ANTISCIA Feb/2012

Your monthly installment of planetary antiscia and contra antiscia is here.

Bold dates indicate the strongest day for a particular planetary expression. Dates showing only one planet indicate its ingress into a Cardinal sign (or 15 degree Fixed), i.e. it is sitting directly on the Cardinal axis and so should feature prominently that day. Those marked with an asterisk are antiscia formed around the midpoint of two Cardinal signs, which is always at 15 degrees Fixed. Those with a (c) indicate contra antiscia and are symmetrical arrangements around the Aries/Libra axis.

February 2012

1^st–29^th – Saturn|Neptune

4^th – Sun *

4^th – Sun|Mercury *

5^th – Mercury *

5^th, 6^th – Venus|Uranus (c)

7^th, 8^th – Venus

7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th – Mars|Pluto *

11^th – Mercury|Jupiter (c)

13^th, 14^th – Mercury|Saturn *

13^th, 14^th, 15^th – Sun|Jupiter (c)

16^th, 17^th, 18^th – Venus|Mars

18^th, 19^th, 20^th – Sun|Saturn

21^st – Mercury|Venus (c)

25^th – Mercury|Pluto *

25^th – Venus|Node *

26^th, 27^th – Sun|Venus (c)

28^th, 29^th – Mercury|Uranus (c)

ENJOY! 

ANTISCIA Jan/2012

Antiscia are reflections or shadow points arranged symmetrically around zero degrees of any of the four Cardinal signs - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. Antiscia and contra-antiscia have been noted and utilized by astrologers since at least the 4th century; Julius Firmicus Maternus mentions antiscia in his Mathesis. Because these arrangements fall around the Cardinal axis, and all life on earth moves in sync with and is affected by seasonal change, planets in antiscia and contra-antiscia are thought to manifest powerfully in the world.

To use the list below, simply blend the meanings of the planets in combination. Bold dates indicate a day of strongest expression. Dates showing only one planet indicate its ingress into a Cardinal sign (or 15 degree Fixed) i.e. it is sitting directly on the Cardinal axis and so should feature prominently that day. Those marked with an asterisk are antiscia formed around the midpoint of two Cardinal signs which is always at 15 degrees Fixed. Those with a (c) indicate contra-antiscia, a symmetrical arrangement around the Aries/Libra axis.

January 2012

1^st – Venus *

1^st–20^th – Jupiter|Neptune (c)

2^nd, 3^rd – Mercury|Pluto

7^th – Mercury|Uranus *

7^th, 8^th – Mercury

10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th – Mars|Pluto *

12^th, 13^th – Venus|Jupiter (c)

13^th – Mercury|Mars

14^th, 15^th – Venus|Saturn

16^th – Sun|Venus *

20^th – Sun|Neptune *

21^st – Mercury|Venus *

25^th, 26^th, 27^th, 28^th, 29^th, 30^th, 31^st – Saturn|Neptune

27^th – Mercury|Neptune *

31^st – Venus|Pluto *

ANTISCIA Dec/2011 Jupiter+Neptune=Uranus... cont.

The long-standing contra-antiscia of Jupiter|Neptune to Uranus (at 0 Aries) continues to persist through all of the month of December. Keywords for Ju|Ne include: pretend or false luck, faulty investments, and hypocrisy. Uranus signifies surprises, breakthroughs or breakdowns, and earthquakes (literally and/or figuratively). In the book Rules for Planetary Pictures, Alfred Witte described this combination, Jupiter + Neptune = Uranus, as: a sudden collapse, bankruptcy, in addition to, suddenly getting money which is easily earned - sounds like fake money flooding the banks to me. Further into December another somewhat long-standing antiscion occurs between Saturn|Chiron, in Libra and Pisces respectively. 
 

