Before you begin reading about the individual
aspect patterns, I strongly recommend that you first read
the Introduction
to Aspect Patterns, which appears in the "Ask Kevin"
section of this web site. Understanding aspect patterns
can be very complicated, and the Introduction
to Aspect Patterns attempts to make sense of things,
and lay a foundation that will make working with the actual
aspect patterns much clearer.
Stellium
A Stellium is technically a
group of three or more planets that are conjunct each other.
Being a 1st Harmonic (Conjunction) aspect pattern, the orbs
allowable for a Stellium can be quite generous. The textbook
definition of a Stellium would be three planets at the same
degree of a sign, as in the Sun, Mars and Jupiter each at
12° Virgo (or each within a 1-2° orb of this point).
Stelliums can also consist of two planets that, while they
are too far apart to be considered to be Conjunct each other,
are each Conjunct a third planet which forms a sort of a link
and connection between the three. (In other words, the Sun
at 1° Virgo, Mars at 6° Virgo and Jupiter at 11°
Virgo; the Sun and Jupiter are too far apart to be Conjunct,
but since each of them is Conjunct Mars, the three planets
are linked.) Because Stelliums are a whole-sign Aspect Pattern,
even having three or more planets in the same sign could be
considered a Stellium. (Three or more planets in the same
HOUSE, however, is not a Stellium.)
Needless to say, the closer the Conjunctions
are, the stronger and more powerful the effect of the Stellium
will be. Also, in general, the personal planets are far more
significant to consider than the outer planets. An entire
generation was born with Pluto and Uranus conjunct in Virgo;
everyone born between August 22 and September 20 in the years
1964 through 1968 will have at least Sun, Uranus and Pluto
in Virgo. The outer planets represent universal forces, and
while simply having personal planets in the same sign as outer
planets may indicate a certain resonance with the generational
influences, it generally doesn't indicate a significant impact
on an individual's personality. What is significant, however,
is when a personal planet is closely Conjunct an outer planet
(either on its own or as part of a Stellium). This indicates
a very strong link between that planet's function and the
universal unconscious forces. Through that personal planet,
the individual is tied into cycles and energies that are entirely
beyond his or her control; the individual is both at the mercy
of these forces, and also able to channel and express them
in a very personal way, helping others to experience and understand
the energies of universal change.
When considering Stelliums, the most important
thing to keep in mind is that an individual with a Stellium
even only a Stellium by Sign will have a very
strong emphasis on and experience of the energy represented
by that sign. Although we all have all 12 Signs in our charts,
there are less than twelve major bodies, and therefore it
is not possible to have a planet in every sign. This doesn't
mean that we can't or don't experience the full range of energies
represented by the 12 Signs; it does mean, however, that we
will tend to be more familiar with and more focused on the
energy of the Signs that contain planets. When three or more
planets are in the same Sign, the energy and lessons of that
Sign become extremely significant to an individual.
If the planets are actually conjunct each other,
this intensity and focus grows to encompass more than a mere
affinity for the experiences and energy of a particular sign.
The closer the planets are to being Conjunct, the more tightly
unified the planets become, and the harder it becomes to separate
the different needs and drives of the planets. In very tight
Stelliums, the planets almost seem to fuse together, and act
as a unit, almost a "super-planet" that can often
become the driving force in a person's chart.
As an example, let's look at a person with the
Moon, Mercury and Mars in the same sign, but not conjunct
each other. With this type of Stellium, the individual would
have the same approach, the same motivation for how they felt
and reacted (Moon), communicated (Mercury) and took action
(Mars). If, on the other hand the Moon, Mercury and Mars were
all Conjunct each other, the three planets would tend to act
as a unit. This person might, for example, find that they
always have to express their feelings and their desires and
have great difficulty in holding back what they feel or think.
Every thought, every feeling would tend to require some action
on their part because every time their Moon or Mercury is
used, so is their Mars. The manner, style and motivations
of these expressions would, of course, depend on the Sign
in question.
The key issue with Stelliums is one of balance.
Individuals with a Stellium often find that they tend to devote
a large percentage of their time and energy towards the types
of activities that stimulate and allow them to express their
Stellium, by both Sign and House. What is important, then,
is for these individuals to make a conscious effort to find
some balance and perspective in their lives, which they can
do by choosing to explore the energy and activities represented
by the opposite sign and house from their Stellium. This will
tend to be easiest when there are planets transiting opposite
the Stellium, although it can obviously be done at any time.
