Astrology Aspects: Out of Sign Conjunctions

The astrological zodiac is arranged in such a way that as we move from one sign to another all of the important characteristics of the sign change in dramatic ways. This is true particularly when we look at the sign qualities, - their polarities, modes and elements.

Thus, the polarities of masculine and feminine, the modes of cardinal, fixed and mutable, and also the elements of fire, earth, air and water, never repeat themselves in successive signs. While this is not a problem in most areas of astrology, and in fact helps us to more clearly understand the boundaries as we move from one sign to another, it does come into play quite dramatically, when we think of out of sign aspects.

We are accustomed to seeing conjunctions for example, (two planets within nine degrees of each other) usually within the same zodiac sign. As such, the interpretation of such an aspect is easily arrived at inasmuch as each planet cooperatively enhances the other with the strength of the sign they share.

What happens, however, when we see a very high degree planet in one sign forming a conjunction with a very low degree planet in the following sign. Thus a high degree planet in Aries could form an out of sign conjunction with a low degree planet in Taurus.

For one thing, because the energies of both planets are being modified in different ways because of the two different signs they are in, the individual feels a complexity quite different than conjunctions that occur within the same sign.

While the planets still work cooperatively because they are a conjunction, the individual has to work a little harder to combine the substance of what these two planets are offering. In the example we mentioned of Aries and Taurus, the person would have to learn to combine the fiery, masculine, cardinality of Aries with the earthy, feminine, fixed qualities of Taurus.

Two factors come into this that are very important. First, the outermost planet (the larger, slower moving planet) holds influence over the innermost planet. This happens because the outermost planet always has a slower transit and progression effect, often staying in the same sign for years at a time, thus weighing more on the individual with important life lessons that have to be learned.

If we saw a Saturn in Aries forming a conjunction with Mercury in Pisces. The fiery,cardinal, masculine qualities of Aries working on the planet Saturn would hold influence over the watery, mutable, feminine qualities of Pisces modifying Mercury.

Breaking this down to understandable language, the individuals need (Saturn), to break barriers and experience new beginnings (fiery cardinal and masculine qualities of Aries) that seem to promise a practical outcome would be helpful in positively influencing the timidity of the Pisces Mercury so that its changeable mutability, and watery feminine qualities could find purpose in its creative expression.

It takes a little more to understand these out of sign conjunctions, because they seem to always involve discordant energies that a lazy individual would rather not deal with. However, they offer unthought of possibilities for the person to transcend the mundane.

There is a second factor in these very special conjunctions that comes from the fact that a high degree planet is always more evolved than a low degree planet. Thus, the planet near the end of the sign, seems to hold within it, more knowledge and perhaps soul experiences (maybe even coming from past lives) that the low degree of the planet in the next sign that it is conjunct with cannot even imagine by itself. The low degree planet is often thought of as being more primitive, and basic, in earlier lifetime stages of development than the higher degree planet.

This really gets interesting when we study both of these factors together. If the higher degree planet is Saturn (the planet of age and wisdom and karmic lessons), and the lower degree planet is Mercury (the planet of thought and expression) then it can easily be concluded that the Saturn is influencing the Mercury towards sober, mature thought. But, what happens when these planets show up the other way around?

If Mars is in a higher degree than Saturn as they form a conjunction, then it has to be concluded that Mars is more evolved and the individual's propensity towards action is more knowing than their sense of practicality and planning. Combine these factors with the Sign qualities of polarity, mode and element of both planets, and there you have it.

Remember also, that most of the time, transits will effect the higher degree planet first (as it is in the earlier of the two signs) thus giving the individual time to get in touch with all they have learned in past lives and accumulated in their soul in order to have enough wisdom to deal with the transit in the best way possible as it completes itself over both planets. See how easy the universe makes it for us? If only we would listen!

Copyright ?2006 Martin Schulman (You may use this article for your website as long as you keep the author information and live links intact).

See if any planets are forming out-of-sign conjunctions today here.

Martin Schulman (of Karmic Astrology fame) is the published author of over 50 astrology Best-Sellers in many languages. See other articles, stories, reviews, and much more from this author known for many fine Astrology Books.

Improve Your Relationship Through the Timeless Wisdom of Vedic Compatibility Astrology

Relationships are one of the most important areas of life. The interplay between masculine and feminine energy is internal as well as external. The external relationship with our partner mirrors the internal relationship we have with these forces within ourself. Vedic relationship astrology is a remarkable system of scientific measurements, commonsense and holistic wisdom. Improving our external relationship, we improve our internal awareness and vice versa. Vedic astrology is deeply connected to the other Vedic sciences of yoga, ayurveda.

Both Western astrology and Vedic astrology uses the same planets, signs and houses. Yet, there are a few major differences between Western and Vedic astrology which reveal why Vedic Relationship astrology is so amazingly accurate.

Whereas Western astrology places importance on the Sun, Vedic astrology places more importance on the Moon. Vedic astrology uses 27 distant stars (called "Nakshatras") in the horoscope.

The Sun refers to our individual nature, not our desire to partner. Thus relationship compatibility must revolve around the moon, the planet of nurturing, vulnerability and receptivity. Vedic relationship astrology focuses mainly on the moons of the couple. Assessing the moons will reveal the flow of emotional energy and the quality of love flowing in the partnership. The moon is the planet of trust and comfort. It is related to our childhood, that time in life we are we were vulnerable. Based on this vulnerability we developed strengths, insecurities and complexes based on receiving things that felt good or bad. Throughout our life these strengths and weaknesses become modified, gently filtering our perceptions and attracting the experiences we feel ready to and worthy of receiving. We carry this fragile emotional psychology into our relationships. This is why when a person has a difficult childhood, they will repeat those difficulties in their relationships. It is because the Moon is what we are comfortable with, what is familiar to us. If turmoil is comfortable to us, that is what we seek in relationships. Astrologically, these emotional habits are shown by the Moon.

