he Technique of Astrology

In this segment we look at the technique of astrology and for those who are that way inclined
the more difficult problems that are tackled by astrologers and practitioners. Those of you interested will find a wealth
of information and techniques to improve your skills astrologically and intuitively. It isn't necessary for you to learn all
of this my heart but if you have the inclination to slowly improve your skills and to develop the technique as an
aspiring astrologer, we offer these at your disposal.
The planets, the sun and the moon behave very much like people and simply looking at the position of the sun sign at
birth is a rather limiting prospect if you wish to explore the vastness and majesty of astrology. The planets have
moods, and although they may exhibit certain traits outwardly, they too like us have moods, states of mind, and
physical and spiritual stature.
They also exhibit relationships not just within themselves but to the other planets in the celestial environment. They
have friends, they have enemies, they have temporary friends and temporary enemies and sometimes they cluster in
groups or happen to be alone. They form beautiful patterns in the heavens such as crosses, triangles and other
geometric shapes which have specific meanings in the philosophy of astrology.
So let's take a look at some of the more technical aspects and how this affects us, our relationships and destiny.
When you hitch a team of horses to a loaded wagon their combined strength can pull it with ease. If they were
hitched to opposite ends, the horses would pull against each other and the wagon would be upset or broken.
The Planets moving around the zodiac work in the same way. The relative positions in a horoscope can produce
mutually helpful or hindering influences. These relationships are called aspects. The helpful aspects are considered
as beneficial, favourable and harmonious. The hindering influences are designed as adverse, unfavourable,
inharmonious and disorganising.
Favourable aspects can bring benefits but too much ease has a softening and relaxing effect. The adverse aspects
can lead to obstacles on the road to success but difficulties can be made a challenge for creative accomplishments.
The main point about any aspect is not whether it is favourable or unfavourable but whether you use it constructively
or destructively.
Aspects indicate relationships between the Sun, Moon and Planets. The clue to what an aspect represents lies in the
inherent qualities of the Sun, Moon and the Planets. The Sun, Moon and Mercury are considered more or less neutral
in effect. Venus and Jupiter signify expensive influences. Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Mars stimulate various
types of action dependent on the powers they generate.

To understand the aspects in any chart considered them one by one. Look first for any two planets situated side-byside, within a few degrees of each other. They may be in the same sign or on the edge of two neighbouring signs.
When this position is noted, the aspect is called a conjunction.
The conjunction is not a favourable or unfavourable in itself. The effect is dependent on the quality of the planets
involved because the stronger planet dominates the weaker. Pluto in conjunction with the Sun, Moon or other planets
signifies a sense of superlative awareness. Wherever this aspect occurs it indicates knowledge that is beyond the
scope of routine education. It represents the essence of instinct and experience.
Neptune in conjunction with any planet raises the planet to a higher vibratory potentiality. Whenever this aspect
occurs its a key point in the chart. Neptune conjoined with Mercury supplies extraordinary imaginative and visionary
power.
The Neptune-Jupiter conjunction indicates the ability to handle large sums of money. Saturn or Mars conjoined with
Neptune activates possible power that can have great constructive or destructive consequences according to
instinctive desires and training.
Uranus in conjunction with a planet has a stimulating effect. This aspect supplies the impulse and the opportunity for
change, movement and expansion. The aspects formed when Uranus is in conjunction with the Sun, Jupiter or
Mercury are among the most favourable ones to have in a horoscope. Anyone born with one of these aspects is
certain of a dominant place in the world. The kind of success that can be attained and the sphere of activity where
opportunity can present itself are determined by the sign and the house in the chart where the aspect occurs. Uranus
in conjunction with Venus creates a very dynamic emotional expression. This leads to an active and enjoyable life
filled with many friends. Success can be obtained in art or theatre.
Saturn in conjunction with a planet strengthens and stabilises its power but turns this power inwards and the result
can be inhibitive as well as creating an unwillingness to participate in group activities. This can limit enthusiasm and
ambition which would otherwise manifest itself especially during the first half of life. Later in life personal discipline
rises to the surface in the form of wisdom and understanding. The Saturn conjunction also signifies limitations and
problems that can be used as the foundation for useful experience in authority and responsibility.
Saturn in conjunction with Venus can indicate a marriage in later life. The Saturn-Mercury conjunction signifies a
retentive memory, the Moon-Saturn conjunction makes it desirable to avoid extensive ownership of real estate, the
Sun-Saturn conjunction denotes that success can come more easily in association with young rather than older
people. Saturn in conjunction with Mars is an explosive aspect showing the need for caution against accidents.
Mars in conjunction with the Sun, Moon and planets activates energy, enthusiasm, ambition and impulsiveness. Mars
raises any planet to which it is conjoined to a more vigorous level. This added power is good only so long as it is
properly controlled. This aspect is good in any of the three water signs and even better in the earth or air signs. In of
the fire signs were it might be a source of tension. The fire signs supply enough energy. The addition of the Mars
power can raise this force to uncontrolled impulsiveness or even recklessness.

