In any given area of life, most people are milling
around aimlessly, waiting for someone to tell them what to do, and
there’s a small minority of people giving all the orders.
These latter people are symbolized in astrology as
those who have angular planets (planets located within six degrees of
the Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Nadir). Actually,
angular-planet people don’t know much more about what’s happening than
anyone else, but they
seem
to: they have a facility for projecting the
impression that they know what they’re doing. There’s a self-assurance
and economy to their actions that induce other people to defer to them
and cede them the lead.
Angularity symbolizes a sense of
belonging, of being in the know, on the inside track. Angular types are
not unconventional, but rather are above convention.
They go through the motions of meeting – indeed,
exceeding – social expectations; but they put very little importance
upon appearances. They are aware (as most people are not) that social
conventions and expectations are wholly arbitrary and not to be taken
too seriously. Therefore, they are able to make social role-playing a
joyous, fulfilling, fruitful activity, rather than an onerous or
daunting enterprise.
Practically everyone is personally
ambitious; what distinguishes angular types from the rest is their
understanding that there is a science to life – a technology for getting
what you want. They don’t
sit around waiting for their “lucky break” to drop
down from heaven; nor do they just put in the time while slowly moving
up the ranks. They intuit that life is
a game, with definite rules – definite steps and
decisions that can be made to succeed in the game. Where most people
obey the rules, or more accurately, stumble around in the dark trying to
figure out what the rules are, angular types
make the rules.
Angular types possess a talent for
self-promotion, not in an officious way, but with a definite noblesse
oblige.
In contrast to the strength conferred upon planets
by virtue of their being posited in their ruling signs (such as the sun
in Leo, moon in Cancer, Mercury in Gemini or Virgo, etc.), angular
planets exhibit little exuberance or effusiveness. They possess a
natural self-control which arises not so much from discipline as from a
sense of ease, patience, and forbearance – a sense that life is at one’s
service, so there is no need to be pushy or overreaching. There is
nothing blatant or indelicate about angular planets; their energy is not
expended needlessly in demonstrativeness or attitudinizing, but is
conserved, held back in reserve until needed.
People with angular planets are the
winners in life because they make that assumption – that they are
winners. And because it’s lonely at the top, angular planets also
indicate a certain solitude and
isolation: disinterestedness, detachment,
impartiality regarding others.
If those with angular planets quite consciously
manipulate people and make decisions for the group, they also understand
the responsibility that this entails.
Angular planets give people that
sense of easy self-assurance associated with being a member of the
ruling class.
In earlier ages this meant membership in the
aristocracy; in today’s meritocracy it shows the educated and upwardly
mobile as well as those born in the upper classes of society. People
born in the upper classes have a winning attitude inculcated into them
from birth (that they “belong”, that they are destined to rule), which
is why angularity is associated with high social class and success in
life. The members of the upper classes were historically the people who
were “bred” to lead and succeed.
Of course, there are always wealthy
and upper-class natives who have no angular planets. These are the ones
on whom this born-to-command-and-control-one’s-destiny attitude doesn’t
stick or fit properly.
They turn it into an attitude of snobbery, or one
that says that life owes them a living. In other words, although
exposed to the “angular” attitude by virtue of their upbringing, they
fail to catch the meaning of what a natural sense of prowess, adequacy,
and leadership actually entails. They understand the superficial
trappings of angularity (success) without grasping its essence (personal
responsibility).
By the same token, there have always
been instances of people born in the lower social classes who by sheer
gumption raised themselves up in life in spite of all handicaps. The
people with no angular
planets who “make it” on their own in a big way
don’t contradict the theory; all this means is that these people made it
even without a native sense of fitness to command. Perhaps they
stumbled into the limelight; or
maybe they did it through driving ambition,
determination, and force of will.
In any case, this success will be found to have
been accomplished as a freak of nature, or else as a tour de force,
rather than as the end result of a natural process of unfoldment. It
means that these natives’ success in life was not the end result of a
conscious sense of fitness but rather was the result of extraordinary
talent, effort, or luck. In other words, success
can come in spite of an absence of
angular planets, but in that case the native has to work harder or hit
the right combination of fortuitous circumstances in order to get the
same effect.
