Dictionary term
Running Fix
Direct answer
Running Fix is a fix formed by advancing an earlier line of position to the time of a later observation.
Running Fix is a motion-advanced position fix used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Running Fix by advancing every point of the earlier line through the estimated course and distance made good.
- Do not use it for
- Current, leeway, and steering errors enter the advanced line, so a running fix is not equivalent to simultaneous observations.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Line of Position, Celestial Position Fix, Local Hour Angle, Greenwich Hour Angle
The story behind Running Fix
Running fixes long supported coastal and celestial navigation under changing visibility or limited target geometry.
Running Fix in spiritual tradition
Running Fix rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
The Great Almanac frames Running Fix with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Running Fix in the Bible
This is a factual history-of-science, instrument, timekeeping, or navigation reference. It may support wonder and disciplined attention without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Running Fix in numerology
Running Fix is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Running Fix matters
Running Fix matters because it permits separated observations to be combined when simultaneous lines are unavailable.
Example in a reading: A morning Sun line can be advanced to intersect an afternoon Sun line after applying vessel motion.
Interpretive caution: Current, leeway, and steering errors enter the advanced line, so a running fix is not equivalent to simultaneous observations.
How Running Fix is used in a reading
Use Running Fix by advancing every point of the earlier line through the estimated course and distance made good.
Where interpretation stops
Running Fix is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency: The American Practical Navigator - Official modern reference for navigation principles, celestial observations, sight reduction, and navigational tables.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
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These related entries help place Running Fix inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
