Understanding Geomancy Aspects

Modern geomancers often see aspects as secondary considerations, but aspects were crucial in early geomancy, where “perfection” did not exist. Understanding aspects requires examining how figures interact with one another. It’s not sufficient to determine whether a figure forms a sextile, trine, or opposition; figures must be closely analysed to see if they conflict.

Two figures form a conflict when their planet or element dislikes the other, or if they have different levels of mobility. For instance, Via likes Tristitia even though it is mobile and Tristitia is stable, because the moon likes Saturn, and water gets along with earth. In my book, Stars and Stones, I have extensive tables for these relationships, even though I wasn’t using them at the time.

Relationships and Conflicts

These interactions become vital in relationship readings. Christopher Cattan states that relationship readings are automatically oppositions, so the figures must agree in terms of planet, element, or mobility to avoid disputes and conflicts. For example, a Via and Tristitia combination in the first and seventh houses in a relationship reading would indicate minor conflict but general harmony.

However, even figures that are traditionally considered beneficial might be in conflict. For example, Fortuna Major in the first house is typically good for everything, and Conjunctio is suitable for relationships. However, the Sun dislikes Mercury, Fortuna Major is stable while Conjunctio is mobile, and the element is neutral. This scenario would be interpreted as negative by traditional astrologers.

Trines and Sextiles

Cattan states that trines are automatically good, emphasising the importance of them being the same element for the querent’s benefit. Sextiles, however, are more problematic as conflicts between figures can indicate a good result only after contentions and problems.

Squares and Other Aspects

Squares in Cattan’s interpretation are not as negative as in astrology but follow some confusing rules:

• A square between the first and the tenth is good for the querent if it is a positive figure with the same quality and planet.
• Acquisitio in the first and tenth houses is suitable for the querent.
• Latitia in any squares is average.
• If a figure is friendly with another, it can be judged as Acquisitio; if in conflict, it is judged as Latitia.

Conjunctions follow similar rules. If the quested moves next to the querent, it usually means the question will happen. However, if the figures are at odds, a positive result could lead to future conflict. The same rules apply to mutations and translations, although the latter often involve third-party agencies or forces.

Example Reading

Let’s consider a “does she love me?” chart, with Tristitia (Saturn, stable, and Earth) as the querent and Caput Draconis (North Node, stable, and Earth) as the quested. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, these figures agree. With no opposition, the reading must consider these figures working harmoniously. The quested likely admires the querent’s persistence and serious approach, and wants to start something with them.

She is moving to form a second house conjunction, automatically suitable for the question. He moves to his tenth house, and she moves to his 11th. This mutation suggests the couple might express feelings better through communication, though he is moving slowly and she does not mind.

A trine here shows the querent in the second house trining the querent in the tenth, which is positive for the question. Since it is a moving figure (from the seventh to the second), it indicates the quested will continue to have feelings for him. Her move to the 11th house also sextiles him in the first house, again positive for the question. His move to the tenth house forms a square to her seventh, which Cattan says is like Latitia and, therefore, average.

The Rest of the Chart

The left witness is Cauda Draconis, and the right witness is Caput Draconis, resulting in a Carcer judge. While only one figure is good, the Judge favours the right witness. This configuration is average, balancing opposites. Generally, though, with the sentence being Laetitia, we can expect positive outcomes for the querent.

Summary

The geomancy reading suggests a harmonious relationship between the querent (Tristitia) and the quested (Caput Draconis). The quested admires the querent’s persistence and serious approach, indicating potential for a positive relationship. The couple might express their feelings better through communication, and the quested will likely continue having feelings for the querent in the future. Positive alignments, such as trines and sextiles, support the question of love, though some aspects are average. Overall, the reading concludes with a favourable outlook for the querent.