The Yod

[Kite]

There has been a lot of discussion around the double inconjunct aspect known as a Yod. I thought we might need a place to unpack this concept - so here's a new thread.

I'd like to begin by looking at the Hebrew involved and estoeric meaning behind it. Yod is the 10th Hebrew letter in the Alphabet. It carries a numerological (Gamatria) value of 10. Many astrologers state that the meaning of the word Yod is "Finger of God". This is actually incorrect. Yod actually means open hand and I would offer up the plural and say it means open hands.

The reason I believe it means open hands in the plural is because there are 5 fingers to a hand and there are 5 semi-sextiles to an inconjunct. Two 150 degree inconjunct planets applying to another planet while the applying planets form a sextile.

Based on this analysis, I believe the Yod means receptivity to God or higher source, self, whatever you believe. Open hands are a symbol of this receptivity.

Typically, we ask for intercession when we've reached a crisis. I believe the crisis is constructed as a catch-22 type of situation in one's life. I'll use my Yod as an example.

I have Mars/Moon conjunct in Aries receiving inconjuncts from Neptune in Scorpio in 8/9 and Pluto in Virgo in 7. Mars/Moon conjunct in Aries is energetic enough, believe me, but when faced with no way out, its explosive. The crisis I faced dealt with which parent (and their new family) would own me as Mars/Moon is in the 2nd house. Pluto in 7 rules 9 so we are looking at open conflict with my mother over my worldview of the family structure (also have Mercury ruler of 4 squaring) - I saw it one way and she saw it another way.

The Neptune inconjunct dealt with ownership over shared values (.8 and worldview) as it was on the cusp and my own personal values and worth as Neptune rules 2.

I tried resolving the crisis by leaving my mother's family and moving with my father's family. Same issues. I could not fit anywhere because my mother demanded I get adopted by the new stepfather (ownership) and my father said he would disinherit me (ownership and opposing Jupiter in the 8th house from Mars/Moon).

So what to do? What I did was travel to Israel to look for a spirtual answer to my dilemma. I felt a spirtual presence there and when I returned I began metaphysical studies to allow myself to detach from my family situation/dynamics and to begin build my own sense of values and identity. I lived on my own and took ownership over myself.

The point of the Yod in my opinion is to stop fighting for the way out of the internal crisis shown by the aspects but to take a more Zen like approach to transcend the dynamics through detachment.

Normal inconjuncts can be handled with a decision. I have Uranus in Leo in 6 inconjuncting Mercury in Cap in 11. I have to constantly decide if I put work over family or family over work (Mercury rules 4 and 8.). I do however need to be informed by a higher spiritual value to make the decision - which way serves my soul - our souls, etc.

This brings me to more Hebrew. I was always curious about the story of Abraham and Sarah in the bible. They were way too old to have kids but they wanted to have them. Sound like an inconjunct? Two principles out of whack. Yet what happens. They are tested and through finding faith they are given a child. But before this happens each of their names change with the addition of an H or Hey in Hebrew.

Hey is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Sara became Sarah and Abram became Abraham. In Hebrew those were the only letters added to their names. Hey in Hebrew means Window. It was through the detachment from their situation that they we able to transcend it. Two Heys are of course a Yod which is 10. They each had a hand in making this happen and of course Abraham and Sarah are archetypes within us all.

Kite

[Arian Maverick]

Nice post, Kite! Are we going to discuss what yods mean karmically, too?

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

Good question Maverick. I think the whole point of the Yod is to rise above the Karma that is inherant in the aspects. By becoming aware of the dynamics in play, you are becoming aware of the Karma. It really doesn't matter what past life experiences created it. What matters is understanding what is happening now - in this life so you can detach and rise above it.

Kite

[Arian Maverick]

Due to the circumstances of my particular natal chart, I am also quite interested in the karmic implication of having one's ruling planet as the apex of a yod...

I'll see if I can brainstorm any more ideas for this board before we really dive into the discussion. I'm so excited! :mrgreen:

EDIT: Due to my Virgo South Node compulsiveness, I have a designated folder for astrology in my favorite places list, which is further divided into such topics as aspects, asteroids, balsamic moon, harmonics, retrograde planets, sabian symbols, yods, etc. Here are some interesting sites I have found during the course of my astrological studies:

Yodastrology: What is a Yod? (http://www.yodastrology.com/yods.html)

Yods and Writer's Block: A Q&A from Eric Francis (http://cainer.com/ericfrancis/july29.html)

The "Master Yod": Neptune Sextile Pluto (http://www.acumind.com/Pam/yod.html)

What is a "Yod" in an Astrology Chart? (http://www.drstandley.com/astrologycharts_yod.shtml)

Yod--The Finger of God (http://www.spealer.com/chron.htm#yod)

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

Due to the circumstances of my particular natal chart, I am also quite interested in the karmic implication of having one's ruling planet as the apex of a yod...