Jupiter in conjunction with any planet has an expanding effect. In a man's chart, the Jupiter influence with Sun or
Uranus contributes to freedom and action, profitable work, and helpful friendships. In a woman's chart the conjunction
of Jupiter with the Sun, Venus or the Moon indicate a happy marriage and a serene home life. The Jupiter conjunction
with Saturn indicates shrewd and cautious ability to handle money. The Mars-Jupiter conjunction signifies a
spendthrift temperament.

The next aspect to consider is the opposition. This occurs when two planets are 180 apart or opposite each other in
the horoscope. For example when a planet is in 10 and the sign of Taurus and the Sun is in 10 of the sign Scorpio,
they are in opposition.
When two planets oppose each other neither can manifest its influence to the fullest extent. There is a strain and
tension that can be obstructive. The slower moving planet creates the cause of the action and the fast moving planet
produces the effect. Pluto in opposition with the Sun, Moon or one of the planets has a diverging effect. Ambitions
can become transformed into patterns that are at complete variance with the original purpose and direction.
Neptune in opposition to one of the luminaries or a planet can set up intangible obstacles that seem to disappear
when they are approached, only to recur when the attention is turned elsewhere. This aspect indicates the need for
caution and patience. Neptune in opposition to the Sun indicates that strangers should not be trusted. The opposition
between Neptune and Mercury denotes vague and untested ideas. Neptune in opposition with Jupiter indicates that
care should be taken to guard against extravagances and loss of money.
The opposition of Uranus with the Sun, Moon or planets can cause change, excitement, passion, as well as
uncertainty. Uranus always creates unexpected trends. Anyone who has a strong Uranus opposition in the chart
should attempt to settle down to a quiet and routine existence for an indefinite period of time. A move is sure to come
over time when it can cause a sudden upheaval.
Uranus in opposition with the Sun or Jupiter indicates an important change of job or an entirely new type of work. A
woman with Uranus opposed to the Sun or to Venus in a horoscope should not marry in haste but should enter into a
union only after a careful consideration of the temperament and the prospects of her suitor. Children with Uranus in
opposition to Mercury should not be pinned down to a narrow course of study but should be allowed to follow a broad
educational curriculum that is suitable for an active and inquiring mind.
When Saturn is in opposition with the Sun-Moon, or planets it can be a source of delay. Success comes only as the
result of hard work and patient effort though the strictures can become an incentive for lasting success in later years.
The Saturn opposition can help to make the adult years of life better than the years of childhood.

The opposition of Saturn with the Sun, Moon, Mercury or Mars indicates that special restraint must be used against
excess of any kind. The opposition between Saturn and Jupiter is adverse for speculation gambling and other
financial risks.
A woman with Saturn opposed to Venus in her horoscope is likely to have at least one broken engagement before
marriage.
Mars in opposition with the luminaries or planets denotes combativeness. Disciplined intelligence reduces the
inclination to fight and to waste energy. Instead, the desire is to fight inimical conditions with the desire to win a
spectacular victory against want, misery, greed and inequality.
When Mars is in opposition with the Sun or Mercury, the tendency is to be quarrelsome and argumentative just for the
sake of being arbitrary. This combativeness when directed to constructive channels can help in overcoming fear,
frustration and failure.
The Mars-Moon opposition creates a desire to move from one residence to another. The Jupiter-Mars opposition
denotes callousness about money values and a compelling urge to gratify every extravagant whim. Mars in
opposition with Venus highlights an interest in romantic affection though this can lead to many emotional conflicts.
New acquaintances frequently appear more attractive than long-time friends.
The Jupiter opposition with the luminaries and planets is a beneficial influence they can be too much self-indulgence.
The opposition between Jupiter and the Sun, Moon, Mercury or Venus stimulates warmth and a charming personality.
There is also a tendency to seek the easier ways of life and an unwillingness to face the stern tests of reality.

