12o 
- Mars 
18o . Gemini is an Air Sign, and planets placed in the same Sign or Signs of the same element produce the harmony which like elements provide. See diagram I.LESSON FIFTEEN
INTRODUCTION
We are going to commence our investigation of the enlightening world of aspects. The aspects are important for the simple reason that they determine the potential power of the influences of the planets in their natal and progressed positions. It would be futile to begin a nativity delineation without first evaluating the influence of the planetary aspects. The aspects are just as important to the astrologer as the slide rule is to the mathematician. Without a consideration of the aspects a horoscope is meaningless.
During our investigation of Planetary Sign position, we noted that harmony was established when certain planets swung through certain Signs with which they had an affinity, whereas disharmony began when they passed through Signs with which there was no affinity. Friction can be useful or troublesome, according to the soul development of one's nature. Aspects are crucial factors through which we can determine harmony or disharmony within the horoscope. Aspects fall into two major groups: good and bad, harmonious and disharmonious, those of ease and those of friction. It is a misconception in the field of astrology that we should fear the disharmonious aspects. Some of the noblest and finest people of all time have had the greatest array of disharmonious aspects. Because they had to overcome the forces that hindered them, they became strong. Friction is the result of disharmonious action, but without friction, we would live in a dull routine world where nothing changed and everything went exactly according to plan.
Evil does not necessarily have to be analogous with the disharmonious aspects, if the basic character is strong. Before we can even attempt to analyze the influence of the aspects, we must consider the Sign and House position of the planets. Planets in their dignity or exaltation can withstand all the adverse aspects without being thrown off balance. Planets in their detriment or fall are weakened, and they may not show any inspiring conduct, even under good aspects.
Aspects are important because they incite specific events. Events are inherent in the nativity as potentialities. The good or ill effect of an event is modified by the development of the character that has taken place during the intervening years. The tuning of events is revealed through the progressions and transits.
Events, and the greater part of what we call destiny, result from character. People who have not developed patience, conscience, strength, and "grit" bring into manifestation events which are the result of their own disharmony. Selfishness is the keynote of practically all the sins. For example, laziness is simply a dislike of putting the activities of the body and brain into use, because it pleases the uninspired self not to do so. Theft is an indulgence in the desire to appropriate for ourselves what rightfully belongs to others. Envy, jealousy, and hatred result from the intense avidity to possess people and objects which belong to others.
We must realize that the interpretation of aspects must be based upon a real knowledge as to whether or not the native puts self first, or whether he has risen to a stage of consciousness wherein he cooperates and can work in harmony with other people. Bad aspects in the charts of these latter people can only be interpreted as the evil things that other people do to them, or the difficulties encountered in the fulfillment of their ideas and enterprises. Very few events come under the cloak of destiny. We cannot choose our birth, nor our childhood experiences, and we all must die someday. The time we and our loved ones die is destiny, and there is no known way to avert this event. In reality, death is as natural as birth or sex, and should be considered in the same light. This frame of mind or train of thought is very hard to obtain, yet it is real. We can ascertain, from mere and unadulterated logic, that the majority of our actions are subject to our own free choice under the given circumstances. Ideally, we should all strive to meet all events in a mood that is constructive and not destructive. Under the aspects of Mars, we can encounter people and events with fortitude and courage, or with weakness and little strength of character. Under Saturn's aspects we can approach people and events with moroseness and melancholy, or with patience and philosophy. Under Neptune, we can meet events in chaos and confusion, or with a deep insight of understanding which can reveal the whole mystery of life.
We cannot understand the nature and significance of an aspect from the mere statement that one planet is trine or square to another. We must be aware of the Sign and House position of each planet. The effect of Venus square Moon is very different when the square is from the Fifth to the Eighth Houses, than it is when the square is from the Second and Sixth Houses. Again, Venus in Libra square Mars in Capricorn is entirely different in effect from Venus in Scorpio square Mars in Leo.
If two planets are strongly placed by Sign and House, but are in conflict with one another, then the disharmonious aspect will call forth the strength and power of each planet, and the aspect will cause the native to accomplish something that no one under good aspects would take the trouble to do. If, however, one planet is strong by Sign and House and the other is debilitated, then the latter will represent the thing, person, matter, or defect in character that causes the difficulty.
