The Chess Master: My first original and brilliant idea

Intro

In any scientific software project, there are two paths you can take.

You can take a purely empirical approach in which you perform open-ended research without any assumptions about what the data is going to tell you. This is what statisticians do when they perform endless linear regressions through piles of numerical data. You just try to find the patterns in the data. This is how baseball geeks discovered that on-base percentage was the ultimate predictor of a player’s value to his team. This is how I discovered I have a thing for Venus or Mars in Scorpio. This is how I discovered my magical little 3/12/1986 date. Incidentally, she does not have Mars or Venus in Scorpio.

The other path is the logical, abstract, theoretical approach. In this approach, you use key theoretical principles to reason-out the best possible hypothesis. You then devise a test for that hypothesis. This is how a guy like Bill Walsh reasoned out the theory that a bunch of short triangle rub-off passing patterns could win you the Super Bowl back in the 1980s. This is also how Bill Bellichick reasoned out the notion that two-zone 40 yard defense could stop those short triangle rub-off patterns. Of course, they put these theories to the test in battle. They both won their gambits.

Let’s look at the astrological wheel as a chess board

To the best of my knowledge, there is no piece of software in the astrological world that resembles a chess engine. There is no piece of software that will consider the contents of your chart the way a chess engine would consider the placement of pieces on a chess board. There are plenty of chess engines out there, and most of them will allow you to set up a scenario of pieces. Those engines are then capable of determining that specific arrangement of pieces opposite your pieces would be the best possible counter-position.

In the world of astrology, such an engine should be able to consider the placement of planets on a wheel and then say, the following arrangement of planets on a second chart would be the theoretical optimal solution as your soul-mate. Of course, the next problem is computing the date when that theoretical optimal combination of planets occurred. Unfortunately, due to the complexities of celestial mechanics, that perfect combination might have a date in the year 987 BC, or maybe it won’t occur until 2365 AD. You never know until you compute the date. The perfect mate may be, practically speaking, impossible to obtain.

Nevertheless, I think there is great value in devising an engine that will reason out the perfect theoretical mate. Just presenting this information in a simple grid would be extremely informative. A guy like me could easily memorize what that theoretical ideal looks like. Given five minutes to compare a real chart to that theoretical chart, it’s easy to see how closely it resembles or how far it deviates from that theoretically perfect chart.

More importantly, there is a chance—no matter how remote—that you just might get lucky. Your perfect mate might have been born 4 years before or 6 years after you. You might have a lucky chart that’s easy to match. If so, you might not need my help, but what the hell.

What is this ‘perfect’ crap you’re talking about?

The Star Goddess Janet Scialis is fond of saying “If you ever hear the word perfect, it came out of the mouth of a Virgo.” Yes, I am a Virgo, and a damn good one. I have a high concentration of powerful planets in my first house, and that first house just happens to be located in Virgo. We have a killer reputation for being perfectionists. With that said, our rep is vastly overstated.

We know the difference between a theoretical ideal and reality. I am very pragmatic and utilitarian in looking for optimal solutions. I begin with the notion that perfection is un-obtainable. Furthermore, perfection is the enemy of the possible, as my dad likes to say. We strive for perfection, but we do not attain it. We go after it, and get as close as possible, but you need to know when to stop and accept an expedient compromise.

Nevertheless, perfection is a very useful abstract concept. The meter, the kilogram, and the liter are all purely abstract concepts. No one has ever measured a perfect meter, kilogram or liter of anything. Nevertheless, these abstract concepts of perfection are incredible important units of measure in our practical world of engineering. We would be utterly fucked to the gills without perfect units of measure. No technological progress would ever be possible without such units of measure. You can’t put a man on the moon without these perfect units of measure.

Likewise in synastry, I don’t think you can really make a recommendation about what a guy or a girl should look for until you come up with a sharply honed notion of what the perfect mate would look like.

So how the hell do you compute a theoretical ideal mate anyway?

