The Yod aspect pattern is a configuration between at least three planets or points in the horoscope to create a long triangle resembling a witch’s hat. A Yod is also called the Finger of Fate, Finger of God, or the Projection Triangle and has been the source of much debate and controversy within the astrological community.
Traditional astrologers have dismissed Yod astrology as “bogus” or merely a midpoint structure, and even among those who use Yod’s, there is debate about orbs and whether to include only planets or other points in the chart like the Ascendant. I firmly believe that Yod astrology is very significant and does live up to the hype as a very fated aspect pattern denoting a special mission or destiny in life.
Yod Astrology Definition
Yod is the tenth Hebrew letter with significant kabbalistic and mystical significance regarding the name of God, his omnipresence, and our humility. In Marina’s chart below, you can see the Yod apex planet is Jupiter. The green lines are quincunxes (150°). The blue line between Mercury and Neptune is a sextile (60°). The Yod is a challenging aspect pattern but holds great potential for spiritual evolution and increased awareness.
This pattern creates particular and strong energy, stronger than you would get by these aspects on their own. I like to use the analogy of a crystal here, a very definite and unique structure that holds a special energy that took a long time to create. A person with a Yod will struggle with this frazzling and neurotic energy, especially earlier in life.
The energy of the two planets in sextile is focused like a laser beam on the action point, in this case, Jupiter. A sextile is a positive aspect that creates energy. The quincunxes take this heightened energy and raise the vibration even further. Initially, the most negative potential of the sextile planets manifests through the apex planet. The action point planet then comes under incredible stress and tension and must release it somehow. Individuals with this Yod pattern will experience this as a continual build-up and then a release of tension.
Life with a Yod is far from ordinary, as I explored in Nazi Horoscopes: Of the 100 German Nazis listed at Astro Databank, only 6 have Yod configurations. Each had a crucial role to play in the war. A Yod does represent a special task or mission in life that the person feels compelled to undertake. These six guys were undoubtedly “on a mission.”
I have mentioned that I consider Yod astrology very challenging. There will be many difficult circumstances and relationships in life which seem to show a repeating theme as if we are learning a lesson over and over to perfect something. I believe that a person with a Yod has been working on a particular task or mission over many lifetimes, making mistakes along the way while learning the skills needed.
The Yod in the chart for this life signifies that this is the life to bring it all together, the makeup for the mistakes, and pay back the karmic debt. In this life, the skills are to be perfected and used in a constructive, selfless way to benefit others. The skills are shown by the sextile planets, the challenges through the quincunxes, and the mission or task through the apex planet. The quincunx is an aspect of karmic readjustment.
Yod Astrology
In Marina’s Yod astrology, the mission relates to Jupiter, faith, values, and philosophy. Positive values, cheer, and hope are given to many through the Mercury/Neptune spiritual writings and words. The negative manifestation which had to be overcome to get to this positive and constructive stage included a lack of self-belief and the tendency to exaggerate the Mercury/Neptune imaginings, suspicions, and the tendency to get carried away with conspiracy theories. Marina may have a different interpretation – keep your eye on the comments.
Elida Marchisone talks about Yod astrology and labels this aspect pattern the “Spiritual Warrior”, pointing to the struggle to rise above the challenges and to evolve the soul. Concerning the early struggles and finally realizing the wonderful potential bound up in the crystalline structure, she writes that for a Yod “to work positively, a certain evolutionary standard must first be met”. The timing of this evolutionary leap or series of leaps will be shown by aspects, especially conjunctions to the apex planet from eclipses and outer planet transits.
Elida states that with Yod astrology, we need “to develop a great sense of individuality and self-confidence. This person may have to play the role of the rescuer and the victim, over and over, until they develop an understanding of personal and collective service. In relating to others, they will explore realms of experiences that are not understood at an ordinary level, as it will include collective unconscious behavior patterns. He or she will have to meet inner standards rather than conform to social standards of behavior. Because of this, the person will set in motion misunderstanding and aggressive responses from the environment.”
