Astrology in practice part VII. - Aspects

Aspects

In astronomy, the angular separation between two bodies, measured along a great circle connecting the bodies. In astrology, the angular separation between two bodies, measured along a great circle (not necessarily passing through the bodies). The term aspect is also used to refer to one of a set of particular angular separations:

Most commonly used aspects in astrology:

Anciently termed Familiarities or Configurations. Certain angular relationships between the rays which reach the Earth from two celestial bodies, or between one ray and a given point: such as - the horizon; the degree that was on the horizon at a given moment, or that represents the position of a planet at a given moment; the point on which an Eclipse or other celestial phenomenon occurred; the places of the Moon’s Nodes; or the cusps of the Houses, particularly the First and Tenth. Many factors enter into the delineation of the effect of an aspect: such as - the nature of the aspect; the character of the planets involved, their latitude, character and rate of motion; their strength by virtue of their sign position; the measure of harmony that exists between the signs in which are posited, and between the signs they rule; and sundry other considerations. Various terms are employed to describe these factors.

Generally speaking, the term Aspect is applicable to any blending of rays that results in their interactivity. The body which has the faster mean motion is said to aspect the slower. As speed in orbit is relative to the size of the orbit, the inner planet aspects the one farthest removed from the Sun. Thus Venus aspects Saturn, not vice versa. There are exceptions, but only when other factors are involved. Transiting Saturn cannot pass over Venus, but Saturn can pass over the degree which Venus occupied on some former occasion, at which time its influence was sufficiently augmented to create a sensitive degree - a Venus sensitivity. Thus when Saturn transits this degree, you receive a Saturn impulse through a Venus expectancy. This illustrates the two principal types of aspects: (a) mutual aspects - those which occurred between two moving bodies on some specified date; and (b) directional, progressed or transitory aspects - between a moving body, and a fixed point, usually the degree a planet occupied on a specified day of birth, when it became a sensitive point in a life pattern of daily expectancy and receptivity. The planet which “burned” its mark into your pattern, has moved away - but the expectancy and receptivity lingers on.

Forming, is said of the conditions of motion which are bringing two bodies within each other’s sphere of influence, whereby an exact aspect will result. After the aspect has become exact, the receding motion is termed Separating. Also, the faster planet may be spoken of as Applying to or Separating from an aspect or a contact with the other. When sufficiently within each other’s Orbs of influence to be deemed operative - within half the sum of their two orbs - it is a wide or platic aspect, which culminates in an exact or partile aspect. An aspect computed forward in the order of signs, or counter-clockwise on the map, is a sinister or left-hand aspect; in the reverse direction, a dexter or right-hand aspect. There is lack of agreement as to which are the stronger, but ancient texts favor the dexter aspects.

All the aspects of longitude from the 1st to the 12th harmonic are shown in the following table, with angles in decimal degrees, and fractions relating to a full circle.

Symbol	Name	Abbr	Angle	Fraction
	Conjunction	Cnj	0	0
	Opposition	Opp	180	1/2
	Trine	Tri	120	1/3
	Square	Squ	90	1/4
Q	Quintile	Qnt	72	1/5
	Sextile	Sxt	60	1/6
S	Septile	Spt	51.43	1/7
	SemiSquare	SSq	45	1/8
N	Novile	Nov	40	1/9
D	Decile	Dec	36	1/10
U	Undecagon	Und	32.73	1/11
	SemiSextile	Ssx	30	1/12
Q2	BiQuintile	BQn	144	2/5
S2	BiSeptile	BSpt	102.86	2/7
S3	TriSeptile	TSpt	154.29	3/7
	SesquiSquare	Sqq	135	3/8
N2	BiNovile	BNv	80	2/9
N4	QuadriNovile	QNv	160	4/9
D3	SesquiQuintile	SqQn	108	3/10
U2	BiUndecagon	BiUn	65.45	2/11
U3	TriUndecagon	TrUn	98.18	3/11
U4	Quadri-Undecagon	QaUn	130.91	4/11
U5	Quinque-Undecagon	QiUn	163.64	5/11
	Quincunx	Qnx	150	5/12

The aspects of declination are:

Parallels - denote equality of declination
ContraParallels - denote equal but opposite declination angle (eg. +3 and -3).

