Introduction:

We, the undersigned, recognize the importance of accurate timekeeping in astrology for both chart interpretation and predictive work. Astrological calculations have long relied on an outdated and incomplete formula that ignores the longitudinal variation inherent in our planet’s relationship with celestial objects. This error leads to inaccurate planetary positions, particularly for fast-moving bodies like the Moon, which can shift by over 2° in some time zones — enough to affect the Moon's sign and house placement.

For over a century, with respect to planetary calculation, astrology has adhered to a system that treats all longitudes within a time zone as if they were equally distant from Greenwich — an error that must be corrected.

 
The Problem:

The formula that converts Universal Time (UT1) into Local Civil Time (CT) and vice versa is currently calculated using standard time zone offsets. This method, which has been in use since the standardization of time in the late 1800s, ignores the geocentric position of the observer. The result is that planetary positions are often misaligned, leading to misinterpretations in astrological charts, particularly for individuals born at a longitude displaced significantly from the standard meridian of their time zone.

Note: The conversion formula from CT to LAST (Local Apparent Sidereal Time) is properly constructed and does honor the observer’s longitude. The long-standing issue has been with the conversion to UT1 (synonymous with GMT), which is a rotational time scale just like sidereal time. Many astrologers confuse UT1 with UTC, which is based on atomic time frequencies and is not strictly rotational. This confusion has led to the misconception that "time must be homogeneous, not only within a time zone, but all over the globe."

 
The Solution:

The solution is simple: we must update the standard astrological formulas to account for the Local Mean Time (LMT) variation. This correction ensures that the observer's actual longitude is factored into the planetary calculations, providing a more accurate representation of the chart.

The corrected formulas for converting CT to UT1 and vice versa should include a factor for the observer's longitude, as follows:

For longitudes west of Greenwich:

1 - standard time = universal time - time-zone offset - LMT variation
or the equivalent: CT = UT1 - ΔT_zone - [(λ_obs - λ_std) × 4 / 60]
2 - universal time = standard time + time-zone offset + LMT variation
or the equivalent: UT1 = CT + ΔT_zone + [(λ_obs - λ_std) × 4 / 60]

For longitudes east of Greenwich:

1 - standard time = universal time + time-zone offset - LMT variation
or the equivalent: CT = UT1 + ΔT_zone - [(λ_obs - λ_std) × 4 / 60]
2 - universal time = standard time - time-zone offset + LMT variation
or the equivalent: UT1 = CT - ΔT_zone + [(λ_obs - λ_std) × 4 / 60]

… where the LMT variation is the distance in time east from the standard meridian, CT = civil or standard time, and UT1 = GMT or the LMT of Greenwich, a longitude-dependent calculation.

... and where:

ΔT_zone is the time zone offset.
λ_obs is the observer’s longitude.
λ_std is the standard meridian for the time zone.

This correction is already implemented in tools like the Astrolog macro (created with Walter Pullen’s assistance), which inserts the correct planetary positions into the chart with a single click (available upon request).  By using these corrected methods, we can ensure more accurate and reliable planetary calculations for all astrologers.

 
Call to Action:

We urge astrologers, software developers, and enthusiasts to adopt this corrected timekeeping method and encourage others to do the same. It’s time for the astrological community to move beyond outdated formulas and embrace the precision that modern tools can provide.

For those familiar with the freeware Astrolog program, we encourage you to implement the macro into your own practice or contribute to its open-source development. By supporting correct timekeeping, we can ensure the future of astrology remains based on accuracy and integrity.

 
Conclusion:

Astrology is a living discipline that thrives on refinement and innovation. By correcting the longitude distortion in our timekeeping system, we can ensure that astrology remains true to its purpose of interpreting the celestial patterns that govern our lives. Together, we can make astrology more accurate and meaningful for future generations.

We invite all astrologers, developers, and enthusiasts who value precision in their work to sign this petition and join us in advocating for this important change.

For more info, visit main page: https://rscott51.substack.com/
https://rscott51.substack.com/p/sidereal-time-and-universal-time
https://rscott51.substack.com/p/supplement-to-sidereal-time-and-universal

 
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