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Beginners Astrology Tutorial
7. Aspects.

For an introduction to identifying aspects in a chart please see:
http://www.rosicrucian.com/ssa/ssaeng02.htm#Chapter_VI
Simplified Scientific Astrology: Chapter VI on Aspects

For the whole Table of Contents for Simplified Scientific Astrology:
http://www.rosicrucian.com/ssa/ssaeng03.htm#Table_of_Contents

Note: the 2 planets, planet 1, and planet 2. Also note the 5 positions, A, B, C, D and E from which these 2 planets will be viewed in the 5 classical aspects of
conjunction (A - 0 degrees),
sextile (B - 60 degrees),
square (C - 90 degrees),
trine (D - 120 degrees)
and opposition (E - 180 degrees).
The five aspects listed above are each between the same two planets. To say that two planets are in aspect is a short hand way of saying that the two planets operate simultaineously in time. This diagram should also make it clear that the nature of an aspect is not a condition of the planets alone, the signs of their placement alone, but is basically a condition of 'psychic integration' of the individual whose chart we are considering. Different people on different 'planets' could be at each of the 5 shown positions and thus face different challenges to integrating the planetary influences.

If the aspect is a conjuction, then the basic vibration of the two planets operate to pull in the same direction at nearly the same time.

If the aspect is a sextile, then the two planets operate in a communicative, cooperative (friendly) manner.

If the aspect is a square, then the two planets operate simultaineously in time but are pulling in 'contrary' directions. A common way of expressing this is to say that the person has 'too many irons in the fire', 'too much on their mind', or 'burning the candle at both ends'.

If the aspect is a trine, then the two planets operate simultaineously in time and in a creative aiding pleasurable fashion.

If the aspect is an opposition, then again the two planets operate simultaineously in time but with a pull in opposite directions. Force versus attraction, holding versus throwing out, fact versus faith, sympathy versus duty, love versus detatchment, analysis versus intuition. When any two opposites are blended into a simultaineous aiding much wisdom and power is gained.

When two planets are in conjunction, the ease or difficulty of the combination is usually read in the nature of the planets in conjunction. Venus and Jupiter easily produce an excess of 'love of good things of life'. Whereas Mars and Saturn together produce a nearly constant state of tention.

Typically, squares and oppositions show the most difficult to integrate patterns in consciousness.

Usually, individuals experience squares as inner conflict, prehaps due to lack of time for everything. Oppositions are usually experienced as 'difficulty with another'.
This figure shows the 5 classical aspects to a point at 4 degrees Aries. Using a 6 degree orb, the influence of a planet at 4 Aries would extend back to 28 degrees Pisces and forward to 10 Aries. This orb would oppose any planet from 28 degrees Virgo to 10 degrees Libra. A square would be in effect between any planet between 28 degrees Sagittarius and 10 degrees Capricorn. A square also would be to any planet between 28 degrees Gemini and 10 degrees Cancer. Sextiles would exist to planets between 28 degrees Taurus and 10 degrees Gemini, or to planets between 28 degrees Capricorn and 10 degrees Aquarius. Trines would exist to planets between 28 degrees Cancer to 10 Degrees Leo, or to planets between 28 degrees Scorpio and 10 degrees Sagittarius.
Max Heindel recommends a 6 degree orb between planets, and an 8 degrees orb when the Sun or Moon is involved. Some authors use somewhat different orbs, and modify the orbs by giving more weight to planets in angles.
Besides the basic nature of the aspects. Consider what the aspects are 'uniting' in the two planets natures. Also consider how this will be modified by the signs where the two planets are posited.

Cardinal - Cardinal aspects incline to lots of activity.
Fixed - Fixed aspects incline to slow to start, slow to stop natures.
Mutable - Mutable aspects incline to a mind filled simultaineously with multiple thoughts.

Cardinal to mutable would give action and flexability.
Cardinal to fixed would give action with stability.

Fixed to mutable would give stability with awareness, or slow flexible planning.

Fire to air inclines to enthusiastic thinking.
Fire to fire inclines to impulse and warmth, prehaps to excess.
Fire to water inclines to emotion and anger.
Fire to earth inclines to practicality smothering idealism or vice versa.

Air to water inclines to thought stimulating emotion, emotion coloring thought.
Air to earth inclines to thought guided by practicality.
Air to air inclines to love of the mental, some times too theoritical.

Earth to earth is great for practical understanding but may lack idealism.
Earth to water inclines to sympathy with practicality.

Water to water inclines to psychic and empathic abilities but also may be overly sensitive.

Tutorial Index   Tutorial #8

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