Alan J. Ouimet quotes the astrologer Bill Tierney (Dynamics of Aspect Analysis), describing Yod astrology as “arriving at a fork in the road and having to proceed in one direction rather than another without knowing where it will lead to…activation of the Yod will cause the dropping, or psychologically letting go, of certain interests and habits to become involved in what is showing on the horizon”. Regarding the “fork in the road”, if you take a direction other than the one God has chosen for you, then the universe is likely to give you a kick in the pants. The further you stray from the destined path, the harder the kick.
Other variations of the Yod is the Boomerang Yod mentioned below and the Golden Yod, which is discussed in the horoscope of Adolf Hitler. This Golden Yod involves a quintile aspect (72°) in place of the sextile and two biquintile aspects (144°) in place of the quincunxes. There is still the same theme with a special mission in life and the struggle to overcome adversity, but there seems to be more emphasis on the use and abuse of power.
Boomerang Yod Astrology
Boomerang Yod Astrology
When there is a planet or point opposite the apex planet, then we get a Boomerang Yod, also called a Focused Yod. This Yod astrology is more complex. It is made of a standard Yod aspect pattern with an Eye aspect pattern sitting on top.
In my chart, you can see that Mercury and Venus make up the reaction point, opposite Saturn, the apex planet. Interpreting the standard Yod pattern, my special mission involves taking responsibility for something, learning, teaching, and parenting (all Saturn things). They take on a larger spiritual dimension because of Neptune sextile Pluto, the aspect of mass consciousness. Now the energy at the action point Saturn bounces up to the Mercury-Venus reaction point. So the final expression of all the tension is through words and love, the source of difficulties earlier in life, but the avenue for the positive manifestation of the Yod when things turn around. The reaction point is like a pressure valve, and in some ways, it makes it easier to release the pressure build-up found in standard Yod astrology. However, in some ways, it is worse when the un-evolved Yod lets off the energy in an uncontrolled or harmful fashion.
The young Yod was shy, fearful, insecure, and struggled expressing love, words and feelings. As the Yod evolved through a series of sometimes painful leaps from the negative to the positive manifestation, wisdom, and stability counteract the fear and inhibition. Now I express my thoughts to a wider audience on the Internet more confidently and have a more mature approach to loving and taking responsibility for my family.
We may never feel in total control of our lives when we have a Yod in our charts. Life is fated. We have to surrender to a higher power and sacrifice some personal desires and needs. Along the way, we can at least move from the back seat up to the passenger seat and start enjoying the ride.
More Aspect Patterns
Hello,
Thank you for your thoughts and perspective about a yod. I totally get having to learn how to deal with this energy over time,I have a yod with Jupiter in Aries in the 12 house sextile Saturn in Aquarius in the 11th house, and both quincunx my sun in Virgo in the sixth house, which is also conjunct Pluto in Virgo on one side of my sun and Venus in Virgo on the other side. I would appreciate any insights about my yod.
Forgot to say the apex points to a stellium of Uranus in Virgo in 5th house, conjunct Pluto in Virgo in 5th house, conjunct sun in Virgo in 6th house, conjunct Venus in Virgo in 6th house. It’s a wild ride.
Jupiter sextile Saturn gives a solid base for growth. Patient, ambitious, practical and optimistic. Hopefully this gives some stability, common sense and direction for your crazy stellium. With the quincunx having a small orb, up to 3 degrees. I would focus on the stellium planet which makes the tightest Yod first, or perhaps star with the Sun. Then slowly add in the influence of Venus then the outer planets.
I think I agree with the beliefs of quincunx’s being erratic energy that gets supercharged by transits. You said hopefully the sextile brings stability and common sense to my crazy stellium. I had to laugh because the common sense and stability come and go. I’ve had to learn to work with and around the flow of energies. Sometimes they’re there and sometimes they’re not. It’s a perpetual state of motion. I suppose adapting to the erratic energies offers its own sense of stability – LOL. And I’ve kind of found the fate of my yod is more in the acceptance of the erratic energies. I harness them when they can be harnessed and then let them go when they’re not around. Sort of a time for peace and a time for action, so to speak, for me anyway. Food for more thought on my journey. Thanks for your response. This is nice of you to donate your time and knowledge like this. I appreciate it.