The nativity represents the moment in time when the child is born. This moment has been acted upon by a million various radiations. It has been subjected to the changes and modifications in the universe. The character has been following its own maturation process, yet just as a maple will not grow into an oak, so the birthchart will keep the individual within his own pattern. In the scope of that pattern, he can effect his own improvements or simply drift aimlessly, never appreciating the beauty of his potential.
Aspects between planets demonstrate tendencies, abilities, and disabilities, rather than attainment. We often will see greater progress in the chart of a person who has less ability, than in one with more, because we find greater persistence, greater zeal, or greater enthusiasm.
How and Why the Aspects Exert Their Influence
Two people pulling on a rope usually make their presence felt more effectively than one person pulling alone. Similarly, two planets placed together in the same part of the Zodiac combine to place a greater emphasis in that area. When two or more planets are positioned within a few degrees of each other, they are said to be in conjunction. The closer they are together, the more exact the conjunction and the stronger the emphasis. Planets more than seven degrees apart are not close enough to combine their rays effectively, consequently the 'orb', or maximum distance allowed between two planets if they are regarded as being in conjunction is seven degrees. The conjunction aspect has been determined to be of a harmonious nature. This is quite true, yet the majority of studies and publications which research this area fail to acknowledge or recognize the true reason for this harmony. The harmony or disharmony in the aspects which the planets form with each other is determined strictly by the elemental nature of the Signs in which they are placed. Consider this conjunction aspect: Planetary Sign and House position simply enhance or modify this influence and determine the scope of influence.
This aspect concerns the influence of two planets which are found in the same Sign of the Zodiac, and within seven degrees, either forward or backward, of each other. The two planets. Mars, and the Sun, are positioned in the Sign Gemini, which happens to occupy the Ninth House. Sun 12o - Mars 18o . Gemini is an Air Sign, and planets placed in the same Sign or Signs of the same element produce the harmony which like elements provide. See diagram I.
The Sun and Mars, being so close together here, constitute a substantial expression of concentrated power. A conjunction of this kind must always be considered harmonious.
A Basic Delineation of the Sample Conjunction
The consideration of any aspect involves the following evaluations. This method of studying aspects will be known as: ASPECT INTERPRETATION CHART
Example:
NOTE: AFFLICTION: Is the term used to describe a disharmonious relationship between two planets.
We are now ready to depict the impact of this conjunction between Mars and the Sun in Gemini in the Ninth House.
The Harmonious aspect between the Sun and Mars strengthens the native's power of command. It creates an enterprising, energetic, courageous, blunt, enthusiastic and crusading character. Tremendous strength of vitality is provided for the native. He is forceful and quite persistent.
There is only one Sign involved in the conjunction aspect and, in this example, the air Sign of Gemini, with its dual nature, is our consideration. The basic influence of Gemini is variety and change. The Gemini native is deeply involved in intellectual pursuit. It is his constant striving for intellectual satisfaction that causes his need for variety and change. He is the great thinker of the Zodiac, and wishes to know all.
We have already determined that the nature of the aspect is harmonious, and no further elaboration is necessary here.
The condition of Gemini is the Ninth House is excellent. In other words, Gemini is well equipped to exert its basic influence when occupying the Ninth House. Gemini in the Ninth House implies that the native is deeply involved in philosophical thought, and that he has the potential to acquire the best education possible.
We have already considered the nature of the other aspects, and now we will see exactly how they influence our delineation.
From all indications, we can reasonably and logically expect that this person will never cease his inquiry into the meaning of life. This quest for philosophical and intellectual truth is insatiable, and his natural conversational ability is an invaluable aid to this development. The overall significance is quite favorable, and it suggests that the native may make some valuable contributions to the world of philosophy. The native is avidly interested in the occult and psychic areas of life, and if he chooses to follow this interest, he may reshape some area of occult thought. The trouble from Uranus is not strong, but it can cause problems which the person will have to cope with. The nature of the trouble suggests that the native has a tendency to pursue too much variety, and this tends to confuse him. Yet, he has more than enough potential intellectual strength to conquer this weakness.
