This section is from the book "Understanding Astrology", by Ezequiel Gonzalez. See also Joanna Martine Woolfolk - The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need.
As was implicit in the preceding section, the aspects are angular distances between planets that divide the chart in whole numbers. A given aspect (with the exception of the conjunction) would connect two separate sensitive spots in the chart, provided that these spots are filled with planets. When more than two sensitive spots and/or more than three planets are involve, a Planetary Configuration is form. A Planetary Configuration has a stronger effect that a single aspect. The major planetary configurations are:
This configuration is based on the conjunction, but instead of two planets within 12 degrees of each other you have three or more planets. At times the distance between the first and last planet is less than 12 degrees. This would be a compact Stellium. At other times the planets would be joined by consecutive conjunctions where planet a would be less than 12 degrees from planet b, and planet b would be less than 12 degrees from planet c, and so on. In this second case the distance between the first and last planet would be more than 12 degrees, but still all the planets would be considered as forming a Stellium.
The strongest Stelliums, however, are form when all the planets involve are close together, in just one sign and in just one house. This was the case, for example, in February 5, 1962 at 2:00 pm in Bethlehem, Israel, when there were 8 planets in the Sign Aquarius, in the Eight House. This, by the way, was perceived by Jeanne Dixon as the birthchart of a "New Leader" that would revolutionize Christianity. To many this "New Leader" is none other than the Antichrist himself.
This strong Stellium in Aquarius would also explain the strong Aquarian mood of the Sixties. Thus, it was not that "the Era or Aquarius'" as the song said, was starting but that the influence of Aquarius had been momentarily augmented by a Strong, once in a lifetime Stellium.
This configuration emerges when two groups of planets are in opposition to each other. At times the entire chart is configure as two groups of planets, opposite each other. This has the effect of dividing the chart in two antagonistic conglomerates of inner drives that oppose one another. If the individual identifies himself with one of the two groups then he will most likely identify the characteristics of the other group with those individual with whom he relates, either friends, partners or enemies.
Planetary pattern arising out of the trine aspect. The trine aspect divides the chart in three sectors 120 degrees apart, plus or minus 4 degrees. The Grand Trine is form when all three sensitive spots are filled with planets. In the natal chart, at least one of the planets should be natal planet. The other two may be transiting planets. When all three planets are natal planets the configuration has a permanent effect upon the psyche. When one or two of the planets are transiting planets, the effect would come and go as the transiting planets move through the respective empty sensitive spots in the chart.
The Grand Trine gives the native an inner sense of momentum and impetus. He would be a driven person, needing no external stimulus to get moving or keep going. This independence of stimulus may make him insensitive to the needs, wishes or desires of others.
Planetary configuration based on the square aspect. It is form when four planets are in consecutive sensitive spots 90 degrees from each other, plus or minus 3 degrees. This configuration combines four consecutive squares and two crisscrossed oppositions. Thus it will combine the sense of inner tension of the opposition with the perception of problems and obstacles of the square. the native, as a result would be a persons accustomed to see life as a place full of conflicts and obstacles where you must fight continuously to get ahead. this attitude fits perfectly in today's society. Thus people with Grand Squares would must likely be successful, provided that no major trauma or adverse circumstances limit them irremediably.
Another configuration based on the square aspect. But this time only three of the four possible sensitive spots are filled with planets. It is similar to a four legged chair with one missing leg. There would be a sense of instability. The native would feel the need to fill the empty spot. Occasionally the transitive planets would pass through this spot. Then the T Square would become a Grand Square, if just for a few minutes, hours or days.
 
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