... especially if you're interested in reading more about Minor Aspects. We're always looking for more info to read on Minor Aspects -If you know a little about them already, your feedback is appreciated.
"The "Minor" Aspects
You are unlikely to find predominance because of the orb used for the so-called "Minor" aspects. However they form an important role in assessing the grid because they operate at a less conscious, more subliminal level.
The Semisquare implies discontent.
It can illustrate a lack of trust in the relationship. There is an unwillingness to go all the way to a full blown aspects, and irritation and conflict is rarely addressed, but they seem to get half way but then back off. When semi-squares are triggered, old habits and irritations loom large and take on ridiculous proportions. What might seem a cute little habit when you are in the glister of first love becomes the straw that can break the camels back in 20 year's time and the issues just simmer along until a transit triggers them. Apparently 'good' relationship can then break under the strain of what might seem to others a trivial issue.
The Sesquisquare implies ongoing but unrecognised irritants.
This is a bit like the semi square except there might be a bit more chance of facing it. Indeed it is faced so many times as a dynamic in the relationship that it eventually becomes a reliable source of conflict in what might otherwise be a dull existence. It takes irritation and makes it full blown frustration. It can however, lead to confronting and issue at least, usually after a long period. But residual animosity tends to remain. When this aspect appears frequently in relationships grid, the partners will tend to take things to extremes to test each other.
The Quincunx is a very difficult aspect.
There are charts where this takes dominance and they are toxic relationships. Generally said to be the areas where adjustments have to be made, if one has to adjust to the point of losing focus then it is a sinister aspect. The Quincunx "swings" between a trine and opposition. There is a constant shifting of energy that can be wearing. This aspect is the stuff of the victim / perpetrator and one hopes not to find it except in small numbers. Too many and the chances of the relationship being healthy are remote. It occurs commonly in charts where one partner is alcoholic, sick, or escapes responsibility through infidelity or illness and the other takes the strain. The quincunx erodes the relationship. It is like standing talking to someone and they don't make eye contact, their eyes flick from left to right but never directly at you, you're not even sure they are listening and then you start to feel uneasy, edgy and uptight. If you've experienced that you understand how disconcerting it can be. Well, imagine that as a constant dynamic in a relationship, an uneasy, fearful feeling. It's enough to erode any relationship. It's almost like developing an allergy to each other, and can in fact give real physical symptoms. Hypochondria is part of this dynamic, the ultimate cop out, the 'escape into sickness' syndrome and you wonder who is the perpetrator and who is the victim. You never really know except that someone is carrying the load. Adjustment implies change and too many adjustments imply complete change. A few quincunxes might be fruitful for individual personal change to accommodate the needs of another, but too many are too demanding.
The Quintile is the creative, willing risk taking, playful and joyful dimension of the relationship.
If you find these there is joy to be found in the relationship. It might be through children, through work or just simply enjoyment of each other and a common involvement with arts, music etc. These people are prepared to take a few chances, and will tend to lay it all on the line to each other so there is indwelling honesty. This is where the love affair can continue into old age. It is a solar kind of energy and if it's between personal planets, they each shine and bask in each other's glow. It occurs in partnerships in artistic fields. Individually they may be mediocre but together they're dynamite. They bounce off each other, feed each other, inspire and resonate off each other. The vibration is wonderful. It brings the facet of playfulness to the relationship, a childlike quality that means there is an area, which is fun. So, of the minor aspects you can't do better than a quintile. It's the Best Friend energy that can keep a relationship alive and vital. But it goes a little further because it empowers the individuals to be creative and fruitful within the relationship.
The Septile carries both spiritual overtones and shadow undertones.
A few septiles imply spiritual bonding. There is rapport at a mental level; one intuits the thoughts of the other. There is a psychic link, a reading of minds and uniting of thoughts that is almost telepathic. However, if there's too much mental or psychic linking it can become intrusive. One might not want the other to tune in to their thoughts! Too many septiles can intrude in a sinister way and creates an environment whereby shadows come out to play.
The Novile implies the search for perfection.
It illustrates what one might expect or hope for in the relationship and may or may not find. Noviles in a Synastry highlight areas where there is a possibility of 'trap setting' dynamics because of preconditioned expectations. Like the Septile it operates like an unconscious harmonic vibration and may well have a lot to do with childhood expectations. You fall in love with an idea(l). Archetype meets archetype - the handsome prince and princess swoon! Then reality strikes and in reality things are not as expected. It can be wonderful when someone measures up to the ideal and creates an exchange whereby there is a sense of dreams coming true. But this aspect can also promote an environment of testing and trap setting. Too many of these and partners are constantly setting the other up for failure. Even when they pass a test, there's another around the corner!
In a general sense, the main aspects plus a few of the main 'minor' one should give a chart with enough space for energy to move. When you use the Synastry grid, it doesn't need to be picked to pieces and examined through specific individual aspects unless there is an issue. Many of these issues will arise through contacts by transit or progression to one of the partner's natal planets and constellate and emerge, through the dynamics of the energy contacts in the relationship. The overview, the individual natal charts, and aspects involved in the 'hot spot' that is focussed by transits and progressions give a clear picture of issues and enable creative dialogue and hopefully, resolution.
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The preceding three articles are condensed excerpts from a CD-Rom which includes Composite charts, group relationships and more. This can be purchased from the Classes with Canopus CD order page.
Copyright, Linda Reid 1997"
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... it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness