ASPECTS TO SATURN This page is a work in progress. Check back regularly for more entries. SPECIFIC ASPECTS Saturn Trine Aspects Saturn Trine Ascendant Saturn Trine Midheaven Saturn Opposition Aspects Saturn Opposition Mercury Pluto Opposition Saturn Saturn Square Aspects Pluto Square Saturn Neptune Square Saturn Saturn Square Midheaven Saturn Conjunct Aspects Saturn Conjunct Mercury Saturn Sextile Aspects Saturn Sextile Mercury Back to Aspects

Aspects to Mercury We are working on this page and will be adding more Mercury aspects in the future. Mercury in the natal chart sits fairly dormant until it becomes activated by a Transit or Progression. Much of its energies deals with mental conceptualization and communication. The mind is ruled by the planet Mercury and our reasoning abilities and schooling often are influenced by the planet Mercury, its sign position, house location as well as the aspects from other planets it receives in the Natal chart. ​ If Mercury is poorly aspected or better still challenged by natal positioning this often indicates someone who may have difficulty concentrating, difficulty with the written word, perhaps difficulty with speaking (i.e. stuttering), etc. This can indicate challenges with communication in general. This is likely corrected and dealt with accordingly as they age and learn to adapt to these difficulties. ​ On the contrary, those with a well-aspected Natal Mercury may have no problem speaking and relating to others and may even have teaching capabilities. They may be well educated and may also be studious. Some may have literary abilities becoming writers, public speakers and so forth. The mind works well, and the IQ may be higher than the norm. They may be good at solving problems, able to communicate easily or easier than others and in some cases (Mercury in Scorpio for example) may be considered deep thinkers. Mercury Conjunctions Saturn Conjunct Mercury Neptune Conjunct Mercury Pluto Square Natal Mercury Mercury Squares Jupiter Trine Mercury Pluto Trine Mercury Uranus Trine Mercury Mercury Trines Mercury Oppositions Jupiter Opposition Mercury Saturn Opposition Mercury Neptune Opposition Mercury Mercury Sextiles Jupiter Sextile Mercury Saturn Sextile Mercury Neptune Sextile Mercury BACK TO ASPECTS

Applying & Separating Aspects There are three different types of planetary movement in the Natal (birth) Astrology Chart. The applying movement is when the planets are moving together to form an aspect (unless in retrograde), the faster moving planet is behind the slower moving planet. An example of this would be Mars 19 degree Aries and Saturn 20 degrees Aries. Mars moves faster than Saturn and is approaching Saturn and will eventually meet up with Saturn. The separating movement is when the planets are moving away from one another. Using the same planets with Mars at 20 degree Aries and Saturn now at 19 degrees Aries, Mars once again is moving quicker than Saturn and is now moving away from Saturn. Finally there are stationary aspects. The planets that have been in retrograde motion or forward motion at some point appear to be motionless before moving forward or backward in the opposite direction. Even when a Planet is retrograde at birth, it will either be forming an aspect with another planet or separating from an aspect to another planet. The closer the degree is to making an exact aspect, the stronger its energies influence us in our lives. There may be some planets that do not be making an aspect but this is rare. This is known as a unaspected planet. There are varying types of aspects in Astrology. The major aspects (sextile, trine, conjunction, inconjunct, square or opposition) are very powerful in the natal chart. See our Aspects in Astrology. There are Astrologers that have noted that a separating aspect deals with past events or if you like, they represent finished business. Separating aspects have already been dealt with and will eventually fade over time as the aspect continues to separate. Some Astrologers believe that the acknowledgement and correction took place before birth, and we have already made adjustments to overcome whatever the aspect between the two planets describes. The degrees that separate the planets describe how powerful that aspect is in the chart. The closer the aspects the more powerful its energies are. A separating aspect represents perhaps one of the last things that were set in motion in a previous lifetime, but obviously this is speculative depending on whether or not one believes in the possibility of reincarnation. Astrologers understand the significance of applying and separating aspects and will define its intensity and help delineate the meaning of any particular influence in the Birth Chart when this is part of the delineation process. When planets are applying, it is understood that the faster moving planet is moving towards the slower moving planet and suggests unfinished business that will have to be dealt with during the course of this lifetime. Once again, the closer the aspect is to being direct by degree, the more apparent and pressing the energies of the planets involved. We have come