Grand Trine
The Grand Trine is a 3rd Harmonic aspect, and occurs when
three planets are in the same element (Fire, Earth, Air or
Water), each forming a Trine to the others. A Grand Trine
forms an equilateral triangle, and in Sacred Geometry, the
equilateral triangle is said to represent the level of pure
being. In this manner, a Grand Trine is similar to a planet
being in a sign that it rules: when a planet is in its rulership,
it is operating on the level of pure being and on its own
terms. While this may be good for the planet, it's not always
easy for an individual to integrate this energy. A Grand Trine,
then, is the pure expression of an element.
Trines in general, and even Grand Trines in
particular have a reputation for being wonderful, positive,
enjoyable aspects. This reputation is not entirely deserved,
however. Each aspect has its own nature and function, and
none are better or worse than others. The nature of the Trine
is ease and harmony, and Trines represent a constant, open
and effortless flow of energy between the two planets (or
three planets in the case of a Grand Trine). Trines do certainly
indicate talents, and they are certainly comfortable aspects
because they are always there, always operating, and never
require any conscious effort to maintain. The challenge with
Trines comes when we try and control or stop the flow of energy,
to change the patterns of behavior encouraged by the Trine.
This is even more difficult with a Grand Trine, because the
three planets are linked in a closed circuit of energy that
is able to build up a tremendous amount of momentum.
Grand Trines can often feel like too much of
a good thing. Because they are so easy and comfortable, and
because they truly represent the easy way out, they can discourage
us from exploring and developing the more challenging areas
of our charts and of our lives. More than that, we have a
tendency to take Grand Trines for granted; Trines are notoriously
lazy, and Grand Trines often represent vast untapped potential.
The talent is there, the creativity is there; what is missing
is the drive to make use of it. Grand Trines often seem to
illustrate the maxim "what we obtain too cheaply, we
esteem too lightly."
There are four different types of Grand Trine—one
for each element.
FIRE. Grand Trines
in Fire tend to be extremely active. The element of Fire expresses
through action and activity. Individuals with a Grand Trine
in Fire may always be on the go, and also must learn not to
over-extend themselves. The element of Fire, like a flame,
will burn as hot as it can until all of its fuel is gone.
A Grand Trine in Fire can often contribute to an impulsive
nature; it can also indicate a tendency towards absolute honesty,
since the Fire Signs can only express themselves from their
true nature and are incapable of deception. Grand Trines in
Fire can be very intense, and emphasize the tendency of the
Fire signs towards expansive and sometimes explosive expressions
of joy or anger. Individuals with a Grand Trine in Fire must
learn to conserve their energy, and to explore the full range
of emotional expression rather than simply expressing the
most intense and primal emotions.
EARTH. Grand
Trines in Earth, on the other hand, tend to be the least active.
The element of Earth is associated with the material plane,
and individuals with a Grand Trine in Earth will tend to be
very grounded and practical in their approach. Earth signs
enjoy structure, and routine, and security, and a Grand Trine
in Earth is the most likely of the Grand Trines to become
addicted to certain behavior patterns. Earth signs are extremely
sensual, and enjoy all of the physical pleasures and creature
comforts that the material world has to offer. A Grand Trine
in Earth seems to say that if it feels good, then do it, and
this aspect pattern can generate a wide range of excuses and
rationalizations to make changing bad habits (quitting smoking,
for example, or sticking to a diet) that much more difficult.
Although a Grand Trine in Earth can indicate creative and
artistic talent, as well as the ability to realize and manifest
ideas in a tangible way, the challenge to actually take action
rather than indulge in comforting activities is always present.
AIR. The element
of Air relates to the mental and the social realm. Individuals
with a Grand Trine in Air tend to be extremely social and
relationship-oriented. Air signs are all about making connections,
about forming ideas, and about expanding our understanding
of the world. All of the Air signs are double signs, and therefore
all of the Air signs have an inherent understanding of duality
and seek to find the balance between opposites, to discover
the connection between them. With a Grand Trine in Air, an
individual would tend to have a very active mind, and to be
the most comfortable operating in a detached, objective, and
theoretical manner. While Air signs enjoy a wide variety of
social contacts and exchange of ideas, Air signs are not comfortable
with emotions, particularly with the more intense and powerful
ones. Air prefers to move quickly along the surface, rather
than explore too deeply. Grand Trines in Air prefer talking
about things and thinking about them to actually taking any
action, and because of the swift-moving nature of the element
of Air, these individuals may tend to have a rather short
attention span. It may be less that they find it difficult
to focus on one task for any length of time, and more that
they don't see any need to do so (another rationalization
courtesy of a Grand Trine).
WATER.The
element of water relates to the emotional and spiritual realm.
Individuals with a Grand Trine in Water tend to be extremely
sensitive to emotions, both their own, and those of others.
