Parallel

Definition

A parallel is an astrological aspect calculated on declination, not on ecliptic longitude. Two bodies form a parallel when they share the same declination value in the same celestial hemisphere, within a narrow orb that modern practice usually keeps under one degree. Astrology reads it as a soft connection of conjunctive flavor: the pair shares a celestial latitude and therefore a piece of symbolic ground, even when their positions on the zodiac look far apart.

In context

If your Mercury and Jupiter share a parallel within half a degree of orb, the chart sketches an extra intellectual collaboration the classical aspects on the ecliptic do not show on their own. A parallel is always calculated on the coordinate of declination, and it differs from the contraparallel, which combines equal declinations on opposite hemispheres. Astrology that fine-tunes with this layer adds parallels to the aspect list when the planets involved are sensitive to the chart, especially among luminaries and personal planets.

To go deeper

A parallel belongs to the aspects by declination:

• Declination: the coordinate the aspect is built on.
• Ecliptic longitude: the primary zodiac coordinate.
• Natal chart: map where both coordinates land.