Sects

Sect is a fundamental concept in astrological tradition. Sect comes from the latin noun secta, meaning “a way, a road.” Sect is division. In astrology, sect refers to the division of planets and signs into the polarities of diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night). Studying traditional astrology, you may hear “day sect” “night sect.”

Day sect refers to diurnal planets:

Night sect refers to nocturnal planets:

Each sect includes a luminary planet (Sun, Moon), a benefic planet (

We are “born” into a sect depending on the position of the Sun in our natal chart. You may hear someone has a day chart, or a night chart and that is referring to sect. A day chart means that you were born during the day so the Sun is placed above the ASC/DSC axis which is the horizon line. A night chart means you were born during the night so the Sun is placed below the ASC/DSC axis. If you were born close to sunrise or sunset, you have to look at whether your Sun is above or below your ASC/DSC degree. Knowing whether you are a day or night chart, allows you to understand which planets are working for you and which planets are working against you or not quite tapped into.

The Day sect emphasizes the importance of a target and public relations. The sky during the day only includes one pervasive light: the Sun. Our sight is more clear so day charts tend to be more outward or seen by the public. These are people who are goal oriented. These are people who may be devoted to one particular thing. Depending on other factors, these people may have an easier time assimilating into expectations. The Day sect includes planets Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn, which all have a role in society-building. They are rational focused. They are the laws of society. They are the public.

The Night sect emphasizes our relationality. The sky during the night, unlike the day, includes multitudes of stars and the shifting force of the Moon. There isn’t just one light in the sky at this point. Thus, the night sect considers multiplicity and interrelatedness. We are connected but in complicated ways. Sight at night is compromised. Things aren’t clear so it requires us to go deeper and perhaps, in uncomfortable ways. These are people who may not be readily seen by others. These are people who have roles or jobs that are otherwise behind the scenes or even outlawed. These are people whose connections are most defining. The Night sect includes planets Moon, Venus, and Mars, which all have a role in our relationships. They are planets that are not rational focused. They handle topics that are complicated and exist in multitudes. The Moon governs our emotions and reactions. Venus governs our desires. Mars governs our anger. These are all subjects that are not easily explainable. These are all subjects that require us to go through them and experience it in order for it to be transplanted as knowledge. These subjects can also be compromised through our relationships.

By identifying whether you are a Day or Night chart, you can identify your sect of light, benefic of sect, and malefic of sect. These are the planets that are working for you and energies that you are constantly tapped into. Similarly, you can identify your light contrary to sect, benefic contrary to (or out of) sect, malefic contrary to (or out of) sect. These are the planets that you have trouble working with or not regularly tapped into.

The Curious Case of

As always, Mercury is a curious case. Mercury has no set allegiance to either sect; although, it can be determined by its position with the Sun. If Mercury is rising above the Sun then it is part of the day sect. If Mercury is rising below the Sun it is part of the night sect. Mercury in a night chart may be more comfortable with writing or contemplative with speech and can be more deceptive (ahem, secrets!). Mercury in a day chart may be more comfortable with teaching or public speaking, and their opinions may be more regarded or sought out by the public.