An enjoyable part of my work, and thank you!
I’ve got a yod angle as well. The only thing I get is: Neptune (2nd house) sextile Pluto-Saturn (12th house), apex Mercury-Chiron (7th house). Could you explain it to me?
https://www.instagram.com/p/3xDpMFEBRA/
Saturn-Neptune fears and paranoia affecting Mercury thinking and communication. Goal is positive thinking. Thoughts are things, they have energy. Most important to avoid negative thinking especially with Mercury conjunct the fixed star Algol. Negative Mercury thoughts can manifest due to Saturn-Neptune. The power of positive thinking really applies to you.
Hi Jamie,
I have just discovered the Yods in my chart and would like a bit of help interpreting them, as you are one of few sites I’ve found that has good information! I have three:
Mercury in 13° Taurus (5th house)
MC in 12° Libra
Uranus in 8° Sagittarius(12th house)
Jupiter in 10° Sagittarius(12th house)
Venus in 2° Gemini (5th house)
Pluto in 28° Libra (10th house)
Neptune in 29° Sagittarius (1st house)
Saturn in 1° Scorpio (10th house)
Chiron in 25° Taurus (5th house)
Ascendant in 25° Sagittarius
Pluto in 28° Libra (10th house)
Neptune in 29° Sagittarius (1st house)
Clearly, the mission falls in my fifth house (also, my North Node is in the early degrees of my 7th, if that helps any). I also have a rectangle pattern and overall see-saw pattern to my chart. Every time I start to feel as though I am getting proficient about my chart, I discover something new, which is part of what makes this so much fun! Any insights you or anyone else may have is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Alison, all look to be almost equally important. I would concentrate on the Mercury yod first as it seems to involve the closest planets to the Sun. Plus it rules your thought process and how you read your own chart. Have you looked at your fixed stars for more detail? I would not be concerned about house placement. Mercury on fixed star Menkar is a good place to start.
Thank you for the help, Jamie! I had not thought of looking at fixed stars, but after reading about Menkar, I’m a bit freaked out by the meaning of that Yod…very ominous!
Keep reading, and the stars that are near and involved in the sextile. Your whole chart needs to be taken into account, not just these planets.
Hi, I’ve been studying my yod for a while now, but as of late, t-Saturn is opposite the apex (my moon), so it’s been trying.
Any ideas on how you would interpret this yod?
7th house Gemini moon is the apex
11/12th Venus conjunct Pluto in scorpio
2nd house Saturn/Neptune in Capricorn.
It’s a pretty tight one. The moon, Venus and Neptune are all at 9 degrees.
I’d appreciate any insight, as this may help with the Saturn transit.
I’ll bet it has Carrie. The biggest impediment to understanding anything in astrology is the use of signs and houses. Moon conjunct the fixed star Aldebaran is a good place to start.
I have read some on aldebaran. I guess I’m wondering what the key to my neurotic behavior is, haha. Relationships are a big theme in my life (7th house moon, Venus in scorpio, Mars in libra) but they’re typically dark and have a lot of power themes. Jealousy and possessiveness are big ones I battle with, as do the partners I seem to unknowingly choose. Right now, it feels like I am reliving some bad themes from my first love/marriage.
Neurotic behavior is exactly what all yods bring. And reliving things too, as yods show lifetimes of repeating the same thing over and over again. This life it comes to a head in order to finally get past the stumbling block to move on.
The idea of repeating the same lessons/themes over lifetimes is very interesting. May I ask how you came to this information? Past life regressions? thanks
I have had one past life regression but I’m sure I have read other astrologers associating this with the Yod as well. It does make sense given the karmic adjustment of the quincunx. And yes, Neptune for guilt, also Saturn.
Thanks for replying.
Hi Jamie,
I have a YOD in my chart with The Sun conjunct Chiron at the apex/fulcrum, quincunxing Saturn conjunct Pluto on one side and neptune on the other.
I find there is a LOT of searching for who i am in life. It never seems to cease, and I feel this pull for wanting achievement, power, and some kind of spiritual perfection with all those, which seems out of reach for me. Leads to lots of self exploration adn trying dfifferent activities/identities/careers, etc. but that leads to lots and lots of dsitrust that anything will last or gho anywhere long term.