It must also be noted that
angularity shows nothing of the degree of success attained in life –
whether the native set his or her sights high, or aimed for a
comfortable niche;
whether big success was attained with little
pother, or at the cost of great sacrifice and suffering; indeed,
whether success was actually attained, or whether the native went
crashing down in flames. This sort of information is shown by benefic /
malefic angular planets, and by how well-aspected or afflicted they
are.
All of the angles symbolize
strategies for controlling relationships.
What is shown is a deftness in handling people,
getting one’s own way, getting other people to accept one on one’s own
terms, bending other people to one’s own will; and these strategies are
usually quite successful, which is why angularity is considered such a
great strength. People with angular planets detach themselves from
other people rather than allow themselves to be dragged along by others’
caprices. Angularity produces a sense of fearlessness – or at least an
insusceptibility to the doubts and second thoughts which hamper most
people. Angular planet people need less validation and reassurance from
others before they act.
All four angles show strategies for
capitalizing (imposing one’s own rules) upon relationships, and the four
angles symbolize four different types of relationships:
The Ascendant (ASC) symbolizes casual relationships;
The Descendant (DESC) symbolizes close relationships;
The Midheaven (MC) symbolizes group relationships; and
The Nadir (IC) symbolizes solitude.
That is, the Ascendant shows a way of
facing people (of coming onto them); the Descendant shows a way of
getting around, through, or past people; the Midheaven shows a way of
dominating or directing people;
and the Nadir shows a way of standing alone.
Planets conjunct the Ascendant
symbolize a social ease, openness, candidness, straightforwardness – a
way of laying all one’s cards on the table that cuts across the usual
formalities and rituals which
society imposes on casual relationships.
These people have nothing to hide or apologize for,
and nothing to fear or be ashamed of. They feel no need to ward other
people off through such defenses as pride, irritation, brusqueness,
preoccupation, etc. They are soft-spoken, yet firm and unyielding.
They have a clear sense of personal space – their own and other peoples’
– which is in no way puffed up or stiff. They are calm and relaxed,
with no need to prove themselves or allow other people to impose upon
them. People with rising planets succeed by disarming others; they make
direct eye contact and are frank and outspoken without being offensive.
They manifest an
intimacy which is neither warm,
compassionate, nor sweet, but is genuine nonetheless. They immediately
put themselves on a personal basis with other people by being pleasant
and inviting of manner, and by
dealing with others on a basis of equality; and yet
they are fundamentally cold – always maintaining their distance and
reserve.
Planets conjunct the Descendant
symbolize a species of psychological jujitsu – a way of winning people
over by giving way to them.
The action of a planet conjunct the Descendant is
indirect; it reveals a basic stance or mood vis-à-vis other people
rather than a superficial role being played. These planets let others
take the lead overtly, directing the flow of things or pulling the
strings from the background. Those with setting planets project a part
of themselves onto other people, get other people to act out a role for
them; therefore the action of a planet conjunct the Descendant can only
be seen operating in close relationships, where propinquity and
confinement make
manipulation possible. After a
fashion, setting planets do describe the marriage (or business) partner
in the sense that they symbolize what natives seek in partnership – what
part of themselves they want
others to act out openly for them.
Planets conjunct the Midheaven show
people controlling or taking the lead in a group, putting themselves in
the saddle, pushing themselves onward and upward. Natives with these
planets make a basic
assumption of leadership or superiority (dominance):
they possess a sense of special destiny and an urge
to strike out on their own. Where those with rising plants know who
they are, those with culminating planets know where they’re going. They
project a cool competence and expect to be looked up to and esteemed –
role models for others to follow. Planets conjunct the Midheaven have a
parental or mother-hen sense to them – responsible and protective, but
also tending to herd other people around.
Planets conjunct the Nadir symbolize rootedness, conservatism, stability, staying power, firmness.
