.

10. Symbolic vs Literal Time

Timing can be symbolic as well as literal.
Sometimes “3 units” means three emotional cycles or phases, not calendar weeks.

Always check the realistic pace of the question:

• Love or messages → days/weeks
• Moving or job change → weeks/months
• Legal or property issues → months/years

11. The House of the Event

The house that rules the matter also indicates speed:

If both significators are angular → quick result.
If cadent → slow or uncertain.

12. Final Steps for Timing

1. Identify significators (planets representing querent and quesited).
2. Measure degrees of separation between them.
3. Adjust time unit based on:
   • Sign speed (Cardinal, Mutable, Fixed)
   • Planetary motion (fast/slow)
   • House type (angular, succedent, cadent)
4. Interpret modifiers (retrograde, combustion, void Moon).
5. Cross-check with the Moon’s aspects for confirmation.

13. Advanced Timing Indicators

• Ingresses: When a planet enters a new sign, it can mark change or action.
• Translation or collection of light: When another planet connects the significators, timing can depend on that intermediary’s motion.
• Eclipses or lunations: Can mark turning points or external triggers.

14. Summary Table of Timing Logic

The more “fast” indicators appear, the sooner the event.

15. Example Summary

Conclusion

Timing in horary astrology is an art combining mathematical observation and intuitive logic.
By measuring aspects, understanding sign speed, and observing planetary motion, astrologers can forecast not just if something happens — but exactly when.