Wondering what your take on this YOD aspect pattern I have is?
thanks
Wounded ego would be the reason for the quest for power and authority, and self identity. You already have a good take on what it means so it sounds to me like you are already quite evolved and on the right path.
Thanks Jamie. Makes sense to me, I guess it’s juts lately I’ve been feeling resentful of others who don’t seem to be questioning their motives and get to just live out these fantasies of being an athlete or striving for something. But maybe in time I can learn that there is a gift in the shedding of these unhealthy motives and find more peace. Just feels at times like I am fighting myself and can’t trust my own impulses/dreams/desires.
Sounds like that wounded ego struggling against the fears and guilt from the sextile. Self confidence and self acceptance is so important a goal for you.
Guilt I assume is Neptunian? Def. think self confidence and self acceptance is important for me. Especially self confidence based on some inherent feeling of worth, not necessarily being good at something.
Thanks for being a sounding board
This is a really interesting topic for me. I have been told I have a pentagram aspect pattern called a Pandoras box. I have more than 1 yod.
It is so complex trying to read my chart as im a novice. I don’t know where to start, what to give importance to. I think yods are important, and the mystic rectangle. I’ve heard about yods being activated but I’m not sure how to recognise this.
Can you shed any light on this pls Jamie?
Yes Richy, keep your orbs tight and start with the basics, AC, Sun and Moon. Ignore Signs and Houses, use only aspects and fixed stars. Mastering planetary energies is key and then it becomes much easier when not confusing matters with Signs and Houses. See Precession of the Equinoxes. Your complex aspect pattern can only be tackled once you get a solid understanding of the most important aspects in your chart.
And what can you tell about yod with Pluto in scorpio at the apex in the 3H and a sextile of Mercury in the 8 H ( conj Sun in the 9H) in aries and Moon in the 10H in gemini ?
Hi Austin, first off I don’t use houses or signs in interpretation. The sextile is a very open communicator and need lots of interaction, everything in life is closely related to relationships. Check out the exact degrees to find your Fixed Stars for more detail instead of Signs and Houses. Pluto apex could represent how you use the power you have gained through such intimate knowledge of relationship dynamics, your interpersonal skills. How you might tend to control or manipulate people and situations?
Uranus is about to conjunct my 8th house, Aries moon yod point, the sextile part of the yod is sun 3rd to pluto 1st
Will Uranus cause another train wreck? any help would be much appreciated.
Not if you remain flexible and open minded. Do not resist any change at all in your home or family or with women. Go with the flow and don’t try to hold on to emotional attachments.
I have two Yods, right next to each other. The sextile signs in both instances are Sagittarius and Aquarius, and the quincunxes lead to my moon which is in Cancer, which is square to both saturn(Aries) and mars(Libra), who oppose each other. My moon is also part of a grand trine involving the sun(Aquarius),and Chiron (Scorpio). Methinks the moon doth posess great importance in this play, no?
Oh wow Charise. Find out all you can about the degree of your Moon, fixed stars, asteroids, Arabic Parts etc.
Interesting. I am looking at the chart of someone with a sun-saturn-uranus Golden YOD. Pluto in the first house opposes the apex planet. I wonder about the significance.
Which is the apex planet? Also, curious which part you are wondering about the significance of? The whole YOD?
Only guessing Zane but obviously power and control are major issues. At least there is the potential for a positive result because of Saturn-Uranus.
Thanks Jamie
I have always had doubts about what my Yod is trying to tell me, as I am not much deep down into astrology yet. My yod is made of Mars (Sagittarius – 5th or 6th house(depending on used house system)) sextile Venus Rx (Aquarius – 7th or 8th house) with apex planet of Jupiter (Cancer – 12th house) and Activation Point = Uranus (Capricorn – 6th house).
What are the things I need to pay attention to? How it will play out?
Don’t worry about Houses and Sign but find any fixed stars on your planets. Going over board or too excess in matters of love. Over optimism and smothering with love, then lack of faith and trust, selfishness, then to Uranus odd behavior, detachment, wanting to break free?