You must always remember that the conjunction aspect cannot produce disharmony inherently, but it may very well be that other influences will negate its harmony. For instance, if the Sign in which the two planets are placed is not in a favorable House position, or if one or both of the planets are in either detriment or fall, then the inherent power of this conjunction is limited, and the native must cope with the problems that arise. For instance, if all three of these conditions were present - 1) Bad Sign-House Position; 2) One planet in detriment; 3) One planet in fall - this would just about completely drain the last ounce of harmony from the aspect. The native would be lifeless in the areas which were indicated by the nature of the Sign, House, and Planets involved. We hope that you can now appreciate why we spent so much time analyzing the influence of the Planets in the Signs, and the Signs and the Planets in the Houses. You should know upon sight which Signs and Planets are favorably placed, and which ones are not. Your success in accomplishing this depends solely on whether or not you have retained what you have learned. The booklets are excellent reference material, and in the beginning you can practice and check yourself by looking up your information. This knowledge will become part of your very nature as you keep refering to the booklets. The lack of competent astrologers in the world is appalling, and soon you will be part of our remedial process for that situation.
The second major aspect for our consideration is the angular relationship between two planets, which we refer to as the opposition. This aspect occurs when two planets form a 180° angle with one another. Another, and possibly more effective, way of stating this, is to merely say that the two planets in question are residing in opposing, or opposite, Signs. The words opposite, opposing, and opposition are very misleading, and we must clarify the confusion immediately. The majority of astrologers throughout the years have always assumed that the opposition aspect constituted disharmony, and produced a negative effect in the nativity. Although there is some truth to this statement, it is inadequate, and quite incomplete. It is very hard to understand how such as fallacy as this has gained such world wide acceptance. Let us investigate the potential harmony or disharmony involved in the opposition aspect and we shall see for ourselves.
For two planets to form the opposition aspect, they must be positioned in Signs which are opposite to each other. (They are 180° apart.) There are six groupings which constitute the only possible division of the Zodiac into opposing Signs. By the very nature of the horoscope, these groupings can never change. They will be the same in every nativity that you consider. They are:
Aries-Libra
Taurus-Scorpio
Gemini-Sagittarius
Cancer-Capricorn
Leo-Aquarius
Virgo-Pisces
Remember these combinations, because they carry a tremendous amount of significance.
Now consider the same groupings, but in light of their elemental natures.
Fire-Air
Earth-Water
Air-Fire
Water-Earth
Fire-Earth
Earth-Water
In view of a consideration of this concept, it is startling to think that the opposition was believed inherently evil for so many years. The fact is that the basic opposition aspects produce a harmonious influence. It is obvious from the chart above that the opposing Signs of the Zodiac produce elemental harmony. (If you do not immediately understand why this is so, you should go back and reread lesson VIII and refresh your mind on the principles of elemental harmony.) The elemental harmony of the opposing Signs is responsible for the potential harmony of the opposition aspect. When we say that planets in opposition aspect are the recipients of potential harmony, this does not mean that the aspect always produces harmony. The word potential is crucial, for the opposition aspect has almost as much potential discord. The basic aspect is good, but other factors involved can modify or even negate this harmonious influence. In some cases, where there are a number of other adverse factors, the influence can become disharmonious, and bring a considerable amount of discord and trouble into the native's life.
OPPOSITION ASPECT: EXAMPLE
Our example of opposition will concern a harmonious influence, and we shall consider this in light of the variations according to the possible negative influence of certain other factors, namely, the positional potential of the Signs and Planets in the Houses. See Diagram 2.
Our example concerns the nature and influence of the opposition involving Jupiter in in the Second House and Uranus in 
in the Eighth House.
Once again, we must consider the nature of this aspect according to the same rules we used when we evaluated the effect of the conjunction. It is imperative to investigate the influence of the following:
I. Aspecting Planets
The planets which are involved in this aspect are Jupiter and Uranus. Jupiter should naturally connote the principle of expansion to you. Jupiter signals the continual inquiry into motives and purposes. Jupiter, with its magnanimous outlook, seeks the answers to all the questions.
Uranus is the planet of insight and inquiry into the astounding laws governing nature. It is the planet of the inventor, and is original and scientific, almost never prone to emotion.
It is easy to see why a harmonious aspect involving these two planets can be so powerful. The basic natures of these two planets are in agreement, and produce outstanding potential.