It’s pretty easy actually. We start with the following presuppositions based on theory:

1. The 5 personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) are the key pieces that have to line up with good angles.
2. The Conjunction is the most powerful angle in just about all cases, but it is unpredictable. Sometimes it produces great affinity and sometimes it produces great hatred. It depends on whether you identify strongly with that individual, or if that individual reminds you of everything you hate about yourself. Despite its tremendous power, we discard the Conjunction as a candidate for the optimal solution. It is just too unpredictable.
3. The Opposition is the most powerful angle for attraction, but opposition contains… er… well… opposition. If you are opposites, you don’t have a lot in common. You may complement each other well and complete each other, but you don’t agree much on the particulars of the matter. We discard this as a candidate for the optimal solution because it strongly implies conflict as well as balance and attraction.
4. The Sextile, or 60 degree angle, is the angle of good fortune. It denotes different, but highly compatible elements. In the case of Earth signs the Sextiles will be water signs. In the case of Fire signs, the Sextiles will be Air signs. We regard this as an excellent angle, but only second best overall. It is not the optimal solution, although it is a very good solution.
5. Almost everyone is in agreement that the Trine, or 120 degree angle, is the best of all possible angles. This denotes one of two possible signs that are of your specific gender, energy and element. This implies strong compatibility and an easy flow; getting together is both natural and fun. The Trine is the optimal solution.

Let’s Trine out

So the notion is simple.

1. Take the orbital position of the five personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars)
2. Compute the two trines of each planet by adding or subtracting 120 degrees to that orbital position.
3. Collect up the results and Lay them out in a grid next to client chart.
4. Try to compute the actual date on which this combination planet positions occurred.
5. Determine whether this date is, practically speaking, out of range and unobtainable.
6. Look for some near misses.

Critique

I am aware of the fact that the astrological literature warns that too many trines make for a lazy, careless and easy life. I am aware of the fact that many authorities suggest that squares and oppositions create challenges that are important for personal growth and change.

These chaps obvious haven’t met Tim Tebow. As I have mentioned before on this blog, the kid is almost entirely fire. His chart is utterly dominated by Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. Tebow is a bunch of Trines. You ought to see the magnificent equilateral triangles in his chart. This is one of those charts that makes the Magi come from east and say show me where the new born king of the Jews lies. It doesn’t surprise me that the kid is great, and I don’t doubt he will become a great NFL QB. There ain’t nothing lazy, careless or easy about this kid.

In short, I don’t buy this critique. I reject it. I think it is good to trine out the five internal planets. I can see no downside to taking a stab at this objective. I think this represents the best of all possible abstract goals. Of course, real mileage will vary.

There are always (at least) two candidates

So let’s remember that there are 12 signs and 4 elements. Each element has three signs. Each one of your planets is going to reside in one of those signs. For each possible position of any planet in your chart, there are two possible Trine companions. In the case of Virgo, both Taurus and Capricorn are equal Trine companions. In the case of Scorpio, both Cancer and Pisces are equal Trines. In the case of Leo, both Aries and Sagittarius are equal trines. In the case of Libra, both Gemini and Aquarius are equal trines.

Logically, this means that for any given individual there are two equally good theoretical perfect matches. I have two theoretically perfect matches. You have two theoretically perfect matches. The implications of that statement are fairly staggering. What if you had to choose between two theoretically perfect mates? How would you go about making that decision? How could you disappoint either one of them? Would it not kill you to make that choice?

The decision would be greatly complicated by the fact that these two would also be equally perfect for each other. They might be as close as blood brothers, or virtual sisters. I wonder if this is the reason for the great popularity of the archetypal romances in which a man or a woman is forced to choose between two perfect candidates. There are many thousands of mythical tragedies in which two blood brothers fall in love with the same woman and wind up killing each other over her. They kill each other because neither can live without her.

You can take solace in the fact that you probably won’t ever have to make this choice. Whether either one of your two perfect candidates lives today is in doubt. Whether either one of them is old enough or young enough for you is equally in doubt.

Still, we can afford the time to look around for these candidates.

Take me, for an example

So if we use an example I happen to know well, namely me, we can see how this works in action. A grid displaying my 5 personal planets and there two perfect Trine companions.