Natives with these planets have an ability to remain unmoved and
unruffled, to
withstand the pressures of daily living by tuning
into deeper currents or meanings in life. While all the angles
symbolize a “holding apart” from other people, the Nadir especially
symbolizes going it alone. Planets
conjunct this angle don’t wait for others, rely on
others, or depend on others. There is a spiritual manifestation with
this angularity rather than a material one:
from the spiritual point of view, the Nadir is
actually the most powerful angle, since it is not as tied to the
standards of success in society as are the other three angles – it shows
a self-validating form of strength.
The following table gives key words
for the various planets when angular. For example, the keyword for the
moon when conjunct any angle is emotional. Thus the moon conjunct the Ascendant
shows emotional intimacy = tender; the moon conjunct the Descendant shows emotional manipulation = fervent; the moon conjunct the Midheaven shows emotional dominance = protective
; and the moon conjunct the Nadir shows emotional firmness = whole-hearted.
Keywords for the Angular Planets
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Ruler
|
Masterful
Emotional
Adroit
Childlike
Determined
Philosophical
Reserved
Individualistic
Private
Potent
Self-sufficient |
AscendantIntimacy
Sincere
Tender
Fresh
Vulnerable
Adamant
Understanding
Poised
Eccentric
Attuned
Flashy
Self-possesse d |
DescendantManipulation
Influential
Fervent
Judicious
Game
Steadfast
Avuncular
Uncompromising
Spontaneous
Aloof
Cunning
Self-contented |
MidheavenDominance
Utopian
Protective
Glib
Feisty
Gutsy
Perspicacious
Dignified
Free-spirited
Retiring
Competent
Self-sustaining |
Nadir
Firmness
Staunch
Whole-hearted
Canny
Gracious
Assiduous
Brisk
Modest
Fearless
Hopeful
Stubborn
Self-cloistering
|
Sun/ASC – Sincere – you are
down-to-earth, earnest, and plain-spoken. You have a sense of rightful
place and fitness, and you are self-assured in any social situation
without being snobbish or pushy (complacent). You
command respect by your sheer reasonableness and unruffled insouciance.
Sun/DESC – Influential – You are
unassuming and solicitous, but don’t permit others to get too close or
too personal (cold). Egalitarian and encouraging, others nonetheless
quite naturally defer to your authoritativeness and
resolve.
Sun/MC – Utopian – You dedicate
your life to a cause or belief system, and measure your progress against
some abstract standard of morality and comportment, rather
than in terms of social rewards (superiority).
Where most people are intent upon the path beneath their feet, you are
always looking beyond the horizon towards an ideal reality.
Sun/IC – Staunch – Low-key and
polite, you are also resolute, unyielding, and possess an unflagging
perseverance and determination (obstinacy). Other people rely upon
your integrity, scrupulousness, and deep sense of
personal honor.
Moon/ASC – Tender – You are soft,
gentle, innocent, and easily moved (wounded). You show your feelings
quite openly – you wear your heart on your sleeve – which
makes you a sympathetic listener on the one hand,
and outspoken and tart on the other.
Moon/DESC – Fervent – You are
lively, voluble, and vehement (touchy). You possess an intense energy
and sparkle which dazzles other people, and inclines them to accede to
your wishes.
Moon/MC – Protective – You possess
a refinement and delicacy (prissiness) that is attuned to psychological
subtleties and the feelings of other people in your social
milieu. You project a sense of emotional
equilibrium – of calm in the storm – to which others look for refuge.
Moon/IC – Whole-hearted – You are
sensitive and tenacious, and responsive primarily to your own inner
voice (solipsistic). You are self-reliant and prefer being alone and on
your own in life.
Mercury/ASC – Fresh – You are
artless and guileless (naïve). You have a youthfulness and eagerness
that take delight in the simplest of things. You inspire others with
your high spirits and cheerfulness.
