by How to add another dimension to planetary aspects
To determine the position of a planet in a zodiac chart using standard astrological techniques, we focus on its ecliptic geocentric longitude. This value represents the planet’s apparent annual movement along the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Another reference system used is the equatorial coordinate system, which is based on the celestial projection of the Earth’s rotation plane. It utilises two key coordinates: right ascension, which measures the angular distance of a point along the equator to the east from the vernal equinox, and declination, which measures the angular distance of a point north or south of the equator.
These coordinates allow us to uniquely identify the position of a celestial body, similar to how geographic longitude and latitude are used to pinpoint a location on the Earth’s surface.
On the other hand, using the longitude of the ecliptic alone provides the planets’ position within the zodiacal constellations, but it does not reveal their exact locations in the sky. To illustrate this, it is as if we were trying to locate Rome on the terrestrial globe by considering only its longitude, while also Venice and Copenhagen fall on roughly the same meridian. For instance, when we say that the Moon and Mercury are conjunct at 15 degrees of Libra, we generally understand that they appear close together in the sky. However, they could be as far apart as two cities on the same meridian but not on the exact parallel. This is where declination comes into play; it adds a second dimension that uniquely enables us to pinpoint the planets’ positions on the celestial sphere. This additional information allows us to detail some parts of the astrology interpretation.
Two planets are considered parallel when they have the same declination (north or south) with a maximum deviation of about one degree. They are classified as contraparallel when one planet is north of the equator, and the other is south, despite having the same declination. Due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, known as the obliquity of the ecliptic, the maximum declination is approximately 23° 45′ north or south. However, planets do not always lie on the ecliptic plane; they can deviate from it by a few degrees (up to 17° for Pluto). This means that planets can exceed the maximum declination when using the equatorial reference system. When this occurs, the planet is designated as OOB (out of bounds), which indicates a specific dynamic that can be reflected in the analysis of a theme.
Aspects of declination in the recent history of astrology
The declination aspects of astrology do not appear to have captured the attention of ancient authors, in contrast to the parallels of latitude, which refer to the north and south heights of planets relative to the ecliptic plane. In the nineteenth century, Zadkiel (born Richard James Morrison), an English astrologer known for his “Zadkiel’s Almanac,” advocated for the extensive use of declination parallels, suggesting that they might be even more potent in their effects than traditional aspects, such as conjunctions.
The Belgian astrologer Gustave-Lambert Brahy, who founded the “Revue Belge d’Astrologie” in 1926, claimed that these aspects could explain stock market fluctuations, economic trends, and, concerning slow-moving planets, significant historical events. According to him, when one planet is positioned higher in declination than another, it dominates the lower one, and reversing these positions leads to a change in their dynamics. 1
Conversely, the German astrologer H. Freiherr Von Klöckler expressed scepticism about the influence of declination aspects, although he acknowledged the potential effectiveness of the Moon’s parallel with other planets. 2 Some authors incorporate this data in synastry, viewing these aspects as reinforcing the values of co-dependence within relationships.
Overall, astrologers’ reactions to declination aspects seem pretty polarised, with some expressing intense enthusiasm and others exhibiting cautious indifference, as if they were two separate worlds that rarely intersect.
Interpretation of aspects in declination
We can associate the parallel aspect with the conjunction on the ecliptic, while contraparallels can be linked to an opposition. This is the claim of most proponents of this method. However, combining different representation systems, such as the ecliptic and equatorial systems, can be risky unless the scope of each system is precisely defined.
The planetary aspects on the ecliptic plane are closely related to the zodiac’s symbolism. The placement of a planet in a particular sign indicates how its functions are expressed within the zodiac. On an archetypal level, the zodiac symbolises our consciousness through its twelve manifestations connected to the seasonal cycle. These represent the physical, soulful, and mental frameworks we embody as we enter the world.
On the other hand, the planet in a declination aspect represents an extra-zodiacal reality beyond the personality conveyed by the larger macrocosmic whole. It is as if the planet operates independently, free from the constraints of its associated individuality, becoming an impersonal force of destiny that weaves the fabric of events without hindrance. In this context, parallel aspects can help uncover gifts, talents, significant events, and even negative influences (in the case of contraparallels) that are challenging to place within the “horizontal” relationship indicated by zodiacal longitude. The “vertical” symbolism of the parallel aspect offers a glimpse into the powers of destiny, allowing one to step outside of the individual microcosm and experience planetary influence in its pure form.
Regarding an out-of-bounds planet, we can anticipate that it will encourage the individual not to accept limits, developing a remarkable creative potential related to its symbolism. On the other hand, if expressed negatively, it may lead to unstable or abnormal behavior when faced with societal norms.
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