F

Face. There is so much contradictory testimony with reference to this term that the entire
subject has been ignored by many modern authorities.
(1) As employed by Ptolemy, a planet in a House that is distant counter-clockwise from the
Moon, or clockwise from the Sun by the same number of Houses as the Sign, is in its Face.
This means that Mercury is in its Face when in a House preceding that of the Moon, or
following that of the Sun; Venus, when two Houses preceding or following; Mars, three
Houses; Jupiter, four Houses; or Saturn, five Houses - duplicating in Houses from the actual
Sun and Moon positions, the scheme of Sign-Rulership from Cancer and Leo, around to
Capricorn and Aquarius.
(2) James Wilson gives a series of 10 Faces which are merely the scheme of Decanates with
their Rulers according to one of the ancient Systems. Since this is only a distinction of terms
without a difference in meaning, the employment of the term Face in this sense is confusing
and unnecessary.
(3) Alan Leo defines a Face as one of a series of 5 subdivisions of a Sign. His fondness for
symbolism is reflected in the interpretations which he applies to those who have a rising
Degree in each of the 72 arcs in this series of what might better be called demi-Decans. v.
Signs, Subdivisions of.

Fall. A planet in the Sign opposite that in which it is said to be Exalted. v. Dignity.

False Angle; False Arc. v. Directions.

Familiarity. A term used by Ptolemy to indicate an aspect or parallel between two bodies; or
their mutual disposition, as when each is in the other's Sign or House.

Fate. The belief that astrological influences determine Man's fate, that the issues of all events
is predetermined, and that no effort can avail him to alter it, is an extreme view to which few
modern astrologers subscribe, since it would deprive his active will and effort of mind of any
effective part in determining the events of his life. The doctrine of Fate should therefore be