into this life to address the energies. Only then can we come to terms with whatever the planets and aspects suggest. The applying aspects become stronger as time passes and the energies will intensify. They push us in directions that will assist us in dealing with the energies represented by these two planetary energies and the aspect they are making. These conditions are dealt with after birth. Applying aspects are suggestive of future endeavours that should be approached and dealt with. This is not to say that all aspects between planets are challenging-- far from it. You have to take into consideration the planets involved and decipher how well they work together and what aspects are involved before making a judgement call on how the energies will affect us. Remember the tighter the aspect, the more significant its influence in our lives. For example, a conjunction between Mars and Pluto is a very strong aspect, but if these planets are separating from one another and are out by 8 degrees compared to an aspect of let’s say Venus conjunct the Sun, (which is a much softer aspect) which is applying and only out by 23 minutes. The latter aspect would have a far greater influence in this individual’s life than the aspect between Mars and Pluto. It is important to weigh out the aspects and recognize whether the aspect is applying or separating when deciphering the energies contained within a Natal chart and how great the impact will be. Back to Aspects Back to Astrology 101

Neptune Neptune is a mysterious planet, ruling the sign Pisces. Neptune is very subtle in its nature and is known as the planet of illusion, inspiration and psychic perception. Those with a strong Neptune in their birth chart often have mystical inclinations and psychic abilities. Neptune also has an ability to deceive and colour reality placing rose coloured glasses on many individuals when in transit. Neptune also has to do with artistic abilities and inspirational writing. It has to do with musical talent and many with strong Neptune inclinations make great actors, as they are able to take on parts loosing themselves within the part that they are portraying. Neptune also rules mystery and many a mystery novel has been written through the influence of Neptune’s imaginary insight. There are the unfortunate ones who indulge in drugs and alcohol in an attempt to withdraw from some of life’s more challenging moments and during these times, Neptune is often found playing havoc in their lives. The twelfth house is the natural ruler of Pisces and Neptune is also connected with this house. The twelfth house has to do with places of confinement and often deals with institutions such as hospitals and even asylums. The twelfth house is known as the dustbin of the zodiac, and this is often the place where we cover up life’s tumultuous conditions with the hopes that in some way they will disappear and this type of action is often facilitated through the influence of Neptune. Dreams and dream psychology are also areas ruled by Neptune and someone with strong Pisces or a number of planets in aspect to Neptune can become so inclined and able to decipher the meanings behind our dreams. Although Neptune through transit often colours the way we are viewing current circumstances, it also provides us with hidden or subdued talents. Through the use of an often overextending perception, abilities can produce psychic understanding about events that we normally are not able to penetrate. Be careful to view your world clearly when Neptune passes over important points in your birth chart. Putting people on pedestals and viewing life through rose coloured glasses is often an offshoot during these unbridled times when Neptune plays games with reality. Neptune also rules doctors, psychiatrists and anyone who goes below the surface of everyday life. If you can find a way to use the penetrating abilities that Neptune offers, you can see through illusion and find the answers that might have been hidden or laid dormant for extended periods of time. Using your intuitive understanding and being open to dialogue from other sources beyond the realms of earth and material living will help you find places that you might not have known existed. Meditation techniques and mystical alignments are key ingredients to unlocking the true potential of Neptune’s deeper side and unlocking channels to the psychic connection we all share. Astrology 101 Neptune is the planet to illusion, inspiration and psychic perception. It is the ruler of Pisces and is associated with the twelfth house The Sun The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Pluto