Mercury/DESC – Judicious – You
possess a down-home simplicity and objectivity (remoteness), and you are
willing to take other people’s feelings and viewpoints into
account. You are believable and reasonable, and
hence inspire the trust of others.
Mercury/MC – Glib – You are
unabashed, frank, and cocky (brusque). You are a good talker, offering a
wry and perceptive commentary on the passing scene. You have a
highly original point of view and slant on life, and
are a wellspring of good ideas.
Mercury/IC – Canny – You are
cool-headed and high-principled, with keen powers of analysis
(cynical). You are shrewd and emotionally guarded, with a capacity for
sober judgment in any emergency.
Venus/ASC – Vulnerable – You are
genial, unaffected, and innocent (self-indulgent). You have a knack for
getting on a familiar basis with everyone you meet. You endear
yourself to others with your unsophisticated
impetuousness and optimism.
Venus/DESC – Game – You are
plucky, experimentative, and willing to give other people’s ideas and
impulses a shot (gullible). People are swayed by your naïve
enthusiasm and buoyancy even in the face of
difficulties.
Venus/MC – Feisty – You are
irreverent and possess a devil-may-care alacrity (peppery). You are a
good facilitator because you have a mischievous, elfin, or saucy
quality which seduces the acquiescence of others,
making any activity enjoyable.
Venus/IC – Gracious – You are
obliging, mannerly, and correct (stuffy). You are meticulous and
orderly, and are repelled by any harshness or indelicacy. You strive to
create an agreeable and congenial environment for
yourself and the people around you.
Mars/ASC – Adamant – You are
unflinching, and possess the ability to stand fast and hold your own in
the face of adversity (contrary). Your placid, tractable exterior
barely
conceals an intense, high-wire energy. You are
blunt, outfront, and do not shy from expressing your opinions.
Mars/DESC – Steadfast – You are
mild of manner, but iron-willed (headstrong). You are good-natured and
obliging in the nonessentials, and have a knack for being forceful
and unyielding without being overreaching or giving
needless offense.
Mars/MC – Gutsy – You are fearless
and adventurous (pigheaded). You are willing to take risks and to fly
with your gut-level hunches, and you have a knack for always landing on
your feet.
Mars/IC – Assiduous – You hold
your feelings inside, keep a stiff upper lip, and cannot be diverted or
deflected (heedless). You have good powers of concentration and the
ability to bring all your energy to bear upon your
project or object of the moment.
Jupiter/ASC – Understanding – You
are hopeful and altruistic (know-it-all). You prefer harmony and
coexistence with other people, and take pains to respect their feelings
and give them their due. You are not so much
compassionate or sympathetic as humane, with a feeling of detached good
will towards men.
Jupiter/DESC – Avuncular – You
have a benevolent and accepting outlook on life and other people, and
are enthusiastic, forward-looking, and disinterested (haughty). Your
cheerfulness even in suffering calls up the sympathy
and good wishes of others in turn.
Jupiter/MC – Perspicacious – You
are a model of equanimity and patience (mulishness). You are able to
take a long view, and so are undaunted by temporary
setbacks. You are the backbone of any group because
of your ironic good humor and ability to take difficulties in stride.
Jupiter/IC – Brisk – You are
good-natured, tolerant, and resilient (above-it-all). You don’t take
things personally, but have a smooth and lofty manner which minimizes
friction and bother, and which keeps you free of
compromising entanglements.
Saturn/ASC – Poised – You are
cool, self-possessed, and outspoken (curt). You have good analytical
and critical faculties, and are definite in your opinions. You sway
other
people with your unvarnished frankness and
unshakable conviction.
Saturn/DESC – Uncompromising – You
are calm, level-headed, and serious (intransigent). You are undaunted,
always ready to shoulder responsibility and go that
extra mile; and your formidability awes and
overwhelms other people.
Saturn/MC – Dignified – You have a
strong sense of being anyone’s equal (broody). You permit no trespass
upon your private space, and you endeavor not to depend too
much upon others. You are at your best when working
by and for yourself.