The Water signs each operate on the deepest, the most unconscious,
and ultimately the most transformative levels. Individuals
with a Grand Trine in Water are likely to trust their instincts
and their intuition, and to make choices and take action in
their lives based on how they feel. These individuals tend
to be very in tune with the spiritual and psychic realms.
The planets involved in the Grand Trine will largely determine
how openly these individuals are able to express their feelings,
but whether or not they feel comfortable wearing their hearts
on their sleeves, individuals with Grand Trines in Water go
through life feeling things intensely. This depth and intensity
of emotions, however, can often result in oversensitivity,
and excessive emotional drama. Individuals with Grand Trines
in Water may be at their best when there is a crisis, when
someone needs help and someone is there to care for them (and
either role is perfectly acceptable to a Grand Trine in Water).
These individuals may tend to try and create a crisis, however,
in order to experience the healing, the transformation and
the emotional energy.
Kite
A Kite is a Grand Trine that has a fourth planet opposing
one of the three planets in the Grand Trine. While the fourth
planet forms an opposition to one of the planets, it also
sextiles the other two planets. Kites will always be in the
same polarity, either feminine (Earth and Water) or masculine
(Fire and Air).
Kites can be considered to be Grand Trines with
some perspective. The opposition is quite helpful in encouraging
individuals to actually take advantage of the gifts and talents
offered by the Grand Trine. Oppositions, however, are not
action inducing aspects, so even with a Kite, there is no
guarantee that the individual will fully exploit it. The Opposition
gives the Kite a sense of direction and of focus. The Grand
Trine has no beginning and no end, and can be thought to be
constantly spinning its wheels (as it were). With a Kite,
the planet in the Grand Trine that is being opposed becomes
the focal point, the leader of the aspect pattern if you will.
The Opposing planet forms a kind of an anchor, or a reference
point allowing the lead planet to see a clear direction and
purpose. The two sextiles from the remaining two planets to
the opposing planet offer the opportunity to activate the
channel created by the opposition.
In theory, a Kite is structured so that all
of the creative energy and creative potential of the Grand
Trine can be honed and focused, and find expression through
the axis of the Opposition, with the primary point of release
being through the planet, sign and house of the focal planet
of the Grand Trine. In practice, a Kite is still a "soft"
aspect pattern, and lacks any real internal motivation to
take action. The main difference between a Kite and a Grand
Trine is that an individual with a Kite may be aware that
they could be doing more with their talents, while an individual
with a Grand Trine generally lacks that perspective and awareness.
The awareness provided by the Opposition, however, does not
guarantee any action.
Kites, however, do tend to express more efficiently
when stimulated by a hard aspect, because of the built-in
sense of direction and perspective. But as is the case with
most "soft" aspects, once the pressure is off, the
tendency is to settle back into the most comfortable and least
taxing routine.
Mystic Rectangle
A Mystic Rectangle is formed when two pairs of oppositions
are sextile each other. The result is an aspect pattern that
includes two sextiles, two trines and two oppositions. A Mystic
Rectangle will always be in the same polarity, either masculine
(Air and Fire) or feminine (Earth and Water). This is another
"soft" aspect pattern in that it does not generate
friction, discomfort or a need to take action. What a Mystic
Rectangle does offer, however, is an extremely strong sense
of balance and structure, of harmony between the four planets
involved. Finding this balance is not a given it will
still take conscious effort and awareness. However, working
with the Trines and the Sextiles will help to make more sense
of and find the point of integration for the two oppositions.
Working with a Mystic Rectangle takes some practice
because in order for it to hold up, all four planets must
be working together and supporting each other. It is common
for individuals with Mystic Rectangles to struggle with the
two Oppositions, see-sawing back and forth between the opposing
planets. Once the point of balance has been found, however,
it becomes increasingly easy to maintain, and a well integrated
Mystic Rectangle can be the most unflappable of aspect patterns.
Once an individual has integrated a Mystic Rectangle, it represents
a core of strength for them, and a solid foundation that can
be a great gift in handling whatever else life throws at them.
Grand Sextile
The Grand Sextile is a 6th Harmonic aspect pattern and is
formed when six planets are Sextile each other. Grand Sextiles
must be in either Earth and Water or in Fire and Air (Feminine
or Masculine polarities), and consist of six Sextiles, six
Trines, and three Oppositions. Grand Sextiles also contain
two Grand Trines, six Kites, and three Mystic Rectangles.
Although Grand Sextiles are not unheard of, because they involve
six planets, they are quite rare.
