Reception is a method of adding two relevant figures in order to judge the nature of their interaction. Most often, the figure of the Querent and the figure of the Quesited are added together. The resulting third figure does not describe either of them separately. It describes what arises between them—the condition of their relationship, the degree of agreement or resistance, the possibility of union, and the general result of their interaction at the time of the question.
In other words, Reception shows not merely that two significators are connected, but what kind of connection they have. It shows whether the interaction is accepted, whether it supports the matter, or whether the obstacle is already contained within the relationship itself.
Reception in Horary Astrology
In horary astrology, Reception is judged through the essential dignities and debilities of the planets. A planet’s placement in the sign, exaltation, triplicity, term, or face of another planet shows favor, interest, acceptance, support, or willingness to join. Placement in the detriment or fall of another planet shows rejection, dislike, harm, or unwillingness to accept what that planet signifies.
For this reason, an aspect between significators is not always enough. The aspect shows contact and the possibility of a result; Reception shows whether that contact is welcomed, rejected, useful, harmful, or capable of producing the desired outcome.
Reception in Geomancy
In geomancy, Reception works differently. It is not judged through planetary dignities, as in horary astrology, but is obtained by adding two figures together. Its role in judgment, however, is similar: Reception shows the nature of the interaction between two significators and whether that interaction supports the matter.
In many questions, Reception shows the Querent’s attitude toward the matter at the moment of the question: desire, fear, willingness, hesitation, rejection, interest, or inward condition in relation to the thing asked about.
This rule must not be applied mechanically. In questions where the attitude of the other side is the decisive factor, Reception shows acceptance or rejection by the Quesited. For example, in a question about being hired for a job, the main issue is not only whether the Querent wants the position, but how the employer, management, or those responsible for the decision regard the Querent’s candidacy.
How to Judge the Figure of Reception
When judging the figure of Reception, consider its own meaning, as well as its correspondences: zodiac sign, ruling planet, and element. Any of these levels may be relevant to the final judgment.
It is also important to see whether the figure of Reception appears elsewhere in the chart or as the Judge. If it appears in other houses, this shows that the result of the interaction between Querent and Quesited also concerns the topics of those houses. If the figure of Reception repeats as the Judge, this strengthens the importance of Reception in the whole judgment and, if necessary, allows the rule of Paternity to be applied to it for a more detailed analysis of the chart.
Reception and Perfection
Reception is especially important when judging Perfection. Perfection shows a real link, contact, condition, or path between the Querent and the Quesited. Reception shows the quality of that link and whether it supports the matter in the way required by the question.
If the question concerns the occurrence of an event, Perfection shows the possibility of that event. Without Perfection, the event does not occur. But if the question concerns the state of affairs rather than the occurrence of an event, the Perfections found in the chart describe that state of affairs. They do not necessarily indicate future events.
Reception must be examined with particular care in Minor Perfections, where Perfection is based on astrological aspects between the figures of the Querent and the Quesited: T sextile, U square, V trine, or X opposition. In an event-question, the aspect shows the possibility of contact or opportunity, but Reception shows whether that contact can bring the matter to the desired result. In a state-question, the same aspect may describe the condition of the matter rather than a future occurrence.
Reception may also be important in Major Perfections: Occupation, Conjunction, Mutation, Translation, and Collection. The presence of a Major Perfection does not always mean that the matter will be fulfilled in the way the Querent desires. It may show an event, a meeting, a contact, a consideration, movement in the matter, an actual encounter between the parties, or the present condition of the matter. Reception shows whether this connection is favorable, hostile, blocked, accepted, or unable to produce the desired result.
Example of Application
For example, in a question about a job, there may be Perfection between the figure of the Querent and the figure of the tenth house. The presence of Perfection already shows something real between the Querent and the job: the person applies, goes to an interview, has his candidacy considered, or comes into actual contact with the employer. But this is not necessarily the result the Querent wants.
If the addition of these figures produces an unsuitable figure, such as Carcer, Cauda Draconis, or Amissio, Reception shows restriction, destruction, loss, a closed door, refusal, or the impossibility of free union. In such a case, there is a formal link between the Querent and the job, and something truly takes place; yet the nature of the interaction is unfavorable. The employer or the people making the decision do not accept the Querent, or circumstances prevent the contact from leading to the desired result.
In this sense, geomantic Reception shows not merely the fact of connection between significators, but whether that connection supports the judgment—or whether it obstructs the desired outcome.
The author’s own application available at Geomancy.tools also displays Reception when the figures of the Querent and the Quesited are selected. It also shows where the resulting figure appears elsewhere in the chart.