Zodiacal Aspects

ZODIACAL Aspects, those most widely considered, are measured in degrees along the Ecliptic. They are based upon fractional divisions of the 360-degree circle of the ecliptic - as measured in arc from the point of an observer on the Earth.

Conjunction. Said of two planets occupying the same degree of Longitude along the Ecliptic. It is often classed as a position rather than an aspect.

Dividing the circle by one-half, results in the Opposition, a 180° separation, the reverse of a conjunction.

Dividing the circle by one-third, results in the Trine, or 120° separation.

Subdividing the one-half aspect, there results the square, quintile or quartile (90°), Semi-square, semi-quadrate or semi-quartile (45°), and the sesquiquadrate (135°) - square plus semi-square - the inversion of the semisquare.

Subdividing the one-third aspect, yields the Sextile or Hexagon (60°), Semi-sextile (30°), and the Quincunx (150°) - the inversion of the Semi-sextile.

Conjunction (0°)
Planets in the same place. Reinforcement of planetary qualities; a concentration of influence

This is classified as a constructive influence, though much depends on the nature of the planets. Modern authorities tend to reject the classification of aspects as good or bad, since a so-called bad aspect has constructive possibilities to an individual who has the strength of resolve to put it to constructive use.

Conjoined to. Phraseology to indicate the mutual relation of two planets occupying longitudinal positions separated by less than 7°. The exact limits, and the relative strength at different degrees of separation, constitutes a controversial point. Strictly speaking, the conjunction takes place when both occupy exactly the same degree position; although it begins to be operative when they arrive within orbs.

Superior and Inferior Conjunction
The conjunction of an inferior planet, Mercury or Venus, with the Sun is an inferior conjunction when the planet is between the Earth and the Sun; a Superior Conjunction, when the Sun is between the Earth and the planet.

Opposition (180°)
Similar to conjunction, with a greater potential for awareness due to confrontation. Both sides of the issue. Arbitration. Playing against the middle.

Proper interpretation must give consideration to the psychological stimulus resulting from whatever planetary influences are then in operation, from a sign and through a house.

Square (90°) (or Quartile)
(Also semisquare or octile (45°) and sesquiquadrate or sesquisquare (135°) and, for some astrologers, the semioctile (22°30’). The square “family” of aspects spotlights challenge or tension and a need for changes, symbolized by the planets, houses, and signs involved. Development. Face facts.

Generally deemed unfavorable, since it represents the struggle of two forces at cross-purposes. It imposes severe tasks to be accomplished only through much concentration and self-denial - often interpreted by the individual in terms of ambition.

Semi-Square (45°) (or Semi-Quartile)
Generally termed a malefic aspect; somewhat mitigated, in case the aspecting planet is a benefic.

Trine (120°)
A smooth flow of events and a certain vision with respect to the planets, houses, and signs involved. Confidence. Harmony.
Supposedly the most favoring of aspects, joining planets in congenial signs of the same element. Trines are like having “a silver spoon in your mouth” luck becoming “happy-go-lucky” for lack of the ambition that is born of challenge.

An aspect of 120°. Used in describing the motion of a planet to a trine aspect with the body or place of another planet.

Sextile (60°) (or Hexagon)
Similar to trine, lacking some of the vision, but more work-oriented, bringing clarity and drive.

A favoring aspect, involving planets in congenial signs of the same polarity. Alan Leo says of the Sextile aspect: that it partakes of the nature of Moon and Neptune; that it is more combining than any other aspect, and is often more potent and favorable than the trine; that its color largely depends on the nature of the planets involved, and of the Signs they occupy; and that while the trine may be said to denote negative goodness such as a reward for past deeds, the sextile denotes positive good in that it generates the activity that produces change and thus possesses greater potentiality for the future.

Semi-Sextile (30°)
An aspect of mixed quality, rhythmically favorable but involving planets in inharmonious signs.

Sesquiquadrate (135°)
Inversion of a Semi-square, and deemed equally unfortunate but less powerful.

Quincunx (Inconjunct - 150.°)
An aspect of 150°, or five Signs of separation.
Obligation, reorganization. Adjustments, as symbolized by the planets, houses, and signs involved. Incongruity. Fence-sitting.

The inversion of a Semi-Sextile. Ptolemy called it inconjunct, practically rejecting it as an aspect of appreciable force. Modern statistics appear to indicate, however, that it has unrealized possibilities. It is presumed to be mildly favorable, but as it operates through inharmonious signs the resulting influence must be somewhat contradictory.

