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the Delphic oracle Planets, Aspects & Signs oh my! A BUILDING ANALOGY Imagine your psyche as a majestic building, the blueprint created in your first breath. The PLANETS are the raw materials, the ASPECTS determine their placement and the SIGNS determine the color scheme. Your experiences modify both the interior and exterior throughout life, but the basic architecture remains the same. PLANETS are the building blocks of the psyche. Each has specific dynamics that correspond to the conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind, as defined by psychologist Carl Jung. There are 10 planets: conscious: SUN: will ~ aspiration ~ self expression MOON: intuition ~ instinct ~ emotional expression MERCURY: intellect ~ reasoning ~ verbal expression VENUS: desire ~ power of attraction ~ creative/procreative expression MARS: stamina ~ power of assertion ~ physical/sexual expression subconscious: JUPITER: joy ~ confidence ~ benevolence ~ expansion SATURN: doubt ~ discipline ~ temperance ~ contraction unconscious: URANUS: deeper intellect ~ genius/eccentricity ~ abstract reasoning NEPTUNE: deeper intuition ~ imagination/escapism ~ inspiration PLUTO: deeper will ~ regenerative/degenerative ~ transformation ASPECTS are magnetic connections between planets, at specific degrees of distance, that modify the planets' dynamics, creating unique tendencies & potentials. In her book "Astrology: A Cosmic Science", Isabel Hickey describes aspects as:"..lines of force between the centers of energy (planets) in the magnetic field of the individual." There are three types of planetary aspects to consider: natal aspects, which we're born with; synastry aspects, which are formed between two or more people (or times); and transits, which are cyclical aspects from the planets above to the planets within during the course of a lifetime. There are 6 primary aspects: CONJUNCTION (0 degrees): merging ~ reinforcing ~ strengthening SEXTILE (60 degrees): facilitative ~ supportive ~ compatible SQUARE (90 degrees): discordant ~ frustrating ~ challenging TRINE (120 degrees): harmonious ~ supportive ~ compatible QUINCUNX (150 degrees): restless ~ driving ~ challenging OPPOSITION (180 degrees): oppositional ~ unbalanced ~ challenging ARIES: impulsive ~ headstrong ~ playful ~ independent FIRE TAURUS: stubborn ~ sensual ~ loyal ~ hard-working EARTH GEMINI: communicative ~ mercurial ~ adaptable ~ highstrung AIR CANCER: sensitive ~ moody ~ dramatic ~ nurturing WATER LEO: strong-willed ~ dramatic ~ creative ~ affectionate FIRE VIRGO: analytical ~ practical ~ hard-working ~ highstrung EARTH LIBRA: artistic ~ fair-minded ~ idealistic ~ attractive AIR SCORPIO: intense ~ private ~ willful ~ passionate WATER SAGITTARIUS: philosophical ~ optimistic ~ adventuresome ~ athletic FIRE CAPRICORN: ambitious ~ hard-working ~ determined ~ competitive EARTH AQUARIUS: inventive ~ rebellious ~ independent ~ philosophical AIR PISCES: imaginative ~ intuitive ~ sensitive ~ dramatic WATER CONSCIOUS, SUBCONSCIOUS & UNCONSCIOUS MIND You may be surprised to know that Carl Jung was also an astrologer, and as mentioned, his theory of the conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind is modeled on the planets. So it stands to reason that aspects that connect the conscious levels with the subconscious and unconscious levels bring the greatest potential to challenge, assist and expand awareness. Where these aspects don't exist at birth, much remains unconscious, until the planetary transits stimulate growth - ready or not! MORE ON THE PLANETARY DYNAMICS SUN keywords: will ~ aspiration ~ self expression The Sun symbolizes the core of your character, the centerpoint of consciousness. "As above, so below". It's the source of self-identity and it casts its light over the entire personality. Planets aspecting the Sun, especially the conjunction, are prominently expressed in the personality. For instance, Sun aspecting expansive Jupiter is cheerful and optimistic; Sun aspecting self-controlled Saturn is serious and determined; Sun aspecting magnetic Venus is attractive and charming; Sun aspecting transformative Pluto is intense and perceptive. Each aspect to the Sun gives a layer of complexity, and the Sun's sign gives color to their expression. For instance, all Jupiter/Sun people are naturally generous and cheerful, but Jupiter/Sun Aries will get seasons tickets and take you to every game, while Jupiter/Sun Virgo will generously try to organize your life and Jupiter/Sun Taurus will spoil you with food and trinkets. So the planets' aspects define character potential while the planets' signs color their expression. MOON keywords: intuition ~ instinct ~ emotional expression The Moon is the seat of the emotions, the planet by which we intuit our surroundings. The Moon sign determines how we relate to others emotionally, and the aspects to the Moon indicate what strengths and challenges we may have in our relationships and how and what we seek for emotional security. For instance, Moon aspecting expansive Jupiter is emotionally expansive; Moon aspecting repressed Saturn is emotionally reserved; Moon aspecting magnetic Venus is warm and inviting; Moon aspecting transformative Pluto is emotionally intense; and all those planets aspecting the Moon would naturally make for a lot of high emotion and inner tension. The more aspects a planet has to other planets, the more complex and active in the psyche it becomes. And of course the Moon's sign colors its expression. MERCURY keywords: intellect ~ reasoning ~ verbal expression Mercury is the planet of intellect and communication and our approach to organizing our thoughts and our lives. It indicates how we process information and our manner of communication. For instance, Saturn aspecting Mercury is reserved; Jupiter aspecting Mercury is upbeat; Uranus aspecting Mercury is disruptive; Pluto aspecting Mercury is intense. Mercury is never far from the Sun, and when the Sun and Mercury are in the same sign, it indicates a certain singlemindedness from the combined focus of the self and the intellect. VENUS keywords: desire ~ power of attraction ~ creative/procreative expression Venus is the planet of receptivity, magnetism and romance, and our longing for an ideal, in ourselves and others. Venus delights in beautiful sights, sounds and smells, and beauty being a subjective thing, the placement of Venus indicates who and what we're drawn to. It also indicates the ways we choose to be creative. Creativity is a healthy, reliable way to express your Venus - without it you're more vulnerable to quick fixes - whatever promises some pleasure and serenity in the short term. So even when your love life is far from ideal, being passionately creative will satisfy your longings with no negative side effects (like extra pounds & morning regrets). Lovers may come and go, but creative self expression is yours forever and vital to keep the fruits of your Venus sweet. MARS keywords: stamina ~ power of assertion ~ physical/sexual expression Mars makes love and war and whatever else involves willful assertion of energy. We draw from Mars whenever we take physical action, both calculated and spontaneous. Bodily motion is Mars in action. Aspects to Mars indicate how the action flows. For instance, Saturn aspecting Mars indicates resistance to taking action; Jupiter aspecting Mars indicates high energy and endurance; Neptune aspecting Mars indicates a graceful quality to movement; Pluto aspecting Mars indicates intense focus and will when taking action. The sign Mars is in doesn't change these basic inclinations, it only colors their expression. JUPITER keywords: joy ~ confidence ~ benevolence ~ expansion Jupiter is the planet of expansion, expanding whatever area of the psyche it touches by aspect. Jupiter expands the spirit when it aspects the Sun; expands the emotions when it aspects the Moon; expands the mind when it aspects Mercury; expands the capacity to love when it aspects Venus; and expands physical stamina when it aspects Mars. Jupiter is the planet of joy and benevolence and we're put directly in touch with its magic through aspects to our conscious planets. Every planet Jupiter aspects has a joyous opportunity to expand, which benefits others as well as the self, and which should be utilized as often as possible. The challenging aspects - the square, quincunx & opposition - can lead to carelessness or overindulgence, but recognition of this potential gives us the power to consciously redirect the dynamic. Jupiter expands the perceptions whenever and wherever its bright light shines. SATURN keywords: doubt ~ discipline ~ temperance ~ contraction Where Jupiter is benevolence, Saturn is tough love. Saturn is the planet of limitations, restricting whatever area of the psyche it touches by aspect. Saturn is the Great Doubter and whatever planets it aspects are areas where there will be a sense of lacking that inspires a drive to overcome it, a surrendering to feelings of inadequacy, or a vacillating between both - the choice is always ours. Saturn's purpose is to build strength and fortitude, which often happens through adversity. And the adversity often takes place within, through self-doubt. If you're inclined to reflect on reincarnation, Saturn would be the unfinished business we bring with us into each life. Early in life Saturn is