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Four-dimensional Aspect Interpretation - The four levels of the 7 major aspects

When dealing with an astrological chart holistically, it is a very useful idea to view it from the stand-point of three, or even four different levels, a method which we have already suggested for various other factors. We’ll tackle our phenomenal world from four different perspectives: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. For the purpose of this exercise we’ll ignore planets and aspect structures, and deal with the aspects only.

To begin with we’ll interpret the aspects in accordance with the three levels of our experience:

1) preoccupation with undifferentiated physicality,

2) the emotional and feeling point of view, and

3) from the point of autonomous mental consciousness.

The fourth level we’ll only reach after we manage to shift from self-preoccupation to altruism, or, in other words, when we’ve shifted our consciousness from our own little ego to our Higher Self. That’s why we can think of the whole process as four-dimensional development, and it is useful to investigate this a bit further.

The Four Levels of our Development

The first level corresponds to our awareness of everything physical. We have to take care of maintaining our very existence. This level deals with our self-preservation, by satisfying our creature needs. If our consciousness is firmly rooted on this level then we’ll find ourselves largely at the mercy of circumstances, of other people, and we’ll tend to do as we are told. Many such people don’t even twig that that they might be able to throw off the yoke; they accept their lot as given, and as unalterable. It is the level of Saturn.

On the second level we get into conflict with existing norms. We wake up and rebel against predetermined conditions, like for instance, society’s rules of do's and don’ts. We revolt against the dictates of inner and outer pressures. We want to throw off the ties that oppress us, and this of course creates conflict. It is the level of opposition and of duality which, again and again, involves us in acute confrontations. It is a fruitful learning phase which serves us to illumine a variety of perspectives of the concept of reality. Here nothing stands still, and everything is in a constant state of flux. This level corresponds to the level of the feelings, and thereby to the Moon with its constant ebb and flow.

The third step brings us to the mental plane, where we begin to think and to understand, and where we learn to make our own decisions. Our will power awakens, and grows in effectiveness through a series of identity crises. What follows is a phase of self-discovery, a searching for our individuality, and an identification with it. In this process we learn to become creative and to shape our own destiny. We create space for our personal growth and try to live our own plans and our own aims. It is the level of the autonomous, self-aware energy of the Sun.

The step towards transformation ( the fourth step), demands a certain detachment from the limitations, desires and compulsions of the three personality levels. The aspects are made to serve transpersonal aims, and are intended to benefit mankind. They begin to show their effectiveness on the soul level, which requires creativity, self-responsibility and service for the evolutionary plan.

The linking of aspects within this evolutionary process enables us to develop many a rule for interpretation, which is a veritable fount of wisdom for a holistic approach. We can learn to observe just whereabouts on those four levels our consciousness happens to be active right now, and what the next step of our development might be.

Now we want to use these new insights to study individual aspects and to describe their effect on the four different levels, but we’ll only be using the seven major aspects. These are multiples of 30 degrees on the Zodiac, i.e. 30,60,90,120,150,180 and of course, 0.

The Conjunction on four levels

On the physical level, the first step, a conjunction is experienced as inward energy. We are dealing with a doubling, a reinforcing - it feels like a clumping of the energies. The conjunction feels like an energy-packed parcel and we feel we have a huge reservoir of energies at our disposal which, at the right moment, we can use to best advantage. But when energies are placed so close together they can’t easily be differentiated, and we are prone to over-estimate our power.

On the emotional level, the second step, the conjunction strengthens our ego feelings, or subjectivity. In some this can cause physical stubbornness and over-simplification. Some people are convinced that hey are endowed with special gifts which other people fail to notice. They imagine that secretly they possess special powers which they will exploit it when the time is right.

On the mental level, the third step, the conjunction brings an added increase of energies. We fondly believe that we are someone very special, unique and unassailable. Seen from the mental level of consciousness this gives the impression of "I am a powerful personage and possess magical vibrations. Nobody knows just who I really am, but I’ll show them - when the time is right."

The transformed conjunction functions as a reservoir of capabilities on the mental level and as a source of inspiration. Suddenly energies can awaken and manifest creatively. Other people are amazed by the wealth of inspiration which appears all of a sudden. But this doesn't happen on demand because inspiration and creativity require the involvement of higher levels of consciousness, and as we say so rightly, they strike from above. Sometimes this potential energy is activated by sudden fateful events,

but then it is available to us for the duration of the crisis only. When it’s all over they sink back into the unconscious realm again.