Dissociate aspect
A planet is inconjunct when it forms no aspect and is not in parallel of declination or mutual disposition to another planet. Dissociate was formerly applied by some authorities to the 150° or Quincunx aspect, which they deemed inconsequential; but is now applied to any two Signs or Houses which have no familiarity with each other - meaning those which bear a twelfth, second, sixth and eighth House relationship, as Taurus, with Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius.

Inconjunct, Dissociate
These are terms sometimes applied to the Semisextile and the Quincunx aspects, as indicative that no relationship can exist between adjacent signs and houses, or between those which are one sign or house less than an opposition.

Quintile group

An aspect proposed by Kepler, consisting of 72 degrees, or one-fifth of the circle. The Biquintile is 144°, or two-fifths of the circle. A Decile is 36°, or half a Quintile. It has not been universally adopted, and their value is chiefly in directions. They are:

Biquintile (144°)
Classed as a harmonizing influence.

Quintile (72°)
A mildly benefic aspect, but ineffectual when directed to malefic.

Semi-Quintile (36°)(or Decile)
An aspect formed when planets are 36° apart. It has a slightly benefic influence. Kepler deemed it a good influence, but mild.

Semi-Decile (18°)
Harmonious, but weak.

Configurations

Kite
A major configuration which consists of three planets in a grand trine configuration, with a fourth at the midpoint of any of the trines, forming sextiles to two of the planets, and an opposition to the third. This is a powerful configuration, combining the selflessness and vision of the grand trine type with the practicality and groundedness of the oppostion.

T-cross or Cosmic Cross
Two planets in opposition, each squared by a third planet, resulting in what is termed a T-square or T-cross. A fourth planet, opposing the third and squaring the first two, forms a Grand Cross. The T-square is a dynamic influence; the Grand Cross tends to diffusion.

Yod
A Yod is a double quincunx and is referred to as the “hand of God.” It is a sextile aspect (60°). with a planet opposite the midpoint. This aspect is used primarily by Ebertin system (Cosmobiology) astrologers, and is said to be found in the charts of people with unusual, spiritual destinies.

Grand Trine
Two planets trine to each other, both of which are trined by a third planet.

Aspect classifications

Combust
Said of a planet closer than 5° to the Sun. It introduces factors that considerably alter the interpretation of the conjunction.

Said of a planet when in extreme closeness to the Sun, the limits variously placed at from 3° to 8°30’. The characteristic effect to which the term applies is probably confined within an arc of 3° and is more pronounced when the planet rises after the Sun. Older authorities, including Milton, have described it as weakening, except in the case of Mars which was said to be intensified. The probabilities are that the effect of the combust condition is to combine the planet’s influence more closely with that of the Sun, until it is no longer a physical emotion capable of independent control, but an integral part of that consciousness of Destiny that the Sun imparts. Thus Mercury combust imparts to the mind a capacity for concentration upon what it deems its own destiny, but robs it of its receptivity to distracting or diverting influences. Hence it is no bar to the achievement of its own objectives insofar as the ability to achieve them is within its own powers, but it robs the native of the cooperation of those whom he alienates by his particular species of obtuse deafness to any or all argument that runs counter to his own concepts. Edison and Kant both illustrate this interpretation. Venus combust may take away the strength to achieve, but when in a particularly close conjunction with the Sun it produces the condition sometimes termed nymphomania - described by Bolitho concerning Lola Montez. Mars combust is always the man who fights for what he wants; and so with each planet according to its intrinsic nature. The distinction is an important one, in that a person with an entirely unaspected Mercury is one who usually develops a complex by way of an escape mechanism, while one whose Mercury is within 5° to 10° of the Sun is seldom afflicted with any manner of mental derangement. Wilson says “there seems manifest a difference in genius and propensities of natives, according to the distance of their Mercury from the Sun; and that those whose Mercury is combust have little wit or solid judgment, though they will persevere in business and frequently with good success.” Also that a good aspect to the Moon, if angular and increasing in light, will in great measure remedy this defect, making one “judicious and penetrating.”

