What is the Part of Fortune?
It certainly has an intriguing name. Most
of us have our dreams; that 'pot-of-gold' that we seek. And to the
astrological community, that is exactly what the Part of Fortune indicates:
the 'pot-of-gold' that is waiting at the end of our own personal rainbows.
The key to understanding this point is to understand that the pot-of-gold
represents what best serves the evolution of our soul.
The Part of Fortune is a sensitive point in the chart derived from the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant (the Ascendant represents the very sensitive degree of the zodiac that is rising over the eastern horizon at the exact time and location of our birth). The Part of Fortune is one of over 40 such 'parts' or points but the most widely used of the group. Astrologers refer to such 'parts' as Arabic Parts. These parts were developed during the Middle Ages in Arabia. All of the Arabic Parts express the relationships of distance and direction between other sensitive points in the chart and each is derived from three points in a horoscope. Like the part of fortune, most of the parts have equally engaging names. For example, there is also a Part of Nobility & Honor, a Part of Sex Drive, and a Part of the Most Perilous Year (I didn't say that all the parts were considered fortunate points!).
The Part of Fortune is considered to be a beneficial point in the chart. If you have a copy of your natal chart, the Part of Fortune looks like a circle with an "x" in it. The house in which it is positioned in the horoscope is said to represent the area in which the person's endeavors are most likely to be auspicious. These are usually endeavors that the person is naturally drawn to without really understanding why. The sign that the Part of Fortune is in indicates the best approach to those endeavors as indicated by the house location. I have also found in researching the effects of the Part of Fortune, that the sign that it falls in natally represents traits that, if developed, bring the person benefits and/or joy and happiness. The key to the Part of Fortune, is in the cultivation. One must cultivate the traits and learn about the affairs of the house that the Part of Fortune falls in to access its benefits.
The fortune indicated by this part is not necessarily materialistic or even tangible, though it can be. It depends on the sign and house location of the Part of Fortune. The benefit can be on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and/or spiritual plane of experience. In all cases it is through the cultivation and expression of this point that one will experience harmony and a sense of rootedness and well-being.
As I mentioned above, all of the Arabic parts are derived from three other sensitive points in the horoscope. In the case of the Part of Fortune, these three points are the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant are the foundation of the human personality. The sign rising at our birth, or in other words the sign on our Ascendant, describes our personality. The Ascendant is the self as it is expressed to the outer world. The sign that our natal Sun is in at the moment of our birth describes our core self. Just as the Sun is in the center of the solar system, so does our Sun-sign describe the center of the human personality. Our Sun-sign represents our personal sense of a unique self with a distinct identity.
The sign that the Moon is in at birth describes our emotional nature. In addition, the moon represent our habitual response patterns and conditioned or instinctual reactions to the circumstances of our lives. Much can be gleaned about a person by knowing the sign placements of the Ascendant, Sun and Moon. And it is because the Part of Fortune is derived from these three very significant points that it represents that place in the horoscope where one's fortune will be realized when there is a refusal to compromise one's personal integrity.
In order to discover our own pot-of-gold then, we must cultivate a strong sense of self as represented by the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant. That is because the Part of Fortune symbolizes that place in the horoscope where this trio is in harmonic relationship to one another and therefore most easily expressed to the greatest advantage. How can we cultivate a strong sense of self? First, we can come to know our solar nature. It is through our Sun sign that we learn who we are and what we stand for, not in terms of what others expect from us or want us to be but rather through our own strong sense of a unique self.
Second, it is via an understanding of our Moon sign that we embrace our emotional nature and cultivate emotional harmony. By understanding our emotional needs and nature we can learn to maintain a balance between the needs which will nourish us at our core (our Sun sign) while simultaneously sustaining healthy relationships with others. The third factor which balances the Sun and Moon signs is the Ascendant. As mentioned earlier in this article, the Ascendant describes our personality. The Ascendant is the self as it is expressed to the outer world. Therefore, the Sun and Moon are both experienced and expressed through the Ascendant.
It could be said that the Part of Fortune represents our inner sense of abundance and that it does so because it encompasses the major triad that represents the self. The Part of Fortune represents that point in our chart where we are attuned to the environment in which we are most likely to experience a sense of wholeness and abundance. Because the Part of Fortune is dependent upon how an individual integrates and uses the Sun, Moon and Ascendant, the fortune received will depend upon how balanced the personal expression of these three factors is.
The Part of Fortune is not only in a particular sign and house in the horoscope, it can also form angular relationships with (or aspect) other planets and points in the chart. These linkages outline more clearly the means of cultivating the Part of Fortune. In addition, you are likely to have a strong reaction to someone who's own natal planets make contact with the Part of Fortune in your chart. Additionally, the Part of Fortune is sensitive to transits and progressions. However, I'll save these discussions for another time. For now, let's just take a look at what the Part of Fortune in particular signs and houses indicates.
IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind that the
Part of Fortune is just one factor comprising the whole of any birth chart.
While the descriptions given below are insightful, a wholistic understanding
of the Part of Fortune or any other factor of the chart is incomplete and
therefore general because it is given out of the context of the whole.
Interpreting the Part of Fortune
The Part
of Fortune in the Signs
In Aries
Cultivate courage, inspiration and patience.
You have an abundance of energy and need outlets of activity--focus your
energy and you're the indomitable pioneer! Your joy is found in taking
up the challenges and leaping over the obstacles. Your gifts are
a keen focus and the ability to see your direction clearly. Trust
your intuition.
In Taurus
Seek that which abides. One of your greatest
joys will be in the building, sustaining and expressing of a personal love
that abides. Delve into the meaning and use of all things and
construct a firm foundation, for your joy is based on the ability to build
and sustain. Your gift is patience and the ability to take things
in stride.
In Gemini
Your joy is found in indulging your curiosity
and the resulting expansion of your consciousness. Cultivate versatility,
flexibility and freedom of movement. You may be gifted with a unique
sense of humor. Living fully in the moment, undaunted by the burden
of judgment, you know the joy of being carefree.
In Cancer
Cultivate gentleness and tenderness. Experience
the joy of nurturing others and being nurtured. See life through
the eyes of a child. Remember your innocence and the innocence of
others. Do for the sake of doing without concern for the outcomes.
Your greatest joy is derived from experiencing the process of giving birth--be
this a birth of a child, a business, a creative exercise, an idea/vision,
or anything that did not exist before you invested your energy into its
becoming.
In Leo
Cultivate enthusiasm, generosity, and optimism.
Focus on self-mastery for you will find joy in being a source of inspiration
for others. You understand that everyone must find their own path
and therefore you lead by example and walk your talk. You give for
the sheer joy of giving, without any expectation for a return. There
can be great achievements that result from the focused direction of your
abundant creative energy.
In Virgo
Cultivate discrimination, logical analysis, and
tolerance. You're happy when you feel you have organization in your
environment. Dedicate your life to the here and now. Stay busy
and involved in the details of the present. Your greatest joy is
derived from knowing that your life is functioning efficiently. You
don't allow things to pile up and become excess baggage you carry from
the past into the future.
In Libra
Cultivate diplomacy, balance, and grace.
You don't mind going along with others because you understand that we are
all part of a greater whole. Your joy is found in knowing that you
belong--to everything. Your gift is the ability to maintain equilibrium
in a dualistic world and to feel at one with all.
In Scorpio
Your gifts are a keen perception, penetrating
insight, and a fearlessness of the unknown. Cultivate efficiency,
ambition, and organization. Your joy is found by stripping away the
outer layers of experiences and getting to the core where you have an intimate
connection to the depths of existence.
In Sagittarius
You are not afraid to take risks and try your
luck because you know you're naturally lucky. It is quite possible
that your greatest fortune is found in remote places, far from your home.
Cultivate openness, honesty, directness, and an understanding of natural
law. The world is your playground and your joy is in exploring it
all!
In Capricorn
Cultivate responsibility, patience, perseverance
and practicality. Your greatest joy will be derived from observing
your progress through life and seeing it take a form and structure that
will outlive your human life span. Your gift is that you understand
what it means to be the master of your own destiny. Your life's purpose
and work is in high focus and nothing will deter you from manifesting what
you know to be possible.
In Aquarius
Cultivate objectivity, originality, and humanitarianism.
Your gift is your unconventionality and ability to understand that difference
is neutral. For you, one thing doesn't have to be better or worse
than another. You are not bound by expectation, social taboos or
the predictable. Your joy is in the truth that anything is possible.
Rejoice in your 'difference' and any seemingly off-the-wall desires and
ideas for these will lead to the realization of your dreams.
In Pisces
You know what it means to be in the flow of the
universe. Your gift is the ability to transcend the finite.
You are naturally attuned to the cosmos and there is no greater joy than
sensing the eternal oneness of All. Cultivate compassion, faith,
and your imagination and experience the joy of rowing gently, gently, gently
down the stream of life.
1st House
Your joy will come from trusting in your own
unique approach to life and acting independently. Cultivate self-sufficiency
and the ability to focus your energy like an arrow toward its target and
don't allow anything to distract your aim. Avoid the web of the superficial.
Your ultimate fortune is in the discovery of all that comprises your
self.
2nd House
Your joy will come from manifesting what it is
you truly value. But first you will have to discover what that is.
You will know it because it will be that which abides, unaffected by the
changing tides of life. You can be very fortunate materially and
in endeavors which are founded in your sincere values. Cultivate
a strong sense of what is meaningful and of value to you and discover your
hidden talents and skills.
3rd House
Your joy is in communication and just being with
people. You are gifted with the ability to think clearly and to make
communication a work of art. You may be a gifted teacher. Cultivate
non-judgement, Higher awareness, and patience. Learn to wait for
that special moment which makes real communication possible.
4th House
Your greatest joy will come from nourishing beginnings.
You understand the need to nourish the seeds to fruition and derive great
satisfaction from doing so. Cultivate a strong inner foundation from
which you can give birth to all your creative endeavors. You'll always
find delight in those first steps. Your fortune can come from a parent,
heritage, or ancestors or it may rest in the fulfillment that is derived
from being in touch with the roots of the soul.
5th House
Your joy is in your personal creations--all that
is created is an outgrowth of your awareness of self. Your gift is
the ability to manifest your dreams. You've heard the saying, be
careful what you wish for? It applies to you. Cultivate all
forms of creative self-expression. Don't talk about it, DO it.
Your fortune will come from putting your energy into that which makes your
heart dance.
6th House
Your joy is derived from the efficient use of
your time and energy. You are not one to procrastinate or to ignore
or neglect seeing to the details of everyday life. You're happiest
when everything is in order: the bills are paid on time, the garbage is
taken out, and the dishes are clean. Your gift is your ability to
organize. Cultivate discrimination and your service-oriented nature.
You may experience fortune in finding meaningful work or experiencing good
physical health throughout your life.
7th House
Your greatest joy comes from the committed relationships
or partnerships you form with others. Your fortune is in unity.
You have the gift of putting others in touch with their own sense of well-being
and happiness. You are sensitive to the needs of others and have
an innate sense of win-win diplomacy. Cultivate a union with your
self and gift this world with that harmony. It is those people with
whom you form committed relationships that will either highlight your path
to fortune or bring your fortune to you.
8th House
Your greatest joy comes from rebirth. You
experience joy each time you release that which is no longer of value,
usefulness, or meaning to you. Cultivate openness to others and encourage
others to share their deepest selves with you by sharing your deepest self
with them. You understand what it means to be the Phoenix--and that
death is just one experience within the cycle leading to rebirth.
9th House
Your joy is derived from the discovery of truth.
Your understanding of the world embraces that beyond mundane life.
You enjoy philosophical discussions and are a perpetual student of life.
Cultivate tolerance and an openness to all ways of viewing the world.
You are a natural teacher who understands that one is simulaneously teacher
and student. Your fortune may be derived in your travels or in embracing
that which was once foreign to you.
10th House
Your joy is derived from your indomitable integrity
of being and your tenacious refusal to be sidestepped from your goals.
You see reality for what it is and live your life as if reality were as
you know it ought to be. Cultivate sensitivity, playfulness, and
acceptance. Your fortune will be derived from the respect you earn
for walking your talk and being the beacon for those who climb the mountain
behind you.
11th House
Your joy is derived from your friendships.
You understand what it means to be a true friend. You know that friendship
forms the basis of all meaningful relationships. That is, a relating
rooted in honesty and trust and the understanding that people come
together to celebrate their personal and mutual becoming. A true
friend assists us in finding our wings. Cultivate openness to the
unconventional and unique. Your fortune is in the realization that
freedom is not an illusion: it is our birthright.
12th House
Your joy is derived from a loving relationship
with your inner self and sense of unity with All. You need periods
of solitude and a sanctuary you can call your own. Periods of solitude
or meditation sustain your ability to function in the 'everyday world'
while staying aligned with the flow of the All. You are able to see
clearly the separate parts without losing sight of the whole. Cultivate
compassion and forgiveness. Your great fortune is in the realization
that wherever you are, you are always home.