What are Declinations in Astrology
Planets in parallel and contra-parallel
When we read the birth chart, we generally base it on the position of the astrological houses, the planets, and the aspects that form between them. However, there is another dimension to which we can turn to obtain a more profound and complete vision. We find this dimension through declinations.
What are declinations?
We know that the geographic position of any point on Earth is found according to its longitude and latitude. Longitude is measured along the equator, starting from the Greenwich meridian while latitude is measured from the angular distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator.
In astrology, a planet's position through the 30 degrees of a sign is based on the planet's ecliptic longitude within the zodiacal wheel. In this way, the aspects (sextile, square, trine, etc.) between planets are defined from there. Declinations, on the other hand, are based on latitude.
We find the declination taking into account the angular distance of the planet from the celestial equator.
Image: Dennis Nilsson, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3262268
Parallels and Contra-parallels
Declinations add a layer of interpretation to the natal chart. From the declinations arise the planetary aspects called parallel and contra-parallel.
Parallels are formed when the planets are at the same distance from the celestial equator and in the same hemisphere. Contra-parallels are formed when the planets are at the same distance but on opposite sides of the celestial equator (north or south). The orb we use for parallels and contra-parallels is one (1) degree.
It should be noted that in ancient astrology, parallels and counter-parallels were given greater importance than other astrological aspects.
In itself, these aspects are very easy to find. Declinations, unlike geographic latitudes - which can reach angles of up to 90 degrees, planetary latitudes never exceed 30 degrees. We can find the declinations of the planets in the astrological ephemeris. There are also many sites on the internet where we can easily calculate them.
How are parallels and counter-parallels interpreted?
We could say that we interpret these aspects in a similar way to conjunctions and oppositions. However, they could indicate particularly intense energy between the planets in question.
(The full version of this article is included in the paid subscription. Click the button to upgrade.)