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35+ years of statistical research shows what really works in astrology. One crucial piece of learning is understanding valid aspects and effective orbs. Another is understanding the maximal importance of Planetary Geometry – the shapes formed by multi-planet alignments. Planetary Geometry has been proven to be the single most important and powerful factor in any chart!
The primary aspects used in the Geocentric Longitudes are fairly consistent with those used in traditional astrology. In addition to the Geo Longitudes, Scientific Astrology uses 3 other dimensions of calculation- the Geocentric Declinations, the Heliocentric Longitudes, and the Heliocentric Latitudes- all of which are considered of equal importance to the Geocentric Longitudes.
So…. here’s one thing: SPACE IS NOT FLAT.
The Universe is not one-dimensional. But one dimension is all that old-school astrology uses. To work, astrology has to be an accurate model of what is really going on up there. To be accurate, astrology HAS TO BE multi-dimensional.
If you’re using only 1 dimension of astrology, you are seriously missing out on crucial data!!! See Lesson: 6 Dimensions of Scientific Astrology
The Heliocentric Longitudes use the same primary aspects as the Geocentric Longitudes. In the Geocentric Declinations, the aspects used are the Parallel and Contra-parallel. These same two aspects, called the Parallel and Contra-latitude, are used in the Heliocentric Latitudes.
| Aspect | Angle | Orb | Aspect | Orb | |||
| Conjunction | 0° | 3° | Geo Parallel | 1.2° | |||
| Trine | 120° | 3° | Geo Contra-parallel | 1.2° | |||
| Square | 90° | 3° | Helio Parallel | 0.3° | |||
| Quincunx | 150° | 3° | Helio Contra-latitude | 0.3° | |||
| Opposition | 180° | 3° | |||||
| Zodiac7one* | 51.429° | 3° | |||||
| Zodiac7two* | 102.858° | 3° | |||||
| Zodiac7three* | 154.117° | 3° | |||||
Understanding the aspects to look for, and their significant orbs, are the building blocks of understanding Planetary Geometry.
* These three aspects are known as the septile, biseptile, and triseptile in traditional astrology. Zodiac7 aspects do not intermingle with Zodiac12 aspects. Zodiac7 charts are viewed as separate charts.
If you have studied old-school astrology, you will notice that these orbs are quite a bit tighter that you are accustomed to. Sure you can use bigger orbs. It just won’t work consistently.
There is ONE exception to the orbs listed at left. In a planetary geometry configuration of 3 or more planets, ONE planet (and only one planet) may have an orb of up to 4.0° with only one other planet in the geometry.
Aspect Categories:
Enhancements
Favorable aspect angles in a natal chart. The Conjunction, Trine, and Parallel are enhancements. The Quincunx, Contra-parallel, and Contra-latitude are also enhancements if the aspect does not include a Saturnian planet. About Saturnian Planets
Pure Enhancements
The Conjunction, Trine, and Parallel
Linkages
Favorable aspect angles in a combined chart. The Conjunction, Trine, and Parallel are linkage aspects. The Quincunx, Contra-parallel, and Contra-latitude also form linkages if the aspect does not include a Saturnian planet. About Saturnian Planets
Clashes and Turbulent Aspects
Stressful aspect angles. All Squares and Oppositions are Clashes. Also considered to be Clashes are the Quincunx, Contra-parallel, and Contra-latitude if the aspect includes a Saturnian planet.
“Neutral” Aspects
Zodiac7one, Zodiac7two, and Zodiac7three aspects are considered inherently neutral – neither positive nor negative. Meanings for these aspects are drawn strictly from the Planetary Symbolisms of the planets involved. Zodiac7 aspects follow the same rules as the Quincunx, Contra-parallel, and Contra-latitude: they are linkages if neither planet is a Saturnian planet. Zodiac7 aspects are clashes if either planet is a Saturnian planet. About Planetary Symbolisms
Planetary Geometry refers to the shapes that result when lines are drawn between 3 or more planets (within allowable orbs) to one another. These shapes can exist in a natal or natalization chart, or in Combined Alignment Charts (CACs.)