II. The Elemental Sign Position of the Planets
The first thing to look for is whether or not there are any striking characteristics about the positions of Jupiter and Uranus in Sagittarius and Gemini. The most striking point in the aspect is that Jupiter is dignified.
This must be noted because, just as a planet in its detriment or fall will weaken the influence of the aspect, a dignification strengthens the inherent potential of the aspects.
Finally, Gemini and Sagittarius constitute an harmonious Air-Fire elemental balance. Now we know that the planets are well matched, well placed, and in uncontested elemental harmony. The aspect appears to be congenial.
III. The Nature of the Aspect
The aspect is harmonious and all we need now is to study any House or other planet modification.
IV. Implication of House Influence
To refresh your memory on the natures of the Second and Eighth Houses of the Zodiac, you should refer back to Lesson Seven and carefully consider what departments of life they represent. Basically, the Second House is the House of Finance and Possessions, and the Eighth House deals with death, sex, legacy, etc.
V. Other Planetary Influences
The assumption here is that there are no adverse aspects which could damage the potential of the aspecting planets.
VI. Delineation
The opposition aspect in question must be deemed an harmonious one, and its influence is powerful on the native. It seems that the planets involved, Jupiter and Uranus, and the Signs, Gemini and Sagittarius, are all strengthening the intellectual competency of the native. The native will be very wise with his finances, yet always looking to expand into new horizons. His possessions are very important to him, and he will make sure that they are in the best condition. His intellectual audacity will undoubtedly bring the native some most interesting and prized possessions which will amaze his family and friends. He is constantly seeking new and different ways to make money, yet he has the common sense not to become obsessed with these yearnings. He will look at the philosophical reality of death and rarely does it upset his emotional stamina.
An aspect this harmonious is very strong in any horoscope. It implies a completeness in those areas of life indicated in the horoscope. You will find as many aspects of this incredible nature as you will find people who command the utmost respect in these areas.
Now let us consider the same opposition aspect, only from the other side of the fence. Suppose we are considering the influence of Saturn in 26° Aries in the Eleventh House, and the Sun in 24° Libra in the Fifth House. SEE DIAGRAM 3.
According to our aspect chart we approach the study of this aspect in the following manner:
I. Aspecting Planets
The Sun and Saturn are the two planets involved in this aspect. The sun is the authority of our solar system. It gives existence and energy to everything and without it we could not exist. The Sun represents the creative urge and the will to lead.
Scientific laws and the countless theories of mankind are developed by Saturn. Facts and material things weigh down heavy upon the soul of Saturn, and from this he evokes theories. Saturn gives depth to character and strength of conviction. He confers sobriety, prudence, good sense, dependability, and patience. The planets match up well, but we must now look and see if the nature of the aspect will permit them to function according to their capabilities.
II. Elemental and Sign Position of the Planets
This is the most enlightening point in this aspect. Both the Sun in Libra and Saturn in Aries are in the position of their fall. Thus the potential strength of each planet is seriously handicapped. The inherent harmony of the aspect has been limited. It is now up to us to determine exactly how much damage has been done and what areas of the native are affected.
III. Nature of the Aspect
It is important that you realize that the basic relationship between the Signs involved is an harmonious Fire-Air balance. This however is only the latent harmony which exists in the aspect. The influence of the Planets will determine the degree of harmony or disharmony which is created. Whereas Jupiter and Uranus enhanced the harmonious nature of Gemini and Sagittarius, Saturn and the Sun modify the harmony between Aries and Libra. The Sun and Saturn are two powerful influences, but their influence can cause as much harm as good to befall the native. In this case, the planets are inciting unpleasant circumstances which can only implicate problems for the native.
IV. HOUSE INFLUENCE
We must now recall the areas of life which come under the domain of the Fifth and Eleventh House. If you cannot automatically remember this influence, it would be wise to go back to Lesson VII and review each House once again.
Basically the Fifth House governs the principle of creation, physical, artistic, and financial. The financially creative power of the native as far as speculation and investment are concerned is under the influence of the Fifth House.
The Eleventh House rules the friendships of the native and also exerts an influence on the hopes and wishes of the native.
