Have you ever noticed that your Aquarian friends can be sensitive and hold a grudge for years while many Scorpio types are quite sociable, if not a bit quirky at times? This is due to antiscia, or solstice points, which give Aquarians Scorpio qualities and Scorpios Aquarian characteristics.

Solstice points are helpful in determining predictive events which may not be readily recognizable when inspecting only natal or progressed planets. For example, one woman’s natal Venus, posited in the 27th degree of Pisces which is the planet’s exaltation by degree and sign, indicating that this planet is operating at its greatest strength which consequently predisposes her to being quite changeable in her preferences as she needs freedom to choose what she desires. In 1994, when Pluto hovered over 27 degrees Scorpio, forming an exact trine to her natal Venus, she met a person who had such a profound impact on her that her life was changed forever. During this time, she encountered some extreme feelings regarding her circumstances, and was subsequently forced to make very concrete decisions to determine how she was going to spend the rest of her life, and with whom. Based on the choices she made, she was forced to put her reputation on the line for the man she loved, gave up her job, home, family, friends and even moved to another country. In 1996 and 1997 when Neptune hovered over 27 degrees Capricorn, forming a sextile to her natal Venus, and Pluto passed through the 2nd and 3rd degrees of Sagittarius, forming a sextile to her solstice Venus at just over 2 degrees Libra, she was again forced to re-examine the decisions she had made. These Plutonion and Neptunion retrospections subsequently led her into a deep depressive state as she realised exactly what she had given up for a man she had come to realise had deceived her of his intentions and had hidden many things from her. Fortunately, other aspects were also involved which helped her to deal with this grief as she determined to rebuild her life, even if it meant going it alone and giving up still more as she resolved to be free from the relationship which she had come to view as emotionally destructive.

Calculation of solstice points is quite simple. By definition, a planet’s solstice point is its distance from 0 degrees Cancer or 0 degrees Capricorn - whichever is nearer - carried over to the other side of that same solstice. The planet’s remaining degrees and minutes are its solstice point. The sign of the solstice point is the sign directly across the chart and in the same hemisphere (horizon) of a natural wheel, as evidenced by the diagram below:-

In the northern hemisphere of the natural zodiacal wheel, Aries is directly across from Virgo, Taurus is directly across from Leo, and Gemini is directly across from Cancer. Likewise, in the southern hemisphere, Libra is directly across the wheel from Pisces, Scorpio is directly across from Aquarius, and Sagittarius is directly across from Capricorn. These pairs of signs will determine a planet’s solstice point as a planet in one sign of the pair will have its solstice point in the other.

Aries/Virgo Solstice Axis

Aries and Virgo are intricately linked antiscia points which form a quincunx to each other, indicating that they cause adjustments, health problems, a deep responsibility and inevitably a change of plans whenever they are affected.

While Aries is the planet of action, its Virgoan solstice point gives this sign endurance to complete those tasks it wants to accomplish, which is why many Arians are industrious, hard workers. Whenever Aries is affected by a transiting planet, issues which are normally unseen may very well be affected to throw a spanner into the works and complicate situations. For example, a deep feeling of Virgoan duty may well be the driving force to bring Aries’ energy out into the open and accomplish the more routine tasks necessary in any great endeavor.

Virgo represents duty and servitude as its solstice in Aries gives it the drive necessary to keep working, even when exhausted. It should be noted that many Virgo types can be quite energetic in their mannerisms which is due primary to their hidden Arien solstice. When Virgo is aspected through transit or progression, driving qualities will be hidden just beneath the surface.

Taurus/Leo Solstice Axis

The Taurus/Leo antiscia alliance does take a bit of work to harmonize as these two fixed signs form a square, bringing about conflicts which arise from our desire for love and security via the accumulation of wealth to enjoy life. There are also likely to be some parental influences, either from this or previous incarnations, which could cause conflict caused by highly egocentric or stubborn attitudes.