The Grand Sextile represents tremendous creative
potential, but at the same time, because it is such a self-contained,
balanced, and harmonious configuration, it contains absolutely
no inherent motivation to take any action or to explore and
fulfil the potential it represents. Even more than with the
Grand Trine, the Grand Sextile requires an external stimulus
to get it to take action. However, because there are so many
more planets involved in a Grand Sextile, and because so many
planets would be receiving simultaneous stimulus from a transit,
progression or direction, the ultimate response may tend to
be far more diffuse and ultimately less productive than it
would be with a Grand Trine. The natural inclination of the
Grand Sextile is to return to a point of balance and equilibrium
between the six planets, and almost any action produced will
be aimed at this result.
Using only whole-sign transits (progressions,
directions, etc.), there are only two different types of transits
to a Grand Sextile: passive and active. A "passive"
transit would be one through a sign in the same polarity as
the Grand Sextile (i.e., if the Grand Sextile is in Earth
and Water, any transit through any of the Feminine Signs would
be considered "passive"). Passive transits simply
re-emphasize the Grand Sextile pattern by conjuncting one
of the planets and forming trines, oppositions or sextiles
to all of the other planets. "Active" transits,
on the other hand, are transits through the opposite polarity
as the Grand Sextile (i.e., if the Grand Sextile is in Earth
and Water, any transit through any of the Masculine Signs
the Air and Fire signs would be considered "active").
Active transits to Grand Sextiles will always
form a transiting T-Square and a Transiting Yod.
The release point to these two transiting aspect patterns
is identical: the point opposite the transiting planet. Under
other circumstances, this type of a transit would certainly
encourage very direct and specific action to alleviate the
pressure that it represents; with a Grand Sextile, however,
there are so many "soft" aspects to each of the
triggered points that much of the discomfort (which is what
motivates us to get up off the couch and do something) is
diffused.
Grand Cross
A
Grand Cross consists of four planets in the same modality
(Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable), which form four squares and
two pairs of oppositions. The Grand Cross is a 4th Harmonic
aspect pattern. The number four relates to the cross of matter;
it is the number of form, and of structure, and of the physical
world. A Grand Cross includes one planet in each of the elements:
Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Because the Grand Cross is composed
of Squares and Oppositions, it is an aspect pattern that is
concerned with both action (Squares) and perspective and balance
(Oppositions).
A Grand Cross is classified by its modality,
and each type of Grand Cross has its own very specific feel
and interpretation. One thing that all three types of Grand
Cross share, however, is that they are all fundamentally stressful
configurations. Squares generate action because they are uncomfortable
aspects; the tension builds, and once it reaches a certain
point, we do something, we take action in order to release
some of the pressure. Squares can be either constructive or
destructive, but because they are a 4th harmonic aspect and
related to the world of form and structure, squares usually
require some sort of physical, external act of expression.
Squares, particularly very tight squares, are
very difficult aspects to ignore. A Grand Cross does offer
a solid foundation, a core structure and strength that can
be a tremendous resource. However, finding the point of integration
and balance to be able to take advantage of this gift can
be quite challenging. The key, of course comes from working
with the two oppositions. When the Opposing planets are balanced,
then they are exerting the same amount of pressure on the
planets that they Square, creating a solid foundation. When
the Oppositions are out of balance, however, the structure
can not hold, and the Squares take center stage again. Focusing
on what the core issue of each modality is (Cardinal signs
are concerned with identity, Fixed signs with self worth,
Mutable signs with healing and completion) can also help to
discover what all four of the signs in the Grand Cross have
in common, and therefore to also discover the point of balance
and strength.
CARDINAL. Cardinal
signs are all concerned with the question of identity, whether
it be the ability to impulsively express ourselves (Aries),
our emotional identity (Cancer), our social and intellectual
identity (Libra) or the tangible manifestation of our identity
(Capricorn). The Cardinal Cross, then, is essentially an identity
crisis. The four planets involved each are trying to define
and express a facet of who we are, except each of them is
operating on a different level and from a different perspective.
Cardinal signs are about taking action; they are initiating
and often very impulsive. The challenge with a Cardinal Grand
Cross is that whenever it is triggered, all four planets want
to take action simultaneously, and each in their own direction.
This can lead to the individual either feeling pulled apart
and overextended, or else to feeling a building sense of frustration
because of an overwhelming need to take action and no clear
direction or understanding of what type of action they need
to take. The key with the Cardinal Grand Cross is to maintain
an awareness that whatever the stress and pressure seems to
be about, that at the core, the question is one of identity.
When we stay focused on who we are, and understand that the
need to take action relates to a need to further define, express
and experience our sense of individuality and identity, we
will have an easier time of choosing how to channel the energy.
FIXED.The
Fixed signs are all concerned with the question of self-worth.
