Part 9

Angles or Aspects of the Planets.

By their continual mutations among the twelve signs, the planets make several angles or aspects; the most remarkable of which are the five following, viz.—

☌ CONJUNCTION.—Δ TRINE.—☐ QUADRATE.—⚹ SEXTILE.—☍ OPPOSITION.

A CONJUNCTION is when two planets are in one and the same degree and minute of a sign; and this, according to Astrological cant, either good or bad, as the planets are either friends or enemies.

A TRINE is when two planets are four signs, or 120 degrees distant, as MARS in twelve degrees of ARIES, and SOL in twelve degrees of LEO. Here SOL and MARS are said to be in Trine Aspect. And this is an aspect of perfect love and friendship.

A QUADRATE ASPECT is when two planets are three signs, or 90 degrees distant, as MARS in 10 degrees, and VENUS in 10 degrees of LEO. This particular aspect is of imperfect enmity, and Astrologers say, that persons thereby signified, may have jars at sometime, but of such a nature as may be perfectly reconciled.

A SEXTILE ASPECT, is when two planets are two signs, or 60 degrees distant, as JUPITER in 15 degrees of Aries; and SATURN in 15 degrees of Gemini; here JUPITER is in a sextile aspect to SATURN. This is an aspect of friendship.

An OPPOSITION is, when two planets are diametrically opposite, which happens when they are 6 signs, or 180 degrees (which is one half of the circle) asunder; and this is an aspect of perfect hatred.

A PARTILE ASPECT, is when two planets are in a perfect aspect to the very same degree and minute.

DEXTER ASPECTS, are those which are contrary to the succession of signs; as a planet, for instance, in Aries, casts its sextile dexter to Aquarius.

SINISTER ASPECT, is with the succession of signs, as a planet in Aries, for example, casts its sextile sinister in Gemini.

In addition to these, Astrologers play a number of other diverting tricks; hence we read of the APPLICATION—PROHIBITION—TRANSLATION— REFRENATION—COMBUSTION—EXCEPTION—RETROGRADATION, &c. of planets.

The Application of Planets.

Application of the planets is performed by Astrologers in three different ways.

1. When a light planet, direct and swift in its motion, applies to a planet more ponderous and slow in motion; as Mercury in 8° of Aries, and Jupiter in 12° of Gemini, and both direct; here Mercury applies to a sextile of Jupiter, by direct application.

2. When they are both retrograde, as Mercury in 20° of Aries, and Jupiter in 15° of Gemini; here Mercury, the lighter planet, applies to the sextile aspect of Jupiter; and this is by retrogradation.

3. When one of the planets is direct, and the other retrograde; for example, if Mercury were retrograde in 18° of Aries, and Jupiter direct in 14° of Gemini; in this case Mercury applies to a sextile of Jupiter, by a retrograde motion.

Prohibition,

is when two planets are applying either by body or aspect; and before they come to their partile aspect, another planet meets with the aspect of the former and prohibits it.

Separation,

is when two planets have been lately in conjunction, or aspect, and are separated from it.

Translation of Light and Virtue,

is when a lighter planet separates from the body or aspect of a heavier one, and immediately applies to another superior planet, and so translates the light and virtue of the first planet to that which it applies to.

Refrenation,

is when a planet is applied to the body or aspect of another; and, before it comes to it, falls retrograde, and so refrains by its retrograde motion.

Combustion.

A planet is said to be combust of Sol, when it is within 8° 30″ of his body, either before or after his conjunction: but Astrologers complain, that a planet is more afflicted when it is applying to the body of Sol, than when it is separating from combustion.

Reception,