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Aspect Patterns in Astrology: Meanings Explained

The Astrology Podcast・101 minutes read

Carole Taylor discusses aspect patterns in astrology, emphasizing their importance in interpreting birth charts and understanding individuals' complexities, with various patterns like T-squares, grand trines, and kites playing significant roles. Taylor's holistic approach to astrology involves integrating mythology, psychology, history, and art to offer a comprehensive understanding of astrological concepts, encouraging ongoing learning and professional development in the field.

Insights

  • Carole Taylor, an astrologer, emphasizes the holistic nature of astrology, connecting diverse fields like mythology, psychology, philosophy, history, art, and healing.
  • Astrology provides endless learning opportunities for individuals at all levels, focusing on both technical knowledge and practical client work.
  • Transitioning from astrology theory to client consultations poses challenges for students, requiring a balance between knowledge and effective client interaction skills.
  • Aspect patterns in astrology, such as T-squares and grand trines, are crucial for understanding individuals' complexities, influencing behavior, relationships, and personal growth significantly.
  • The book "Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life" by Carole Taylor simplifies astrology concepts for beginners, offering a comprehensive overview of aspect patterns and their impact on daily life.

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Recent questions

  • What are aspect patterns in astrology?

    Aspect patterns in astrology involve three or more planets in a chart, showing complex integration of planetary drives and archetypes. They help astrologers interpret combined positions in a birth chart, crucial for understanding individuals' complexity.

  • How do T-squares impact individuals?

    T-squares involve two planets in opposition, with an apex planet mediating between them. Symbolizing dynamic tension and the need for resolution, T-squares significantly impact relationships, professional dynamics, and personal growth.

  • What is the significance of the grand cross in astrology?

    The grand cross, or grand square, is a closed-circuit pattern with high intensity and pressure, lacking an outlet for energy. Individuals with grand crosses tackle challenges head-on, experiencing continuous tension and dynamism in their lives.

  • What is the kite pattern in astrology?

    The kite pattern in astrology involves a grand trine with an additional planet creating a sense of purpose or direction. It adds practicality to innate talents, offering a unique perspective on utilizing one's abilities effectively.

  • How do Yods influence individuals in astrology?

    Yods, when activated by transits, create strange aspects between planets, leading to discomfort or friction. The apex planet in a Yod, requiring courage to engage with its energy, can lead to transformative actions and personal growth.

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Summary

00:00

Carole Taylor: Astrology's Holistic Integrative Nature

  • Chris Brennan hosts The Astrology Podcast, episode 266, recorded on July 29th, 2020, starting at 10:04 a.m. in Denver, Colorado.
  • Carole Taylor, an astrologer, joins Chris to discuss aspect patterns in the natal chart.
  • Carole Taylor's interest in astrology began in the mid-'90s after her Saturn return, leading her to study at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in the UK.
  • Carole Taylor completed the professional diploma at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in 2000 and later became a tutor there.
  • Carole Taylor pursued an MA in Myth, Cosmology, and the Sacred at Canterbury Christ Church University in 2014, focusing on divinatory aspects of astrology.
  • Carole Taylor teaches at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, emphasizing the relationship between sky and psyche.
  • Carole Taylor shares her birth data: born on June 22, 1963, at 3:48 a.m. in London, with 14 degrees of Gemini rising.
  • Carole Taylor's chart features Mercury and Venus in Gemini, the Sun in Gemini, the Moon in Cancer, and Saturn in Aquarius in the ninth house.
  • Carole Taylor's interest in astrology stems from its holistic and integrative nature, tying together her diverse interests in mythology, psychology, philosophy, history, art, and healing.
  • Carole Taylor views astrology as a complex and mercurial subject, closely linked to Hermes and alchemy, with a Chironian aspect, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the discipline.