The Ninth House The Ninth house is naturally ruled by the sign Sagittarius and the Planet Jupiter . Sagittarius and Jupiter combined speak of optimistic expansion through the use of the mind and through life’s experience. This house seeks to expand the scope of the mind's focus using whatever means appropriate to reach this understanding, whatever that understanding may entail. Higher education is one scope in finding answers, whether this be through actual academic schooling or the schooling of life. As learning can come from many sources in the ninth house, long distance travel, foreign cultures and travel through the mind are all areas that relate to this house. Many of life’s issues and deeper understandings can be attained while visiting foreign countries and the people one meets along this journey. One seeks to discover more of our world through communication with people of different cultures to gain an appreciation of our life’s meaning. The Ninth house provides learned information through gathering the meaning of things gained only through experience. This is the house of philosophy and religious interaction, and any planets found in this house use their particular energies to uncover philosophic meaning to an otherwise conventional world. Within the realms of the ninth house the higher meanings of life can be unearthed through wisdom gained in experience at any level that appropriately satisfies this yearning for truth. Dreams and visions also come into play in this house, as the mind's focus shifts and works through channels that consciousness only discovers when delving into these states. Problems can be resolved through these channels. This issues can then be modified to fit into the proper channels and as a result will be understood on a conscious level. The ninth house is where we uncover the truth through any channel that provides us with answers. It is the study of religion in its highest form and through philosophic understandings, we slowly weave our way through our life’s journey and uncover the deeper meaning of life and the ultimate truths. Astrology 101 The Ninth House is naturally ruled by Sagittarius. This is the house of PHILOSOPHY and FOREIGN TRAVEL. The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

The Third House The third house is naturally ruled by Gemini and carries with it some of the Gemini characteristics. Gemini is known for the intellect and communication, as is the third house The third house has to do with the conscious mind and rational thinking. The sign ruling the third house cusp, planets located within this house and aspects to these planets, will play a significant role in how the mental processing is theoretically applied. An example of this could be Capricorn ruling this house cusp, and let’s say it is squared by Saturn . This suggests a mind that is slow and methodical. This individual would weight things out before speaking their mind. If Saturn is closely squared to let’s say Mercury in this house, this individual may have difficulty making up their mind or committing themselves to verbalizing what they are thinking. This could also lead to stuttering in childhood, as this individual may feel so unsure of themselves that it could lead to stammering. The third house also speaks of your brothers and sisters as well as your neighbours and close relatives, such as your aunts and uncles. Once again if this house is under developmental pressure from aspects then there can be issues with the siblings, or close personal relatives. In most cases it’s our brothers or sisters that seem to be the challenge. This house has to do with your immediate environment and the day to day routine we become familiar with. It can define the nature of this environment and our ability to comprehend what is taking place within the framework of our surroundings, as well as our attitude toward it. The third house is strongly connected to the communicational abilities and if aspects and planets suggest literary abilities, we could use this talent and publish books. The third house along with the ninth house deals with the written material, although the ninth house has more to do with the publication of the material that comes out of the third house. They are connected to one another. The third house also deals with early education and our learning aptitude, while the ninth house is the third house opposite, it deals with continued education. Often if there are deficiencies within the ninth house, the education is interrupted. The third house also has to do with mental dexterity, and if well aspected in the birth chart, we are able to use mental nimbleness, and can easily flow with changing conversation. Usually an individual will have some knowledge on many subjects, especially if Mercury is in this house and well aspected. A well aspected Mercury in this house can indicate high intellectual abilities. If Neptune is in this house and well aspected by let’s say Jupiter or Pluto , we would have strong mental focus and a wide range of understood topics at our disposal. We would also be a vibrant and forceful communicator. Astrology 101 The Third House is the house of COMMUNICATION and is naturally ruled by Gemini . The First House The Second House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House The Twelfth House

