Title-page of Athanasius Kircher, Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae, Rome, 1646
The special object of this chapter is the explanation of what is meant by “Astrological Aspects,” and the practical use to which the knowledge of these Aspects can be put for the proper casting of a Horoscope.
Will you kindly look back to my illustration, entitled “The Planets on their Thrones“? We will suppose for a moment, that in somebody’s Horoscope these luminaries are all occupying both their Thrones at the same moment. Now you will admit that, around the Zodiacal circle, these planets seem to be gazing at each other, so to speak, at different angles. Thus, if we take Saturn in Capricorn as the starting point (as I do in my illustration “The Aspects”)
In the accompanying illustration, I give the symbols or marks by which these six different aspects are indicated for short.
The seventh aspect is called conjunction and takes place whenever two or more planets are found in the same Zodiacal sign. Now keep in mind the two following statements:
First. By “Aspects” is always meant the positions of the planets respecting each other, as these vary constantly. The positions of the Signs of the Zodiac in respect to each other is immutable and cannot be referred to by the term “aspect.”
Second. By my system, which is nothing more or less than the exact restoration of the oldest conception of the influence of the heavenly bodies upon the types and destinies of mankind, it constantly happens that the same planet appears several times in the same Horoscope of birth. Thus an almost infinite number of combinations of Aspects is formed; but numerous as they are, they are easily grouped together, so that even a very indifferent student may grasp their leading meanings.
I gave you the names and positions of the seven Aspects, but I do not advise you to use, nor do I use myself, more than five of these “points of view.” These are: Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine, and Opposition. The Rule in reference to Aspects is simply and invariably this:
1. Planets separated by one full Sign, or 60 degrees, are in Sextile Aspect.
2. Planets separated by two full Signs, or 90 degrees, are in Square Aspect.
3. Planets separated by three full Signs, or 120 degrees, are in Trine Aspect.
4. Planets separated by five full Signs, or 180 Degrees, are in Opposition Aspect.
The Semi-sextile and Sesquiquadrate Aspects are of so little consequence, comparatively speaking, that we may omit them entirely from our consideration.
Now that the Aspects have been well defined let me give you some general points concerning their Astrological value.
“Conjunction” is considered favorable only if the Planets thus brought together are “beneficent planets.”
“Sextile” is always a favorable Aspect.
“Square” is an unfavorable Aspect, except between two beneficent planets.
“Trine” is always a favorable Aspect.
The “Opposition” of two planets is always considered as most unfavorable.
From Practical Astrology by Comte C. de Saint-Germain
Kirchner, Athanasius – Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae (frontispiece)
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