It should not be confused with the phrase “under the Sun’s beams” which applies to, let us say, the degree of non-combustion, and is perhaps embodied in the doctrine that a planet within the Sun’s aura - which extends to 17° on either side - is within orbs of a conjunction therewith. In other words, while the orbs of the planets, with regard to aspects, are variously from 3° to 10° according to the nature of the aspect, the solar orb, by conjunction or opposition, can be as much as 17.°

Cazimi
A planet within 0°17’ of the Sun’s longitude is said to be “in the heart of the Sun” or Cazimi. Ancient authorities deemed that it fortified the planet as much as a Combust position debilitated it; but modern authorities generally ignore the distinction and classify it as combust, imparting to the nature a one-track viewpoint on all matters appertaining to the planet so placed.

Abscission or Frustration
When a planet is simultaneously forming an aspect to two other planets, the one that culminates first may produce an abscission of light that will frustrate the influence of the second aspect. The term was much used by ancient writers, but unfortunately has been neglected by modern astrologers - other than those who practice Horary astrology. v. Frustration.

Latitude (Parallels)
Latitude is measured in degrees of arc N. or S. of the Ecliptic. It is reasonable to assume that planets conjoined in latitude as well as longitude will impart a stronger accent than when at different distances above the ecliptic. The Zodiacal Parallel is a latitudinal aspect. Older authorities considered a Parallel effective between one planet in North and another in South Latitude, but modern authorities largely agree that both bodies must be on the same side of the Ecliptic. Within orbs of 1° it is a powerful influence, greatly intensifying the effect of a conjunction. On rare occasions, when planets are close to their nodes of intersection with the ecliptic, a parallel may result in an eclipse between planets. The eclipse of a planet by the Moon is of more frequent occurrence, and is termed an Occultation.

Declination (Parallel)
This is the same phenomenon as a Parallel of Latitude, except that longitudinal position is measured along the Equator in terms of Right Ascension, while latitudinal position is computed in terms of declination, measured in degrees N. or S. of the Equator instead of along the Ecliptic.

Parallel
The same nature as a conjunction. Since it is usually coincident with a conjunction it serves to give it an added accent. This accent is helpful if it involves other aspects from favorable planets. The effect of a parallel is generally considered to be of longer duration than that of a conjunction.

The aspects were anciently classified as benefic and malefic:

Benefic
The aspects based on 3 are said to be benefic in their influence, though much depends upon the character of the planets involved. The Trine joins harmonious signs; the Sextile, those reasonably congenial.

The benefic aspects were the Trine and Sextile. The conjunction is generally classed as a benefic aspect. In them the relationship is harmonious, between congenial signs, even though the influences related are often inharmonious - because of the intrinsic nature of the rays so combined. They are deemed conducive of harmony, in that cosmic energy is released without obstruction.

Malefic
Those based on 2, combine signs that are less congenial, and operate generally at cross-purposes, hence are termed malefic. Modern astrologers tend to prefer malefic aspects between harmonious planets, to benefic aspects between malefic planets - but this enters into the realm of interpretation where mathematics yields to psychology. A planet thus aspected, particularly if by a malefic planet, is said to be afflicted.

The malefic aspects were the square and semisquare. The opposition is generally classed as malefic, even though it combines signs that are moderately congenial. These are generally deemed conducive of friction, in that two opposing forces challenge the individual’s capacity for adjustment. There follows a condensed interpretation of the aspects:

According to the ancient philosophers two systems of force arc in operation, whereby Nature is maintained in a state of balance, and life enabled to manifest itself in physical form: These are the positive and the negative, the inflow and the outflow, the centrifugal and the centripetal, construction as opposed to destruction, expansion versus contraction. The result is a continual cycle of birth, maturity, decay and dissolution. Since these forces are equal, each complements the other.

All organic structures are builded of cells which in their simplest form are hexagonic spheroids, similar to those of the honeycomb. Therefore, the hexagon is the primary structural pattern of beneficence. When light enters at the external angle of 60°, and the internal angle of 120°, it necessarily illuminates all parts of the structure in equal lines of influence. The light that pours in at either of these angles, imparts exhilarating and harmonious vibrations which stimulate its continuous growth. Opposed to this is the process of crystallization, recognized in magnetism and electricity, wherein the two forces operate at right angles to each other - a geometrical relationship that is destructive to organic form. As a result, side by side through Nature two mutually antagonistic forces exist, which, despite their antipathy to each other, work together toward the ordered disposition of the whole: one based upon the quadrature, the other upon the hexagon-the square and the trine.