Fixed signs follow the Cardinal signs, and their purpose is
to sustain and maintain what the Cardinal signs created and
initiated. Because of this, Fixed signs tend to resist all
outside efforts to initiate change. When the Fixed Cross is
triggered, the first inclination is for each of the four planets
to dig in their heels as it were, take a stand, and resist
every external influence. The energy of the Fixed Grand Cross
tends to be initially focused on resistance, on maintaining
things exactly as they are, rather than on taking action and
initiating any kind of change. However, once the Fixed Cross
starts taking action, it is very hard to stop or to convince
to change its course. The Fixed Cross is like a steamroller:
when it's stopped, it's hard to get it moving, but once it's
moving, it's very hard to stop.
Because the Fixed signs are so fundamentally
concerned with self-worth, individuals with a Fixed Grand
Cross may tend to take all affairs related to the planets
and houses in their Fixed Cross very personally, and on an
unconscious level equate any external triggers with attacks
on their sense of self. Actually giving in and taking action,
or making any kind of a change can be experienced as a fundamentally
demoralizing act, one that to a certain extent lessens their
sense of self-esteem. Individuals with a Fixed Grand Cross
must learn how to become more flexible and less resistant
to change, particularly when the suggestion to change comes
from others.
MUTABLE.Mutable signs are concerned with healing and completion.
When placed under pressure, planets in Mutable signs tend
to scatter, dissociate, and disburse. The biggest challenge
for individuals with a Mutable Grand Cross tends to be maintaining
their focus and their coherence, and learning how to maintain
a sense of balance and coordination. Individuals with a Mutable
Grand Cross must learn how to juggle, how to keep all of the
balls in the air at all times with respect to the planets
in the Grand Cross, and the houses where these planets reside.
Mutable signs are extremely flexible and adaptable. What tends
to happen, however, with a Mutable Grand Cross is that whenever
it is triggered, the first response of each of the planets
involved is to change, to adapt, and to avoid whatever obstacle
has just been presented. While it may certainly be appropriate
to respond by adjusting the energy and approach of one of
the four planets, when all four planets simultaneously adjust,
it's very much like the juggler dropping all of the balls
at once.
T-Square
The T-Square consists of three planets in the same modality,
and includes two squares and one opposition. A T-Square is
simply a Grand Cross with a missing planet. A T-Square functions
quite differently than a Grand Cross, however. Instead of
forming a potentially stable structure, a T-Square is far
less stable; all of the pressure is placed on the planet that
receives the two squares, the apex planet. T-Squares then
have a built-in focus that the Grand Cross lacks, and they
can often become extremely productive and a key motivating
force for an individual.
The apex planet of a T-Square is the key. This
is the planet that is both the driving force, and also the
planet that is under the most pressure. Squares, remember,
are action aspects; the apex planet, receiving two simultaneous
squares, is under a great deal of pressure to act. In order
for this planet to act in a focused and productive manner,
however, it still needs an anchor. The "empty leg"
of the T-Square is where this anchor is found. Some astrologers
consider this point (the point opposite the apex planet) to
be the 'release point' of the T-Square. I don't consider this
to be an accurate description. A T-Square is about moving
forward, taking action with the apex planet, not about diffusing
or redirecting that action. What an awareness of the opposing
point offers is an anchor of sorts, and a reference point
to insure that the path and direction of the action taken
is true. When a planet transits this point, creating a temporary
Grand Cross, it often indicates an opportunity to unleash
the power and energy of the T-Square in a very focused and
directed manner because the transiting planet provides the
awareness of balance for the Apex planet, and at the same
time triggers the two squares.
When considering a T-Square, pay close attention
to the element of the sign that the Apex planet occupies.
This will help describe the kind of action that the T-Square
will tend to generate (Fire = physical, tangible, identity-oriented;
Earth = material, practical; Air = mental, social; Water =
emotional, spiritual). The House positions of the planets,
and of the Apex planet in particular are also extremely important.
This will show where the stress will tend to come from (the
house axis that contains the opposing planets) and where it
will tend to manifest and need to be addressed (the house
of the Apex planet).
A T-Square forms a right triangle, and in sacred
geometry, right triangles operate on the level of what the
Greeks called "nous" which is the realm of the spirit
and of the higher self and higher guidance. Because it is
also an isosceles triangle, T-Squares also operate on the
mental/emotional level (what the Greeks called the "soul"
level) and therefore can be quite challenging and stressful
configurations. The key to working with a T-Square is to learn
how to tap into the higher levels of guidance and to discover
different and more supportive ways of releasing the stress
and pressure of the squares through taking action with the
apex planet.
