When viewing a natal chart, we don’t only look at significant factors like the Ascendant (AC), the Sun sign, or the planets in the zodiac signs. We also need to pay attention to another crucial aspect: declination. Declination is a unique factor that relates to the position of a planet either above or below the Earth’s orbital plane. Two important declination aspects to focus on are Parallel of Declination and Contraparallel of Declination.
What is Declination?
Declination is a measure of a planet’s position in the sky, calculated from the plane of Earth’s orbit. In astrology, apart from calculating the planet’s position using longitudes (zodiac signs), astrologers also consider latitudes (declination), which is the planet’s distance from the orbital plane. Generally, planets can be positioned above or below this plane, and changes in declination can significantly influence a person’s personality and life events.
Parallel of Declination
A parallel of declination occurs when two planets share the same declination, meaning they lie on the same plane or have a very small difference in their declinations. When planets are in parallel declination, they create a powerful connection as if they are working together, supporting one another. These planets can help each other manifest stronger potential, motivating actions or expressions.
Examples of Parallel Declination:
- Sun parallel to Moon’s declination: When the Sun and Moon are in parallel declination, they create harmony between emotions and intellect. People with this aspect in their natal chart can express themselves sincerely, connect easily with others, and often experience a sense of consistency between their feelings and actions.
- Venus parallel to Jupiter’s declination: This combination brings a strong link between material and spiritual values. People with this aspect are often financially successful while also being inclined toward high ideals or pursuing life’s higher goals.
Contraparallel of Declination
When two planets have opposite declinations, meaning one is positioned above the orbital plane and the other below it, this forms a contraparallel of declination. This is an opposition aspect that can create conflict or tension between the planets. However, this opposition can also stimulate growth and help a person develop through challenges and difficulties.
Examples of Contraparallel Declination:
- Sun contraparallel to Moon’s declination: This aspect indicates a conflict between intellect and emotion. People with this aspect might feel uncertain or conflicted about how to align their emotions and actions. They may face situations where decisiveness is required, while their emotions hold them back.
- Mars contraparallel to Venus’ declination: The contraparallel between Mars and Venus can create tension between personal desires and emotional needs. People with this aspect may struggle to balance love and independence in their relationships.
Why is Declination Important in Astrology?
In astrology, when analyzing a natal chart, we often focus only on the longitudes (zodiac signs) of the planets, but declination is equally important. Parallel and contraparallel declination aspects can have subtle but profound effects on how planets interact with each other and how they manifest in a person’s life.
Declination helps illuminate the relationship between planets not just on the intellectual (longitude) level, but also on emotional, spiritual, and personal relationship levels. Therefore, analyzing declination aspects helps astrologers gain deeper insights into the planetary interactions and the harmony or tension that may exist in a person’s life.
Declination Formula Without Latitude
When a point in the sky has no latitude, we can calculate its declination using the following formula: sinD=sinE*sinL
Where:
- D is the declination.
- E is the oblique angle of the ecliptic (Epsilon), the angle between the ecliptic plane and the celestial equator.
- L is the longitude of the point, measured from the 0° Aries.
Example Calculation of Declination Without Latitude
Assume:
- L (Longitude): 10° 53′ 04″ (Scorpio)
- E (Oblique angle of the ecliptic): 23° 26′ 13.56586091″
We convert these values into decimal degrees:
- L: 220.884444444444
- E: 23.437101628
Now apply the formula: sinD=sin(23.437101628)*sin(220.884444444444)
After calculation, we get: D=−15.09002104∘(orD=−15°5′24.08″)
Declination Formula With Latitude
When calculating declination for points that have latitude (latitude), the formula becomes slightly more complex: sinD=cosB*sinL*sinE+sinB*cosE
Where:
- D is the declination.
- L is the longitude of the point, measured from 0° Aries.
- E is the oblique angle of the ecliptic.
- B is the latitude (of the point).
Example Calculation of Declination With Latitude
Assume:
- L (Longitude): 15° 08′ 30″ (Sagittarius)
- E (Oblique angle of the ecliptic): 23° 26′ 13.56586091″
- B (Latitude): 05° 02′
We convert these values into decimal degrees:
- L: 255.141666666667
- E: 23.437101628
- B: 5.0333333333333
Now apply the formula: sinD=cos(5.0333333333333)*sin(255.141666666667)*sin(23.437101628)+sin(5.0333333333333)*cos(23.437101628)
After calculation, we get: D=−17.6056180014∘(orD=17°36′20.22″)
Calculating AC and MC Declination
The calculation of declination for AC (Ascendant) and MC (Midheaven) is typically done based on the longitudes of these important points and the influence of declination on them. To calculate AC and MC declination, you can apply the formulas above, taking into account factors like Epsilon and B (latitude) to get accurate values for these points.
The aspects of parallel and contraparallel declination may not always be discussed as much as aspects based on longitude (zodiac signs), but they play a key role in gaining deeper insights into the relationship between planets and their impact on your life. These aspects help explain spiritual, emotional tendencies and the powerful dynamics that may affect a person’s personality and relationships.
Always remember that while declination may seem like a small element in astrology, it is an essential part of obtaining a holistic view of a person’s natal chart.
To view the Declination (Parallel and Contraparallel) section in astrologyreadings.online, follow these steps:
- Visit the website: Go to https://astrologyreadings.online
- Fill in your birth date, time, and city in the respective fields.
- After entering your details, click on “Xem lá số” to generate your natal chart.
- After viewing your chart, find the Aspects tab in the interpretation section.
- Scroll down to the Parallel and Contraparallel section to view detailed explanations about declination and the influence of the planets.