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Planetary antiscia for December 2011

1st - 31st – Jupiter|Neptune = Uranus (c)

7th – Sun|Venus

8th, 9th – Venus|Node

9th – Venus|Mars *

14th, 15th – Sun|Pluto

16th, 17th – Mercury|Venus

18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st – Saturn|Chiron

21st – Sun|Uranus *

21st, 22nd – Sun

31st – Sun|Mercury

31st – Sun|Mars *

To use this list, simply blend the meanings of planets in combination. Bold dates indicate the strongest day for a particular planetary expression. Dates showing only one planet indicate its ingress into a Cardinal sign (or 15 degree Fixed) i.e. it is sitting directly on the Cardinal axis, and so should feature prominently that day. Those marked with an asterisk are antiscia formed around the midpoint of two Cardinal signs, which is always at 15 degrees Fixed. Those with a (c) indicate contra-antiscia, a symmetrical arrangement around the Aries/Libra axis, which like contra parallel may be more stressful or unstable.

Antiscia refers to reflections or shadow points symmetrically arranged around zero degrees of any of the Cardinal signs - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. Antiscia has been noted and utilized by astrologers since at least the 4th century; Julius Firmicus Maternus mentions antiscia in his Mathesis. Because these are arrangements falling around the Cardinal axis, and all life on earth moves in sync with, and is affected by, seasonal change, planets in antiscia and contra-antiscia are thought to manifest powerfully in the world.

ANTISCIA Nov/2011 Jupiter+Neptune=Uranus

Below you'll find a list of planetary antiscia for November. 

This month the never-ending-story of Jupiter|Neptune (speculation, money losses, fuzzy values) gets even louder as the planetary combination moves within a half degree orb on the cardinal axis by November 16. Due to the apparent retrograde motion of Jupiter in ($ and resources) Taurus this contra-antiscia to Neptune in (collective interests) Aquarius will stay in effect through January 2012! More keywords for Ju|Ne include: pretend or false luck, faulty investments, and hypocrisy. Or, a more positive expression: idealistic and optimistic aims, working for a humanitarian or idealistic cause without interest in personal gain. To quote Michael Munkasey in his book on midpoints: "a legal system where ethics or morals are based upon favors or payoffs." We have a problem, and Uranus, symbolizing revolutionary impulse, is pounding on the door. With Uranus' presence in very early Aries - and lying at the direct midpoint of Jupiter|Neptune - this revolution is far from over. The exposure of flamboyant and immoral financial expenditure and accumulation is not only underway, but is going to get even more pronounced. In his book, Rules for Planetary Pictures, Alfred Witte used words like: "sudden collapse, bankruptcy" to describe this combination (in addition to "suddenly getting money which is easily earned"). Likely a continuation of rose-colored-glass-smashing events will erupt, and with all of this occurring on the cardinal axis (the world's stage), I'd say some real change may be in the air.

In the list below, bold dates indicates days of strongest expression; an asterisk * indicate points falling around 15 deg fixed; and the (c) for contra-antiscia, like contra parallel, is thought to be more challenging, like forces in opposition. Looks like a bumpy ride for Jupiter+Neptune=Uranus endeavors.
 

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1st, 2nd, 3rd – Mars|Jupiter

7th – Sun *

7th – Venus|Saturn *

7th – Mercury|Saturn *

16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th – Jupiter|Neptune (c)

19th, 20th – Sun|Jupiter * 

19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd – Mars|Saturn (c)

20th, 21st – Venus|Pluto

25th – Venus|Uranus *

25th, 26th– Venus

26th, 27th– Sun|Saturn *

ANTISCIA Oct/2011

Antiscia and contra-antiscia are symmetrical arrangements around the Cardinal axis, meaning they are expressed on the earthly plane. It is thought that when planets are contra-antiscia they make a more troublesome or difficult pair. Note: planets here that are contra-antiscia are marked with a (c). 

The month starts off with two major antiscion to Ceres. Perfect, for me, as I'm traveling in Greece for much of October, and Greece is Ceres' (or Demeter's) domain.

I expect to periodically download what the goddesses have to report - so check back later in the month!

Antiscia for October 2011

1^st – Mercury|Ceres 

2^nd, 3^rd – Mercury|Node * 

2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th – Sun|Ceres

7^th, 8^th – Venus|Chiron 

9^th, 10^th, 11^th – Venus|Neptune

11^th, 12^th, 13^th – Mercury|Chiron

13^th, 14^th – Mercury|Neptune

18^th, 19^th – Venus|Mars (c)

20^th – Mercury|Mars (c)

20^th, 21^st – Venus *

21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd – Sun|Chiron

24^th, 25^th, 26^th – Sun|Neptune

28^th Venus|Jupiter *

28^th Venus|Sun *

29^th, 30^th – Sun|Mars

29^th Mercury|Jupiter *

30^th, 31^st – Mars|Jupiter

lights, camera, action

A lot is happening on the Cardinal axis this week.