V. THE INFLUENCE OF OTHER ASPECTS
We will proceed, here, on the premise that the rest of the aspects formed by the Sun and Saturn are relatively indifferent in their impact on this aspect. In other words, although Saturn and the Sun are receiving no additional strength from other aspects, their potential power is not weakened either. In the majority of aspects which you will encounter, some additional strength or weakness will be indicated. To interpret this additional influence presents no problem at all. You simply determine if the influence is beneficial or detrimental, and then according to the nature of the Planets and Signs involved, you modify your delineation. Remember that this influence will never be as powerful as the aspect in question and it can only exert a limited influence. Nonetheless, it is necessary to consider for a complete delinealion.
VI. DELINEATION
The native of this aspect has many problems which he must learn to cope with. The creative financial potential of the native is severely limited. This defect more often than not stems from the native's over sensitivity to minute details and facts. He will tend to spend most of his time toying with insignificant ideas, and overlook the real factors which could make him successful.
This is where your value as an astrologer is obvious. If a client with this aspect were to employ your services, you could warn him of this adverse tendency in his character. It is very important that you explain to him that it is not his fault that he is this way. The majority of the people in the world are afraid to recognize their faults because they feel guilty about them. They foolishly think that somehow it is their fault that they are the way they are. They are ashamed of the negative aspects of their character, and are afraid to face and deal with them. You must be able to explain to your client that everyone in the world is affected, at the moment of birth, by countless millions of radiations from the planets and the stars, and that these radiations determine the positive and negative aspects in his character. Tell him that it was not up to him to choose the qualities of character which he would most desire. Your job is to explain to him the positive and negative tendencies in his character so that he can most effectively manipulate them.
As far as friendships are concerned, the native of this opposition aspect must, once again, attempt to avoid the meaningless details of relationships and search for the meaningful aspects. Many difficulties are indicated in relating to people, but now the native will realize this, and lie can pursue a solution.
Generally speaking, the creative talents of the native are restricted. He has trouble deciding what is important and what is not. If he is not sufficiently warned, he could waste his whole life toying with meaningless detail and never realize any progress. He inherently has the potential to enter lasting and meaningful relationships, but he must be willing to work through the initial difficulties which exist.
The next aspect to be considered is the influence of the trine aspect. This is the aspect of 120°.
In other words, we want to consider the nature and influence of planets which are 120° apart in a nativity. The orbit of influence of this aspect will be 7° in either direction. Once again, to determine the harmony of the aspect we must take our rules and apply them to the aspect. Our trine aspect concerns the nature and influence of the Moon 1° in Scorpio in the Third House and Uranus 0° in Cancer in the Eleventh House. Exploring our chart we find: (SEE DIAGRAM 4).
1. THE ASPECTING PLANETS
The Moon defines our emotional make-up and our reactions to the different situations with which we must deal during the course of our lives. Whereas the Sun is the giver of life, the Moon is considered to be the soul which takes care of that life.
Uranus, in a nativity, is the planet of insight and inquiry into the astounding laws which govern nature. It is the planet of the inventor, and is original and scientific, almost never prone to emotion. Uranus is the planet which governs astrology and thought processes.
II. THE SIGN POSITION AND THE PLANETS
Uranus is in Cancer, and this constitutes the water elemental influence which is in direct contrast to the Moon in Scorpio. So the basis of the elemental nature of the aspect will produce disharmony. However, let us investigate further. The Moon is well placed in Scorpio, and although Uranus is not well-placed in Cancer, it brings Cancer, the Moon's natural sign, into play and this situation strengthens the aspect.
So we have, here, a basic disharmonious influence, which is contested by a strong Moon.
III. THE NATURE OF THE ASPECT
We have determined that the elemental nature of the aspect produces disharmony, and yet the Moon is very strongly placed in Scorpio and its strength is naturally intensified because of the position of Cancer.
Thus we find that although the elemental nature of the aspect is disharmonious, it gains a tremendous amount of strength from the integral position and influence of the Moon. Although Uranus causes some trouble, its potential strength is modified by the Moon, so it does not cause too much friction.
Note: You must always remember to consider the complete position of the Planets involved in the aspect.
IV. THE HOUSE INFLUENCE
Once again, please refer back to Lesson VII and refresh your memory as to the areas of life which come under the domain of the Eleventh and Second Houses.