CARDINAL.As with the Cardinal Cross, the Cardinal T-Square is concerned
with the question of identity. The sign of the Apex Planet
will indicate where the point of focus and integration will
be (Aries = individual identity; Cancer = emotional identity;
Libra = social identity; Capricorn = accomplishments and tangible,
material expressions of identity). And also as with the Cardinal
Cross, impulsiveness is a very prominent concern with a Cardinal
T-Square. Planets in Cardinal signs need to take immediate
action. They do not like to be told to wait, and they will
do their own thing rather than wait to be lead by someone
else. The Cardinal T-Square is by far the most active of the
T-Squares, but it is not necessarily the most productive.
The challenge with this pattern is to get the three planets
to work together rather than each going off and doing their
own thing (which inevitably conflicts with what the other
two planets want to be doing). An awareness of the empty leg
and house can provide some much needed balance and guidance
for a Cardinal T-Square. Once all of the planets are pointed
in the right direction, as it were, taking action and moving
forward is automatic. The hardest part is learning to control
the impulsiveness of the Cardinal planets long enough to get
them to work together.
FIXED.The
Apex planet in a Fixed T-Square, being under the greatest
pressure, will also tend to be the planet and area of life
in which the individual is the least flexible and has the
most resistance to change. Opposing planets in Fixed signs
tend to find a certain amount of stability if only because
neither planet is willing to budge, but as they butt heads,
they tend to discover some common ground and will usually
come to some sort of a cease-fire agreement. With a Fixed
T-Square, however, this cease-fire between the Opposing planets
may seem only to exist because each planet has decided to
confront the apex planet as a common enemy. Fixed signs, remember,
are all concerned with self-worth, with maintaining and sustaining
who we are. Ultimately, the Apex planet of a Fixed T-Square
will need to take action, and to change something that
Fixed signs are perfectly happy to do so long as they feel
that the action or the change was their idea and not something
that is prompted by any outside influence. The lesson of the
Fixed T-Square is one of flexibility, particularly with respect
to the planet, sign and house that makes up the Apex of the
T-Square.
MUTABLE. With
a Mutable T-Square, as with a Mutable Grand Cross, the challenge
is focus and coherence. All three planets are concerned with
healing and completion, and all three planets will tend to
adapt and avoid direct confrontation. The Apex planet in a
Mutable T-Square is the one that will tend to scatter the
most, because this is the planet that is under the most pressure.
Oppositions are more passive aspects, and planets in Opposition
in mutable signs, because of their natural tendency to adapt,
are the most likely to find the point of balance and harmony
and therefore be the most comfortable with the Opposition
aspect. Working with the opposing point, and maintaining an
awareness of the energy and lessons of the opposing sign is
particularly important with a Mutable T-Square because this
can provide a sense of focus and direction for the Apex planet.
Yod
The Yod, also known as the "Finger of God" is
a 12th Harmonic aspect pattern which consists of three plants,
two of which Sextile each other, and the third which forms
a Quincunx (150° aspect, which is 5/12 of a circle) to
each of the two other planets. The planet forming the two
Quincunx aspects, called the apex planet, must also be the
fastest-moving of the three planets in order for the configuration
to be a "true" Yod. In other words, Pluto (the slowest-moving
planet) can never be the apex planet, while the Moon
(the fastest-moving planet) can never be one of the
base planets.
To understand a Yod, we first have to understand
the Quincunx aspect. Quincunxes occur between signs that have
nothing in common by polarity, modality, or element. Even
though the two planets have nothing in common with each other,
they do have an undeniable connection . Since they feel so
different, the natural tendency is to try and find a point
of balance between them, as would happen with two Opposing
planets. However, since the two signs have no common ground
between them, there is no point of balance with a Quincunx.
This energy can become quite frustrating, and the most common
urge with a Quincunx is the feeling that some sort of an adjustment
must be made. In order to resolve the tension, one of the
two planets is going to have to act in a manner that is contrary
to the nature of its sign, and therefore both difficult and
uncomfortable.
I should take a moment here and mention that
all Quincunxes are not created equal. Some Quincunxes have
an easier time finding a point of balance because the two
signs are linked in other ways either by common rulership
(Aries and Scorpio are both ruled by Mars; Taurus and Libra
are both ruled by Venus), by Antiscia (Solstice points; signs
that are equally "powerful"; these are signs that
mirror each other across the 0° Cancer/Capricorn axis),
or by Contra-Antiscia (signs that are equally-rising, signs
that mirror each other across the 0° Aries/Libra axis).
And there are some Quincunxes that occur between signs that
truly have nothing in common, and are considered to be "averse".