I think it directly speaks to your indenty issues Maverick - how you define yourself. Are you a walking encyclopedia as MArs in Gem in 3 might seem? Are you defining yourself by what you're going to do when you grow up (Saturn/Neptune applying in 10)? Are you the great occultist with powers to transform yourself, your family and what you can give to the world (Pluto in 8 in Scorpio applying)?

Such an identity crisis wouldn't you say? And one that cannot be reolved through a simple decision either because a decision to define yourself one way would negate the other aspects of your being that want expression (Sun, Mercury, Venus applying to Pluto in 8.).

This is a dilemma Maverick! You simply cannot define yourself! What's a Virgo South Node to do about this!!!!

The harder you push to come up with THE definition - the more it escapes you (Satrun/Neptune in 10 applying to Mars). Yet the answer is at hand (two hands actually). Open and receive the gift of rising above common definitions and give yourself permision to be mutli-aspected with your sense of who you are as evolving natural process.

Kite

[Arian Maverick]

I've got my own board to discuss this, so I don't want to delve to deeply into my natal chart here...what about having one's ruling planet as the focus of a yod, in general? :wink:

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

Ruling planet would indicate a crisis with identity (assuming it's a the apex). If the planet rules the ascendent, I would say external identity, if the Sun then internal identity.

Mine was Moon which was an emotional/family crisis over belonging and ownership.

[Arian Maverick]

I'm sorry to ram in with my natal chart again (I am an Aries :lol: ), but what if you have two possible rulers of your chart as the apex planet of two different yods? There's been an ongoing debate about whether Pluto rules Aries or Scorpio...

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

I am assuming you mean Mars and Pluto (with Pluto being a possible ruler of Aries which I'm not sure I agree with).

For the sake of argument let's pretend you have Scorpio rising and you have Mars as the apex of a yod in 3 and Pluto as the apex of a yod in 8.

I would have to say there is still an identity crisis which would be infomed by the applying planets to the Yods. With Scorpio I imagine the identity crisis would involve all the aspects of Scorpio - from the basic life processes involved with Sex, Death, etc and Mars issues such as assertiveness, masculinity, self-awareness, etc.

[Arian Maverick]

I believe that I posted a link to this article on another board, but you may be interested in reading Does Pluto Rule Scorpio or Aries? (http://www.accessnewage.com/ARTICLES/astro/benplu.htm) if you haven't done so already :wink:

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

Interesting article. I'm still not convinced though. One thing I will caution you on Maverick. You also have an inconjunct between your South Node in Virgo in 6 and your ascendent. This gives more detail to your story (which be posted on your thread but forgive my sloppiness) way too much more detail. This identity definition you are looking for also wants to be as pidgeoholed as possible by your South Node.

Your North Node wants you to let go of this and swim with the fishes in 12. Your Neptune wants to dissolve anything your Saturn wants to hang out there at the MC. In other words - give yourself permission to fail at defining yourself and in general.

Kite

[Arian Maverick]

Interesting article. I'm still not convinced though.

I don't know if I am convinced either, but I like to think of it as a possibility :wink:

One thing I will caution you on Maverick. You also have an inconjunct between your South Node in Virgo in 6 and your ascendent. This gives more detail to your story (which be posted on your thread but forgive my sloppiness) way too much more detail. This identity definition you are looking for also wants to be as pidgeoholed as possible by your South Node.

Your North Node wants you to let go of this and swim with the fishes in 12. Your Neptune wants to dissolve anything your Saturn wants to hang out there at the MC. In other words - give yourself permission to fail at defining yourself and in general.

I believe your observation is highly synchronistic...I recently purchased Jan Spiller's Astrology for the Soul (my first astrology book) and I immediately felt a strong connection with the Picses/12th house North Node descriptions. Remember--at this time, I still believed myself to have an Aquarius Ascendant, which would place my North Node in the first or second house. Yet when I read the description of the Aries/1st house North Node, I did not relate to situations nearly as well, and now I understand why; my true North Node placement has a double emphasis on Pisces! :P

EDIT: I am curious about the implications of my inconjunct between my Ascendant and South-Node...can you post it here or on I Have Been Using The Wrong Natal Chart This Entire Time!!! (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1256&start=60) when you get the chance?

Arian Maverick

[Kite]

It's part of the same story Maverick - trying to pidgeonhole your identity. If I asked you who are you, what would you say? I'm triple Aries, etc. Instead when I ask who are you, your North Node would want to say - I am that I am.

[Arian Maverick]

You bring up a very valid point, Kite...my Virgo South Node seems very eager to slap a label on everything, including myself. I simply love structure! :roll:

Arian Maverick

[VENUS]

ive been studying astrology for almost a year now...but ive never read about a "yod" until i started reading the forum alot...do i have a yod? if ive been understanding correctly...i think i have one b/w pluto/neptune/venus? :?:
jan 26th 1983
flushing, NY
11:55 pm

[Arian Maverick]

I see several Grand Trines and a T-squares in your Astrodienst (http://www.astro.com/) chart, but no yod configurations...I recommend that you ask another forum member to enter your natal data in a more advanced astrology program :wink:

http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/3779/venusnatalchart2yu.png (http://imageshack.us)

Arian Maverick

[VENUS]

thanks arian maverick....your knowledge on astrology is very impressive by the way...especially for someone your age... :D

[Arian Maverick]

thanks arian maverick....your knowledge on astrology is very impressive by the way...especially for someone your age...