Briefly, the Second House is the House of Finance and Possession, and the Eleventh, the House of Friends and Hopes and Wishes.
V. OTHER ASPECTS
Once again, we are going to assume that this aspect is only mildly affected by other aspects, and the influence is so minute that it does not merit consideration.
VI. DELINEATION
The basic effect produced by the elemental conflict produces some problems for the native, but the swift power of the Moon affords the native the potential to overcome these problems. The native will find that he has some initial problems making friendships and maintaining them. These initial problems are due to the influence exerted by Uranus in Cancer in the Eleventh House. The native will go through many emotional changes before he will be able to open himself up to the beauty of friendship. Once he can achieve this, and it won't be easy, the powerful Moon will take over and strengthen his emotional endurance and provide him the stamina to live through the trails and tribulations of friendship.
The native also has a tendency to worry too much about his financial position. He must cultivate a sense of prudence as far as his material possessions are concerned. In other words, he must be able to accept the position he has, and not always look for what he cannot attain. If he cannot do this, the effect upon his emotional stability will be disastrous. The balance and serenity he needs is within his chart, but he must take advantage of this of his own will.
The square aspect is the aspect which places two planets 90° apart from each other, with a 7° orb of influence, in the nativity. According to the accepted misleading train of astrological thought, the square is considered to be evil. We know better, and by applying the principles of the aspect to our rule, we determine if the aspect produces harmony or disharmony, or a combination of the two. Our example Square aspect concerns the nature of influence of the Planets Mercury, 15° Capricorn Twelfth House, and Uranus 20° Aries in the Third House. SEE DIAGRAM 5.
Some astrologers will automatically assume that this is an evil aspect, and they will commence their delineation along such lines. This approach is grossly in error, and has been debasing the true value of astrology for many years. The simple application of our Aspect Rules will reveal the nature of this aspect.
I. ASPECTING PLANETS
Mercury is the Planet of mind, reason, and intellect. It implies intellectual movement and progress. Mercury distinguishes the progressive man from the unprogressive, who can only do what he has been trained to do.
Uranus, very significantly, governs astrology, because it extends an acute insight into the very substance of the laws that concern man and his relationship to the solar system. Some of the greatest men of all time have had to start anew in the middle of their lives, and this new start, caused by the rays from Uranus, has brought them their fame.
II. ELEMENTAL AND SIGN POSITION OF PLANETS
Uranus is fairly well placed in Aries, and it brings the element of Fire into the aspect. Mercury is identically fairly well placed in Capricorn, and it provides the aspect with the Earth element.
III. NATURE OF THE ASPECT
The combination of Fire Earth produces disharmony and consequently causes problems for the native. Neither planet is either powerfully or weakly placed, and there is no dignification or exaltation. Likewise, there is no detriment or fall. The conclusion drawn, then, is that the aspect is problematic and there is no obvious power implied to modify. The native must reach into his own soul to find the power to combat this influence.
IV. HOUSE INFLUENCE
Again, you should refer back to Lesson VII to refresh your mind concerning the influence of the Twelfth and Third Houses.
The Twelfth House indicates the enmities and secrets of the native. It rules institutions of all kinds, and also secret enemies. It denotes the basic strength or weakness of your body and soul.
The Third House, briefly, is concerned with travel, studies, relatives, and correspondence. The Third House incites the synthesizing powers of the native and his ability to form sense impressions and to mold destiny within one's social environment.
V. OTHER ASPECTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE HERE
We are going to assume that there is a powerful harmonious aspect formed between Mercury and Pluto in Cancer in the Sixth House. This strengthens the power of Mercury and now indicates that the native will have some additional help besides his soul to counteract the negative influence which the aspect indicates.
VI. DELINEATIONS
The position of Mercury in Capricorn in the Twelfth House has been strengthened by the aspect with Pluto and thus it becomes the main outlet for the native to deal with this aspect. The basic disharmony of the aspect suggests that the native will encounter much difficulty through the underhanded activities of some of his acquaintances. It also implies that he has a driving urge to be first or number one in all his endeavors, and this confuses him. He cannot understand it when he is not first in something he tries. He will quickly discard it in favor of something else, and this is very bad. We must draw on his intellectual strength from Mercury and reason that he cannot always be the best, and learn to settle with whatever he gets as long as he has done his best.
