Parallels and Contra-Parallels in Declination
You might want to consider determining parallels and contra-parallels between planets in synastry. I generally do consider them, although I don't always use them if I am doing a quick analysis. If you want to know how to determine parallels and contra-parallels in declination, click here.
Parallels are likened to conjunctions, and contra-parallels to oppositions. When planets form an aspect to one another in synastry and are also parallel to each other, the parallel acts to reinforce that aspect.
I read parallels in synastry as easy, natural, and spontaneous connections between the two energies represented by the planets involved. The interplay is easier than the conjunction, and the affinity is spontaneous. I have also found that Saturn parallels to personal planets are a little easier than the conjunctions in synastry. The Saturn person is not as inclined to criticism or control as is often the case when it is an interaspect in synastry. The stabilizing influence of Saturn is more prominent. When the planets involved are yin and yang (such as Sun with Moon, Moon with Mars, Venus with Mars, etc.), we have some wonderful connections.
To illustrate how to determine whether or not a planet is parallel or contra-parallel in declination, we use the following example:
This is a list of the natal positions of my planets (and asteroids) from the Kepler software program.
To find out which planets are parallel and contra-parallel, we look to the listing with the heading "Declin" for Declinations.
We are using a one degree orb.
My Sun's declination is 1N51. Scanning down, we see that Saturn, at 1N32, is numerically close to the Sun. We can say that my Sun is parallel Saturn. My Sun is also parallel Uranus, Juno, and Chiron.
My Moon's declination is 3S00. Scanning down, we find Uranus numerically close at 2N42. We have an aspect here, but because one is South and the other is North, we know that Moon is contra-parallel Uranus.
If we were to compare my planets with those of another person, we would use the same basic method. Here's a second person's planet position listing:
If we take his Sun with a declination of 14N09, and then scan down my list for something numerically close (within one degree, which is 60 minutes), we find that his Sun is parallel my Jupiter at 14N04, for starters. We can go through the lists and determine all of the parallels and contra-parallels in synastry in this manner.
For those of you who use the software at Astrodienst.com, you can determine the declinations by clicking on their Extended Chart Selection after you've entered both people's birth data. Make sure that both people are selected, and then you can select the chart type, "Synastry Chart (2)". This will bring up a bi-wheel chart. Somewhere near the top, you can click on the link "Click to get the additional tables". You'll come up with planet lists that include declinations for both people (plus an aspect grid) all on one page. Very handy!
Cafe Astrology
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