activated by all manner of people perceived as 'authorities', from whom we develop our first ideas about our own inadequacies, right or wrong. So the key to freedom from Saturnian self-doubt is simply to view every obstacle as an opportunity, because that's what it is. It's not the universe dumping on you, it's the simple law of attraction. With Saturn, you always reap what you sow, even if you don't remember when or what you sowed. It presents 'obstacles' our past actions (or inactions) helped erect, which we have the choice of patiently dismantling until we're free, or covering with defeatist graffiti as a monument to our failure. The choice is always ours, and Saturn wouldn't have it any other way. URANUS keywords: deeper intellect ~ genius/eccentricity ~ abstract reasoning Uranus aspects are our hook-up to the Big Picture screen, enabling us to see beyond appearances, to the logical core of things. When Uranus aspects conscious planets it brings its dynamics directly into your conscious life. Uranus jolts us with sudden understanding, and Uranian insights are by nature ahead of their time, which is great when they're welcomed by open minds, but are seen as a threat to the status quo. Uranian types get great satisfaction from disrupting the status quo, which invariably inspires the appreciation of other Uranian types and the fear and contempt of more Saturnian types. Uranus is naturally disruptive, so always expect the unexpected in the areas it touches. Uranian aspects to conscious planets create a nearly irresistible impulse to be unpredictable. So if you have a prominent Uranus you'll probably let it run a little wild, unless you've got some dominant Saturnian impulses to subdue it. Uranus' purpose is to disrupt crystallized perceptions in order to spur growth, ready or not, which usually involves others as well as oneself. And once you learn to go with the flow it's a helluva ride. Uranus is the planet of the inventor for good reason - inventors thinks in new ways, which is what Uranus is all about. NEPTUNE keywords: deeper intuition ~ imagination/escapism ~ inspiration Neptune is the planet of soaring imagination and inspired emotion. It guides the artists of the world, who bring its gifts to the rest of us through their inspired expression. Neptune is almost always prominent in musicians' BirthPrints™, for instance. Music is the universal language of Neptune. When you hear a song that moves you, that's Neptune. Whenever you're inspired from the heart to the head by any art form, you experience the magic of Neptune, whether you're the creator or the listener/observer. Neptune opens your spiritual channels, whether you think in spiritual terms or not. It's all about inspiration. The downside of Neptune is the potential for escapism, which is born of unfullfilled longing. Many people use mind-altering means to seek a better connection to their Neptune dynamic, which is perfectly natural in moderation and has been practiced since ancient times. Many artists are inspired this way, but others can get lost, preferring to live their lives in their minds and forsaking all else, which soon creates havoc through neglect of the creative and practical aspects of life. As with all the planets, Neptune has a high expression and a low expression and everything in-between. The highest expression of Neptune is inspired creativity, the lowest expression is self-destructive escapism. And as with all the planets, you always have the final say. Think of the planets as actors and you're their director. The more prominent the actors are, the more tempting it is to let them run the show, but that can throw off the rest of the cast and cause the whole production to suffer. So bring out the best in your actors by all means, but always remember who's in charge - YOU. PLUTO keywords: deeper will ~ regenerative/degenerative ~ transformation Pluto is the Phoenix energy in all of us, the will to rise from the ashes. Pluto is always intense and purposeful - its purpose being complete transformation. Pluto is never easy, but it's always effective. When Pluto aspects a conscious planet there's tremendous magnetism and strength of will. Pluto always gets noticed, and a little goes a long way, so the key to mastering Pluto is temperance. It's a great emotional force to be reckoned with, and when unleashed it can overwhelm others, so self-control is key. Those with a conscious Pluto (meaning pluto aspects one or more of their conscious planets) freely access their intense Pluto energy and generally aren't phased by other intense Pluto types, but those with an unconscious Pluto can feel threatened when a Pluto type lets loose. Where does all this intensity come