Sun|Uranus, exact today, brings excitement or upset. When the planet of liberation, reform, innovation, and change meets up with the Sun (a transiting timer for the day), one wonders what might be in store... What shocking news might come to our attention these couple of days?

Also occurring now is Mars|Neptune, which can be a fight for a great cause or failed plans. Will we see dissolution and downright destruction - or some radical changes taking place?

Let yourself be inspired to act.

The time is right to take a stand for something you believe in. 

TRANSFORM

Sun|Pluto are on the cardinal axis through Sunday night. They fall symmetrically around the 15 degree fixed sign of Scorpio. Take time this weekend to:

let go of what you no longer need

grow and develop something new

connect deeply to someone/something

recognize the power residing within you

Deep Thinking Mercury|Saturn

With Mercury antiscion Saturn, it is a good day for deep and serious thinking. Watch out for pessimism, or being overly critical or fault finding with others. Use the day instead for research. If there's something you find intriguing, follow a thread to find out more. Dig, probe, prod - uncover = discover.

Love is in the Air (sign that is)

The ingress of Venus into Libra today (7:40pm PDT) puts her directly on the Cardinal axis, and so in the world.

Situations and/or people might look more attractive for a spell. It may even seem easier to smooth things over with niceties, pleasantries, and pretty ideas. But it won't last long. Venus is in an applying opposition to Uranus, exact on Saturday, and an applying square to Pluto. All this week she'll be more and more agitated if things are not authentic. (Refer to my previous post if you'd like more keywords for Venus Uranus.)

Venus is indeed dignified in Libra, Venus likes to be in Liba. But her connection to Uranus and Pluto will likely strip her of any superficial comfort... If it's not real, it's not gonna last. 

This week Uranus and Pluto demand depth, genuineness, and totally honest interactions - even if brutally honest - they wouldn't have it any other way! 

And, yes, Pablo Picasso's Venus was in Libra.

MODEST Mouse Sun|Saturn

Take a realistic approach...

Be practical with all that you do these three days, September 5-7, while Sun Saturn stand on the cardinal axis. If you don't have your feet firmly on the ground, you could find increased problems or obstacles popping up.

Saturn, like "sat" in Sanskrit meaning the ideal, or "satya" truth, emphasizes right and wrong / true and false. Therefore being honest with yourself, keeping commitments, and applying a good dose of patient determination to whatever you pursue is tremendously appropriate now. 

The Hermit lies in Saturn's domain too, so, if at all possible, work alone. And if you can't make a day in seclusion a reality, do your work with as much integrity and rigor as possible.

It is time to be cautious and attentive to details. Avoid misunderstandings by stating things clearly, and take a break if you need one. 

Sun|Mars comes to Venus|Saturn Wanna Fight and Break Up?

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This morning the Sun aligns with Mars on the cardinal axis and meets up with the already present Venus Saturn combination that began yesterday. While Venus Saturn emphasizes a more practical tone to our creative endeavors or ways of loving, it can also cause separation from the things or people we love - even if it's just in our mind. With Sun Mars moving into the picture, representing many things including using our will and vitality to pursue some aim, the need to be active is paramount otherwise there may be a tendency toward more aggressive expressions. To me this has a Big Fight and Break Up written all over it, in some form or manifestation, likely not literally. 

There are however other ways to look at and work with these combined planetary pairs, and we shouldn't miss the opportunity to make them work for us! 

The duty and discipline inherent in Venus Saturn melds well with Sun Mars if you channel the urge for work and activity into a project or some commitment that you feel passionate about. It's also got a nice feel of follow through - the drive is there to carry out some important task, if it's something you value enough.   

ANTISCIA Sep/2011

Prompted by the recent new moon in Virgo occurring last Sunday (which was conjunct my list-making & technique obsessed Mars), I have set a new project in motion: to track planetary antiscia. As I simultaneously write up the list of monthly antiscia for the Washington State Astrological Association blog, I thought it could be useful and possibly entertaining to provide a little more info here. 