13:37

Navigating astrology: from theory to practice

  • Astrology is a subject that offers endless learning opportunities, regardless of one's level of expertise or experience.
  • Educators in astrology often find that students face challenges in transitioning from technical knowledge to working with clients.
  • Students must navigate various aspects of astrology, such as house systems, aspects, and aspect patterns, which can be overwhelming.
  • The practice of astrology involves not only technical knowledge but also the ability to work effectively with clients, requiring a different set of skills.
  • Students often feel overwhelmed when starting consultations, but it is essential to work with what they know and maintain integrity in their practice.
  • Learning astrology involves a balance between book knowledge and practical experience gained from working with clients.
  • Professionalization of astrology has been a recent trend, emphasizing the importance of ongoing professional development and commitment to one's own learning.
  • Different niches exist within astrology, allowing individuals to choose paths that align with their interests and strengths.
  • The book "Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life" by the author was published in 2018 and offers a comprehensive overview of astrology.
  • The book aims to make astrology accessible to both beginners and those with some knowledge, focusing on integration and synthesis of astrological concepts.

27:22

Comprehensive Astrology Books for All Ages

  • Astrologers deal with various life aspects and unexpected questions from clients.
  • Astrology is applicable to all areas of life, from mundane to deeply psychological.
  • Parker's Astrology was a comprehensive book recommended for learning astrology.
  • The book "Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life" aims to provide comprehensive information.
  • A shorter version of the book, "The Secrets of Astrology," is tailored for young readers.
  • The shorter version simplifies astrology concepts for children around 10-12 years old.
  • The comprehensive version is recommended for its depth and additional flashcards for learning.
  • The book discusses aspect patterns, involving three or more planets in a chart.
  • Aspect patterns show complex integration of planetary drives and archetypes.
  • Rudhyar and Charles Carter are mentioned as authors who discussed aspect patterns in astrology.

41:40

Understanding Aspect Patterns in Astrology

  • The aspect patterns discussed include the Yod, T-square, stellium, mystic rectangle, minor grand trine, kite, hard rectangle, grand trine, and finger of the world.
  • The stellium is usually discussed last as it is not considered a traditional aspect pattern.
  • T-squares are a common aspect pattern, with approximately 45% of charts having them.
  • T-squares involve three planets, with two in opposition and one squaring both simultaneously.
  • An eight-degree orb is used for opposition and square aspects.
  • The use of equal houses in astrology has a tradition dating back to the founding of the faculty in 1948 in the UK.
  • The choice of house system in astrology is personal and should be based on what works for the individual astrologer.
  • Equal houses provide a unique perspective on the MC/IC axis and the nonagesimal point.
  • The T-square aspect pattern involves synthesizing the positions of three planets to create a combined delineation.
  • Aspect patterns help astrologers learn how to interpret combined positions in a birth chart.

55:40

The Significance of Aspect Patterns in Astrology

  • Aspect patterns in astrology are crucial for understanding the complexity of individuals.
  • The T-square involves two planets in opposition, with an apex planet mediating between them.
  • The T-square symbolizes dynamic tension and the need for resolution, driving individuals to perfect skills.
  • Childhood experiences often shape how individuals perceive aspect patterns in their lives.
  • T-squares impact relationships, professional dynamics, and personal growth significantly.
  • Different types of T-squares (cardinal, fixed, mutable) influence individuals' approaches to challenges.
  • Princess Diana's T-square involving the Moon, Uranus, and Venus exemplifies the impact of aspect patterns.
  • Aspect patterns, like kites, can also play a significant role in shaping individuals' lives and actions.
  • Astrologers often focus on aspect patterns as they provide immediate insights into a chart.
  • Understanding the commonalities between planets in aspect patterns is key to interpreting their influence accurately.

01:10:56

Astrological Patterns: Insights into Life's Dynamics

  • The kite pattern in the chart is highlighted, with the Mars-Pluto opposition being the dynamo of the pattern.
  • The chart features the Sun at nine degrees of Cancer, trine to Neptune at eight degrees of Scorpio, and sextile to Pluto at six degrees of Virgo, which is conjunct Mars at one degree of Virgo, opposing Chiron at six degrees of Pisces.
  • Close aspect patterns like a T-square are noted to be sensitive, with major transits affecting all planets simultaneously.
  • Transits activating a T-square, like Diana's Moon Uranus opposition square to Venus, can span several years, impacting each planet in the pattern.
  • The activation of multiple transits simultaneously, like Saturn conjunct Venus and squaring Moon and Uranus, can have profound effects on a person's life.
  • The analogy of wind chimes is used to explain how planets resonate in a T-square, with harmonics and musicality playing a role in astrological interpretation.
  • The continuous activation of a T-square through various transits like Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn shapes a person's responses and experiences throughout life.
  • The grand square, or grand cross, is discussed as a closed-circuit pattern with high intensity and pressure, lacking an outlet for energy.
  • The importance of consciously using the energy of challenging patterns like the grand cross is emphasized to avoid self-destructive behaviors.
  • The significance of zodiacal qualities dominating a chart, such as cardinal, fixed, or mutable modalities, is highlighted in understanding a person's temperament and life experiences.