Saturn/IC – Modest – You are
plain, unvarnished, and unpretentious (undiplomatic). You are neither
timid nor shy, but rather are unobtrusive. You hide nothing, defend
nothing, and keep your distance by being wide-open
and nonjudgmental.
Uranus/ASC – Eccentric – You are
truly an original, with a unique and unusual point of view, and an
unabashed indifference to what other people think of you (toughness).
Although you have a strong character and let it all
hang out, you aren’t pushy but are inclined to give others as much space
as you demand for yourself.
Uranus/DESC – Spontaneous – You
are forthright, self-sufficient, and impulsive (capricious). Your
imaginativeness, boldness, and irrepressibility create a momentum
which sweeps other people up and carries them along.
Uranus/MC – Free-spirited – You
are idealistic and visionary, and recognize no authority but your own
(contumacious). You are perceptive and intellectually quick.
You prefer to strike out on your own rather than
conform to society’s expectations of you.
Uranus/IC – Fearless – You are
dynamic, resourceful, and free-thinking (wrong-headed). You have a
capacity for plunging ahead and making sudden, drastic
changes in your environment and life-style whenever
your life situation becomes too restrictive.
Neptune/ASC – Attuned – You have a
great capacity for understanding the feelings of others (moody). You
are able to pick up and address emotional undercurrents – what’s
really going on beneath the surface – in any
relationship. You are on your own wavelength: not so much spaced-out
as brooding and introspective.
Neptune/DESC – Aloof – You are
genial and pleasant, but keep your own counsel (uncommunicative). You
are neither selfish nor reclusive, but rather trust completely in
your own instincts, and thus have little need for
the reassurance of others.
Neptune/MC – Retiring – You follow
the dictates of your own heart rather than worry about living up to
some self-image. Albeit outwardly sociable, this is just a mask you
wear to fulfill other people’s expectations so that
they’ll leave you alone (unmannerly). You lack worldly ambition since
your chief desire is for an island of peace unto yourself away from the
clamor of the world.
Neptune/IC – Hopeful – You tend to
be upright, principled, and high-minded (quixotic). You have a
positive approach to life which looks to the good sides of people and
events
without being naïve or easily gulled.
Pluto/ASC – Flashy – You come on
strong and make a powerful impression, though you have the saving grace
of an ironic good-humor (obstinate). You are alert and opportunistic,
driven by a high-wire energy.
Pluto/DESC – Cunning – You are
outspoken and to the point (sarcastic), and have a gift for seeing
clearly through superficial role-playing and posturing. You are able to
avoid
the snares of other people because you are alert to
their covert manipulation, and you are not afraid to call a spade a
spade.
Pluto/MC – Competent – You are
confident and decisive, and believe that you are capable of anything
(snobbish). Together with your can-do optimism you are thorough,
meticulous, and willing to go to any extreme to
implement your vision.
Pluto/IC – Stubborn – You are
self-assured and opinionated (deaf). You are capable of taking a
position and making a stand without being arrogant or offensive.
Overtly
agreeable and tractable, you are skilled in the art
of winning acquiescence without yielding an inch.
Ruler ASC conjunct ASC –
Self-possessed – You are straightforward and direct, and mince no words
(tactless). You are able to be yourself – natural and at ease – in any
surroundings. You are proud, stately, and never
compromise your dignity.
Ruler DESC conjunct DESC –
Self-contented – You are breezy, insouciant, and unaffected
(self-centered). You are confident and have a positive outlook because
you
feel complete unto yourself. You don’t need (or
leave much room for) the support of other people in your life.
Ruler MC conjunct MC –
Self-sustaining – You have an unflagging faith in yourself and your
ability to succeed (overweening). You are never at a loss, but are able
to
make the best of whatever situation you find
yourself in.
Ruler IC conjunct IC –
Self-cloistering – You are friendly and sociable, but fundamentally are a
loner, and you find sustained contact with other people grating or
enervating (self-pampering). You are happiest and
do your best work alone, on your own.
Source:
http://www.dearbrutus.com/angularity.html