For more information on this, visit the "Ask
Kevin Archives" and look under "Yod".
Yods tend to represent a crisis
in timing. What usually happens when a Yod is triggered is
that we tend to react too quickly with the first sextile planet,
and then we tend to wait too long to respond with the second
sextile planet. The release point, the time when it is truly
appropriate to take action, is the point opposite the Apex
planet, which is also the midpoint of the sextile. When a
Yod has been integrated and when we actually learn when and
how to respond with it, the sextile planets tend to work together
to stimulate a significant shift in how the apex planet functions.
A Yod forms an acute isosceles triangle, which
from a sacred geometry standpoint means that this aspect pattern
operates on what the Greeks called the "soul" level,
but which refers to what we would consider the mental/emotional/astral
plane. Quincunxes and Sextiles are not "action"
aspects, and Yods tend to express more as mental discomfort
than as anything physical. With Yods, we often feel that we
are missing some crucial understanding, a single piece of
information that will help us to transcend the frustration
and the subtle but very irritating sense that things are not
quite as they should be. When a Yod is integrated, and when
we eventually learn how and when to take action when it is
triggered, we can often catch a glimpse of that higher understanding
as the energy of the sextile pushes the apex planet towards
a higher, more cosmic perspective.
Boomerang
The Boomerang is one of the newer aspect patterns.
I believe that it was named by Marion March. Essentially,
the Boomerang is a Yod with a planet at the release point,
Opposing the apex planet, and forming two Semi-sextiles with
the base planets. Much as is the case with the Opposition
that makes a Grand Trine a Kite, the Opposition in the Boomerang
helps provide a much-needed sense of perspective and balance
to the Aspect Pattern. The difference here, is that while
the Opposition in the Kite doesn't necessarily change the
overall feel of the aspect pattern, the Opposition in the
Boomerang does.
The extra planet in the Boomerang helps to take
a lot of the guess-work out of the Yod. The Quinxunxes still
create the feeling that some adjustment is needed, and they
still create the feeling that there should be a point of balance
between the two planets when in fact there is none. The difference
here, is that in addition to receiving two Quincunxes, in
a Boomerang, the Apex planet also receives an Opposition which
does have a true point of balance. As long as the individual
is able to stay focused on and aware of the opposition, they
are far less likely to suffer the problems of bad timing and
missed opportunities that are so prevalent with the Yod.
The two semi-sextiles formed by the Opposition
are also invaluable in helping to integrate the different
energies of the Quinxunxes. The opposing planet creates a
more concrete awareness of the balance point in the configuration.
On a higher level, the division of the triangle
by the opposition splits the isosceles triangle of the Yod
(which operates entirely on the mental/emotional plane) into
four separate triangles. The result is that a Boomerang not
only operates on the mental/emotional plane where a Yod exists,
but also in the physical and material realm (enabling more
concrete action) and on the level of what the Greeks called
"Nous", which is where we encounter our Higher
Self and higher guidance. The sacred geometry of the Boomerang
offers assistance in integrating the conflicting elements,
and can lend support in getting the most out of the lessons
presented by the aspect pattern.
Grand Quintile
The Grand Quintile is formed when five planets are Quintile
(72°) each other. This is a 5th Harmonic aspect pattern,
and consists of five Quintiles, and five Biquintiles (144°
aspects). This is perhaps the rarest of the aspect patterns
simply because it requires five planets that can be 72°
apart. The Sun, Mercury and Venus are basically limited to
occupying only one position of five because Mercury can at
most be 28° from the Sun, and Venus can at most be 46°
from the Sun. Mercury and Venus can, theoretically be as far
as 74° apart and could form a Quintile aspect, but this
is an exceedingly rare occurrance. At least one Quintile between
outer planets would almost certainly be required for a Grand
Quintile, and the windows of opportunity for these cycles
is both relatively brief, and very infrequent.
The Grand Quintile is an aspect pattern that
is entirely dependent on the harmonics because the Quintile
is not a whole-sign aspect. For this reason, the orb for a
Grand Quintile would probably have to be less than 2°
for each aspect.
Since this aspect pattern is so rare as to be
practically nonexistant, interpreting it involves a lot of
theory and guesswork. The 5th harmonic, which would be resonating
with tremendous intensity here, relates to creativity, to
freedom, and to change. In numerology, the number 4 represents
the material world, the first manifestation of form and structure;
the number 5 is the life energy, the creative spark that animates
the form. Quintiles have been associated with both great creative
power and with unthinkable destructive force. Charlie Chaplain
and Adolph Hitler are two examples; they were born very close
together, and each has strong 5th harmonic activity in their
charts.