Forgot to mention that my apex planet Jupiter is also retrograde in natal chart. These two planets being retrograde makes it even more hard for myself right?
Yes, see my Jupiter retrograde article.
I find your Yod explanation to be straightforward and understandable. Very helpful. I still struggle with getting a true grasp of my boomerang Yod. Same Neptune-Pluto base with Sun apex and Jupiter reaction point. 1st house Pluto and 8th house Aries Sun. I know it has to do with truly becoming myself, but how to combine these planets/energies seems to trip me up.
Michele, I have the same YOD as you but with different signs (same planets, apex, and houses. Jupiter is opposing my sun but bit out of orb to be the reaction point).
For me a big part of the pluto in 1st and pluto/sun is learning I don’t have to be perfect. Learning to except myself as I am. Now who i am may change a lot with pluto in 1st/sun and be hard to grasp with neptune/sun, so maybe it’s about loving myself regardless of how my identity shifts or how powerful I am (pluto) or spiritual/refined I am (neptune).
I would guess you’re got a psyche with a lot of depth to it given the pluto and 8th house stuff. I found counseling to be very helpful and also exploring things like astrology that helped me lead to more self awareness.
Thanks for the feedback. I agree with you regarding the main yod. I’m wondering how the reaction point fits into everything.
Perhaps Jupiter reaction point is how you ultimately deal with, or express what Brian said. When not functioning well, this would be greed, selfishness, bad morals, extravagance, over indulgence. When it all comes together then a good natured soul friendly and cheerful, generous to everyone regardless of differences. Growth and prosperity through philosophy, travel, higher education, the law, spirituality.
Hi Jamie,
I’d really appreciate your opinion on a boomerang yod from Venus/Chiron in the 4th opposite Pluto which is at the apex on the Mc. The sextiles are from Mars in Aquarius in 3rd house and Jupiter in Aries in the 5th.?
To start with twinkle, ignore the Signs and Houses, they will just confuse things from the beginning. I would also ignore Chiron and look at it later on. Focus on the nature of the planets and research the aspects. Start with Mars sextile Jupiter, then the quincunxes, the opposition and finally Venus conjunct MC.
The TPP contract is being signed in NZ tomorrow, on the 4th FEB – Huge protest against it will be happening at Midday. I had a look at the astrology tmw and spotted a YOD (Midday auckland).
It’s APEX is Uranus 17′ Aries (on ASC) with Jupiter 22′ Virgo and Mars 16 deg Scorpio! Yikes, is that going to be a huge explosive energy of change? Would an International contract be binding in this type of energy? (I gulp O.O)
Any thoughts much appreciated!
I had heard that there will be no traditional welcome so that is a shock already. The orb of 5 degrees for the Jupiter Uranus quincunx is probably too wide to make it a yod pattern through. It call all come to nothing if the USA fails to back it anyway.
Thanks for the reply! I never knew that about the traditional welcome, there has been very little consultation with local Maori- so I wonder if that is why. Very interesting..
Hi Jamie,
My girlfriend has a yod, with a 3rd house Pluto- 5th house Neptune sextile (8º Virgo and 9º Scorpio respectively) and a Moon at the tip (10th house, 8º Aries).
She has problems with surges of feelings and explodes every so often, releasing them. She avoided a career for a long time, but is now a secondary school teacher (moon-mother figure). Lots of problems with female teaching colleagues!
Can you give me any more hints on the yod? Thanks a lot!
Michael
Hi Michael, this is the problem of a normal yod compared to a focused yod. She has no release point, or pressure valve at the reaction point. So that tremendous sextile energy all comes through her emotions and feelings, affecting relationships with women, and her home and family life. All the Neptune suspicions and Pluto power plays of female coworkers are focused on her Moon making her extremely vulnerable to psychic attack. She will even intuitively feel when they are gossiping about her. I would be looking to the rest of her chart for pointers on how to manage this and learn to become stronger and more detached. She will have a wonderful imagination so perhaps she could imagine being wrapped in armour which protects her from the negative energy. Perhaps even, at the more spiritually evolved level, be more emotionally open and forgiving so the women become more accepting of her. If you look at it from this perspective, perhaps her Moon is affecting others through her suspicions and manipulations, and the women are reflecting this back to her.
