Connecting Symbolon's 12 Main Cards to the Astrological Houses

The Core Principle of Symbolon: Understanding the Aspect

 

The Aspect principle holds significant importance in Astrology. While it is often mistakenly considered the angular distance between two of the 12 Signs, it is accurately defined as the angle between the ruling planet of one Sign and the ruling planet of another Sign.

Aspects measure how many degrees (out of 360˚) two planets, A and B, are separated on the Ecliptic (Zodiac), with the Earth serving as the center.

For example, in the Symbolon cards, the Opposition angle is not simply between Aries and Libra; rather, it is between the combinations [Aries + Mars] and [Libra + Venus].

Example of Opposition Aspect

 

Unlike an individual's unique birth chart, Symbolon utilizes universal archetypes. Consequently, each [Sign + Planet] combination maintains fixed distances ( 0˚, 30˚, 60˚, 90˚, 120°, 150˚, 180˚ ) from every other combination. This system of fixed angles enables the design of predictable psychological scenarios. Therefore, one can easily infer the nature of the relationship simply by examining the Aspect, even without the accompanying card illustration.

Classification and Psychological Emphasis of Aspects

Aspects are categorized into Major and Minor groups.

• Major Aspects: 0˚, 60˚, 90˚, 120°, 180˚
• Minor Aspects: The remaining angles are classified as Minor Aspects.

Specifically, the 0˚ Conjunction represents the case where A = B. It signifies the combination with oneself, which forms the 12 main cards of the Symbolon deck. This 0˚ card symbolizes the most primal and pure self, desires, and emotions—the intrinsic psychological state that remains untouched by external factors or the environment. This is the part marked in yellow on the chart below.

 

These differences in angular relationships are crucial for designing the psychological scenarios:

• A harmonious (Soft) Aspect like the Trine (120˚) creates a scenario where the two energies cooperate like an innate talent, leading to easy achievement of goals.
• A challenging (Hard) Aspect like the Square (90˚) designs a scenario where the two energies clash, generating conflict and demanding conscious effort and overcoming resistance.

The 0˚ Conjunction and the 12 Houses Connection

The 12 Main Cards and Their Corresponding Astrological Houses

 

The principle of the 0˚ Conjunction acts as the crucial bridge connecting the 12 main Symbolon cards to the 12 Astrological Houses.

Each House symbolizes a specific area of life and fundamental psychological themes (e.g., the 1st House represents Self/Identity, and the 7th House represents Relationships/The Other). Symbolon links these two concepts as follows:

• Conjunction = Pure Essence: The 0˚ Conjunction card represents the purest and most primal state archetype of the energy associated with that specific House and its ruling Sign.
• House Matching: For example, the 1st House is ruled by Aries, and its 0˚ Conjunction card is the Warrior. This Warrior symbolizes the pure, uninfluenced Self—the core instinctual urges and mode of action, untouched by external factors. Similarly, the Partner card of the 7th House represents the pure, idealized archetype of the relationship domain.
• The Psychological Foundation: Thus, the 12 main cards show the most fundamental starting point or basic scenario, illustrating the primary psychological archetype that the "Self" utilizes in the 12 areas of life symbolized by the Houses.

It is only after these 0˚ Conjunction cards establish the basic self that other Aspect scenarios (like 60˚ opportunities or 90˚ conflicts) can be built upon that foundation.