Neptune Retrograde The outer planets remain in retrograde for longer periods than the inner planets. Those that have Neptune in retrograde in their birth charts will certainly be affected. Those that have Neptune stationary in their birth chart will be even more powerfully affected. “Powerfully” may not be the appropriate word as Neptune’s energies operate in very subtle ways. Its influences are felt often through intuitive channels and the unconscious mind. In direct motion, Neptune often suggests cloudiness with our reasoning, potential deception or we may not be facing facts. In its higher representation is suggests idealism. It also could suggest a romantic involvement often associated with an idealistic view of the partner or situation. It is also linked to artistic abilities coming to the surface. Neptune is linked with fantasy and visions while in direct motion, but its energies turn to reality and dealing with the actual facts when in retrograde. Open-heartedness and level-headedness linked to common sense are terms that could also be associated with Neptune’s retrograde cycle energy. Since Neptune deals primarily with the mystical and spiritual side of our consciousness, during the time when Neptune is retrograde, you may find that you realize more concrete solutions or answers to questions pertaining to these pursuits. This applies particularly to those with Neptune retrograde in their birth charts. Look to see which house Neptune is transiting through during this cycle and also look where Neptune is located in your birth chart. Neptune’s retrograde cycle is approximately 150 days in length, and it spends about 14 years in each sign. Its return cycle is approximately 165 years, so we never experience its return in our lives. About 40 percent of people have Neptune retrograde in their birth charts. As a result, Neptune’s retrograde energies are quite common. When Neptune is in its direct cycle, there can be a cloudiness about life, depending on how it is aspected in the birth chart. There may be deception and deceit or often illusion and disarray when it comes to seeing things as they are. When Neptune turns retrograde, it becomes more genuine and more lifelike as Neptune can be illusionary when direct. It is more reliable and life becomes more real although what you see, at times, may not be all that pleasant. There can be a real feeling of let-down after a period of feelings of idealism and wonder but the truth is what we want, regardless of how it may look. Because of Neptune’s influence, when we view the world as it is, a part of us still wants to see it through rose coloured glasses. There is the unrealistic hope under this retrograde influence that what we see might just vanish; but it will not, and we have to face facts Life becomes more practical and realistic with the retrograde cycle, and this can also include “visions” that are real. This can also include mystical understanding that is also real and identifiable. Neptune retrograde is not a bad thing but it is truth in a broad scope. Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Pluto Astrology 101 Retrograde

Applying & Separating Aspects There are three different types of planetary movement in the Natal (birth) Astrology Chart. The applying movement is when the planets are moving together to form an aspect (unless in retrograde), the faster moving planet is behind the slower moving planet. An example of this would be Mars 19 degree Aries and Saturn 20 degrees Aries. Mars moves faster than Saturn and is approaching Saturn and will eventually meet up with Saturn. The separating movement is when the planets are moving away from one another. Using the same planets with Mars at 20 degree Aries and Saturn now at 19 degrees Aries, Mars once again is moving quicker than Saturn and is now moving away from Saturn. Finally there are stationary aspects. The planets that have been in retrograde motion or forward motion at some point appear to be motionless before moving forward or backward in the opposite direction. Even when a Planet is retrograde at birth, it will either be forming an aspect with another planet or separating from an aspect to another planet. The closer the degree is to making an exact aspect, the stronger its energies influence us in our lives. There may be some planets that do not be making an aspect but this is rare. This is known as a unaspected planet. There are varying types of aspects in Astrology. The major aspects (sextile, trine, conjunction, inconjunct, square or opposition) are very powerful in the natal chart. See our Aspects in Astrology. There are Astrologers that have noted that a separating aspect deals with past events or if you like, they represent finished business. Separating aspects have already been dealt with and will eventually fade over time as the aspect continues to separate. Some Astrologers believe that the acknowledgement and correction took place before birth, and we have already made adjustments to overcome whatever the aspect between the two planets describes. The degrees that separate the planets describe how powerful that aspect is in the chart. The closer the aspects the more powerful its energies are. A separating aspect represents perhaps one of the last things that were set in motion in a previous lifetime, but obviously this is speculative depending on whether or not one believes in the possibility of reincarnation. Astrologers understand the significance of applying and separating