posted December 06, 2018 03:59 PM            

Moon at 16° Virgo is applying in conjunction to Mars at 21° Virgo.

Reverse their positions and the Moon (because it is faster) would be separating from the conjunction with Mars.

Applying aspects seem stronger given the same orb of influence (and all other things being equal). That is because they represent energies that are building or climaxing. Whereas separating aspects show energies that have already climaxed, thus are waning in their intensity/character.

So in our example, Moon 16° Virgo applying in conjunction with Mars 21° Virgo is stronger than Moon 21° Virgo in separating conjunction with Mars at 16°. However, it is possible for Mars in the latter scenario to be in retrograde motion, thus actually applying in subsequent transits/progression to the natal Moon position. So not only position and speed, but direction are important to understanding how aspects can play out.

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"Drift like a cloud and flow like water, seeing that all life is a magnificent illusion, a playing of energy, and there is absolutely nothing fundamentally to be afraid of." -- Alan Watts