Episode 128 features an interview with astrologer John Townley about composite charts, and his work in developing and promoting the technique starting in the early 1970s.

John was the first person to publish a book on the subject in 1973, and is generally recognized as having popularized the technique.

During the course of the interview we discuss his background in astrology, how the concept of composite charts was first developed, and what some of the implications of the technique are.

You can find out more information about John’s work on his website:

www.astrococktail.com

Below you will find the show notes, which contain an outline of some of the points that we touched on in the discussion, followed by links to download or stream the recording of this episode of the podcast at the bottom of the page.

Show Notes

Introducing John, and talking about his early life and career. Born August 17, 1945, 1:51 AM EWT, Washington, DC Background and training in astrology.

The Composite Chart (1973) Published during his Saturn return.

Composite Charts: The Astrology of Relationships (2000, Llewellyn)

(2000, Llewellyn) Prior to the 1970s synastry was the only game in town for relationship analysis. Synastry goes back to 1st and 2nd century, Dorotheus and Ptolemy, at least.

Origins of midpoint theory/technique in early 20th century astrology. Came out of the Hamburg School in Germany in the 1920s. For some reason Ebertin attributes it to Bonatti, but it is not clear why. Understanding how and why midpoints work is key.

Synastry compares the positions in two natal charts to each other. Composite chart creates a third chart for the relationship as an entity. What do two people create when they come together? Composite chart uses intra-chart midpoints for the same planet, eg. Venus-Venus

Composite as not a real chart that exists, but an artifact. Not technically a horoscope or chart at all, in the strict sense. Does not reflect an actual chart with a time and location. An extrapolation from two charts. John calls it a “mathematical construct of mutual midpoints.”

Davison chart as a midpoint in time versus composite midpoint in space. Davidson creates a chart for a location and date halfway between the natals. Ronald Davison (1914-1985) First introduced Davison chart in synastry book in 1977. Very late in his career, thus probably not central to his work. Maybe “off-the-cuff response to the sudden burst of interest in composite charts” John calls this part of the “why not” approach that many partook in at the time, including himself in his first volume on composites.

chart as a midpoint in time versus composite midpoint in space. Advocates a physical basis for astrology.

Work on Paul Kammerer and the concept of seriality.

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