The T Square

This configuration occurs when Two planets oppose each other and both are squared by a third planet. The
T-square is a difficult combination of aspects as it indicates the need to overcome many obstacles, but at the
same time, it produces a strong driving ambition to do so. The tension and awareness created by two
planets in opposition must be resolved by the planet receiving the double square. This third planet becomes
a focal point of much importance in your chart.

If the T square is made up of planets in cardinal signs:

This configuration suggests that you tend to be critical, impersonal, and in many ways dominating. You
have a lot of energy and you are constantly looking for ways to spend it. The T-square configuration
generates a lot of impatience in your nature and you often make hasty decisions that you may regret later.

If the T square is made up of planets in fixed signs:

You seek structure in your life and it can be hard for you to deal with abstractions, values and ideals. You
may need to be more flexible in dealing with people; less determined and rigid. This aspect implies
endurance and resistance in the face of adversity, but it can produce inflexibility, which inhibits progress.

If the T square is made up of planets in Mutable signs:

You tend to get emerged in criticism, ideals, and values. You are likely to consider it important to show
your individuality and avoid merely following the leader and trend of the times. The easiest course for you
may be to try to avoid or ignore difficulties, but such action does nothing to resolve them.

In all cases:

The T-square causes a lot of difficulty in the life but they also spark action and the drive necessary to
achieve. Living with the demands of a T-square can be very challenging, but when the energy of this
configuration is well-directed by a mature individual, it often leads to significant accomplishments. The T-
square is an impetus to success that many famous people have.

The Grand Cross

The Grand Cross consists of four or more planets spread at intervals of approximately 90°. Thus, a cross or
two oppositions is formed in the chart. This configuration generally indicates a person living under
continuous stress and facing a seemingly never ending series of challenges. Likewise, the Grand Cross is
also representative of the individual is never able to rest until his purpose is actualized. This aspect places
your life in a constant state of tension and upheaval.

If the configuration is made up of planets in cardinal signs:

This configuration suggests that you tend to be critical, impersonal, and in many ways dominate. You have
a lot of energies and you are constantly looking for ways to spend it. The cardinal cross produces a lot of
impatience in your nature and you often make hasty decisions that you may regret later.

If the configuration is made up of planets in fixed signs:

You seek structure in your life and it can be hard for you to deal with abstractions, values and ideals. You
may need to be more flexible in dealing with people; less determined and rigid. This aspect implies
endurance and resistance in the face of adversity, but it can produce inflexibility, which inhibits progress.

If the configuration is made up of planets in Mutable signs:

You tend to get emerged in criticism, ideals, and values. You should be aware of the importance for you to
show your individuality and avoid merely following the leader and trend of the times. The easiest course
for you may be to try to avoid or ignore difficulties, but such action does nothing to resolve them.

In all cases:

The Grand Cross is very rare. It characterizes an individual who should be concerned with people and
personal or intimate relationships, rather than criticism, ideals, and values. It is hard for you to avoid
spilling your energies in diverse and related directions. Many obstacles will interfere with the realization of
goals.

The Grand Trine

A Grand Trine occurs when three planets are placed an equal distant apart, approximately 120° from each
other. A karmic interpretation of this configuration might be that you have earned some special advantages
to be enjoyed in this life. The trines indicate a harmonious flow of energy and potential for creative self-
expression. Sometimes, however, the Grand Trine confers too much stability and leads to inertia and a lack
of motivation to dynamic action. Frankly, many with Grand Trines do not accomplish as much as they
could and should in life, simply because the easy flow of events does not necessarily stimulate to
achievement and ambition.

The Stellium
A Stellium is a configuration that occurs when three or more planets are in the same sign or are in the same
house. To be truly significant, a stellium should have four or more planets involved. This places much focus
upon the affairs ruled by this house and/or the tendencies shown by the sign involved. Strong will power,
self-awareness, and a direct stimulation to action will be shown in these affairs.

The Yod
A Yod occurs when two planets in sextile (60° apart) both form an inconjunct (a 150° angle) with a third
planet. The third planet in the inconjunct represents the action point of the Yod; the mid point between the
other two planets is the reaction point. The action point of the configuration is sometimes called the "finger
of God," and the finger formed by the two inconjuncts points to a place in your chart likely to be very
active. The Yod is believed by many astrologers to be a karmic configuration, and it suggests that there is a
compulsive "debt" repayment associated with the area of the chart pointed out.

