Yod (astrology)

In astrology a yod is said to form whenever one planet forms quincunxes (150° aspects) to two other planets that are separated by a sextile (60° aspect). The Hebrew word for "hand", it is also used to denote the silver pointing device used in Judaism for reading sacred texts. This term is used to denote the "pointer" shape of the three planets, when lines are drawn from each planet to the centre of the radix. The two planets in the sextile, being in complementary elements (fire and air or earth and water) work very well together, but the sign to which both of them are quincunx is of a dissimilar element to the other two and possesses characteristics that tend to be extremely incompatible with those of the other two signs. This third planet is pulling in an opposite direction from the other two and would like to resolve, but the astrological energies of the signs are so vastly different that they do not notice each other [Cunningham, Donna; How to Read Your Astrological Chart: Aspects of the Cosmic Puzzle; page 18. Published 1999 by Weiser Books. ISBN 1578631149 ] .

However, unlike with a grand cross the conflict is much less apparent because the two planets in sextile cannot understand the third and it serves to create a situation which can be analogised to a coma. It is felt that the individual cannot see the conflicts involved and thus is not likely to be able to deal with them as productively as with a grand cross. Some astrologers indeed believe that trying to do this will cause terrible disruption [Oken, Alan; Soul-Centered Astrology: A Key to Your Expanding Self; page 103. Published 1996 by Crossing Press. ISBN 0895948117 ] .

A hypothetical example of a yod would be with Jupiter at 11° Pisces quincunxing Mars at 11° Leo and the Sun at 11° Libra. The conflict arises between the worldly, sociable character of Leo and Libra which tend to seek inspiration in the world, versus the introverted, unworldly character of Pisces which is too sensitive to be able to cope with worldly life and aims to work in the background serving others. These energies do not interact and hence this hypothetical native would possess great difficulty making the choice between serving others and seeking inspiration on the social stage [Cunningham, How to Read Your Astrological Chart page 154] .

Golden Yod

Related to the Yod, though much less inharmonious and more rarely noticed, is the golden yod. A golden yod occurs when one planets forms biquintiles (144° aspect) to two others separated by a quintile (72° aspect). Because these aspects are seen as benefic, the golden yod is seen as benefic and often as reflecting characteristics acquired by the person whose chart contains it. Those few astrologers who have studied it regard it as an extremely creatively charged aspect good for artistic skill, especially as quintiles and biquintiles are frequently linked with Neptune.

An example of a golden yod would be with the Sun at 20° Cancer, the Uranus at 8° Taurus and Jupiter at 14° Sagittarius.

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