The semi-sextile on the four levels

On the physical level, the first step, the semi-sextile doesn’t lend itself to produce great deeds as it is only a small Mercurial step in thinking. It is more like a trial-and-error aspect; it easily loses perspective, is easily influenced, and tends not to see the wood for the trees. That’s why, on the physical level, this small Mercury aspect can make us insecure and irritable. The small green aspect works like a quicksilver messenger who runs hither and thither, collects information indiscriminately and draws the wrong conclusions. Everything becomes relative and meaningless, is thrown together haphazardly, and he easily loses his nerve.

On the emotional level, the second step, the semi-sextile is merely inquisitive and seeks sensationalism. The involvement of the feelings means that such people feel driven to investigate whatever stimulates their curiosity. When this proves satisfactory, and curiosity is satisfied, then that’s all there is to it. They frequently feel unsure of what it is they actually want. Many people allow themselves to be influenced by someone with more will power; they allow themselves to blend in and are easily led. They have no decisive point of view of their own and frequently change their opinions.

On the mental level, the third step, this Mercury aspect brings a sense and a willingness to learn. We collect information and hope to be able to use it constructively. It works rather like the sign Gemini, which is ruled by Mercury. This also brings a certain degree of circumspection, and the desire to pass on what has been learned and to an exchange of information. Much knowledge is accumulated, and as quickly forgotten. And they frequently forget what they’ve been saying in the past, and what they’ve promised to do.

The Mercury aspect transformed can be viewed as a specific source of information. Whatever just occupies our thoughts, somehow any information we may require just happens to come our way. Sometimes we find ourselves guided to the relevant area. We may, in the bookshop, happen to see the very book we require. And we are very willing to share this information; we don’t want to hog it for ourselves, but are happy for other people to profit from it.

The Sextile on the Four levels

On the physical level, the first step, we expect the sextile to bring us material comfort. We like to take life easy, and let other people do the donkey work for us. We don’t reckon to be parted from our gentle harmonious way of life, and feel hard-done-by at any suggestion of trouble. We like the status quo and expect it to last. We like to look smart and feel quite entitled to have money, and status, and general ease.

In the emotional realm, the second step, we feel enticed by all things beautiful and harmonious, by everything feminine, the feminine-type libido, and by the fine arts. We love wholesomeness and perfection, and those little extras which seem to make life worth living. If ego planets are a part of this aspect then we are liable to feel that "only the best is good enough for me". We dislike quarrels and trouble of all types, and try to avoid it at all cost. Whilst we are functioning on the feeling levels, sextiles tend to make us agreeable company because of our natural air of harmony, but on the other hand we do rather tend to criticise and reject anything ugly, and imperfect, and other people’s short-comings. We try to avoid anything too coarse for our liking, and won’t suffer gladly any sign of aggression or conflict.

On the mental level, the third step, the sextile brings aesthetic sensibilities. We look for harmonious relationships and a cultured way of life. We like to form a philosophy which promotes feelings of equanimity and peace, and a merging of minds, and we like to see this expressed in art forms. Because of its predilection with harmony and culture, this Venusian aspect can make us prone to be mightily impressed by stronger personalities. And it is difficult for us to withstand such influence, as long as style and structure remains intact. But the moment we notice the slightest discrepancy we can reject them out of hand.

The transformed sextile leaves all the ego issues of the three-dimensional world behind. Here the sextile conveys the ability to view life as near-perfect and straight forward, just as it is. It is the knack to see synthesis everywhere, to learn and cooperate with the laws of growth and development, and the search for wholeness and right living. This Venusian, well-meaning way of thinking makes for easy popularity. It creates trust and right judgement - as long as we cope with a tendency to settle for inappropriate compromises.

The Square on the Four Levels

On the physical level, step one, this aspect brings physical energy, personal power, and the ability to achieve. World-class athletes need this particular aspect, but also soldiers, who obey orders unquestioningly and do as they are told, pronto! It stands for undifferentiated activity, the employment of much energy, without asking the reason why, like an engine that makes use of energy. That’s why, on this level, people with many squares react aggressively, ready for a fight. Obviously, this somewhat depends on the nature of the planets involved, but the square itself implies the masculine approach, the Mars-like quality. It appreciates macho energy which wants to achieve things. That’s why, on the physical level, the Mars effect of the square promotes an undifferentiated show of energy, which likes a fight at the slightest sign of conflict or fanaticism.

On the second level, the second step, the square has a stimulating but ragged effect. Squares will stir up feelings and be provocative. If nothing much seems to be happening we feel restless and reckon we are missing out on something important. We feel anxious and somehow guilty. We drive ourselves onwards and won’t rest until we’ve done whatever we were expected to do. To emotionality, we react with irritation and are scared of being rejected, but we are quite euphoric and passionate when we meet with encouragement and love. We crave excitement, this drives us on regardless, and we do like a good fight at the slightest provocation.

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