aspects and will define its intensity and help delineate the meaning of any particular influence in the Birth Chart when this is part of the delineation process. When planets are applying, it is understood that the faster moving planet is moving towards the slower moving planet and suggests unfinished business that will have to be dealt with during the course of this lifetime. Once again, the closer the aspect is to being direct by degree, the more apparent and pressing the energies of the planets involved. We have come into this life to address the energies. Only then can we come to terms with whatever the planets and aspects suggest. The applying aspects become stronger as time passes and the energies will intensify. They push us in directions that will assist us in dealing with the energies represented by these two planetary energies and the aspect they are making. These conditions are dealt with after birth. Applying aspects are suggestive of future endeavours that should be approached and dealt with. This is not to say that all aspects between planets are challenging-- far from it. You have to take into consideration the planets involved and decipher how well they work together and what aspects are involved before making a judgement call on how the energies will affect us. Remember the tighter the aspect, the more significant its influence in our lives. For example, a conjunction between Mars and Pluto is a very strong aspect, but if these planets are separating from one another and are out by 8 degrees compared to an aspect of let’s say Venus conjunct the Sun, (which is a much softer aspect) which is applying and only out by 23 minutes. The latter aspect would have a far greater influence in this individual’s life than the aspect between Mars and Pluto. It is important to weigh out the aspects and recognize whether the aspect is applying or separating when deciphering the energies contained within a Natal chart and how great the impact will be. Back to Aspects Back to Astrology 101

DESCENDANT OR DC The Descendant in an Astrology chart is the opposite axis of the Ascendant and lies on the cusp of the seventh house. The Rising sign or Ascendant is the sign coming over the horizon from the east at birth, while the Descendant is the sign descending on the western horizon at birth. The natural rule of the Descendant is Libra, which is the sign associated with creating balance. This is what the Descendant’s energies pertains to--the need to integrate self with others. Depending on the sign on the cusp of the seventh house which is always exactly 180 degrees from the Ascendant, it will define how we relate to others. As you can imagine, Aries on this cusp would be very different from let’s say Libra on this cusp. The Descendant also defines what we seek in a relationship, what we are looking for in an individual and how we will react to them. On a deeper level, it is said that the sign on the seventh house cusp or Descendant describes the unconscious part of ourselves that we need to seek from within and work on in order to become complete. It is not that these qualities are lacking only that they are hidden or not acknowledged. We have to come to terms with these qualities and bring them to the surface or remove them from our makeup. Through relationships with others, we build on and develop ourselves. The sign on this cusp often describes the type of person we are attracted to, good or bad. It describes the type of person we seem to keep meeting up with, over and over again. An example of this might be if you have Virgo as your Ascendant. You would express yourself in an organized manner. You would be very precise and your attention to detail would be impeccable. You would easily see the faults or shortcomings in others as well as within yourself. You would undoubtedly use this information to decipher yourself as well as others. If your Ascendant were Virgo, your Descendant would be Pisces. With Pisces, you would be attracted to dreamy people, mystical people or people that you feel you need to save in some way. You may be drawn to people who have a difficult time in the so called “real world” and it would be easy for them to use alcohol and drugs to try to escape reality. They would be a very gentle person with an ability to accept others without restriction. They could be psychic, spiritual or an escapists and usually hard cold facts are not easily digested. These energies obviously would vary depending on the overall condition of the Natal chart and the emphasis in certain houses. A detailed examination of the Natal chart is required in order to get a full and clear picture. As you can imagine, we can learn a lot from these ever gentle people and perhaps through these people we can learn not to be so judgemental or find within ourselves the ability to locate only the good aspects of in others and ourselves. We can find out a lot about ourselves through close personal contacts and business relationships, as this would fall under the Descendant as well. We may find that the sign on the Descendant could describe our perfect business partner for a prosperous business or perfect lover eventually leading to marriage. Discover more of yourself by carefully analysing the Descendant in your Natal chart and find hidden characteristics that if allowed to bloom will complete who you are as an individual. This is the highest qualities working at its best from this placement. ASCENDANT OR RISING SIGN IMUM COELI OR IC MIDHEAVEN OR MC Back to Axis or Angular House Cusps Back to Astrology 101