This occurs when the luminaries of the planets are at zodiacal right angles to each other. That is, 90 apart. This
aspect can be found by noting the position of a planet than counting 90 to the right or left. The area at either of these
points is in square aspect with the planet. For example, when the Sun is in 10 degrees of the sign Taurus, any planet
in 10 of the sign of Aquarius or 10 of the sign Leo there is in square formation with the Sun. The square aspect that
comes from the left side creates external difficulties this square aspect from the right side indicates personal stress.
Suppose natal Jupiter is in 5 degrees of the sign Cancer and Saturn is in 5 of the sign Aries. This square aspect
between Saturn and Jupiter indicates job difficulties and money loss through business associates. If at the same time
Mars is in 5 of the sign Libra in square aspect with Saturn there can be worry about money problems connected with
the home and family.
The grand Square has no special symbol. It occurs when four signs, forming four equidistant angles 90 apart are
accentuated by planetary occupancy. This is an exceedingly powerful configuration since it activates an enormous
force for the expression of genius or stirs up the rebellious conflicts against existing conditions.

To help find the square aspect count to the fourth sign on the left or the fourth sign on the right of any planet. The
same degree area in either direction is in square to that planet.

This formation occurs when two Planets one third of the way around the circle of the zodiac or 120 apart. The trine
aspect is easy to ascertain inasmuch as it unites the earth signs which are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn: the air signs
of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, the fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and
Pisces.
What kind aspects are favourable? The best influences are between Neptune, Uranus or Jupiter in trine aspect with
the Sun, Moon, or other plants. These aspects indicate freedom of action, personal benefit and progress towards any
high goal that is desired.
A trine aspect which includes the Sun or Jupiter stimulates fame or prosperity. The trine formation which includes
Mercury signifies an active intellectual and brilliant mind. The trine aspect which links Venus with the Sun and Moon
or one of the planets develops an abundance of happiness and enjoyment of beauty.
Saturn in trine aspect with the luminaries or planets produces a sense of well-being and self-confidence. Anyone in
whose horoscope this aspect is prominent need have no apprehension about future prospects. There is almost
always a backlog of ambition, savings or help from others to serve as a protective reserve in case of an emergency.
The trine aspect of Mars with the ones and luminaries supplies controlled enthusiasm, usually manifesting itself
through a vibrant personality. A woman with Mars in trine aspect with Venus attracts many warm friendships. The
Mars-Moon trine stimulates influence for a happy home life.
The grand trine is the most beneficial formation in the horoscope. It occurs when three angles of the horoscope 120
apart in each direction are occupied by the luminaries or planets. This vibration is a foundation for remarkable
possible talents. In fact there can be so much ability and cleverness almost no effort is made to use the natural
aptitude for a constructive purpose. When the action of the grand trine does become operative however, it can
transcend all other influences in the horoscope.

The word sextile is derived from sixth meaning one sixth of the zodiac will circle. Coming 60 to the right or left of any
point in the horoscope brings you to the sextile area. For example, start from 10 in the sign Taurus and the planet at
10 in the sign Pisces or at 10 in the sign Cancer is in sextile aspect with your starting point.

Also sextile aspect is beneficial. It is as favourable as the trine aspect but not quite as strong. When there are several
powerful aspects from major planets in the birth chart, the effects of the sextile formation are pushed into the
background. Nevertheless sextiles should be taken into consideration because they accentuate the favourable
trends. When there are few major aspects than the sextile formation becomes more important.

A semi-sextile formation is one half of the sextile aspect or 30. It connects adjacent signs. From 10 in the sign
Taurus the semi-sextile point would be 10 in the sign Aries and 10 in the sign Gemini. This also is favourable aspect
about half as strong as the sextile.
The cross aspect occurs when three signs 90 equidistant are occupied by the Sun or planets leaving the fourth
angle of the circle empty. This is an adverse aspect since it creates inherent stress. Its astrological symbol is
indicated by the T-cross.
The quincunx is just the reverse of semi-sextile. It is mildly unfavourable. To find a quincunx aspect count left or right
150. This brings you to the fifth sign starting from whichever planet you have under consideration. The effect of the
quincunx aspect is about one quarter as strong as a square formation.
The semi-Square is 45 or 1 1/2 signs to the left or right and its influence is slightly adverse.
The sesquiquadrate is 135 or 4 1/2 signs to the left or right of any position in the horoscope. This is a slightly
adverse aspect the parallel
The parallel is a strong configuration. This aspect is formed when two planets occupy the same degree of longitude
regardless of the signs they occupy, north or south of the celestial equator. The most frequent parallel formations
occur between the Planets and the Moon because it is the fastest moving sphere and the solar system
The effect of parallel is similar to a conjunction. In some instances this configuration creates a more effective but at
other times effected producers is exceedingly powerful dependent on the Planets involved.
When Mars and Uranus are in a parallel formation one being north and the other south of the celestial equator or both
north or south, there is the likelihood of serious accidents fires or explosions. Mischief and treachery occur when
Neptune and Mercury are parallel. Lost Treaty on financial secondary can result from a Saturn-Jupiter parallel. The
influence of the parallel formations can continue for an indefinite time in some instances because of the slow motions
of the major planets.