Astrology postulates: that the quadrate relationship between energy sources is destructive to form, through releasing the energy that is locked up in the various structures Nature has built; and that the trine aspects constitute the constructive side of Nature, whereby organic forms are created, nourished and perpetuated, to be released when subsequent destructive configurations are encountered.

Ancient astrologers who looked upon the Zodiac as representing the soul of Nature, divided it into four parts, making the beginning point of each part the apex of an equilateral triangle. Thus it obtained the twelve signs of the Zodiac and their corresponding Houses. To establish a relationship between the physical body and these two systems of partitioning a sphere, one considers first that portion of the heavens which, like the physical body born into this world, is at that moment emerging from darkness into light; the eastern horizon-otherwise known as the Ascendant, the cusp of the First House; or as anciently termed, the Horoscope.

Orbs

The matter of Orbs is one that has never been settled. The figures given are merely an average of opinion:

Names have been given to these Aspects, as follows: 0°, Prominence; 30°, Growth; 45°, Friction; 60°, Opportunity; 90°, Obstacle; 120°, Luck; 135°, Agitation; 150°, Expansion; 180°, Separation.

Strength of Aspects
The relative strength of aspects is a debatable factor, for so much depends on the intrinsic character of the rays. If you consider the rays as energy, each altered in character by virtue of the sign position of the planet from which it is emitted, the aspect determines the direction of the influence upon you as an individual. It is in the synthesis of qualitative, quantitative and directional factors that the practice of Astrology becomes both an art and a science.

Forming vs. Separating aspects
Forming Aspects are considered more powerful than Separating Aspects; or at least the orb of influence is wider when forming. Some authorities make an exception in the case of the Sun and Moon, to the extent of placing the point of maximum influence from 2 to 5 degrees beyond the Degree in which the aspect becomes exact. There is the theory that separating aspects in the birth map represent influences which have already been made manifest; while forming aspects, particularly in the progressed map, represent influences which are yet to be experienced. Sepharial, in his Dictionary, has this to say regarding Separating Aspects: “When two bodies have been in exact aspect, the one which by its swifter motion moves away from the aspect, is said to separate from the other. When one of two bodies in aspect turns retrograde, it separates. When both bodies turn retrograde, doubtless a mutual separation is effected. In Horary Astrology these relations have distinct significations: the party representing the separating planet will decline the proposition, back out of the agreement, or annul the contract; the party represented by the retrograde planet will default in his agreement or contract; and when both turn retrograde there will be an annulment by mutual consent. Similar effects have been noted in regard to marriage.”

Mundane aspects

Mundane aspects are those reckoned along the Equator, and measured in subdivisions of the nocturnal or diurnal semi-arc. For example: Any two planets that have a separation of two houses are in mundane Sextile; of four houses, in mundane Trine. Thus it is possible for two planets to be simultaneously in the mutual relationship of a mundane Trine and a zodiacal Square. Mundane aspects can be computed only on a map erected for a birth moment. They represent a computation of coincidental influences on a basis of time, in subdivisions of the Earth’s period of rotation; instead of on a basis of degrees of arc, in subdivisions of the orbits of the bodies involved. Zodiacal Aspects, based on the degree of longitudinal separation along the ecliptic, are computed without reference to an hour of birth, and are the ones commonly employed in delineation.

Because of the alternation of signs of long and short ascension throughout the daily rotation of the Earth, equal units of arc rise over the horizon of an individual on the Earth’s periphery, in disproportionate units of time; and vice versa. This affords one explanation of the phenomenon of the Orbs in reference to Aspects, and suggests that consideration should be given to the seasons at which a wide zodiacal aspect may become an exact mundane aspect.

Mundane Parallel
Parallel in Mundo. This has to do with a similarity of relationship between two planets on opposite sides of, and the same distance, measured along the Equator, from any one of the four angles of the horoscope. Mundane parallels bear no analogy to zodiacal parallels. A Rapt Parallel is a mundane parallel by direction, formed after birth, as a result of the Earth’s rotation (axial), whereby the places of the planets are carried from East to West to the point where the two planets are equidistant from, and on opposite sides of the same angle. Another variety of mundane parallel by direction, is that formed when one planet advances to the same distance from an angle as that held by another planet at birth. These parallels are the invention of Placidus de Titus who held them in high esteem. Yet it appears that time tempered his judgment, for in his collection of Nativities he frequently employs zodiacal directions as taught by Ptolemy.