Research has shown that by working together synergistically, planets which form Planetary Geometry operate MUCH more powerfully than planets which do not. Planetary Geometry is the single most important and powerful factor in any chart.
Some examples of Planetary Geometry:
Grand Trine
Flying Eagle
Mystical Triangle
Fortress
T-Square
There are many more possible shapes, including both traditional astrological patterns such as the Grand Cross, Yod and Minor Grand Trine, as well as the Scientific Astrology geometrical patterns such as the Dragon, the Right Angle, the Wedge and the Spearhead. See below for more information on these configurations.
The examples above are all in the longitudes, with the planets located OUTSIDE the chart wheel. Planetary Geometry can also be formed in the Geocentric Declinations and Heliocentric Latitudes. See the graphic representations of the planets in the declinations (deks) and latitudes (lats) INSIDE the polygon, as in the two examples of multiple parallels/contra-parallels, or parallels/contra-latitudes below left.
Dek or Lat A
Dek or Lat B
Planetary Synchronization occurs when multiple planets make angles within allowable orbs with one another, but at least some of those planets do not form primary aspects. Such planets also work synergistically together, though not with the same amazing strength as in true Planetary Geometry. See an example at right.
Synchronization
All Planetary Geometry is powerful, but all patterns are not equally powerful. Several factors determine the relative power of a geometrical pattern.
Number of Planets: The power of Planetary Geometry is directly proportional to the number of planets that form the Planetary Geometry – the more planets involved, the more powerful the Planetary Geometry.
Exactness: Although allowable orbs are fairly tight, the more exact the aspects forming Planetary Geometry, the more powerful the geometry.
Symmetry: Patterns which are symmetrical are much more powerful than asymmetrical patterns. The Grand Trine, Flying Eagle, Fortress, T-Square and the declination/latitude pattern B shown above are examples of Symmetrical Planetary Geometry. The Mystical Triangle and the declination/latitude pattern A above are examples of Non-Symmetrical Planetary Geometry.
Rarity: All Planetary Geometry is powerful, but rare Planetary Geometry is even more powerful- the more rare the Planetary Geometry, the more power it has. The rarest Planetary Geometry is comprised of the most complex patterns and of the most planets.
Planetary Geometry can also be formed when two charts are put together into a Combined Alignment Chart, or CAC. In a CAC the same orbs described above are used to determine inter-aspects. Magi Astrology software makes it easy to see how 2 sets of planets interact with one another, by overlaying one set of planets over the other, and drawing the lines between planets aspecting one another.
A simple example is shown below. You can see that when lines are drawn between Person A’s planetary configuration in the left chart and Person B’s single planet in the middle chart, the result is the Symmetrical Planetary Geometry in the right chart:
Person A’s natal aspect
Person B’s natal planet
Planetary Geometry in their CAC
Planetary Geometry is equally powerful in a natal chart or in a CAC, and in any of the 6 Dimensions of Scientific Astrology. Symmetrical Planetary Geometry between two natal charts creates as powerful an effect in the relationship as it does in a natal chart!
Planetary Geometry between any two charts is highly significant, such as between your natal chart and the chart of your wedding date, business incorporation date, domain purchase date, brokerage account opening date, or between your natal chart and the chart of the day you met someone important.
Understanding the key importance of Planetary Geometry helps you to understand natal charts and human relationships, and also lays the groundwork for learning how to choose important dates in your life to create the outcomes you want.
To understand all the subtleties and nuances of interpretation of Planetary Aspects and Planetary Geometry, time and lots of practice are really the best teachers. However, interpretation really boils down to this basic formula:
Aspects & Geometry are interpreted by combining:
A. the Meaning of the Planetary Geometry or Aspect, with
B. the Symbolisms of the planets involved.
Planets
Symbolic meanings of the planets can be found in the lesson: Planetary Symbolisms in Scientific Astrology. Planetary Geometry can’t be interpreted correctly UNLESS these Planetary Symbolisms are used. A general consideration: Jupiter involved in any aspect is almost always helpful, and improves the interpretation of the aspect. A Saturnian Planet involved in any aspect is often stressful, and can degrade the interpretation of the aspect. The same degradation is also sometimes found with some other points. However this isn’t always the case – see Enhancement Dominance, below.
