posted May 16, 2003 07:59 PM              

All planets have their own unique energy harmonics and characteristics. When we talk about the effect of aspects, what we are talking about is how the two planetary energies associated with the two planets interact with each other. Some aspects are harmonious or aid each other’s energy (Conjunct, Sextile, and Trines), while others are inharmonious and in conflict with each other’s energy (Square and Oppose).

The following are some of the general energy characteristics associated with each planet:

Ascendant – one’s self-image, expression of the “Self” in the world
Sun – willpower and creative potential
Moon – the unconscious mind, automatic emotional responses, memories
Mercury – thinking, reasoning abilities, communications
Venus – artistic abilities, sense of harmony, growth through relationships
Mars – expressed energy, assertiveness
Jupiter – expansion, awareness, personal values
Saturn – patience, determination, restructuring one’s life for growth
Uranus – sudden unexpected changes, intuition, rebalancing
Neptune – clouds the vision and introduces new ideas, psychic abilities
Pluto – transformation, rebirth
North Node – cultural trends and fads, path of spiritual growth

Keep in mind that each of the meanings is only one part of the whole, and as such, are affected by other events in the chart. A chart must always be viewed as a Gestalt, not just a series of individual meanings.

The following aspect meanings are in part taken from by Frances Sakoian and Louis Akers’s book “The Astrologer’s Handbook”. Their work in my opinion is one of the best on understanding the natal chart. I highly recommend it for those just getting started in reading natal charts.

Ascendant
Conjunct – Mercury Conjunct the Ascendant blends Mercury’s reasoning and communications ability with the Ascendant’s expression of Self. The result is exceptional intelligence and the ability to communicate in a clear logical manner. They are verbose in their expression of self, not in the least shy about expressing their thoughts and reasoning processes. Since the Ascendant is one of the main determiners of one’s looks, a conjunction to Mercury gives the individual a somewhat frail but agile body.

Sextile – produces harmony in their self-expression and confers the social grace needed to gain favorable results from their efforts. They are natural diplomats and peacemakers, with a cheerful disposition that generally has a like affect on others. There is a possibility of artistic or musical talent.

Square – Mercury’s energy is in conflict with their Ascendant energy in this aspect. This can result in difficulties in self-expression and communications. They are not able to project their thoughts in a cohesive manner through speech or writing; often leading to misunderstanding and unnecessary disagreement. Its not that the ideas aren’t correct, it’s just that they can’t express them in a manner that allows others to understand their intent. It’s a lot like having a bad telephone line; the noise after a while gets so irritating that others stop listening.

Trine – Mercury’s mental energy mixes well with their self-expression producing excellent mental keenness and sensory perception. They are able to express themselves fluently and bring others around to there way of thinking. They make outstanding PR people and diplomats. They have excellent communication abilities within their relationships and professions. Their high intellect makes them good scholars and researchers.

Oppose – this mix of energies produces skills in communications that may be played out in PR or sales. They have the ability to understand other’s views, and take advantage of it. Most people in their life will be intellectual.

Sun
Conjunct – Mercury conjuncted to the Sun emphasizes one’s intellectual abilities and willpower. There will be great creativity and the willpower to accomplish their goals. They are generally good communicators, however they have the tendency to try to force their ideas and beliefs on others, not being aware that the people may not be at a place in their growth where they can understand or make use of the information. They have difficulty in being able to be subjective about their actions because of the meld of intellect and Ego. Depending upon other chart indicators, they may suffer burnout in some areas of their thinking due to the solar energy overloading their mental facilities.

Mercury’s orbit is so close to the Sun, that no other aspect other than the conjunction is possible.

Moon
Conjunct – This aspect couples the energies of the conscious and unconscious minds together. The results of this aspect depend upon other conditions of the two planet energies, such as Sign, House, and aspects. It can provide them with either an intellectual understanding of theirs and others emotional responses and automatic responses, or a mind that is overruled by emotions. At its best, it can give them great empathy and insights into human emotional actions and reactions, as well as their information stored in their own subconscious. At its worst, their thinking is rule by their emotions. They have great ability to communicate to others on a primal emotional level.

Sextile – this aspect indicates that their mind and emotions are in alignment giving a good memory and a practical mental approach toward life. They tend to put their thoughts into action, in their profession, and personal life. Their domestic family life is well organized and supported by good communications. They are tactful with others, unconsciously being aware of other’s thoughts and feelings.

Square – produces nervousness with the tendency for their unconscious mind and automatic responses to interfere with their conscious, reasoning processes. Their thinking is tied too much to their past conditioning and interferes with their objectivity and open-mindedness. They tend to be chatterboxes, never focusing on anything significant. They tend to talk just to hear the sound of their own voices. They have difficultly in communicating clearly with others, although those close to them may have learned to filter out their ranting and only relate to the important parts.

Trine – indicates an excellent memory and a harmonious working between their conscious and unconscious minds. They have an abundance of good common sense, and communicate easily with others. They generally are fluent in speech and expression and make very good conservationists.

posted May 19, 2003 08:34 AM              

I think that natal potentials indicate how we may be unless we take responsibility for our life. Unfortunately many people just live life without any attempt to take responsibility for themselves.

Of course, those type peolpe usually won't be found here, right!!

I have my share of squares as well.

posted May 21, 2003 01:10 PM              

however, i think it's the particular wording you chose that bothers me somewhat: "NEVER focusing on anything significant"..

and i think (personally), this one could be conditional, like "unless there are no significantly positive aspects to mercury, there is a good chance that they".."tend to talk just to hear the sound of their own voices."

"those close to them may have learned to filter out their ranting and only relate to the important parts." and here i think the use of the word 'ranting' is inappropriate.. (?)

posted May 21, 2003 01:42 PM              

One the first, the energies of an aspect when merged with another aspect of maybe oppositie characterisitics tend to mellow out the actual affexct.

On the second, one's awareness level of their own characteristics/behaviors can go a long way in reducing the effect.

And finally, we don't display all of our characteristics all of the time. When aspectsed by a transiting planet's energy, we tend to respond made up of the combination of all of the energies.

These are just my thoughts however, and may not feel right to others.

posted May 22, 2003 12:28 PM              

Orb of 6 degrees, Mercury conjuncts Venus
Orb of 8 degrees, Mercury conjuncts Mars
Orb of 3 degrees, Mercury sextiles Moon
Orb of 2 degrees, Mercury trines Jupiter

Using the wider orbs than I normally do, I can see where others are coming from when they first hear my voice.

Aphrodite

posted May 27, 2003 10:00 AM              

Re: the voice question:

People often say that I have a very pleasant, "melodious" and resonant voice (when I'm calm, anyway) -
I have
Mercury Sextile Venus 2°30
Mercury Trine Ascendant 4°11 .