The Conjunction. The conjunction is formed when two planets are at

approximately the same degree of the same sign. If this symbol appeared on the fourth
row of the graph under the symbol for the Sun, it would mean that the Sun and Venus
were in conjunction. If it appeared under the symbol of the Sun on the 10th row it would
mean that the Sun and Pluto (see Pluto note below) were in conjunction. In a conjunction,
the energies of the two planets are combined, and often the result is a strengthening of
both.
Note: The symbol looking like the letters P & L combined on the atlas graph, is the original symbol for
Pluto.

The Sextile. Sextiles occur when two planets are approximately 60 degrees* apart.
This is the aspect of opportunity.
 The Square. Squares occur when two planets are approximately 90 degrees* apart.
Square cause the friction and the hurdles that causes us to grow and become productive.

The Trine. A trine occurs when two planets are approximately 120 degrees* apart.
Trines bring about ease and comfort.

The opposition. The opposition occurs when two planets are about 180 degrees*
apart. As the name implies, opposition are obstacles that must be resolved.
Note that Astrodienst places the number of degrees and minutes that the aspect deviates
from the precise aspect in the box under the aspect symbol. The deviation is called the
orb. It appears to me that the orb allowed by Astrodienst is too great. I usually allow an
orb of about 8 degrees on a conjunction, 5 degrees on squares, oppositions, and trines,
and slightly less on sextiles. Therefore, I would personally choose to ignore some of the
aspects shown on the grid when the orb is larger.

Transits/Transiting Planets
When astrologers talks about transits, it 's easy to get confused. First, transits refer to the movement of
planets across the sky. The ephemeris (an astrological/astronomical almanac showing orbital movement of
the Sun, Moon, and planets) tells us just where the planets are each day. Armed with this information, the
astrologer can project (or predict) when a planetary transit might impose its influence on a given individual.
The study of transits, and the effect that they tell, is fundamental in astrology. A transit
aspect occurs whenever a planet, moving in orbit, forms a sensitive angle with one of the
planets, the Sun or the Moon in your natal horoscope. The transits show the trends in
your life the ups and the downs brought about by circumstances that you face. In an
earlier time, astrological predictions generally forecast events. Most current day
astrologers now see the effects of the transits in more psychological and subtle terms,
suggesting opportunities or roadblocks.
The reading are often not very specific, but nonetheless, if you follow them, you will see
that they do foretell the essence of events and changes. Transit aspects often signal
opportunities or warnings relative to certain activities and actions. Being aware of
pending transit aspects may alert you to the time when you should move ahead, and they
may also send a clear message that the moment is not the time to stick your neck out. In
either case, astrology is not a science upon which you or anyone should base their life.
Transit aspects should not be used as an exclusive tool to make up your mind about
important issues, but instead, it's a tool to help make a balanced decision. It may also be a
tool to help you understand whatever problem or situation that is occurring in your life at
a particular time. If your situation seems to be difficult now, the transit aspects in play
may explain why this is so, and when positive changes may be coming about. The good
times and the hard times are all part of the human experience.

Help Calculating Aspects

If you're one of those lucky people who can quickly figure the aspects between two planets just by looking
at the chart and mentally figuring the distance between 27 Aries 42 and 21 Leo 55 (a Trine), you won't need
this page. For those of you who get a little confused, but want to learn how to calculate aspects rather than
just relying on the Astrodienst aspectarian on the lower left margin of the horoscopes they provide, this info
will hopefully help.
First, a few notes on aspects. An aspect is usually referred to as being exact if it is within
one degree of being exact. The term for being precisely exact is partile. The orb of an
aspect expressed in degrees is the allowable departure from partile that is used in defining
the planets as being "in aspect." Personally, I like to use a lesser orb that many writers
and computer programs. The closer an aspect is to being exact, the stronger it becomes.
So aspects with a wide orb are often questionable and maybe not even noticable. My
recommendation for the allowable orb is a follows:
Sun and Moon (sometimes called the lights): conjunctions 8°, squares, trines, oppositions 7°, sextiles 5°

Planets: conjunctions 6°, squares, trines, oppositions 5°, sextiles 3°

The aspects that we will look for are just those formed by the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and
Jupiter. When calculating the aspects, start with Sun and figure all of aspects that are formed by the Sun to
the Moon, and to the slower moving planets. After you have calculated the aspects formed by the Sun, go
next to fastest moving bodies. Remember, the aspects are formed by the fastest movers. Thus, it would be
correct to say that Mercury formed an aspect to Uranus or Uranus received an aspect from Mercury, but it
would not be correct to say the opposite, i.e. Uranus doesn't form an aspect with Mercury. The only
exception to this is the Sun and Moon. The Moon is faster than the Sun, but we always say the Sun is
forming an aspect with the Moon.

