Also on the divine 3rd/9th house axis - the Latin text of Abu ‘Ali uses the phrase “legis nati” (“the native’s law”) as a signification of the 3rd. This is because the 3rd signifies neighbours, the local community where we live out the precepts of our faith or philosophy (9th).

So the 9th house is where we talk the talk but the 3rd house is where we walk the walk.

It’s interesting because you could in theory have an afflicted 9th and a fortunate 3rd, showing someone who acts ethically but disdains religion and philosophy, or a fortunate 9th/afflicted 3rd showing someone who is steeped in philosophy or religion but acts hypocritically.

I enjoy this scheme because it runs counter to the notion that you need spirituality or moral philosophy to treat your fellow humans well. There is a real difference between theoretical knowledge and the actual application of that knowledge.

And before you misunderstand me, let me say that the 3rd/9th axis should not be used as some sort of moral compass. More broadly, I’m not really sure whether astrology alone can tell you whether someone is “good” or “bad.” What I’m talking about here is theory versus practise.

This mini-thread brought to you by a guy with the Sun in the 9th and the Moon in the 3rd