This post is part of my semi regular semi series on aspect patterns…it comes with a technical post warning for non astro bods.

So anyways, I should have posted this piece on yods yonks ago…boy, I don’t want to say that too quickly…but I didn’t.

Why? Because, well, it all seemed so hard.

And, if you have a yod in your chart, you know all about that. You also know all about false starts, frustrations and continual adjustment to goals and motivations.

What is a yod? I’m glad you asked.

This particular arrangement of planetary aspects is also known as The Finger of Fate, or Finger of God….but is nothing quite so prophetic. I like to think of it as containing the sort of magic possible under the witches hat it so resembles. It is, however, challenging…yet profound in its potential.

Ok, for the technical bits and pieces:

• Looking like an isosceles triangle, it comprises two planets at its base forming a sextile, and the third planet, at the apex forming a quincunx or inconjunct to the other two.
• Orbs between each planet should be no more than 3 deg.
• The planets at the base share a polarity- are both masculine, or both feminine.
• The planet inconjunct, at the apex, is of a different polarity, element and modality from the other two and therefore has absolutely nothing in common with the other two planets. For this reason,
• The planet at the point is pivotal.
• The yod has the feel of Uranus.

I’m a both half traditionalist and into keeping things simple. For that reason I tend not to use asteroids and calculated points in my general work…but if you do, feel free to pop these into your charts and interpret in the usual way.

So, how to make the yod work for you?

In short? This is arguably the toughest aspect pattern to interpret.

The theory says that the key to this one is in freeing the base energy so there’s a free flow of oomph from the apex planet all the way down the triangle. Easy? No? This will be, by definition, tougher to resolve if the planet at the apex is fixed and resistant to change.

Freeing the base energy is easier said than done. Planets in sextile are supportive of each other, but although stimulating and interesting, it tends not to be a lasting, focused sort of support. Resolution of a yod needs more than that…hence the false starts.

This is especially the case if the planets at the base are not open to change and/or subject to fear.

Very often the potential of a yod will only be fulfilled when the points are activated by transits- and when the native is ready, willing and able to go with it. This too is problematic as any transit forming an inconjunct in your chart is by definition something that you’re either not prepared for, or unwilling to face. As I said, it has the feel of Uranus. Change and separation can be tough…or it can be joyful…very often you go through the former to arrive at the latter.

The key to the yod is knowing the planets involved, understanding their motivations, their nature, and the conversation that they’re having with other planets in the chart. You also have to understand that resolution will require a letting go or ending that you will probably resist- at least at first.

The chart below is Dana’s. It’s not her real name- that’s been changed to protect her from identity thieves.

Dana’s yod has Mars and Venus in sextile at the base.

Venus is in Aries, in the sign of her detriment, so isn’t operating in the way she normally likes. Venus in Aries wants what she wants when she wants it. She doesn’t like to wait for her needs to be fulfilled, and is more into quick gratification than waiting around.

Mars is in Gemini, in the third house, and has much to say.

Both Venus and Mars are in masculine signs so express energy outward. Venus, however, is in the first house and self-interested, Mars is in a mutable sign and energized by communication and the exchange of messages.

These two get along, but in the way of teenagers coming together to work on homework. Both are easily bored, and quick to lose concentration.

Both these planets are, however, important in their own way- Venus is the dispositor, or ruler, of Dana’s sensually practical Taurus Sun, and Mars is her chart ruler. Mars is also the traditional dispositor, or ruler, of Saturn- the planet at the apex of this yod.

Saturn in Scorpio, in the 8^th. has a lot going for it. It generally indicates someone who is cautious and relatively well-skilled with money- for a Taurus Sun, this is a nice attribute to have. It is, however, also a fearful and change resistant placement, and a placement that might bring with it general anxieties- especially around sex and death.

This is exacerbated by the conjunction with the Moon.

Even though the Moon is too far apart from Venus to be technically part of the yod, any conjunction between Saturn and the Moon can be a difficult one to overcome. Not only can it result in restrained emotional expression, there is also a tendency to defensiveness and a lack of confidence associated with this aspect. There may also be childhood issues that require addressing.

The toughest part of this aspect is the ability to let go of fears and find courage to move past the past and into the uncertainty of the future…to accept that life doesn’t come with guarantees.

The midpoint of the sextile planets is an important one when it comes to yods, as this point opposes the apex of the yod. In Dana’s chart, this position is filled by the Sun. Again we have a repetition of the Saturn theme of fear and insecurity.

As Dana approaches her 2^nd Saturn return, exact in just a few days, this point will be activated.

With the Sun and Saturn being in the two most fixed of the fixed signs, getting either to change will be no easy feat. This is the classic Taurus/Scorpio story of hanging on vs letting go, of elimination rather than accumulation.

What does her Sun really want? Ultimately it wants serenity, simplicity, and to experience life in all of its beauty through the senses. Very often, especially when Saturn is involved, this can be expressed through accumulation of possessions, and a fear that there won’t be enough…that you aren’t enough.

To have the courage to let go, Venus and Mars need to pull their weight.

Venus in Aries needs the fuel of oxygen, creativity and new relationships to feel good about herself. This means exercise, this means new experiences, and it means competition. This will build confidence, courage and both physical and emotional strength. Dana would also benefit from bringing more fire into her life. She can do this by wearing more fire colours, and eating foods that contain warming spices. For more hints to bring fire into the chart, check out Burning Up.

As for Mars? Mars in Gemini is going to be switched on by all new relationships and contacts made. Any friendships outside Dana’s normal circle will activate her natural curiosity, as will the opportunity to discuss different ideas and views. Sure this will threaten Saturn, but ultimately these activities will also provide the confidence to shed the weight of the past, or past conditioning.

What else? Anyone with a Taurus Sun, and an impulsive Venus in Aries needs to be encouraged to regularly declutter on a physical level. Very often a good cleanout of anything old, broken, past its use by, no longer suitable for purpose….whatever…leaves the space for some emotional letting go as well…just saying.