Aspects
As described earlier in this lesson, Conjunctions, Trines and Parallels are called Pure Enhancements, and are considered to be positive unless one or more of the planets involved is a Saturnian Planet or Juno, in which case even these can be problematic.
The quincunx, contra-parallel, and contra-latitude are considered enhancements and positive UNLESS one of the planets is a Saturnian Planet. In that case the aspect becomes a clash and is stressful.
Squares and Oppositions are always clashes, and are stressful. However, Clashes between favorable planets, such as Jupiter and Neptune, are actually much less stressful than Saturnan linkages.
Some of the basic themes of two-planet aspects:
Conjunctions and Parallels = blended energies
Trines = flowing and highly synergistic energies
Quincunx, Contra-parallel & Contra-latitude WITHOUT a Saturnian Planet = harmonious and cooperative energies
Quincunx, Contra-parallel & Contra-latitude WITH a Saturnian Planet = inharmonious and uncooperative energies
Squares = competing energies, difficult to reconcile
Oppositions = polarized energies, either/or, difficult to balance
Geometric Patterns
Some of the patterns listed below are also found in traditional astrology, others are patterns discovered in research. Check back, more Geometries and more info on current Geometries to be posted soon!
Dragon
Complex Planetary Geometry of 3 or more planets. Dragons start with two planets forming a quincunx aspect. Dragon Points are then located at the 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150° points moving around the long side of the wheel in either direction. When a third planet is found on any of these Dragon Points, a Dragon is formed. One caveat is that the third planet may be within a 1° wider orb than the orb made by of the original quincunx aspect. This actually can allow a slightly wider orb for the third planet than is usually allowable.
A Dragon may be formed in a CAC with a natal quincunx in one chart, and with a Dragon Point occupied by a planet from the other person. A transiting Dragon may be formed with a one transiting planet forming a quincunx with a natal planet, and a second transiting planet occupying a Dragon Point.
A Dragon can contain a Yod, but can also contain a Mystical Triangle. Romantic Dragons are comprised of Romance planets and Sexual Dragons are comprised of Sexual planets. A Romantic Dragon can signify True Love. A Sexual Dragon can consume the two people involved- it is a sign of virtually irresistible and insatiable sexual attraction. Fosters the illusion of True Love, but in and of itself is only a sign of intense lust.
Flying Eagle
Four or more planets forming a parallelogram with 2 trines on sides, 1 square at base, 2 quincunxes inside, and a semi-sextile at the top. A rare and powerful pattern containing 2 Mystical Triangles working together. The native or relationship can really soar in the areas indicated by the symbolisms of the planets involved.
Fortress
Any rectangle with 2 parallel sides
Invincible Fortress: A rectangle with 2 parallel sides, with a third side a trine
Mighty Fortress: Fortress with sextiles for 2 sides
Gives great strength to the native or relationship in the areas symbolized by the planets involved in the Fortress.
Golden Rectangle
A planetary geometric configuration composed of four or more planets which create a rectangle formed by 2 trines and 2 sextiles. One type of Fortress. Highly favorable.
Grand Cross
A minimum of four planets forming 2 oppositions at right angles to one another which also form 4 squares. Highly stressful geometry.
Grand Sextile
A planetary geometric pattern of four or more planets forming a parallelogram shape with an opposition on one side and creating three sextiles. One type of Mighty Fortress. Highly favorable.
Grand Trine
A minimum of three planets making 3 trines forming an equilateral triangle. The strongest and most favorable three-planet configuration- tremendous harmony and synergy.
Iron Butterfly
A minimum of four planets forming a parallelogram with 2 squares on sides, 1 trine at base, 2 quincunxes inside, and a sextile on top. Immovable determination coupled with the agility of a butterfly.
Mystical Triangle
A minimum of three planets making 1 trine, 1 square, 1 quincunx forming an asymmetrical triangle. Can indicate harmony and synergy, but much depends on the planets and their positions . A more negative planet such as Saturn at the juncture of the square and quincunx can be cause for concern. Easier to deal with in financial situations than in romantic relationships.
