Might you say anything about the meaning of these aspects in a natal chart or perhaps refer me to some source materials? I do appreciate your thoughtful comments.
I'm sorry but I thought I already explained what parallels and contraparallels meant in my answer above. If you want a good reference, you can start with the works of
John Willner. His book,
The Powerful Declinations, is a good one to start with if you don't know anything about parallels.
If you want clear examples, then the real answers will come from working with validated (spiritual birth time) horoscopes, which is what I do. I have many examples from the horoscopes that I've personally verified since 2002. For the sake of brevity, I will show you just one horoscope/example. It is of Joseph (or Joe) McMoneagle.
You may or may not know who this person is, but he is a well-known remote viewer throughout the world.
Here is his biography: http://www.mceagle.com/mcmoneagle/bio/bio-joe.html
And photo (followed by Incarn2 runs):
And visual horoscope (of the one highlighted and selected in yellow above):
Looking at this man upon first appearance clearly shows how much the Ascendant sign can be modified. It also shows how "just looking" at a person is not enough to ascertain if he or she is of a particular rising sign. Much more is needed - such as the reported physical birth time (PBT), background research on the person, calculation (via Incarn2 or some iterative method) of the exact moment in which spiritual energy enters the body of an infant, and testing and confirming of important life events within 4 minutes (00* 04') of arc or less.
I said that, because those who study and work with spiritual birth time (SBT) horoscopes and the physiognomy of Ascendants might first assume that Joe McMoneagle has a fixed sign rising, such as Leo. I know I did. But, he does not. He has Libra rising. (Incidentally, his PBT and SBT were not far apart, and both show Libra rising.)
Joe Moneagle does not "look" like the typical Libra rising (and here, again, is why caution ought to be used in making fast judgments on appearance alone). In fact, it is understandable how he could,
physiologically, be mistaken as having Leo rising - when one looks at the configuration of planets in his horoscope. Venus (ruler of ASC) is conjunct the Sun. Mercury parallels Venus, which increases androgen hormones and adds muscles. Jupiter is in the first house (which invariably expands the body and could easily make it big-boned). And Mercury makes its closest aspect (being almost exact in degree) to the ASC.
But even with the looks, the Libra temperament and desire for balance and harmony are still there.
Now, getting to the parallels...
If you look to the Declination (Decl) table (last row) in the chart you can see that the Moon is parallel his ASC. This man travels considerably in his life and meets many people along the way (natal Moon in 7th house). This is enhanced by his 3rd/9th house interceptions. But, even without the 3rd/9th house interceptions, he'd still be a traveler and involved with the public in some fashion (although that would not be indicated if one were looking solely from the perspective of longitude aspects).
Since the Moon rules the MC and is parallel his ASC, it also indicates his involvements with, and working for, those in power.
The parallels to his MC are extraordinary for any one human being. Actually, it should come as no surprise when one sees the absolutely powerful aspects made to this angle. They signify his prominence, military career, and working for the government as a secret spy agent.
For example, Pluto and Uranus parallel his MC. Uranus relates to paranormal affairs and Pluto relates to superlative resourcefulness, hidden power, arcane knowledge, the elite, the best of the best, problem-solvers, etc. Anyone with Pluto conjunct or parallel the MC, especially, is almost guaranteed to rise to prominence! Oprah Winfrey has this configuration and also has her ASC parallel MC, Mercury aligned with MC, and Mercury parallel her ASC.
Venus (ruler of his ASC) and Mercury also aligns with the MC (via their parallel to the IC). Again, this corresponds with his personal involvements with those in power, travelings, writings/publications, being in business with his wife as his partner, etc.
That briefly covers the parallels.
As to the longitude aspects....
McMoneagle is a remote reviewer (and psychic), and his horoscope reflects this. Most psychics have strong 3rd and/or 9th houses - where information is taking in and expressed or communicated.
Neptune is in the first house and relates to the type of work he does (Pisces on 6th house cusp). Neptune, along with Pluto, also relates to espionage or undercover or hidden activities.
The horoscope in its entirety also coincides with his involvement and many appearances on shows that tests psychics' abilities. The shows he appears on are mostly over seas.
Mars in the 10th house coincides with his military career. Pluto is in the 11th coincides with not only secret, powerful, intricate plans and schemes but also powerful friends and associates.
Venus, Mercury and Sun in the 4th coincide with the business enterprises he undertakes with his wife (as already mentioned), as his partner, who also provides services.
Over all, these are extremely powerful placements and indicative of one highly capable, efficient, powerful, intelligent and well-versed human being.
These examples (of the parallels/contraparallels) were brief, but hopefully you got the gist of what they mean.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: I also just wanted to add that the Mercury conjunction and parallel to his natal IC (along with the Moon parallel ASC) was responsible for his family constantly moving into many different homes while he was growing up. Another proven astrological fundamental that invariably shows when working with verified horoscopes.
Take care.
Shaun