posted March 28, 2008 07:20 AM            

The idea that the shape of a chart has a message is a reasonable theory - if the planets are splashed all over the chart or bundled together, that says a lot about someone's energies.

Maybe Bob Marks has this principle in mind when he says: if you can recognize shapes, you can do astrology!

http://www.bobmarksastrologer.com/TOClessons.htm

I've posted the Marc Edmund Jones chart shapes below for anyone not familiar with them.

Since joining Lindaland I've learned a lot, and one of the best parts is seeing the variety of different charts and shapes. Someone had a beautiful splash chart, I can't remember who!

posted March 28, 2008 07:22 AM            

http://www.moonvalleyastrologer.com/tutorial2.htm

The overall pattern of a chart suggests certain behavior types. Research by Marc Edmund Jones led to the discovery of seven distinct patterns:

BUNDLE

The first pattern is called the Bundle; produced when all the planets are grouped together in the confines of a trine or less. This is the rarest pattern and suggests a specialized or limited range of interests as well as the ability to focus within that range. Stimuli from outside this range may not produce a response or there may be inhibitions. The Bundle precludes an opportunity to become self-reliant and to capitalize upon limited resources. President George W. Bush and Gary Busy are two among the Bundle group.

BOWL

posted March 28, 2008 07:22 AM            

Where the planets form a Bowl with the exception of one or a pair together on the opposite side of the chart, the Bucket is produced. The lone planet(s) shows a special capacity that brings a compelling orientation to the whole life. Achieving objectives is important to the psychological well-being. In this case, the individual becomes a source of inspiration or an agitator, depending on the development of the overall potential. Bill Gates, Calista Flockhart and John Lennon have charts of the Bucket type. Often, the Bucket type will have a Tee-Square; three or more planets involved in 90 degree angle aspects to form a T in the chart. Such stress is often behind great productivity. In the chart of Bill Gates, Chiron is a factor in the Bucket pattern.

SEE SAW

posted March 28, 2008 07:23 AM            

The Locomotive pattern is found when the planets are spread out to occupy two thirds of the chart, leaving one third empty. This indicates a compulsion to seek fulfillment, which is based on the feeling that something is missing. These individuals apply drive and are energetic in handling problems. The planet acting as the engine; leading the rest in a clockwise direction, may be revealing. The Locomotive suggests self-seeking tendencies as well as executive ability. Nicholas Cage and JFK Jr. are examples of the Locomotive pattern.

SPLASH

If the planets are splashed all over the chart and fairly evenly distributed throughout the houses, the Splash pattern occurs. This suggests that there is such a diversity of stimuli that one will either scatter energies indiscriminately, making it difficult to accomplish one main goal, or be forced into becoming extraordinarily organized. George Harrison's chart conforms to the Splash type.

SPLAY

posted March 28, 2008 07:32 AM            

The Splay is bang on the money.

My mother says I am "non-conformist" but I think that means I make up my own mind, I don't go along with her thinking. (Leo Sun CNJ Pluto CNJ Mercury - dictator in a hairnet).

posted March 28, 2008 08:22 AM              

This is mine. Is this a bucket? With Saturn as the handle?
All alone, retograde in Cancer in 8ths house. *sniff* Poor lonely old man / woman.

What does it mean? Is Saturn the filter through which I am expressing the rest of my planets?

posted March 28, 2008 08:52 AM            

Actually one of my sons has Virgo/Pisces opposing groups ~ Sun opposing Uranus is involved like on here, also Venus, Mars and Jupiter. Liking thing his way, the artitistic spirit, etc. Like here there is a triangle escape route. There are two on your friend's chart. It one reminds me of the Cradle shape ~ it's not really, but it reminds me of it. It's suggests to me, like the See-Saw idea, that the oppositions are key.
http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary_bc.htm

An aspect configuration consisting of two planets in an opposition aspect. There are two more planets, each forming a trine aspect to one side of the opposition and a sextile to the other.
In effect, there are two Wedge configurations. In a Wedge, the apex planet (that trines and sextiles the opposed planets) provides a release or relief point for the stress of the opposition. The apex planet can be a source of great creativity that channels the stress into positive, constructive activity, although the stress of the opposition may or may not finally be resolved by this. The apex can also be a place of escapism where the stress is simply avoided and never resolved.

The Cradle configuration has two Wedge figures in it, providing two different ways to potentially escape from the stress — or transform it into creativity. However, with so much opportunity to avoid problems, the temptation to take the easy way out is very strong. As a result, someone born with a Cradle configuration in their natal chart may find it very difficult to resolve and heal the conflicts in their life represented by the opposition. By not fully facing this challenge, part of the maturation process is missed and the person may remain under-developed in some ways. Hence the name: Cradle.

The more the person can learn to face and resolve the conflict of the opposition, the more they will be able to use the talents and natural abilities in the Cradle in ways that are healthy, constructive and healing. On the other hand, the avoidance of problems can generate some pretty impressive creative ability, in the broadest sense of the word - not just artistic but any innovative, original or imaginative approach to the obstacles and challenges of life.

posted March 28, 2008 09:07 AM            

I am glad for him that some of the way out is via Aries, it seems to 'save' him sometimes. He saves himself through creativity, he is a superb craftsman.

posted March 28, 2008 09:12 AM            

For the first example I can tell you this is not a lonely old woman and certainly not a loser in life. She is very successful in her career, which is male-dominated. She is married to someone we grew up with, it's her second marriage. The loser in the story is the first husband, but that's a story for another day, not a great guy. It's worked out fine in the end. Her dad wasn't a prize either, so not an easy start in life, but she's made it through.

Think about it, it's a bucket, with Saturn as the handle. It's carrying along the rest of the planets so it has importance on the chart.

posted March 28, 2008 09:15 AM            

p.s every now and then Mr Aquarius complains that I am too independent and detached

posted March 28, 2008 01:22 PM            

Lavlee -> bowl