While Taurus is a stable sign which is unlikely to waiver from original intentions, it does have a happy disposition on most occasions and is therefore often found on the guest list of many a party. Whenever the sign of Taurus is aspected, issues relating to children, romance and fun will prevail outside of primary circumstances, such as childcare or pets costing more than originally anticipated.

Leo is a fun loving sign which can display much generosity as long as it is allowed to retain its position as the centre of attention. Like Taurus, Leo is a fixed sign which can be stubborn, if not somewhat set in its ways. Whenever Leo is affected by a planet or point, there will likely be issues revolving around food, finances or property which will be significant factors not readily apparent to the observer.

Gemini/Cancer Solstice Axis

The Gemini/Cancer duo form a semisextile to each other and has a tendency to blend into one another to allow for growth through learning.

Gemini is a social, active sign which is quick witted and sharp with words. Whenever Gemini is affected by transit or progression, its Cancerian counterpart will play a part as issues regarding women and family will influence the situation: such as correspondence with female figures or women talking a bit more than they should about matters revealed in confidence.

Cancer can be caring and have much consideration for others, effecting a feeling of security on those who it comes into contact with. Whenever Cancer is aspected through transit or progression, it is likely that Geminian characteristics will prevail, such as family discussions or get-togethers with friends.

Libra/Pisces Solstice Axis

The Libra/Pisces antiscia duo, although forming a quincunx to each other, is somewhat of a benefic combination because Venus is at home in Libra and exalted in Pisces. Even though there will be adjustments made whenever these signs are activated through transit or progression, a favorable outcome is quite likely as Libra’s sense of harmony is meshed with Pisces’ sense of idealism.

Libra is the sign of one-to-one relationships of either a positive or negative nature. While much emphasis on the make-ups and break-ups of friendships can be expected when Libra is affected by a transit or progression, Piscean influences will prevail, thus indicating a soulmate union is in the making. Libra instills a sense of balance which may have been previously missing, so therefore, if any wrongdoings have been occurring in a deceptive or underhanded manner, this sign’s influence will tend to correct them.

Pisces is often considered to be the most spiritual sign of the zodiac because a great deal of faith is inherent in its inner workings. Whenever Pisces is aspected by a planet or point, it is quite likely that there are some legal issues which need to be addressed or another person behind the scenes is secretly involved to sway the situation to form a particular outcome.

Scorpio Aquarius Solstice Axis

The Scorpio/Aquarius antiscia duo can be a stressful combination as both signs are fixed and form a square to each other. This indicates that there can be conflicts of interest whenever they are activated. It is quite likely that authority figures will be prominent as power struggles ensue as one or all parties involved seek the freedom to mature and develop in their own individual ways.

Scorpio is an intense, introspective sign which carries with it much depth other signs do not possess and is considered to be a very difficult sign. When Scorpio is affected by a transit or progression, the unique Aquarian influences will be prominent to indicate that friendships or life goals will play a part. Additionally, the dark side of life may be influenced to include any area which is illicit. For this reason, much control is necessary to make sure perverse alliances are not entered into.

Aquarius is a unique sign which can enact its qualities in an erratic or unstable manner if other grounding influences are not present to give it stability. Whenever Aquarius is affected by planetary activity, it is likely that hidden influences, perhaps in the form of skeletons in the closet which threaten to make themselves known, will also contribute to form a complex situation. Blackmail may also be at work as Aquarius seeks to be free, experience all aspects of life, do the things no one else has done, and yet still live in society as a respectable citizen. Therefore, it is possible that less evolved souls could discover some well kept Scorponic secrets and attempt to extort money or other services.

Sagittarius/Capricorn Solstice Axis

The Sagittarius/Capricorn duo forms a semisextile to enhance the energies of each sign to have the effect of intermingling the characteristics of each sign to influence each other to provide an arena for growth and development.

Sagittarius is an expansive, worldly sign which governs travel, athletics, higher education and religion. When it is aspected by a planet or point, it is quite likely that some enterprising issues will prevail in the form frequent business trips, international commerce, or even needing to be physically fit in order to continue in one’s career.