The Twelfth House The twelfth house is often said to be a difficult house for it is the house of hidden matter and issues that have been brushed aside and left undone, skeletons in the closest if you will. It is traditionally associated with prisons, hospitals and places that are out of view of the general public. These places are isolated or unknown and work in ways that most would not uncover. Working behind the scenes is a general theme for people who have strong planetary links to this house. It is also considered a secret house and an occult house where the subconscious tends to work relentlessly to uncover unknown factor that lie beneath the surface. It is the house of self-undoing and in many cases, it can signify how someone stands in their own way. We can gain knowledge with inner reflection and open channels to the subconscious and recognizing that they are part of the collective consciousness that envelops us all. Karma is also known to have its domain linked to this house along with charity work and the ultimate understanding of our sub-conscious connection. The sixth and twelfth house deal with service and they constitute service to others. While the sixth house may reflect service to others and the rewards it may bring, the twelfth house speaks of service without rewards, selfless service if you will. It is also linked to secret affairs as well as progressive illnesses and weaknesses within the body that can build over time and be the eventual cause of death. The aspects to the planets within this house and the house cusp ruler can provide information in this regard. You also have to look at the ascendant and the aspects to it as well as the Sun to get a clear picture of chronic health conditions that are suggested in a chart. Astrology 101 The Twelfth House is naturally ruled by Pisces . This house deals with HIDDEN MATTERS and SELF-UNDOING The First House The Second House The Third House The Fourth House The Fifth House The Sixth House The Seventh House The Eighth House The Ninth House The Tenth House The Eleventh House

The Sun The Sun is the core to our identity. It is the principal and dominant part of who we are. The house placement and Sun sign determine who we are and our life’s purpose at least in part. The ascendant also has its part in this along with the North Node and its sign and house placement. The Sun helps us define our life’s purpose and is our creative life force that pushes us on our intended path. The Sun is the will to live and is also linked to our vitality. If it is well aspected in the birth chart, this will go a long way in offering a healthy and long life. The Sun is the driving force behind our personality and is depictive of the internal individual seeking to follow a life path, represented by the sign and house. The Sun along with Mercury helps us reason and they are linked together forming the conscious mind. There is a lot linked to determining our actions through the mental process and the Sun helps us determine what course of action to take. Along with Mercury it describes our final decisions and the conscious efforts that come to pass in finding and uncovering which road we should take. The Sun describes us. It is our basic identity and although it can be filtered by an emphasis in our chart (such as Sun in Capricorn and five planets in the fifth house or in the sign of Leo ) it will still resonate with who we are internally and our true identity remains intact even with strong placements within the birth chart. It could be defined as your best self, the one who resides within but also the one you are becoming. Properly directed and used in its most positive affirmative actions, the Sun is focused and determined and very self-directed. It is linked to the ego and when well-adjusted will provide us with internal fortitude and self-confidence to take us almost anywhere. When the Sun is poorly aspected and out of alignment (poor aspects do not signify a negative response, only challenges put in place for us to conquer) it can make us willful in a detrimental manner, extremely self-centred and condemnatory when judging others, seeking out their faults and weaknesses. The Sun is our driving force, our vital energy and is directly linked to our deeper purpose and part of the reason we have arrived into this incarnation. Seek out the positive and affirmative actions that are depictive of the Sun sign and along with the North Node find your purpose and the push behind your incarnation to create a core and central figure that you will totally resonate with on every level. Astrology 101 The Sun representing the inner self. It is naturally ruled by Leo and the Fifth house . The Moon Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto