Cyril Fagan

CYRIL FAGAN

Cyril Fagan (1896-1970) was one of the finest astrologers of the 20th century. A great astrological scholar, brilliant technician and extraordinary interpreter, Cyril Fagan left behind an important legacy for the astrological world.

In the 1940s, after studying the work of scholars who had translated the ancient Babylonian astronomical and astrological texts excavated from the Near and Middle East, Fagan realized that the Babylonians had used a sidereal zodiac—aligned to the stars—rather than a tropical zodiac—based on the seasons—later introduced by the Greeks. Fagan, a long time tropical astrologer, knew that this discovery would have profound implications for the modern day practice of astrology.

Fagan’s books include Zodiacs Old and New (1950), Symbolism of the Constellations (1962) and Astrological Origins (1971). However, many believe that his greatest contribution to the field may have been "Solunars," the monthly column he wrote on western sidereal astrology for American Astrology magazine. This column, which ran from 1953 until his death in 1970, has been called “the greatest astrology book ever written.” We recently secured the rights to this material and will publish these articles in a series of books. We will also post selected articles on Facebook, and on this page, below. We will also publish a new edition of Zodiacs Old and New in 2019.

If you would like to be notified when the books become available please join our mailing list. For a longer overview of Fagan's work, click here.

Solunars: 1953-1969

In this first installment, Fagan discusses the differences between sidereal and tropical "solunars"—solar and lunar return charts. As you will see, he uses the word "geniture" from the Latin genitura (seed of generation or nativity) for the natal horoscope, a term now rarely used.

Tropical Versus Sidereal Solunars,

July 1953

Fagan demonstrates the use and interpretation of lunar and demi-lunar returns. Fagan considered lunars—a chart for the monthly return of moon to its natal place—to be the best predictive instrument in an astrologer's toolkit.

A Modern Approach to an Ancient Method,

October 1953

In this article, Fagan discusses the true origin of the zodiac symbols. He explains that the symbols and names of the twelve constellations were derived from monthly agricultural events that occurred in ancient Egypt.

Egypt and the Zodiac Symbols,

November 1953

Fagan explains the origins of the exaltation degrees, modes of time reckoning and the importance of the stars on the ascendant. He also discusses the importance of transits to the lunar return and to the progressed chart.

The Exaltations and Time Reckoning, February/March 1954

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Fagan displayed his keen understanding of the intrinsic natures of the planets in his descriptions of transits to the natal Moon. He considered these transits to be especially potent when the Moon is emphasized in the foreground of the lunar return.

Transits to and from the Moon, April 1954

In this article, Fagan displays his much admired interpretive skill as he discusses the predictive power of the fast moving planets, both to the natal chart and in the lunar return. He explains the meaning of these transits—alone or in combination with other planets—when they appear on the angles, or in the foreground, of a return chart.

Transits to and from the Sun and Mercury,

May 1954

In this article, Fagan continues his look at transiting planets. Here, he looks at the transits of Venus and Mars alone, and in combination with other planets, especially in the lunar return. He also discuses the meaning of these planets in the birth chart and in synastry.

Transits of Venus and Mars, June/July 1954

Fagan looks at the transits of Jupiter and Saturn alone, and in combination with other planets, He delves deeply into the intrinsic nature of these planets and discuses their meaning in the birth chart and in synastry.

The Transits of Jupiter and Saturn, August/September 1954

Fagan briefly discusses both the Hindu and Babylonian ayanamsas before examining the horoscope of Mohandas Gandhi. He also examines the solar and lunar returns for Gandhi’s death and reminds us of the famous 1947 prediction made by the Hindu astrologer Dr. B. V. Raman.

The Ochchabhaga, February 1955

Many astrologers believe that the Age of Aquarius has begun or will begin in the near future. All of the assertions about a contemporary starting date ignore the fact that the Sun has been rising in the Western Fish of Pisces for many centuries.