posted September 20, 2014 06:00 PM
The FMC is hotly debated among astrologers. However, the majority tend to give it some weight, even if that varies from practise to practise. Personally, the first meeting is significant, as it's the first time two energies are becoming aware of one another on the physical plane. Why this time and not another, and how it's come about become important questions. To that end, the FMC can reveal many details about the connexion that's just been made. I've often found the linkages in the chart itself, its themes, and aspects to both the natals -- to be astounding in their relevancy.
The FMC is most contested in terms of what, when, and what kind; crucial now, thanks to the Internet age. The most common compromise goes as follows:
Until a physical meeting the online (or other non face-to-face) meeting's FMC is said to be active. However, once the two HAVE seen each other in person (their date, for example), this new vis-a-vis chart takes over.
In my work, unless you have time-stamps, don't bother with an online FMC, if the scheduled or actual meeting takes place within a few days.
The only reason the initial meeting could be useful is if it's going to vary wildly from the face-to-face meeting.
Most of the chart save the tMOON, and obviously the houses, will be the same, only a few degrees in difference. Also, if you meet online at your lunch break to plan a lunch date to take place less than a week later, the fact the tMOON changed houses once or twice isn't likely to be meaningful, AND it becomes rather null once you've gone on said date.
Follow?
The only reason an online FMC carries weight is if the two don't meet for a very long time -- years, usually. That becomes THE operative FMC. It only loses significance at the time of a legitimate meeting.
One more thing.
In the case of a potential romantic relationship, the FMC 'Date Chart' is replaced by what's known as the Love Chart, or the first time the couple consummates their union. Then THAT becomes 'the new FMC'. It won't lose significance yet again until greater commitment is made -- such as engagement and marriage. Then the Wedding Chart is 'the new FMC'.
It becomes the last 'FMC', too. In which case, it's always interesting to look back on the couple's evolution, from their meetings to their couplings to their commitments and unions.