If you would like to read a very thorough description of antiscia, I recommend Deborah Houlding's article. But simply put: antiscia are reflections like shadow points arranged symmetrically around the Cardinal axis. The Cardinal axis is made up of the zero degree point of each of the four Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These points mark the summer and winter solstice and the spring and fall equinox. Because these are reflections around the Cardinal axis - the points of the turning of the seasons - and all living things are dependent on and interacting with the seasonal shifts - it's an axis or point we all share.  And so, planets in antiscia are thought to be felt by all. 

In addition to the list, I will periodically delineate planetary pairs, speculating what particular planets in combination might bring about. But even without my delineations you can use this list by considering what the two planets in connection mean. For instance, what does Venus with Saturn represent? Love, beauty and affection - meets a need for structure, discipline and practicality. Saturn cools Venus down. How might this play out in world events or for us personally? Is it time to consider getting more serious about something we love, make a stronger commitment? Or is it indicative of a cooling off period, a time to separate and say goodbye to something we had previously been attached to? How much do we need? What's really important? If Venus wants to create something of beauty Saturn typically prefers it can be used in a practical way or has real world merit. 

You can work proactively with these daily combinations - not only can it be a good way to harness the energy, but it can be a great way to learn (both about astrology and life in general). 

Below is the list of antiscia for September:

1st, 2nd - Venus|Saturn  

2nd – Sun|Mars *

5th, 6th, 7th – Sun|Saturn

10th – Venus|Pluto *

11th, 12th - Venus|Uranus

11th – Mercury|Mars *

14th – Venus

15th – Mars|Chiron *

16th – Mercury|Saturn

17th, 18th - Sun|Pluto *

18th – Sun|Venus

19th, 20th, 21st – Sun|Uranus

20th, 21st – Mars|Neptune *

20th, 21st - Mercury|Venus

22nd – Mercury|Pluto *

22nd, 23rd – Sun

23rd, 24th - Mercury|Uranus

24th – Venus|Node *

24th – Sun|Mercury

25th – Mercury

Bold dates indicate when planetary combinations are strongest. The dates with an asterisk* are combinations that fall symmetrically around the 15 degree Fixed point (more easily visible on the 90 degree dial). Planets listed alone are those coming to 0 degrees Cardinal, or 15 Fixed, so their planetary meaning takes on heightened importance for the day. 

Here is the chart for the first antiscia of the month, Venus|Saturn: 

Why Antiscia?

Planets in antiscia are relevant for everyone. 

If you would like to read a thorough description of antiscia outlining its historical roots and relevance, I recommend Deborah Houlding's article. But simply put: antiscia, like shadows, are points reflected symmetrically around the cardinal axis. The cardinal axis is made up of the zero-degree point of each of the four cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. These points mark the start of the seasons at the summer and winter solstice and the spring and fall equinox. Because antiscia are reflections across the cardinal axis - an axis which marks the turning of the seasons - and because all living things respond to, interact with, and depend upon these seasonal shifts - it is an axis or point we all share, and so planets in antiscia are thought to be felt or experienced by all. 

Antiscia

Contra-antiscia

In addition to the monthly list of antiscia I post on this blog, I will periodically delineate planetary pairs. But even without my delineations you can use the list by considering what the two planets in connection mean. 

For instance, what does Venus with Saturn represent? Love, beauty, and affection meets a need for structure, discipline, and practicality. Saturn cools Venus down, it constricts or focuses Venus' significations. How might this play out in world events or for us personally? Is it time to consider getting more serious about something we love, make a stronger commitment? Or is it indicative of a cooling off period, a time to separate or say goodbye to something we had previously been attached to? How much do we need? What's really important? If Venus wants to create something of beauty or enjoy something, Saturn prefers it also have real world merit. 

Working proactively with planetary antiscia combinations can be a good way to harness the energy of the day, and it can also be a great way to learn, both about astrology and life in general.

If you find you need help with planetary pairs and keywords you can always refer to a book. Some good ones include:

Combinations of Stellar Influences by Reinhold Ebertin

Rules for Planetary Pictures by Alfred Witte 

Horoscope Symbols by Robert Hand  

Feel free to leave a comment or contact me if you have questions.