Aspects between the planets that
shape the Self
27.2
page 2 of 4
No recipe
Aspects between the planets mentioned above contribute to the process of Self-formation. Depending on the nature of the aspect, this contribution will either happen quietly or be accompanied by tensions.
In the following descriptions of the aspects, I will focus on the affliction, because this combination of both forces lends itself well to a clear-cut description, either as driver or obstruction.
This choice is made for the sake of clarity, but also carries the risk that these descriptions will strike the reader as slight exaggerations. If one of these aspects is active in one’s own horoscope, this may be felt as confronting. Readers are invited to read the text with some reservation. It is not advisable to apply these descriptions to either oneself or others at face value.
The formation of the Self
As we have seen before (20), the Self goes through a developmental process in which it emancipates into adulthood by separating itself from the primal mother. Various planet combinations reflect the consecutive stages of this process (21).
These planet combinations have more impact on the horoscope as a whole than the following descriptions indicate, but the intention here is merely to give a general idea of their role in the formation of the Self and the specific direction in which it shows itself.
The aspects
- A combined aspect between Sun, Moon and Ascendant can carry the process of Self-development from the Center into the field of concrete action, either as a continuation of our Self-awareness or as an obstruction to it. In any case, a connection between these three implies an integration of the factors that build up the Self.
- In the affliction between Sun and Moon, the personality presents itself as either larger or smaller than its actual inner resilience warrants. This adopted attitude either creates an expectation the person cannot live up to, or makes him hold back his power. The image that comes to mind is that of either a small ship with large, billowing sails, or a large ship with limp sails. There is either overconfidence or tepidity and lack of interest. The passivity of the Moon in its projecting function comes into play here. There is a distortion in the balance between effort and content.
When all three inner planets are involved in this affliction, the person assumes that his own viewpoint is the only one that can exist: He takes his world to be the world, leaving no room for any other world. This view of oneness (which is actually separation) arises from a lack of Self-awareness. Ignorance of one’s own limited viewpoint can show itself in a demand for oneness that is imposed on the environment, and/or in an inability to recognize oneself in the limitations of others. The Self-development is dispersing, spreading out over the environment. In a subjective sense, this may lead to narcissism.
In order to arrive at a meaningful interpretation, the position of the mystery planets, particularly of Uranus as the capacity to break out, should also be weighed in the context of the whole.
- The affliction between Saturnus and the Moon plays an important part in projections, which will take shape in the soul field as fixed images. As we know, both of them are key figures in the process of Self-formation. Both are boundary principles. Their combination, therefore, represents a tendency to maintain in all its expressions.
The Self keeps itself tightly together; there is little room for other life forms. Apart from inhibitions and fears, there is a lack of lively emotional experience. Nuances fall away.
(To be continued on the next page)
index, subjects per page, pictures, blue marked texts, references,