Strength and Harmony in the Natal Chart (Astrodines)

Cosmodynes (Astrodynes) are an astrological measure of strength and harmony within the natal chart. Just as electrical power is measured in watts and physical energy in joules, astrologers can use Astrodynes to quantify astrological power.

The method was developed by astrologer Elbert Benjamin in 1946, and its calculations and formulas are thoroughly described in Ken Stone’s book “Delineation With Astrodynes“. For a long time, this technique was considered too complex for manual calculations, but with the advent of computers, everything changed. Astrodynes have become widely used by many professional astrologers for the analysis of the natal chart.

All planets, signs, and Houses have both harmonious and inharmonious indicators, as well as a measure of strength (power). This is crucial information when reading a chart: using these indicators, one can analyze the energy of a planet, sign, or House and see how these energies are being utilized—whether in harmony or disharmony.

The amount of energy (power) a planet possesses is determined by three components: its sign, House, and operative aspects. The Astrodynes method involves ten aspects: conjunction, semisextile, semisquare, sextile, square, trine, sesquisquare, quincunx, opposition, and parallel. The orb of influence for an aspect varies depending on the planets involved, their House positions, and the aspect under consideration. You can find full details of the calculations in the aforementioned source.

It is also important to note that the planet with the highest number of Cosmodynes is considered the strongest planet in the chart, as it represents the most powerful energetic potential. Why are strong planets so significant? The most powerful planets in the table indicate potential that can easily be transformed into abilities. This is where the native is most likely to excel—the specialty or profession where the best results can be achieved. Harmonious or inharmonious planets show the amount of luck or obstacles on the path to realizing a planet’s potential, which can change over a lifetime and, through conscious development, become more harmonious.

Similarly, the strongest and most harmonious Houses highlight the environment or sphere of life where the person can most easily practice and develop a profession.

The signs provide insight into natural, instinctive motivations (likes and dislikes, attitudes and reactions) and help to determine whether a calling is present. Harmony and disharmony will indicate the degree of satisfaction with the energy of the sign.

Harmony and Disharmony

Indicators of harmony and disharmony measure the degree of conflict or inharmonious influence on planets, signs, and Houses. A positive number indicates harmony; a negative number indicates disharmony. This is important information that reveals how the energies of the planets, signs, and Houses will function—whether these energies will be used harmoniously, attracting ease and good fortune, or inharmoniously, bringing discord, obstacles, and resistance.

Harmony and disharmony are determined by three factors: the nature of the planet itself, harmonious and inharmonious aspects, and essential strength (by sign). House position (accidental strength) does not affect harmony or disharmony, but it does influence the measure of power.

It is possible to harmonize indicators of disharmony through spiritual integration and the conscious development of the positive qualities of the relevant planet, House, or sign.

How Can Cosmodynes Be Used in Practice?

For a quick analysis of a natal chart, the table allows us to highlight the strongest and most harmonious planets, Houses, and signs.

In a relocation horoscope, Astrodynes can be used to analyze shifts in House energies, since a change in location alters the entire event structure of the natal chart.

In a compatibility chart (synastry), Cosmodynes can be used to identify shared interests, as well as to clearly see the harmony or disharmony within the relationship. In fact, the use of Astrodynes is extremely broad—this is a unique tool that provides an additional layer of analysis for the natal chart.

The Path of Least Resistance

A lightning bolt does not fall to Earth in a straight line, but moves in a zigzag, following the path of least resistance. Rivers, too, do not flow directly over the land, but wind and bend, choosing the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance is the path of greatest progress. Every person’s life has such a path. It is no secret that what comes easily to one may be an insurmountable obstacle to another. If one were to count the years spent in futile effort trying to achieve the impossible, it would be wise to advise learning the laws of nature. Astrology, based on these laws, offers the opportunity to find a suitable occupation and the right path—in other words, the path of least resistance, which leads to results with minimal exertion and cost.

In life, one often sees people who ignore their true calling and, in search of a higher income or for other reasons, take work that does not align with their soul’s desire. This, of course, is a false path. Even if such work brings a high income, over time, a person experiences internal discord and burnout, which may lead to nervous exhaustion, health loss, or even mental disturbance.

However, if a person is in love with their work, even if the income barely reaches a living wage (see analysis of the Tenth House), the native can still be happy and fulfilled. No work can be performed conscientiously without love or passion for it, which is why every profession has its “slaves” and “martyrs.” Often, in order to follow one’s passion or calling, it is necessary to sacrifice certain comforts in life, especially material ones. “Take what you desire, but first pay the proper price”—so goes the divine will, according to Emerson. But in the modern world, this rule seems outdated, as any work performed with heart is valued.

How to find the path of least resistance in the horoscope?

By analyzing the strength and harmony indicators in the chart, one can identify this path. Calculate your Astrodynes for strength and harmony to determine which planets, Houses, and signs concentrate the main strength of your energy. This path will most closely correspond to the call of your soul, ensuring both the interest and brilliance of your internal and external resources.  ✓