01:26:45

"Explorer's Astrological Journey: Challenges and Growth"

  • The individual discussed is an explorer from Norway named Victor, with a late Aquarius rising chart.
  • Victor embarked on a daring expedition to prove a theory linking South American and Polynesian myths, constructing a balsa wood raft and sailing into the Pacific.
  • Despite lacking fire signs in his chart, Victor displayed immense determination and resilience during his perilous journey.
  • Victor's fixed grand cross in his chart symbolizes his approach to life, characterized by taking on challenges beyond his capacity and persevering.
  • The expedition led by Victor, known as the Kon-Tiki Expedition, resulted in survival despite the balsa wood raft breaking upon reaching land.
  • Victor's experiences on the expedition taught him about leadership, survival, and endurance, shaping his character significantly.
  • Grand crosses in astrology, like Victor's, indicate individuals who tackle challenges head-on and are changed forever by their experiences.
  • Grand crosses, unlike T-squares, lack a pressure release valve, leading to a continuous sense of tension and dynamism in the individual's life.
  • Planets are essential components of aspect patterns like T-squares and grand crosses, with other points like the Ascendant or nodes not fulfilling the same role.
  • The example of Rudolf Hess's chart demonstrates how aspect patterns like T-squares can influence relationships and life choices, with the Moon often playing a crucial role.

01:42:26

Astrology: Patterns and Influences in Talent

  • The Moon's influence is often subtle and can manifest in physical and psychosomatic ways.
  • The grand cross and rectangle patterns in astrology involve different aspects and dynamics.
  • The grand trine pattern occurs when three planets form a triangle in the chart, symbolizing ease and harmony.
  • Planets in a grand trine are typically linked by elements like fire, Earth, air, or water.
  • Hard aspects in astrology provoke tension or discomfort, while trines represent talents often taken for granted.
  • Individuals with a grand trine in water signs may possess natural musicality or empathy.
  • Examples like Kurt Cobain and Billy Corgan showcase how grand trines in water can influence musicians.
  • The kite pattern in astrology involves a grand trine with an additional planet creating a sense of purpose or direction.
  • The kite pattern introduces a different element to the grand trine, adding practicality to innate talents.
  • Excess of feeling in grand trines, especially in water signs, can lead to being overwhelmed by emotions and lacking perspective.

01:57:57

"Yods: Transformative Aspects in Astrology"

  • A quincunx or inconjunct occurs with two planets in sextile, creating an apex or focal point.
  • The sextile brings together two planets that can work well together, with a sense of enjoyment and busyness.
  • The challenge lies in using the energy bound up in the apex planet through the quincunx.
  • Quincunxes require awareness and consciousness before effectively using the energy.
  • Yods, when activated by transits, can create strange aspects between planets.
  • A closer orb of 4° for sextiles and 2° for quincunxes is used to identify the apex planet in a Yod.
  • Yods are considered significant aspects, especially in charts like Oscar Wilde's with two Yods.
  • Oscar Wilde's Yods involved planets that influenced his writing and sense of belonging in the literary community.
  • The Yod aspect can lead to a sense of discomfort or friction, pushing individuals to find their way.
  • The apex planet in a Yod, like Pluto, can lead to transformative actions and require courage to engage with the energy effectively.

02:13:52

"Aspect Patterns: Insights for Everyday Life"

  • The discussion lasted for two hours and fifteen minutes, prompting the need to conclude.
  • Aspect patterns are experienced at various levels and require lateral thinking for interpretation.
  • Aspect patterns manifest in behavior, relationships, and professional situations.
  • Aspect patterns play a role in daily life activities like relationships, cleaning, and entertainment choices.
  • A book on aspect patterns is in progress by the author, Carole Taylor, published by Dorling Kindersley.
  • The book, "Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life," is affordable and comprehensive.
  • Carole Taylor is also launching a website, caroletaylorastrology.com, and teaches at the Faculty of Astrological Studies in London.
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