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Common Astrology Trap: Heavy Emphasis on Ptolemaic Aspects

Question:
“I have retrograde Saturn quincunx Midheaven. Saturn is in Sagittarius and midheaven is in cancer. Saturn is in 2nd or 3rd house depending on system you use. I was wondering if you could tell me the general idea of this arrangement?”

Answer:
My advice to you is to avoid modern astrology methodologies, such as excessive focus on Ptolemaic aspects, particularly minor ones.

An example of a major Ptolemaic aspect is an opposition, which happens every time there’s a Full Moon; the Moon opposes the Sun.

While such factors can certainly allow you to get a sense of the symbolism of astrology, my findings show they are only useful for finishing a comprehensive analysis using ancient methodologies. By themselves, they won’t reveal much.

Your natal Saturn quincunx your Midheaven indicates it’s not directly associated with that particular angle (10th house cusp). They are of a different modality (cardinal, fixed, mutable), and different element (fire, air, water, earth). On the surface, they have little in common. But that doesn’t tell you much about your authentic personality, fate, or timing.

Consider Ptolemaic aspects to be like the icing trim on the top of a huge cake; they are a very insignificant part of the overall cake.

Instead of modern astrology, I recommend studying and applying ancient methodologies, from about 300 BC to 1700 AD.

Copyright © 2016 Scott Petullo

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