If the native wants to pursue some study, he should not get discouraged if, in the early going, he finds that the studying seems too difficult. In other words, as far as studying goes, initial problems are indicated, but overall success is also indicated. He should be advised here that patience is a virtue, and he need not let early disappointments discourage him.
In summary, this aspect indicates problems, but the native can draw from the strength which Mercury affords him here to combat these woes.
We have now considered the four major aspects of the horoscope. These are the most powerful influences in the horoscope, and they should be considered very carefully. The minor aspects must also be considered, but they should not receive as much emphasis as the major ones simply because they are not that strong in a nativity.
I. MAJOR ASPECTS
A. CONJUNCTION - Those planets which are placed in the same Sign of a nativity within 7 degrees of each other. The seven degree orb of influence may be either forward or backward. Naturally, the more exact (closeness in degrees) the conjunction, the more powerful it is.
B. OPPOSITION - Planets which are positioned in Signs which are opposite to each other in a nativity. The orb of influence once again is seven degrees either way.
C. TRINE - Planets which are within 120 degrees of each other in the nativity. The orb of influence once again is seven degrees.
D. SQUARE - When two planets are 90 degrees apart in a nativity. Orb is seven degrees.
II. MINOR ASPECTS
A. SEXTILE - Planets which are 60 degrees apart in a nativity. The orb of influence of this aspect is six degrees.
B. SEMISQUARE - Planets which are 45 degrees apart. Orb of influence is 3-4 degrees.
C. SEMISEXTILE - This aspect is formed by planets which are 30 degrees apart. The orb of influence once again is 3-4 degrees.
D. SESIQUIQUADRATE- Planets which are 135 degrees apart. The orb of influence once again is 3-4 degrees.
E. QUINCUNX- Planets which are 150 degrees apart form this aspect. The orb of influence is 3-4 degrees.
The aspect rules may be applied just as simply to the minor aspects as they are to the major aspects. You must always remember, however, that the major aspects should be considered first, and given the most concentration, and then consider the minor ones and accord them less emphasis.
|
ASPECT |
DISTANCE |
SYMBOL |
ORB |
|
CONJUNCTION |
0 |
|
7-8 |
|
SEMISEXTILE |
30 |
|
3-4 |
|
SEMISQUARE |
45 |
|
3-4 |
|
SEXTILE |
60 |
|
5-6 |
|
SQUARE |
90 |
|
7-8 |
|
TRINE |
120 |
|
7-8 |
|
SESQUIQUAURATE |
135 |
|
3-4 |
|
QUINCUNX |
150 |
|
3-4 |
|
OPPOSITION |
180 |
|
7-8 |
Learn this chart very carefully, and make certain that you comprehend the nature of the aspects.
As you must understand by now, the ASPECT INTERPRETATION METHOD makes aspect delineation not only simple, but extremely interesting and enlightening.
I. THE NATURE OF THE ASPECTING PLANETS
A. Consider the basic principles which are embodied in each planet involved in the aspect.
B. Combine these principles and determine for yourself what the planets considered together imply.
C. Meditate for awhile on the symbols of the planets until you get the feeling of each planet. Please approach this seriously, as it can be a most rewarding experience.
II. ELEMENTAL AND SIGN POSITION OF THE ASPECT1NG PLANETS
A. Determine the elemental nature of each planet.
B. Make note, by referring to Lesson Nine or Ten, of the Sign position of each planet. List any exaltations, falls, detriments, or dignifications. If none of the above exist, determine if the planet is well-placed or not.
III. THE NATURE OF THE ASPECT
A. Based on your observation in rules 1 and 2, make a careful note of the potential harmony or disharmony of the aspect.
B. Carefully consider the reasons behind your conclusion because you must understand each aspect completely.
IV. HOUSE INFLUENCE
A. Evaluate the meanings of each House involved in the aspect and make sure you understand the nature of each.
B. Please make note of whether the Houses involved are angular, succedant or cadent. The strength of a planet differs from House to House and you can determine this by noting angular, succedent, or cadent planets. Please refer to Lesson VII.
V. CONSIDERATION OF OTHER ASPECTS
1. The aspect in question can either be strengthened or weakened depending on the aspects which it
forms with the other planets.