I’m curious about relocation charts. I’ve been a closet writer most of my life. Paralyzed by a fear of failure. In my natal chart, I have Chiron interceped in the 10th house. Saturn conjunct mars in Virgo 2nd house, biquintile the midheaven trine Chiron. On the day transiting Pluto (6th house Capricorn) trined Chiron, I was flown down to Miami to work on a cruise ship pending that I pass the medical exam which they are paying for. (This was suppose to be at my expense) Now I’m waiting and it’s taking longer than usual and am worried. Because with the chart reference changed to Miami. I got a yod, Saturn conjunct Mars now in the 3rd house (forming half the yod) is costing me a lot a money running around town and I literally have $35 dollars to my name. This makes a sextile to Uranus (natally retrograde as of last year it went direct) still in the 4th house. I definitely have conflicts with my father. And right down the middle is Pluto in Libra opposite midheaven (barely in my natal chart, nearly spot on with the relocation chart both in 3rd) to form a butterfly Yod (if 2.5 degrees is close enough for 2 outer planets). I also have a kite configuration in this chart midheaven being the apex opposite pluto. Neptune retrograde 5th sagittarius, trine mc, trine nn 1st leo. Will this be more powerful?
Hi David, I have not done too much research on relocated charts but have moved around a little and taken notice. I do relocate when doing return charts but I would not take into consideration house changes, only aspects to MC and AC, POF and Vertex. There is an idea that as time goes on, things will eventually revert back to natal conditions even if you stay in the new location. best of luck, not an easy area of astrology to work with or understand.
The SE March 8 will fall on my chart ruler- N moon 17 Pisces= H9
This is also the apex of my boomerang Yod
How can I make the most of this eclipse ??
GG
Well at its highest level the Moon is all about service, being a mom to everyone. I would expect that if you are selfless with your emotions then you will be repaid in other areas.
What is a “Golden” YOD, may I ask? Is that a YOd with quintiles and biquintiles instead on the usual quincunx/inconjuncts?
Yes, that is correct. As Jamie mentions above, “This Golden Yod involves a quintile aspect (72°) in place of the sextile, and two biquintile aspects (144°) in place of the quincunxes. There is still the same theme with a special mission in life and the struggle to overcome adversity, but there seems to be more of an emphasis on the use and abuse of power.”
Yes, that’s right. There is a link above under Hitler Yod with more detail.
Hi Jamiei
Went through this article on Yod astrology and just recalled your answer to my query relating to mars rx. I had an accident in recent past and I related it to mars rx cycle but u corrected me and the following was your answer
“health is probably Moon related, square Pluto and makes a Yod to Venus sextile Neptune in your chart”
You mentioned the Yod here but I was not sure what it meant. Now after my going through this article I just understand that having yod is for learning a higher lesson this life. can u explain me what does this yod in my chart imply?
Regards,
Tina
Well forgot to mention I am April 2, 1982 born At 12.50PM IST.
Perhaps the Moon is how you react at the subconscious, emotional level to Venus/Neptune imaginings about love. Universal, spiritual, unconditional love in the evolved form, but delusional and susceptible in the learning phase, a soft touch and having your emotions played with.
Thank you for this excellent article. I love the synchronicity of how we come across an article at the time a majour transit is occurring.
I have a Yod pointing to Mars and Point of Fortune at Apex (Pisces) …
quixunct to Neptune in 12th (libra) sextile Jupiter Pluto in Virgo Leo on MC.
Mars is squared NN (SAg) in 1st… and in Evolutionary astrology (Jeffrey Green) that shows a missed step that impedes stepping into true soul destiny.
With Chiron transiting Mars right now I am really ‘in it’!! Just have to figure out what exactly that Mars is telling me.
Much obliged for this!
P.s. I know Mars is about action, aggression, use of will, desire, sexuality. In Pisces all about self sacrifice. Martyrdom (of which I am very familiar). Ive had illness and health issues for a LOT of years.
