On Aspects - A Deeper Study - Part 1

Our drumbeat for this Quarter is the need to develop the habit of correctly measuring planetary influences to insure that we emphasize the appropriate and relevant considerations to be synthesized. This lesson focuses on the interpretation mistakes that can occur when the aspects of a planet are not thoroughly analyzed.

The study of our example chart in this lesson brings together a discussion of three topics. The main topic on aspects is preceded with a discussion of the Earth element (with an emphasis on the sign Capricorn). This is followed in turn with comments on those chart factors that can be used to compensate for the overwhelming presence of a particular element. Similarly, the presence of these factors can be used to replace the lack of a particular element.

When the topic of aspects was introduced in Quarter 1, Lesson 6, we mentioned that from the viewpoints of both quantity and quality of an influence, a planet's aspect to the Ascendant and to the Midheaven significantly modifies the character and actions of a person. As such, the study of a planet's influence by means of aspects plays an important role in determining the motivations and drives of a person. However, only employing aspects in this simple and elementary fashion would betray a tremendous shortsightedness on our part. Their value is much greater.

The general guideline that the force of a planet's impact by aspect on a house or another planet is less than its influence through determination by physical position or rulership has a number of important exceptions. Our discussion on the nature and application of these exceptions will prove to be very satisfying when analyzing a chart.

Arguably, a thorough analysis of aspects is the most complex topic in natal astrology through the multitude of considerations that must be taken into account, but without such a study, we may overlook important structural elements in the chart that will lead us to make serious mistakes in interpretation.

This lesson will demonstrate how aspects "knit together" in an amazing way larger elements in a chart.

Our example horoscope is that of the much beloved legendary American comedienne, Lucille Ball who along with her husband Desi Arnaz entertained generations of people worldwide.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Corre
New York City