If you have trouble seeing where the planets are in relation to one another, it may help to plot them out on a
360° grid of sorts. The value in the second row is position that 0° of that sign in the zodiac:

Ari Tau Gem Can Leo Vir Lib Sco Sag Cap Aqu Pis
0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus;
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto

By adding the degree of the planet placements in your horoscope and plotting them onto this grid, you may
find it easier to calculate the precise aspects. Start with the planets in the order they are listed here.

Transits/Transiting Planets
When astrologers talks about transits, it 's easy to get confused. First, transits refer to the movement of
planets across the sky. The ephemeris (an astrological/astronomical almanac showing orbital movement of
the Sun, Moon, and planets) tells us just where the planets are each day. Armed with this information, the
astrologer can project (or predict) when a planetary transit might impose its influence on a given individual.
The study of transits, and the effect that they tell, is fundamental in astrology. A transit
aspect occurs whenever a planet, moving in orbit, forms a sensitive angle with one of the
planets, the Sun or the Moon in your natal horoscope. The transits show the trends in
your life the ups and the downs brought about by circumstances that you face. In an
earlier time, astrological predictions generally forecast events. Most current day
astrologers now see the effects of the transits in more psychological and subtle terms,
suggesting opportunities or roadblocks.
The reading are often not very specific, but nonetheless, if you follow them, you will see
that they do foretell the essence of events and changes. Transit aspects often signal
opportunities or warnings relative to certain activities and actions. Being aware of
pending transit aspects may alert you to the time when you should move ahead, and they
may also send a clear message that the moment is not the time to stick your neck out. In
either case, astrology is not a science upon which you or anyone should base their life.
Transit aspects should not be used as an exclusive tool to make up your mind about
important issues, but instead, it's a tool to help make a balanced decision. It may also be a
tool to help you understand whatever problem or situation that is occurring in your life at
a particular time. If your situation seems to be difficult now, the transit aspects in play
may explain why this is so, and when positive changes may be coming about. The good
times and the hard times are all part of the human experience.

Lunar Nodes
Another symbol shown on the Astrodienst charts is that of the north lunar node. This symbol looks like a
horseshoe. The only difference in the symbol is that the horseshoe is open on the bottom for the north node
and open on the top for the south node.
The lunar nodes, north and south, are not planets. Lunar nodes are points that mark the
intersection of the Moon's orbit around the Earth with the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the
illusory path of the Sun as it revolves around the Earth during a year. Actually, it is the
Earth's circle around the Sun in the annual orb. Thus, the nodes are merely the
interception of these two orbit lines. One when the Moon is passing south to north, and
the other when Moon is passing north to south.
The North Lunar Node is called by a couple of other names sometimes. Since it is the
point at which the interception is made while the Moon is ascending from the south to the
north, it is also called the Ascending Node. From Hindu astrology, the term Dragon's
Head (caput draconis) is used for the North Node. The South Lunar Node is also known
as the Descending Node or the Dragon's Tail (cauda draconis). These two nodes are
always exactly opposite one another. The North Node is only one that appears on many
computer generated horoscope charts and the position of the south node is derived from
this.
When the Sun and Moon are in conjunction, and either lunar node is also in conjunction
with both, a solar eclipse occurs. When the Sun and Moon are in opposition, and each is
in conjunction with one of the lunar nodes, a lunar eclipse occurs.
Delineation techniques of the lunar nodes vary widely. Frankly, this astrologer has had
little success using them at all. In general, however, the north nodes is viewed a point of
opportunity for growth and development, while the south is thought to represent karmic
repression or tendencies that restrict growth. The north carries the positive tone of Jupiter,
while the south expresses the restrictions of Saturn. Another thought on this is that the
north node represents positive objectives and the south node denotes the easy way out
with little opportunity for growth.
The lunar nodes travel backwards at the rate of about 3 minutes a day. It takes 18 1/2
years for a lunar node return to occur.

Chiron
A number of questions have been submitted about the key-like symbol shown in the Astrodienst and other
charts. This symbol represents Chiron. Discovered in November 1977, Chiron was first thought to be a very
small planet, a planetoid. Later, it was detected that there was an atmosphere of gases surrounding it, which
led to a conclusion that it was a comet.
In recent years, a few astrologers have started integrating Chiron into readings, elevating
it to the status of a planet, so to speak. Yet, even now a large majority of astrologers do
not employ it at all. I suppose that this reluctance to accept Chiron is somewhat akin to
the hesitancy early on of acknowledging Pluto in the 1930s and 1940s. There indeed is a
chance that Chiron will become an accepted astrological "planet" taking its place as ruler
of one or the other of the signs currently sharing a planetary ruler with another sign. In
traditional astrology, Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo; Venus rules Taurus and
Libra. The strongest arguments make Chiron ruler of either Virgo or Libra. There seems
to be very plausible reasons supporting each of these ideas. Sagittarius is also mentioned
as having association because in mythology, Chiron was a centaur and teacher. Others
(probably still a majority) contend that it can rule none of the above because it is a comet,
not a planet.
Newcomers and novice students are advised not to embrace new theories in astrology too
quickly. Indeed, there may be missing planets. Are they in the astro belt, beyond Pluto, or
is Chiron part of the answer? If the work that has gone into finding the missing and
hypothetical planets interests you, you may want to read "Hypothetical Planets" by Paul
Schlyter. If you want to pursue the study of Chiron further, go to Zane B. Stein's
extensive work on Chiron or Chiron, An Overview by Candy Hillenbrand.
The zodiac circle has twelve signs. The circle begins with Aries and concludes with Pisces. Each sign has traits
that set it apart from the others. It's important to learn key words describing each of the signs. Here are some of
key words and phrases that I like to use:

Aries

Aries is energetic, innovative, original, pioneering, assertive, quick-tempered, strong drive, leader, ambitious,
extroverted, sometimes aggressive, competitive, enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-assured.

Taurus

Taurus is determined, efficient, stubborn, cautious, placid, persistent, enduring, introverted, conservative,
conventional, materialistic, security conscious, stable, industrious, dependable, and one generally having
significant financial ability.

Gemini

Gemini is flexible, versatile, restless, a jack-of-all-trades, lively, alert, quick-witted, literary, communicative, a
good conversationalist, changeable, sociable, logical, ingenious, agile, dexterous, intellectual, and mentally
ambitious.

Cancer

Cancer is introverted, reserved, emotional, sensitive, moody, sympathetic, security-conscious, prudent, retentive,
domestic, maternal, protective, quiet, calm, imaginative, conscientious, and quite the traditionalist.

Leo

Leo is ambitious, a lover of limelight, speculative, extroverted, optimistic, honorable, dignified, confident, proud,
exuberant, sunny, flamboyant, charismatic, dramatic, competitive, a leader and an organizer.

Virgo

Virgo is practical, responsible, sensible, logical, analytical, highly discriminating, a careful planner, precise and
punctual, dedicated, perfectionist, critical, health conscious, and somewhat introverted.

Libra

Libra is idealistic, a peacemaker, diplomatic, refined, poised, gracious, kind, courteous, fair-minded, sociable,
charming, artistically creative, affable, cooperative, extroverted, and usually somewhat indecisive.

Scorpio

Scorpio is intense, determined, powerful, strong-willed, forceful, bold, courageous, enduring, competitive,
resourceful, researcher, an investigator, secretive, mysterious, penetrating, psychic, self-reliant, and somewhat
introverted or closed.
Sagittarius

Sagittarius is idealistic, optimistic, freedom-loving, casual, friendly, buoyant, gregarious, enthusiastic,

philosophical, studious, farseeing, direct, outspoken, honest, loyal, restless and loves travel.

Capricorn

Capricorn is ambitious (power, position, money), organizational, self-disciplined, rigid, thrifty, prudent, security-
conscious, conservative, responsible, practical, persistent, political, business oriented, methodical.

Aquarius

Aquarius is individualistic, unconventional, progressive, unique, independent, humanitarian, altruistic, visionary,

perceptive, intellectual, logical, ingenious, inventive, unpredictable, detached, friendly, and scientific.

Pisces

Pisces is receptive, supersensitive, impressionable, peace-loving, serious, sympathetic, charitable,

compassionate, artistic, creative, dreamer, dedicated, imaginative, psychic, shy, introverted, spiritual, and
reclusive.

Planetary
House Classification Natural sign House Affairs
Ruler
The Ascendant. Your
Aries Mars projected behavior,
temperament, health,
1st Angular
how you react to those
around you, and your
appearance.
Your material side.
Taurus Venus Security, gains, losses,
2nd Succedent financial condition and
your concern about these
matters.
Your mental aptitudes,
Gemini Mercury early childhood, everyday
3rd Cadent communication, your
sibling, and early
education.

Cancer Moon Domestic affairs and

conditions, the nurturing
4th Angular
parent, the home, and the
family life. The end of life.
 Leo Sun Love affairs, procreation,
your children, creative
5th Succedent
expression, luck and
speculation.

Virgo Mercury The work environment,

the employer and
6th Cadent
employees, the routine,
health issues, hygiene.

Libra Venus Marriage partner, business

7th Angular partners, contracts, joint
endeavors.

Scorpio Pluto Attitude toward life/death,

possessions of others,
8th Succedent
wills and legacies; sex
and regeneration.

Sagittarius Jupiter Religion, philosophy,

publishing, higher
9th Cadent
learning, distant travel,
foreign countries.

Capricorn Saturn Reputation, social status,

fame or the lack of it,
10th Angular
worldly standing, the
other parent.

Aquarius Uranus Friends, clubs,

organizations,
11th Succedent
associations, goals,
hopes, and wishes

Pisces Neptune The subconscious mind,

hidden resources, hidden
12th Cadent
problems, social
responsibility.

The Angles
In the horoscope, the cusps of the right angles created by a horizon and meridian axes are called the angles
of chart. These important points on the horoscope are called 1) the Ascendant, 2) the Midheaven or
Medium Coeli (M.C.), 3) the Descendant, and 4) the Imum Coeli (I.C.).

The Ascendant
The Ascendant is the exact degree in the zodiac which was on the eastern horizon, or rising on the horizon
if you will, at birth. The term Ascendant and Rising sign are interchangeable. As the Earth revolves, this
point is constantly changing. Every 4 minutes the degree of the Ascendant changes. This is why it is so
important to know the exact time of birth when calculating a horoscope.
The Ascendant and the Sun sign are considered equally important by astrologers. Because this is so
important, when talking to other astrologers I would describe my astrological makeup as a Pisces
Ascendant, with Sun in Aquarius and Moon in Libra. Astrologers vary on how much importance to place on
the Ascendant. Most agree that it does influence appearance and many outward traits. As a matter of fact,
when one gets in the parlor game of guessing the Sun sign of another, they are much more likely to
correctly identify the Ascendant rather than the Sun sign. We project the traits of the sign that we have in
this rising position. Some astrologers believe that the Ascendant sign represents traits that the individual is
inclined to be striving toward. There is general agreement that the Ascendant and the first house of the
horoscope are about the self. This is the most personal part of the horoscope. Planets near the Ascendant
define characteristics about the personality.

The Medium Coeli or Midheaven

The Medium Coeli (MC), or Midheaven as it is more popularly known, is at the top of the chart. It is the
point further south in the zodiac. The Midheaven point is the cusp of the 10th house. The Midheaven
represents your most exposed position, your public demeanor, and how you present yourself to the world at
large. This position is associated with the career and with that for which you strive to achieve. Many
planets in this sector may show that much of your activities receive attention. You get credit (or blame) for
your actions.

The Descendant
The Descendant is a point opposite the Ascendant. It is the degree of the zodiac residing on the western
horizon at the moment of birth. In the chart this point marks the cusp of the 7th house and the beginning of
outward expression. Houses 1 through 6 have had a personal tone, but now they will begin to relate to our
interaction with others. The Descendant suggests how you relate to those nearest to you. The seventh house
is sometimes called the house of partnerships and marriage. It is very fortunate when your partner's
Ascendant is in the same sign as your Descendant because this mirror image of each other produces the
most constructive spousal relationships.

The Imum Coeli or Nadir

The Imum Coeli (IC) or Nadir is opposite the Medium Coeli. This is the lowest point on the horoscope and
the point furthermost north in the zodiac. The IC is the cusp of the fourth house. This is the area of our
deepest concern for security and shelter. The issues here are home, traditions, stability, and nurturing. This
is where you seek comfort and protection. Your activities here will be private and concealed. When many
planets are near the IC, accomplishments may not get the notoriety they deserve.

Here's a little more on planets in houses in case you aren't totally confused already. When you purchase a
computer reading of your horoscope, the reading you will get regarding each planet in the houses will
surely be the precise house in which the planet is located. However, when you look at your chart, there may
be a few instances when this should come into question. Suppose, for example, that the Ascendant (the first
house cusp) in a chart is 15° Libra, and that Jupiter was positioned at 13° Libra. That would place Jupiter in
the 12th house, right? That's what the computer would say, but many thoughtful astrologers would read this
as Jupiter being in conjunction with the Ascendant, and end up reading it as bringing its action to bear in
the first house, rather than in the 12th.

This same idea would apply for each and every house cusp. If the planet is IN THE
SAME SIGN as the sign on the next house cusp, and close enough to be considered IN
CONJUNCTION WITH that next house cusp, the action of the planet will most likely be
directed into the oncoming house. In these cases, I might modify my reading to say
"Jupiter is in conjunction with the Ascendant (or 5th house cusp, as the case may be),
rather than saying "Jupiter is in the xxx house...." In other words, I would consider the
"planets in houses" readings as suitable to delineate the conjunction of a planet with the
Ascendant or with any other house cusp.