CONTRAPARALLEL
The orbits of most of the planets in the solar system lie in approximately the same
geometric plane, which is why we are able to draw an astrological chart using only a
two-dimensional representation rather than one with three dimensions. There is, nev-
ertheless, a variation in the tilt or angle of these orbits, and at any given time most
planets are positioned north and south of the celestial equator (the plane described by
projecting the Earth’s equator against the background of the stars). This variation is
measured in degrees of declination. Two planets are contraparallel when they lie on
opposite sides of the celestial equator and have the same degree of declination (e.g.,
one planet at 10° declination and the other at –10°). Planets with opposite declina-
tions are said to have a relationship similar to an opposition. Relatively few
astrologers take contraparallels into account when interpreting a horoscope.Sources:
DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology.New York: Philosophical Library, 1947.
Hand, Robert. Horoscope Symbols.Rockport, MA: Para Research, 1981.CONTRASCION
Picture the wheel of the zodiac and draw a straight line from 0° Aries to 0° Libra so as
to divide the circle into equal halves. If a planet is located at an angular distance of
45° away from this dividing line (e.g., at 15° Taurus), its contrascion would be 45° in
the opposite direction from the line (i.e., at 15° Aquarius). If another planet happens
to be located at or very near the contrascion of the first planet, the two planets are
said to have a relationship with each other comparable to an opposition aspect.CONVERSEDIRECTIONS
The term “converse directions” refers to progressing planets backward rather than for-
ward in an ephemeris during prognostication.CORRECTION
In astrology, correction refers to the translation of one’s birth time into sidereal time.CORRESPONDENCES, LAW O F
The law of correspondences refers, primarily, to the notion—widely accepted in
occult circles—that everything in this world is the manifestation of some spiritual
principle. The expression “as above, so below” partially articulates this idea. Because
the premodern world believed that celestial bodies were spiritual (or at least semispiri-
tual), the law of correspondences was invoked to explain astrological influences. The
ancient notion of correspondences is sometimes equated with the modern idea
(derived from Jungian psychology) of synchronicity. However, synchronicity applies
to any meaningful coincidence—not simply to parallels between events “above” andContraparallel
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