from? Pluto, when it aspects conscious planets, brings upheavals early in life that trigger a profound sense of powerlessness that creates a deep need to transform into a master of your own soul and surroundings. It drives you forward, often compulsively, often with dramatic results. Pluto is a dynamic of tremendous creative and destructive power. And as always, the choice is yours. MORE ON THE ASPECTS Aspects mingle and modify the planetary dynamics, creating unique psychological patterns. The strongest aspect is the conjunction, which merges and strengthens the planets involved. The most harmonious aspect is the trine, which gives an ease of expression between planets. The sextile presents opportunities and gives confidence, strength and ease of expression. The square gives a level of frustration that pushes us forward with challenges throughout our lives. Most everyone has at least one square between planets. The opposition, like the square, pushes us forward, often through confrontations, both within and without. It indicates an imbalance and a tendency to vascillate, swinging one way and then the other. The challenge is to try to find the balance within, which is not an easy task, but it builds strength and insight over a lifetime. The quincunx is a complex and powerful aspect. It brings challenges throughout the lifetime, and is felt keenly within as a deep and restless drive. The quincunx is a fairly uncommon aspect, and has an orb of only 3 degrees, though aspects generally have an orb of 7-9 degrees. Exact and near-exact aspects are naturally the strongest (ie: an exact trine at 120 degrees is stronger than at 115 or 125 degrees). Aspects tie the planets together into a cohesive and unique psychological structure. Linking the raw material of planets through aspects is akin to linking letters to form words, and both can tell the story of your life. MORE ON THE SIGNS The classic bestseller "Linda Goodman's Sun Signs" is funny, insightful and eloquent, and you can read it online for free - check it out! Sun Signs has turned millions of people on to astrology from the time of its publication in 1969 to the present, and it's still a staple in every large bookstore. Nothing compares to Sun Signs in interpreting the signs of the zodiac, but you don't have to take my word for it.. click on a sign and see for yourself :O) ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES As time permits I'll add more links and info about planets, aspects & signs.. THE NOT-SO SIGNIFICANCE OF KNOWING A BIRTH TIME If you're concerned you can't have your BirthPrint™ calculated because you don't know your birth time, don't be. An exact birth time is not necessary to calculate most of your planetary aspects. Only the moon's accuracy is affected by an unknown birth time because it moves about 12 degrees a day. So for those who don't know their exact or approximate birth time I calculate their BirthPrints™ using noon time, thus the moon isn't off by more than 6 degrees - and usually less. As a result, not all the moon's aspects can be calculated, but the information that's gained profoundly outweighs any information that's missed. An exact birth time is essential to calculate your 'ascendant' and 'house system', but again what you gain far outweighs what you miss, despite this lack of information. To explain further, there are two types of birth chart: a 'natal chart' is calculated using the exact birth time, which puts the ascendant in the first house and the planets in all the correct houses; a 'solar chart' is used with or without an exact birth time and puts the sun sign in the first house and disregards the influence of the houses. The BirthPrints™ are all solar charts that focus only on the 3 basics, which greatly simplifies analysis while still giving a tremendous amount of information. As you'll see if you read about the house system, there are multiple clashing theories of house calculation, unlike the 3 basics - the planets, aspects & signs - which are not theoretical and there's no debate about how they're calculated. And the natal chart with its attendant house system requires an exact time with no room for error. Things to consider when considering the house system, which is certainly not irrelevant but it can be unreliable. Free birth chart calculations at Alabe.com Recommended Reading: Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View, by Richard Tarnas  More on Astropsychology .. The Centre for Psychological Astrology The Journal of Psychological Astrology The Astrological Psychology Institute UK Association for Psychological Astrology Astropsychology - A Wiki Overview |
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