Aspects, Aspect patterns, Chart Shaping. 

The Aspects.

The easiest way to understand aspects is to regard each one as being rather like the wire that connects the electricity supply to an appliance. When two planets are in aspect, the 'energies', for lack of a better word, flow between them and the nature of the planets blend together according to the nature of the aspect. For example: Sun in square aspect to Saturn. Because the aspect is difficult, the more negative traits of the planets come to the fore. In this case, we would expect the self expression [Sun] to be limited and restricted [Saturn]. In good aspect, such as Sun trine Saturn, the self expression would tend to be serious, methodical and cautious. 

 

Symbol	Name	Type	Influence	Angle	Orb	Drawn as
	Conjunction	Major	Mixed	0 deg.	8 deg.
Harmonic 1.  The effect of this aspect depends very much on the planets involved, hence the tag of 'mixed' influence. For example, Moon and Venus would work well, but Saturn and Pluto could be troublesome.
	Sextile	Major	Beneficial	60 deg.	8 deg.	Continuous RED line
Harmonic 6.  A beneficial aspect which tends to produce success through effort rather than sitting around letting things happen. Indicative of rising to the occasion.
	Trine	Major	Beneficial	120 deg.	8 deg,	Continuous RED line
Harmonic 3.  A beneficial aspect which certainly brings a good measure of success and fortune, but the downside is that it does not promote action, hence the subject may rest on their laurels or even be prone to inertia.
	Square	Major	Difficult	90 deg.	8 deg.	Continuous BLUE line
Harmonic 4. A difficult aspect which tends to cause conflicts and raise challenging situation. Very stressful.
	Opposition	Major	Difficult	180 deg.	8 deg.	Continuous BLUE line
Harmonic 2. A difficult aspect which challenges the subject to resolve the differences between the two planets. Often indicative of conflicts with others.
	Semisextile	Minor	Difficult	30 deg.	2 deg.	Dashed BLUE line
Harmonic 12.  Indicative of inner tension and frustration. Motivation may also be lacking.
	Semisquare	Minor	Difficult	45 deg.	2 deg.	Dashed BLUE line
Harmonic 8.  Indicative of inner tension and frustration. Misjudgments may occur.
	Sesquiquadrate	Minor	Difficult	135 deg.	2 deg	Dashed BLUE line
Harmonic 8. Indicative of inner tension and frustration. Overreaction and lack of organisation may occur.
	Quincunx	Minor	Difficult	150 deg.	2 deg.	Dashed BLUE line
Harmonic 12.  Indicative of inner tension and frustration.
	Parallel		Mixed		1 deg.
Unlike normal aspects which are measured along the ecliptic, this aspect is measured using declination, which is the distance either side of the equator. Two planets in the same degree of declination are in parallel.  Similar in effect to the the conjunction.
	Contra parallel		Difficult		1 deg.
Measured as above. When two planets are in the same degree of declination but at opposite sides of the equator (e.g. 5 deg North and 5 deg. South) they are in counter parallel.  Similar in effect to the opposition.

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Aspect Patterns. 

These occur when planetary aspects form distinctive geometrical shapes; each shape has meaning, particularly when there is a focus planet. 

 

Fan.  A trine aspect connected to two sextiles.    The focus planet indicates an area of life in which the person is keen to get on and achieve something . Success through effort.
Grand trine. A triangular configuration involving three trines.    Generally indicates good fortune and success, usually without having to try too hard. Can indicate inertia or a failure to capitalise on opportunities or abilities. Self indulgent.
Kite. Very distinctive shape involving trines, sextiles and an opposition.    Highly focused. Special skills or talent brought to bear. The focus planet indicates  the areas of life affected.
T square.  Triangular configuration involving an opposition and two squares.    Indicative of tension and conflict with challenges which have to be faced. The focus planet shows which area of life is most likely to be affected.
Grand Cross. Two oppositions at right angles joined by squares.    Indicates a hard life with many burdens, but can achieve much once motivated. Locked into a restrictive lifestyle.  Inner stress, feels under pressure.
Yod. Triangular configuration involving a sextile connected to two quincunx aspects. There is another variant of this in which a square is connected to two sesquiquadrates.    Periods of difficult, sometimes dramatic, change. May feel at the mercy of conditions. Highly emotional. Focus planet shows which area of life is affected.
Mystic Rectangle.  An uncommon configuration which is easily recognised due to its resemblance to a rectangular flag. Consists of a pair of oppositions surrounded by two trines and two sextiles.    Likely to give rise to critical periods of life when things seem to go round in circles. Mystical matters could well feature.

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Chart Shaping. 

A useful technique giving often significant background information about a person. 

Planets tend to form groups around the Zodiac and these groups have names and meanings. 

 

Splash.  Planets fairly evenly distributed around the circle.    Indicates a wide range of interests or no particular enthusiasm for any area of life. Generally easy going.
Splay.  Uneven distribution. Planets grouped in several aggregations.    Well defined interests. Doesn't like to be forced into a particular mold.
Bundle. Rare. All planets within 120 deg.    Highly concentrated interests, little regard for all else. May be obsessive and suffer from stress.
Bowl. All planets contained within 180 deg.    Can be one sided, scoops up knowledge and experience possibly for the benefit of others. Specialised interests.
Bucket. A single planet is quite separate from the rest which are generally grouped fairly closely.    The single planet denotes a special area of interest. May show an uncompromising attitude towards it.
See saw. Two groups of opposing planets.    Indicative of stress and uncertainty. Often feels pulled in two different directions.

 

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