Although I personally do not consider the Quintile
to be a particularly major aspect because it seems to me to
operate on the mental and intellectual plane and therefore
does not necessarily translate into any kind of action (like
the 4th and 8th harmonic aspects do), I would have to guess
that an individual with a Grand Quintile in their chart would
feel compelled to be constantly in motion. The potential here
would be perhaps to be able to be fully immersed in the ebb,
flow, and constant change that is life. I would also guess
that the need to create and to destroy, to discover and participate
in the natural cycles of life would be extremely strong.
The Grand Trine is a 3rd Harmonic aspect, and occurs when
three planets are in the same element (Fire, Earth, Air or
Water), each forming a Trine to the others. A Grand Trine
forms an equilateral triangle, and in Sacred Geometry, the
equilateral triangle is said to represent the level of pure
being. In this manner, a Grand Trine is similar to a planet
being in a sign that it rules: when a planet is in its rulership,
it is operating on the level of pure being and on its own
terms. While this may be good for the planet, it's not always
easy for an individual to integrate this energy. A Grand Trine,
then, is the pure expression of an element.
A Kite is a Grand Trine that has a fourth planet opposing
one of the three planets in the Grand Trine. While the fourth
planet forms an opposition to one of the planets, it also
sextiles the other two planets. Kites will always be in the
same polarity, either feminine (Earth and Water) or masculine
(Fire and Air).
A Mystic Rectangle is formed when two pairs of oppositions
are sextile each other. The result is an aspect pattern that
includes two sextiles, two trines and two oppositions. A Mystic
Rectangle will always be in the same polarity, either masculine
(Air and Fire) or feminine (Earth and Water). This is another
"soft" aspect pattern in that it does not generate
friction, discomfort or a need to take action. What a Mystic
Rectangle does offer, however, is an extremely strong sense
of balance and structure, of harmony between the four planets
involved. Finding this balance is not a given it will
still take conscious effort and awareness. However, working
with the Trines and the Sextiles will help to make more sense
of and find the point of integration for the two oppositions.
The Grand Sextile is a 6th Harmonic aspect pattern and is
formed when six planets are Sextile each other. Grand Sextiles
must be in either Earth and Water or in Fire and Air (Feminine
or Masculine polarities), and consist of six Sextiles, six
Trines, and three Oppositions. Grand Sextiles also contain
two Grand Trines, six Kites, and three Mystic Rectangles.
Although Grand Sextiles are not unheard of, because they involve
six planets, they are quite rare.
A
Grand Cross consists of four planets in the same modality
(Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable), which form four squares and
two pairs of oppositions. The Grand Cross is a 4th Harmonic
aspect pattern. The number four relates to the cross of matter;
it is the number of form, and of structure, and of the physical
world. A Grand Cross includes one planet in each of the elements:
Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Because the Grand Cross is composed
of Squares and Oppositions, it is an aspect pattern that is
concerned with both action (Squares) and perspective and balance
(Oppositions). 
The T-Square consists of three planets in the same modality,
and includes two squares and one opposition. A T-Square is
simply a Grand Cross with a missing planet. A T-Square functions
quite differently than a Grand Cross, however. Instead of
forming a potentially stable structure, a T-Square is far
less stable; all of the pressure is placed on the planet that
receives the two squares, the apex planet. T-Squares then
have a built-in focus that the Grand Cross lacks, and they
can often become extremely productive and a key motivating
force for an individual.
The Yod, also known as the "Finger of God" is
a 12th Harmonic aspect pattern which consists of three plants,
two of which Sextile each other, and the third which forms
a Quincunx (150° aspect, which is 5/12 of a circle) to
each of the two other planets. The planet forming the two
Quincunx aspects, called the apex planet, must also be the
fastest-moving of the three planets in order for the configuration
to be a "true" Yod. In other words, Pluto (the slowest-moving
planet) can never be the apex planet, while the Moon
(the fastest-moving planet) can never be one of the
base planets.
The Grand Quintile is formed when five planets are Quintile
(72°) each other. This is a 5th Harmonic aspect pattern,
and consists of five Quintiles, and five Biquintiles (144°
aspects). This is perhaps the rarest of the aspect patterns
simply because it requires five planets that can be 72°
apart. The Sun, Mercury and Venus are basically limited to
occupying only one position of five because Mercury can at
most be 28° from the Sun, and Venus can at most be 46°
from the Sun. Mercury and Venus can, theoretically be as far
as 74° apart and could form a Quintile aspect, but this
is an exceedingly rare occurrance. At least one Quintile between
outer planets would almost certainly be required for a Grand
Quintile, and the windows of opportunity for these cycles
is both relatively brief, and very infrequent.