Thank you! :mrgreen:

I don't know nearly as much about astrology as some members of this forum, but I am learning more from this forum every day...

Arian Maverick

[Summery Joy]

Venus,

I think I found a yod in your chart, but one has to allows some pretty wide orbs to see it.

Your have a conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in Sag in the 2nd house sextiling the Sun in Aquarius in the 4th house. This is the base. Since the conjuction is as 5 and 8 Sag and the Sun is at 6 Aquarius, the apex of the yod should be somewhere between 5 and 8 in Cancer in the 9th house.

You have the Moon in Cancer in the 9th house but it's at 12. There's an orb of average 5 or 6 degrees there. I generally use wide orbs in natal astrology, so this configuartion counts as a yod to me. However, not all astrologers would agree with me.

It all depends on you and how you identify with your natal chart energies. Do you feel the effect of this yod on your personality?

[Arian Maverick]

I'll look up the sabian symbol for the opposite degree of her natal moon...although it is common policy to round up even if a planet is only one minute past a certain degree, I will post both 12 and 13 Capricorn in case Venus relates with one symbol better than the other :wink:

Opposite Yod Point (12 Capricorn):

282__(12°)
NATURAL WONDERS ARE DEPICTED IN A LECTURE ON SCIENCE Piercing through appearances; disclosing the magic splendor of the core of things. A universal living touch. Keen vision.

___*When positive, the degree is self-confidence through the acquisition of knowledge and effective self-direction through the practical application of all values, and when negative, psychological smugness and an unreasonable pride of intellect.

Opposite Yod Point (13 Capricorn):

283__(13°)
BENEATH SNOW-CLAD PEAKS A FIRE-WORSHIPPER IS MEDITATING Firm establishment upon immemorial principles. Consciousness of absolute unity. Depth of soul-penetration. Self-conquest.

___*When positive, the degree is extraordinary skill in enlisting every resource of the world for the exaltation of self and the consummation of its ambitions, and when negative, consistent overestimation of personal capacity.

I hope this helps! :D

Arian Maverick

[New Moon Libra]

Arian -- it was only after reading at the links you supplied about yods that I realized I could use my asc and south node in them. That being said, this presents a strange, but I sense, powerful experience in my life right now. The yod in my chart is cancer asc sextile taurus jupiter H11 and the finger is my sag south node in H6. Tr Pluto is conjunct my south node, too, a degree from galactic center. I had some conversation in the predictive section about the tr pluto cj sn without realizing a yod was involved.

From what I've read, the finger is "destiny"--but the finger is my south node. What do you make of that?

EDIT: After looking some more, I see two other possible nodes, depending on the orb allowed: aquarius saturn H8 sx sagittarius south node H6 both incon cancer asc (within 4 degrees), and, although this chart doesn't show my 15 degree pisces chiron, it's H9 incon to both leo mars H2 sx libra sun H4 (within 3 degrees). Are these each yods?



http://www.teresawymore.com/willshechart.jpg

[Manic_Monday]

My chart:
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1978

Do I have a Yod (Jupiter - Mars - Uranus)? I'm not sure.

[Howl]

Oo oo, Yods! I'm still trying to figure out my own take on my own Yod, so forgive me if I have nothing to offer as yet on the previous Yods, I'll work on it :) Here is my chart, Yod included

Saturn Libra 3H
Mercury Sag 6H
Chiron Taurus 10H (retrograde)

As the Third and Tenth are big houses for me anyhow, I have a sense of what the sextile feels like/is all about. But I'm not sure if a Yod with Chiron at the apex is similar to one with a personal planet at the Apex?? Perhaps not the same feeling of identity crisis as for Arian Mav? mmmmm.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4814/yod1uq.th.gif (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=yod1uq.gif)

[Arian Maverick]

I know I've come across information about apex Chiron yods in my astrological studies somewhere...if only I could find it! :rolleyes:

Arian Maverick

[Howl]

Good news report!!! (for me at least :D) transiting moon has activated my Chiron apex yod, wohooo!

At 6.30 tonight my time, the moon was directly conjunct natal 10H chiron (which is apex of a 3H saturn 6H mercury yod). I was having coffee with a new friend, who utterly inspires me, but I had not been particularly familiar with her work, other than that she's always sounded very impressive for her age....

I found out she runs a small NGO that supports two NGO's on the ground in Kolkata, India, and she invited me to come with her in December and work there for as long as I want to!!! Basically, an amazing job offer, which although not highly paid (that's NGO work for ya), offers me the experience to complement my theoretical study in International Development.

I checked the time, expecting that the moon would be in aspect to something in my chart. As well as the Taurus 10H Chiron conjunction, it is also moving into sextile with my cancer true node.

As I've had little experience of how the Yod 'works', I'm keen to see how this opportunity unfolds....