Absolutely Psychic Network: Basic Astrology Part2 - By: Absolutely Psychic

Aspects are an important part of modern astrology. As the

planets move in their elongated orbits around the Sun, they

form various angular relationships with one another, using

the Sun (or Earth) as the center. These are called aspects.

The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by

numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, resulting in aspects such as the

conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine

(120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth. When two

planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and

natures are said to combine and work in harmony or discord.

For example, when two planets are exactly on opposite sides

of the Sun (Earth), they are in opposition.

The most popular aspects can be divided into three main

categories:

The "emphatic" aspects: The emphatic aspects are those

that emphasize or align two planetary energies with one

another.

Conjunction (0 degrees) Two planets at the same point in

the zodiac are said to be in conjunction. Their natures are

fused or blended into one.

Opposition (180 degrees) Two planets at opposite sides of

the zodiac. The energies are in alignment with each other.

They can pull together or apart, depending upon the nature

of the planets involved.

The "hard" aspects: square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45

degrees). These represent challenge, obstacles, and

substance. They provide meat and potatoes in our life. Too

many can block or obstruct the life flow, yet too few can

cause life to be weak or thin.

The "soft" aspects: trine (120 degrees) and sextile (60

degrees) The soft aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision

to our lives. We can see, grasp, and understand what is

happening. Too few of the soft aspects means we don't know

what we are doing or what is happening in our lives, while

too many soft aspects make for a life that runs cool, is

overly mental, and lacking in substance.

"Exact" aspects and aspect's "orbs" Aspects between

planets gradually form, become exact, and separate. When an

aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the

effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and

after the moment when it is exact. The range within which

an aspect is in operation is called its "orb of influence,"

or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees of arc on

either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or

tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.

Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are

the planets involved. Aspects to the Sun and Moon (the

lights) are most important, followed by the planetary

aspects involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. If your natal chart has an

accurate birth time, then aspects to the chart angles

(ascendant and midheaven) are also important. The

particular combination can make a difference too. Aspects

between planets such as Saturn and Mars (traditional

malefics) are obviously more potentially explosive than the

same aspect between Venus and Jupiter (traditional

benefics).

The Planets

In astrology, the larger life of our solar system as a

whole tells us something about our own personal Earth life.

The interplay and relationship of the planets with one

another as they circle the Sun is carefully studied. Of

particular interest to astrologers are the Sun, the Moon,

and the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. These are the celestial bodies

used most often by modern astrologers for natal

interpretation. Each of these planets represents or refers

to a part of our life and self. Here are some of the

concepts and key words associated with each planet:

Sun. The heart and center of it all. The father, guru,

teacher or figure of authority. Anyone older or living in

an experience more disciplined than our own. That which we

look up to and receive light from. That which we may

become.

Moon. Our surroundings, the environment out of which we

came. Our past and childhood. Our formative years and self.

The background. That out of which we emerged.

Mercury. Communication at light speed. Linkage. Thought.

Ideas. The light of the mind. Logos, direct voice.

Venus. How we respond, appreciate, cherish or value

something. The way we love. Love, but not attraction.

Compassion.

Mars. Energy. What drives or moves us. Our emotions. Urge

to unify or become one, therefore yoga, union, or marriage.

Jupiter. The way through or on. Continuing, continuity,

succession, success. The pathfinder or lamp through the

trials of time. Luck.

About the Author

Psychic

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Absolutely-Psychic/204866

Additional Articles From - Home | Self improvement | Astrology