2. Study the complete nature of these other aspects and determine if they strengthen or weaken the aspect you are considering. Sometimes this influence will be of tremendous importance and, at other times, it will hardly effect your delineation.
TERMS YOU MUST KNOW
The following are some terms which you should become familiar with.
Combust: A Planet is said to be combust if it is 3° or closer to the Sun. Because of the immense power of the Sun, this Planet's influence is considerably weakened. When you find a conjunction of this type, you must consider that the Sun is the most powerful influence of the aspect, and that the power of the aspecting Planet is minimal. It is important for you to realize that you need not completely ignore the influence of this planet but that it's influence is limited.
Cazimi: This is a term used by some astrologers to note the position of a planet within 0° 17' of the Sun's Longitude, or "in the heart of the Sun." Ancient authorities deemed that it fortified the planet as much as the combust position debilitated. We, however, after intricate recording and investigation, ignore the distinction and classify it as combust. It should be considered in the same light as a combust planet. There is no real distinction between the terms, but it is good for you to be familiar with the term.
Benefic: Aspects which are formed by the division of the circle by 3 are considered benefic. E.g.: 360 / 3 = 120 trine aspect. The point is that such aspects will exert a beneficial influence on the native.
Malefic: Aspects based on the division of the circle by 2 are said to be malefic. E.g.: 360 / 2 = 180 / 2 = 90 = opposition and square aspects. According to a rapidly declining train of thought, these aspects are problematic for the native.
Of course, it is our opinion that such a consideration of aspects is pure folly and will only confuse the student. The only complete and efficient way of determining harmony or disharmony within an aspect is through our Aspect Interpretation Chart. The only reason that we make note of the terms is because it is important for the well-developed astrologer to have the knowledge of such terms and to understand why they are not relevant.
Sinister Aspect: This is an aspect which is computed forward in the order of signs or counter-clockwise in the nativity.
Dexter Aspect: The aspect computed backward in the order of Signs.
You will encounter many different ideas on the inherent power of these two types of aspects. Many astrologers maintain that a Sinister Aspect exerts a harmonious influence, while the Dexter Aspect institutes disharmony. Once again, you can easily recognize the futility of either argument. Harmony or disharmony within an aspect has nothing to do with the direction of the aspect. The terms should be employed simply to indicate the direction of the aspect, and not the nature of the same.
Eclipse: An eclipse is a phenomenon which involves the Sun, Moon, and Earth. There are two readily distinct types.
1. SOLAR ECLIPSE: That in which the Moon stands between the Sun and Earth, cutting off from our vision not only the light of the Sun, but also the Sun itself.
2. LUNAR ECLIPSE: That is which the Earth cuts off from the Moon the light of the Sun, depriving it of its illumination, but still leaving it in our line of vision as a dark shadowy object.
A Lunar eclipse can occur only at the time of a full Moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in opposition, close to the Moon's Nodes. An eclipse of the Sun comes from the West; of the Moon comes from the East.
The influence of the eclipse simply weakens or limits the impact of the Sun or Moon, depending on the eclipse. There are several publications you can refer to to find out exactly when eclipses will occur, such as almanacs, newspapers, etc.
GRAND TRINE - When three or more planets complete a triangular formation in the chart. Comparison of these three planets according to your aspect interpretation chart will reveal the nature of the influence.
QUINT1LE ASPECTS - A group of aspects, introduced by Kepler, based on a division of 1/5 of the circle. They have had a very limited adoption and we do not consider their influence significant.
UNASPECTED PLANETS - The influence and strength of a Planet which forms no aspects is determined simply by Sign and House influence.
ACCIDENTAL DIGNITY - When a planet is placed in an angle - that is, near the cusp of the 1st, 10th, 4th & 7th Houses - it becomes very important. Hence it is said to be dignified not because of Sign but because of place.
CONCLUSION
In the next Lesson, XVI, you will study our method of chart erection. It is the most efficient method which you will find. Many astrologers and astrological associations teach complex, intricate methods which sometimes take hours to complete; our method is direct and simple, yet just as accurate as the more confusing ones. We are not concerned with the development of your mathematical skills, but are more interested in maturing your skills as a delineator.
Finally, this lesson should make you realize how far you have advanced towards your goal of graduation as an Astrologer.