Spearhead
Any triangle where two sides are equal in length- this would include the Yod and the Grand Trine.
Invincible Spearhead: A planetary geometric pattern of 6 or more planets which form a Grand Trine and a Yod, with the apex of the Yod conjunct one point of the Grand Trine. The 6th planet is opposite the apex, forming the shaft of the spear. A rare and powerful pattern which gives near-invincible strength.
Super Spearhead: includes a Super Aspect. Powerful winning geometry.
T-Square
A planetary geometric pattern of three or more planets consisting of an opposition, with a 3rd planet at right angles to and squaring each of the opposed planets. Highly turbulent geometry.
Yod
A minimum of three planets forming a triangle with 2 quincunxes as sides and a sextile at base. One type of Spearhead.
For other Geometric Patterns, refer back to the basic Interpretation Guideline above.
Interpretation Examples
Example 1:
In their CAC, a couple has a combined Grand Trine comprised of Romance Planets – Neptune, Chiron and Venus.
To interpret this, combine:
The Grand Trine (tremendous harmony and synergy) + Three Romance Planets (Love) = Tremendous harmony and synergy in Love
Example 2:
The native has a natal aspect of Chiron square Jupiter. Transiting Saturn makes an Opposition to Chiron and a Square to Jupiter, creating a T-Square.
To interpret, combine:
The T-Square (Highly turbulent) + Saturn-Chiron Clash (Heartbreak Clash) + Saturn-Jupiter Clash (Nuclear Clash) = Heartbreak and Nuclear Transits made worse by Turbulent Planetary Geometry.
Important additional keys to Interpretation of Planetary Geometry:
Enhancement Dominance
In favorable Planetary Geometry, the rule of Enhancement Dominance holds that most of the time, Enhancement angles in the Geometry will reverse negative symbolisms of any Clash angle in the same Geometry, making them positive.
Offset
In the interpretation of Clash Aspects, the symbolisms of the planets forming the aspect are reversed, with the focus on the negative symbolisms. This is always true for two-planet Clash Aspects. When a Clash Aspect is part of favorable Planetary Geometry, Enhancement Dominance prevails about 3/4 of the time. However, if Saturn is part of the Clash Aspect, the negative symbolisms are not reversed but strengthened. Offset is only used in CAC’s, Event Charts and Historic Charts. It is not used in Natal (Birth) Charts.
It is important to note that though an aspect or geometrical pattern may have negative symbolisms by transit or progression, ALL planetary aspects in a person’s birth chart can represent a gift of some kind if you do the self-work.
Matching Symbolisms aka Aspect Confirmation
Planetary Geometry is ALWAYS powerful. However, Planetary Geometry ONLY works the way you want it to in a natalization chart when the combined symbolisms of the planets involved are consistent with the endeavor the chart represents. For example, powerful Planetary Geometry composed of business planets would not necessarily support a romantic relationship, and romantic Planetary Geometry would not necessarily support a business endeavor.
Relative Power of Planetary Geometry
The power of any specific Planetary Geometry is directly proportional to the number of planets that form the Planetary Geometry – the more planets involved, the more powerful the Planetary Geometry.
The power of Planetary Geometry is directly proportional to how exact the Planetary Geometry is – the more exact the aspects of the planets forming the Planetary Geometry, the more powerful the Planetary Geometry.
Symmetrical Planetary Geometry is MUCH more powerful than non-symmetrical Planetary Geometry.
Online lessons in Scientific Astrology are tutorials in elementary and essential principles. They are not intended to teach basic astrological concepts – some knowledge of simple astrology is very helpful.
Each lesson is an important building block in learning to be proficient in Scientific Astrology. This system makes chart analysis much easier by providing clear-cut guidelines to understanding and interpretation.
Formerly Co-Director of the Magi Certification Program and formerly a Certified Level IV Magi Astrologer, I left the Society in 2022. When I was a member of the Society I was limited in what I could reveal. Now, I can tell you about many exciting discoveries!! Check back periodically to see new material.
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