CYRIL FAGAN
(1896-1970)
Gavin Kent McClung wrote the following in his article, "A SALUTE TO OUR HERITAGE: What Makes
A True Astrologer?" Dell Horoscope, June, 2000, pp. 66-77. (Reprinted with permission of the editor.)
"CYRIL FAGAN was a giant of twentieth-century sidereal astrology,
who stands out in the area of what might well be
called "forensic [argumentative discourse] astrology."
A protracted debate followed upon his placing the
ayanamsa (specific arc of variance between the sidereal
and tropical zodiacs) of siderealism on the basis of
the heliacal rising of all the planets in their degrees
of exaltation in the year 786 BC.
"Given the current widespread interest in Eastern
astrologies and the ayanamsa, the position established
by Fagan and others in his train, e.g., Donald Bradley
and Brigidier Firebrace, has vastly influenced not only
today's sidereal view, but the entire field of astrology.
His studies stimulated later astrologers in the area of
quantitative analysis and research--including the
development of harmonics and the greater framework of
thought that allows us to consider the possible
existence of several varied zodiacs in astrology,
based upon different points of departure in the sky.
"Amazingly, Fagan spent about twenty-five years doing
creative work in tropical or traditional Western
astrology before turning his attention to the tenets
of siderealism. His book, Primer of Sidereal Astrology,
is a core resource in that specialized field."
BIRTH AND DEATH DATA: AstroDatabank gives the following
set of data, rated AA, from the birth record. He was born on May 22, 1896, in Dublin, Ireland. A.H. Blackwell, a fellow
siderealist, quoted Fagan for a
recorded birthtime of 12:00 PM Dunsink local time, which equates to 12:25 PM GMT.
AFA quotes Fagan's mother for 11:45 AM, LMT. Circle no. 518 gives 12:14 PM GMT from AA.
Joseph quotes Ebertin for 00:28 AM GMT.
Sirex gives Fagan's own rectification for 11:47:17 AM Dunsink local time, which is 12:12 PM
U.T. Brigadier Firebrace, his co-author, quotes Fagan for 12:14:28 PM GMT.
WARNING: This is what happens when you
are in astrology too long and know too many techniques--or too many siderealists! The
history of your birth gets to be longer than the history of your life.
Fagan died
on January 5, 1970 at 5:00 AM in Tucson, AZ.
See the Chart
WRITTEN WORKS BY CYRIL FAGAN:
Fagan was a researcher and historian who wrote prolifically for the magazines
of his time. His Solunars feature, based in sidereal astrology, was published regularly by
the Clancys in American Astrology
from 1954-1970.
His books included Astrological Origins, Zodiacs Old and New, The Fixed Zodiac Ephemeris,
and A Primer of the Sidereal Zodiac, which he coauthored with Brigadeer R.C. Firebrace.
Some of those are available at AstroAmerica.
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CREDITS: Biographical
information for this memorial came from AstroDatabank, The Encyclopedia of Astrology, and the Dell Horoscope Article.
The photo comes from the portrait gallery at the on-line Russian Encyclopedia of Astrology. The background is part of a vast collection at ABC Giant. Most book covers on this
site are courtesy of AstroAmerica
or the publishers.