Vedic astrology uses 27 lunar signs as mentioned above. These 27 signs focus the subtle, refined emotional nature of each person with much more precision than 12 Western Sun signs. Yet within this increased precision there is even more refinement.

The "Ashta Kuta" (eight points) system classifies and compares each of these 27 archetypes based on more than ten criteria: (There are the 8 point giving Kutas and several other important comparisons)

* Friendliness with the other person's Moon ruler * Temperament * Sexual compatibility * Vocation and caste * Element and style (fiery, watery or airy) * Capacity for receptivity and forgiveness * Capacity to manifest externally as a couple, etc.

All of these criteria are actually applied to every planet in the chart adding a 10 fold strength just to the surface of Vedic Astrological compatibility. Through this subtlety it is possible to examine each planet.

In relationships the Planets show: Sun - Our independence in the relationship Moon - Our capacity to feel open and comfortable with the other person Mars - Our strong ideas of how things should or shouldn't be in the relationship Mercury - Our capacity to communicate and be flexible Jupiter - Our common philosophies and principles, like values and religion Venus - Our desire to experience pleasure with the partner and how we behave once the partner stops fulfilling us. Saturn - Our need to feel safe, have proper boundaries and put in the necessary effort with the partner.

This amazing refined system shows all of the subtleties in human interaction, not just romantic relationships. It reveals why, perhaps you and your boyfriend have a good sex life, but cannot manifest anything outside of the bedroom. (High Gana Kuta, low Bhava Kuta). Or perhaps you share many interests in common but there is no spark, (High Graha Maitram, Low Yoni Kuta). Or perhaps you get along fine, but as soon as there is problem it is as if a whirlpool sucks you down into a maelstrom of confusion. (High Ashta Kuta points with Vedha or Rajju blemish)

To review: * Vedic relationship astrology emphasizes the Moon, not the Sun * Vedic relationship astrology uses 27 stars (Nakshatras) to delineate the planets with much more precision than twelve Sun Signs * Vedic relationship astrology assess the 27 Star signs based on a ten-fold criteria to glean the subtle implications from each station in life.

This incredible level of accuracy is why they started arranging marriages thousands of years ago. It was not to oppress, it was to liberate and to help. It is no different than a nutritionist telling you what food is best for you or a counselor telling you which type of activities to avoid for increased peace and mental health. Once we learn to trust the universe again and restore the dignity to astrology, these truths will seem any more oppressive than a trusted doctor giving advice. Once rightly understood, Astrology is revealed to be an amazing tool for harmonizing our personal energy with the presiding universal wisdom that is all benevolent and leading us to the truth of who we really are.

Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is a certified Vedic astrologer and author of "The Ascendant". He offers a free email course "Stellar Relationships" at Love Astrology which elucidates Vedic relationship astrology. He also offers a Free Daily Horoscope Podcast

Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is a certified Vedic astrologer and author of "The Ascendant". He offers a free email course "Stellar Relationships" at http://www.love-astrology.net which elucidates Vedic relationship astrology. He also offers a Free Daily Horoscope podcast at http://freedailyhoroscope.org

Understanding Planetary Positions: What Is Vedic Astrology?

Vedic astrology is an age old astrological practice that originated in India in the vedic period. This astrology is even now prevalent in India and in fact it has experienced a renaissance in the last few decades. Millions of people are turning to Vedic astrology world wide to know about their fate. More and more Americans are showing their interest in Vedic astrology. This is also known as Hindu astrology. It is believed that this practice of astrology was introduced on the planet Earth by Hindu testaments called Vedas.

The astrology is basically rising sun astrology. And it lays great emphasis on studying all heavenly bodies to reveal about a person and make predictions accordingly. This astrology finds birth chart of extreme importance in order to get information about a person's life. The birth chart is known as Janma patri according to Vedic astrology. Moon and zodiac sign positions help draw birth chart as well as ascertain Janma Rashi of a person. Janma Rashi could be termed as moon sign. Similarly Vedic astrology ascertains sun sign by studying position of sun in relation to zodiac.

Ketu and Rahu are two planetary points that crucially determine a person's fortune according to vedic astrology. Different positions of Rahu and Ketu could tell a great deal about future as well. These points happen to be at geometric distance of one hundred and eighty degree.

The astrolger of vedic astrology is known as Jyotishi. A Jyotishi observes various planetary movements in order to make predictions. Like western astrology, vedic astrology also offers it's daily horoscope.

Vedic astrology strongly believes that fate of a person keeps changing with his/her actions or karma. Changing planetary positions reflect the same thing.

Planets existing in the solar system are termed as navgarha and along with rahu and ketu they are examined to make astrological statements.

The astrology observes movements of various astrological stars on imaginary path. Usually there are two groups of stars in this astrology. Stars are in twenty six clusters and each cluster has a name.

Despite a lot of fuss and skepticism the astrology is gaining popularity in America and Europe. In India this astrology is even now used for match making. The astrology also offers suggestions regarding future actions and plans.

To read more articles on astrology, astrology predictions and astrology readings visit http://www.your-astrology.com/