Num	Planet	Me	Candidate A	Candidate B
1	Sun	Virgo 9:37	Taurus 9:37	Capricorn 9:37
2	Moon	Aries 7:13	Leo 12:20	Leo 12:20
3	Mercury	Virgo 2:09	Taurus 2:09	Capricorn 2:09
4	Venus	Leo 22:04	Aries 05:02	Sagittarius 05:02
5	Mars	Leo 05:02	Aries 22:04	Sagittarius 22:04

As you can see clearly in this grid, my Virgo Sun has two perfect trines. One can be found at 9 degrees 37 minutes Taurus. The other can be found at 9 degrees, 37 minutes Capricorn.

In the case of the Moon, I choose Leo twice. I do not choose a Sagittarius moon. Why discriminate against Sagittarius? In theory, you could choose Sagittarius in both cases. Both females would still make excellent mates. As a matter of practical expediency, I might be forced to switch to Sagittarius in order to be able to find a living prospect.

What I am doing in this case is putting an optimizing wrinkle in the compiler. I want to construct a near-conjunction between my Venus are her Moon at the same time that I create trine between my Moon and her Moon. This effectively doubles down the score. A conjunction between Venus and the Moon is seen as one of the most positive aspects for marriage. This is what a compiler designer would describe as a discrete optimization technique.

Since celestial mechanics allow the moon to be anywhere vis-à-vis the position of the Sun, I am going to take advantage of this fact to construct a better match up. For this reason, I chose Leo twice, and I bump it’s position over 5 degrees to aspect better with both my Moon and Venus at the same time.

In the case of Mercury, it is the same story as the Sun. I want a simple Trine by adding or subtracting 120 degrees. All three Earth signs have practical, level-headed, expedient, pragmatic, utilitarian, skill-based intelligences. We’re all a bunch of feet-on-ground types, although some would question that in my case. Just in case you were wondering, the laws of celestial mechanics dictate that Mercury can never be more than 28 degrees away from the Sun. Ergo, the simple Trine is best you're ever going to do here.

You have to remember, I am an air adept. I can get pretty theoretical and abstract if I want. I haven’t lost that ability.

Notice that neither of my theoretically perfect candidates has a Venus or Mars in Scorpio. I would be willing to accept that as a substitute if no closer match could be found in reality, however, we should not go looking for 90 degree square problems.

In the case of Venus and Mars, I’m going to put in another discrete optimization technique. As I have mentioned many times on this blog, the Conjunction of Mars and Venus between two charts is the most significant predictor or sexual attraction and sexual compatibility. Whenever you can find a conjunction between his Mars and her Venus, you can be sure they want each other badly.

It’s a similar story for the Trines, just not as overwhelming. When his Mars trines her Venus, you will find a smooth, easy, fun blend of the male and the female principles. Most failed couples will tell you that the smooth blend of the masculine and feminine is the toughest possible task to accomplish. You want this principle working for you, not against you. It is even better if her Mars trines his Venus at the same time. You can be sure they will both be crazy about each other then.

The formula is simple. You take his Venus position add or subtract 120 degrees, assign that to her Mars. You take his Mars position, tack on 120 and assign it to her Venus. Of course, the same technique works fine if you have a female client.

Questions

Q: Why pick Aries twice for the Taurus candidate?

A: Because my Mars and Venus are conjuncted, I figured it would work better if my perfect match were also conjuncted. Further, celestial mechanics dictate that the position of Venus can never be more than 48 degrees away from the Sun. Because Venus cannot be more than 48 degrees away from the Sun, a Taurus woman cannot have her Venus in Leo or Sagittarius. Aries becomes the only choice.

Q: Why pick Sagittarius Twice for the Capricorn candidate?

A: Same reason. A Capricorn cannot have her Venus in Leo or Aries. Given a Capricorn Sun, the only choice for a conjunction of Venus and Mars in Fire is Sagittarius.

Q: Wouldn’t a Taurus with Venus in Aries and Mars in Sagittarius be a great trine candidate?

A: Absolutely, but she wouldn’t be conjuncted as I am. This would make her a little less consistent, and a little more complicated. She would probably still drive me crazy. I would probably still love her to death.

Q: Wouldn’t a Taurus with Venus in Aries and Mars in Leo be a great trine candidate?

A: Yup, same deal as before, but possibly better. We might make her Mars conjunct my Venus in this case. That should drive her crazy. Incidentally, a batch of females like this were born on 5/10/1963. You can also find these split combos with Capricorn. The results will probably be equally good.

Q: Rather than picking Moon in Leo, shouldn’t you select Moon in Sagittarius in order to produce Trines between your Venus and her Moon?

A: You make a very good point. If we go consistently with Trines everywhere, her Moon should be in Sagittarius. This would probably produce fantastic results. Once again, I am putting in a discrete optimization wrinkle here. I’ve heard too many good things about Moon conjunct Venus to pass on this aspect without trying. I am prepared to adjust this Moon position to Sagittarius if no Moon in Leo candidates are alive and within practical age boundaries.

So do you know anybody resembling this profile?

It just so happens I do. As I mentioned once before on this blog, there is a certain Brazilian Taurus woman I know at work who was born on 5/8/1979. If we compare her to the abstract notion of perfection called Candidate A, we see some very interesting corollaries and differences.

Num	Planet	Me	Candidate A	Brazilian Taurus
1	Sun	Virgo 9:37	Taurus 9:37	Taurus 17:14
2	Moon	Aries 7:13	Leo 12:20	Libra 03:51
3	Mercury	Virgo 2:09	Taurus 2:09	Aries 25:52
4	Venus	Leo 22:04	Aries 05:02	Aries 18:24
5	Mars	Leo 05:02	Aries 22:04	Aries 24:09

I don’t want to sound like Meatloaf, but 3 out of 5 ain’t bad. Her Sun position is off by less than 8 degrees. My Mars doesn’t precisely Trine her Venus. Her Mars is just 2 degrees away from a perfect trine with my Venus. We would always treat that as a Trine. According to the legend and lore, this would indicate that she is the pursuer and the party with cravings.

What about the Moon? Her Moon is just about perfectly opposed to my Moon. As you know, opposition is the most powerful aspect for attraction. However, opposition means opposition. She is a balanced peacemaker, emotionally speaking. I am a military war machine, emotionally speaking. Still, these two forces are powerfully attracted to each other. In terms of attraction, this will be stronger than a Trine. You might want to count this in her favor. It shouldn’t count against her.

The big problem is the Mercury sign. Mentally, the two of us a have a 130 degree sesquisquare. This would suggest a tremendous imbalance intellectually speaking. This could be the one and only big issue. She almost had a Taurus here, which would have been perfect. She missed the ideal by just 6 degrees.

Notwithstanding, you have to look at that grid with amazement. Any reasonably mature Astrologer would look at our two charts, raise an eyebrow, and wonder if she isn’t a God-given, custom tailored playmate for me. It is astounding that Sirus only grades her as a 231 point prospect. I still wonder why the score isn’t 639. Surely her score should be higher.

It is like a Finger Pointing Away to the Moon…

Don’t get hung up on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory. Don’t get hung up on the case of Dave and the Brazilian Taurus. Focus on the software engineer constructing his own synastry engine. The take home message is as follows

1. Understand that I am designing and constructing of a logical expert system that will arrange planets on a chart to make a pair of theoretically perfect Trine companions for you, or anyone else.
2. These two abstract charts are useful for comparison purposes. You can compare real-world charts to these two measuring sticks to see how closely the individual in question conforms to your theoretically perfect mates.
3. You might not be able to find an exact match for either of your two theoretically perfect charts, but you should be able to get reasonably close.
4. Understand that this abstract notion of perfection will resemble people who are alive and well today. You might even know someone who strongly resembles one of these two abstract charts, just as I do. With an adjustment here and there, said individual might be your most perfect available match.
5. With some very hard work on the mathematics of celestial mechanics, it should be possible to compute the exact date when your theoretically perfect mates were or will be born. This does not mean they will be within striking range of your lifetime, but you just might have a lucky chart.

I think this will be a useful tool, and worth building.