Understanding Aspects

As geometric angles between planets, aspects seem rather simple and straightforward. However, they influence everything. Aspects result from the division of the 360 degrees in the horoscope circle. In FIGURE8–1 , the North Node is separated from Pluto by about ninety degrees: a square.

The square is an aspect.

Symbolically, angles are the network of arteries and veins that link energies between the houses and the planets. They indicate connections between our inner and outer worlds. The square between the North Node and Pluto creates tension — a springboard for growth.

Traditional astrology considers aspects, like planets and houses, in terms of good and bad, difficult or easy. The terminology is actually misleading. Aspects, like planets, are merely representations of certain types of energy. Energy itself is neutral. What we do with the energy is either beneficial or not. Again, it comes back to free will.

Glance at the chart in FIGURE8-1 again. The North Node in 1402 in the twelfth house and Pluto at 1240 in the fourth house are about 88 degrees apart; a square is 90 degrees. Does that mean they don't form a square? Not at all. Astrologers work with “orbs” of influence, which means there are several degrees of latitude allowed when the aspect isn't exact.

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