Reflections / Shadows / Symmetries = Antiscia

Planets in antiscia and contra-antiscia reflect each other across the cardinal axis. This axis is formed by the four seasonal turning points: the zero degree entry point of each cardinal sign. The cardinal axis is essentially the node of the Sun and is a point we all share. It is the intersection of two Great Circles: the ecliptic, which is the sun's path (i.e., the tropical zodiac), and the earth's equator. Planets connect in antiscia when they reflect or mirror one another across this axis. Like a planetary statement made by two planets in aspect or conjunction, planets in antiscia make a terrestrial (or mundane) statement: a statement for the world which is relevant for everyone. Therefore planets in antiscia can provide insight into the energy of the day, as well as help to enrich your natal and dynamic chart delineations. More on antiscia here...

Mercury Pluto conjunction is antiscia Saturn at the time of the Full Moon while Venus enters Capricorn (= cardinal axis) — Mercury Pluto conjunction is antiscia Saturn at the time of the Full Moon while Venus enters Capricorn (= cardinal axis)

This month there are two additional [longer-standing] passes of Mercury antiscia Saturn (they first connected briefly in December right after the solstice -- and so feature in the Capricorn ingress chart). Pluto is part of the combination this time however, so it's also Saturn and Pluto connecting across the cardinal axis. These repetitive contacts interest me given the players: Mercury Pluto in Saturn's domicile (Capricorn) in aversion (cannot see) but antiscia to Saturn posited in Sagittarius (ruled by Jupiter in its detriment).

In Reinhold Ebertin's classic The Combination of Stellar Influences, we find descriptions for Mercury Saturn = Pluto as "the tendency to toil or grapple with unusual and special problems, the inclination to brood over one's destiny, plans determine a person's destiny." And for Saturn Pluto = Mercury, we find "the urge to do research work, thoroughness, taciturnity, -- the desire to solve difficult problems."

Many people are grappling with big issues right now. And a lot of these issues or concerns are very complex; some of them are out of our hands, and/or are difficult to see clearly; others are so large it's near impossible to know what exactly to do next....

Can the chaos, uncertainty, and instability of the time shake us even more awake?

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A favorite artist of mine, Gillian Welch, has a powerful Saturn Pluto antiscia in her own natal chart (along with other antiscia connections: Mercury Jupiter, Node Venus, and Sun Pluto---i.e., she has the Sun and Saturn in exact opposition). In the spirit of Saturn Pluto, I'd like to share this song with you.

With many big combinations and current events up right now, it seems silly to pick one or two, but there is another that strikes me as strangely important: it's the repeating connection of Mercury in trine to Jupiter (first connection: Dec. 25, second trine: Jan. 14, and third pass: Feb. 6th). I find it noteworthy because the exchange is a mixed one: Jupiter in Mercury's place of dignity (Virgo) while Mercury sees Jupiter from the sign of Jupiter's fall (Capricorn). One half of the partnership seems to be at the mercy of the other, and it is a challenging or uncomfortable connection, yet it has to happen. What or who does Mercury signify here? And, Jupiter?

You'll note there are several additional charts below, including for the new moon on Jan. 9, which is antiscia the Venus Saturn conjunction. You'll see the charts for the two remaining Mercury Pluto conjunctions antiscia Saturn, and for when Mars joins the party- coming to the axis (at 15 fixed, Scorpio) at the end of the month. Hold on..

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To use the list of antiscia below, simply blend the meanings of planets in combination.

All connections are within 30 minutes of arc or less.
Dates showing one planet indicate its ingress onto the cardinal axis (meaning it's at zero cardinal and ought to feature prominently that day).
Those with a (c) indicate contra-antiscia - the symmetrical arrangement around the Aries/Libra axis.

For help with interpretation of the pairs listed below, you may want to refer to a book like The Combination of Stellar Influences by Ebertin, or Alfred Witte's Rules For Planetary Pictures, or this nice online resource for planetary pairs and midpoints by John Sandbach.

These planetary pairs are active for everyone as they occur on the cardinal axis, i.e., symmetrical to the Aries point. If you have personal planets on the cardinal axis, or in antiscia, they are likely even more pronounced and meaningful for you. For directions on how to find these points in a chart, please see the Description page; or contact me for a mentoring session or consultation.

* Lunar conjunctions (not antiscia) are bracketed [ ] below. I've included them here for a quick reference!