With NN Square and Saturn squaring Jupiter Pluto on MC I have come to understand that abuse of power is a core theme. ‘Right use of power’ being a key lesson. But there must be a bit more than that… or am I missing the obvious?
Hi Doug. Mars is also your goal-directed energy. Instead of using Sun Signs for interpretation try using fixed stars for more detail. For example, the Cusp of Leo and Virgo would be the major fixed star Regulus.
Hi Jamie,
There will be a yod forming at around 2am on 10th June Sydney time between Pluto in ♑ in my 4th, Sun and Venus in ♊ in my 9th (close to my MC) and moon in ♌ in my 11th.
My natal Venus ♀ in ♋ is directly opposing transiting Pluto when this formation in the sky takes place, forming a Boomerang yod in astrology.
In your opinion, will there be deep psychological shifts and transformation (Pluto as apex planet) regarding relationships, attitude towards love and worldly luxuries and pleasures
(Venus) for me?
Yes that’s a good interpretation Donny but remember this Yod will only be active for a couple of hours. Yod configurations involving fast moving points like Moon, AC or MC can be intense in a natal chart but not as easily noticeable in transit.
Hi Jamie,
What are your thoughts on a transiting planet forming a Yod with one’s natal chart? The sextile already exists in the natal chart; the transiting planet forms the Yod.
I call this a transiting Yod and it is significant. That empty apex spot in your chart is a very sensitive point so is worth checking out for fixed stars and asteroids for more detail.
Hi Jamie-ty so very much for your site. DOB 7/9/69 2:35am PST Alameda, CA
Challenging does not begin to define my past several months. Would you please give me a little insight into my Yod and its impact/influence for me in the near future?
Is that July 9? I cannot see a Yod there.
Thank you for your writings. I am a new student of astrology and always learn something when I check your site. I have a yod aspect, with Pluto sextile Neptune, pointing at my Sun (DOB 5/15/1982, 4:47AM Mount Clemens, Michigan). Uranus widely opposes my Sun, so I am not sure if I have boomerang yod or not.
I have always felt I was born with so many wonderful gifts, and that is what I try to remember when life throws the same two or three problems at me over and over again. However, I have come to a point in my life where I want to change the patterns and actually learn how to use these gifts for something larger. With this goal in mind, do you have any advice on how I might start to unpick my natal yod?
Neptune sextile Pluto is an aspect of mass consciousness so your personal goals and self expression represented by the Sun are linked to the masses. Uranus is a bit wide an orb but you can still use it’s technology and internet for your goals. Neptune PLuto also gives you psychic information about what the masses feel, so you personify global trends, the majority view at the higher spiritual level.
The fixed stars on your Sun suggest you pick up some heavy stuff, a lot of the fear and sadness in the world. So you might lean towards human rights or righting for the underprivileged.
23 ♉ 36 Zaurak
23 ♉ 56 Capulus
24 ♉ 11 Sun
25 ♉ 54 Algol
thank you!
Hi, Jamie— I just ran a Solar Return Chart for my birthday this week, and found that it contains a Yod. Sun in Gemini in the 8th House, Sextile Uranus in Aries in the 5th House, both Inconjunct Mars in Scorpio in the 1st House (which is Conjunct the Ascendant). This is not a configuration in my Natal Chart, and it looks rather intense, to me. What are your thoughts on Yods in Solar Return Charts, as compared to reading them in Natal Charts? Is this one possibly the culmination of a Karmic lesson that’s hidden deep within my Natal Chart? I will give you my birth info if you want to look at these Charts. Thank you for your time.— Juli
Your interpretation is excellent. They are significant in a return chart just as any other aspect or configuration. It represents a special mission for the year. Mars rising sextile Uranus is intense but also exciting. An active year ahead by the sounds of it.
Thank you, Jamie! A special mission for the year sounds interesting— Hopefully it will reveal itself in a way I can understand! I did have something odd happen last week with a stranger giving me a message about enemies, and it was related to my birthday and Astrology. If this is Mars Rising energy, okay, I just prefer a more peaceful life!— Juli
Hi, Jamie,
I have a Yod formed by North Node in Taurus (1°), 1st house, Jupiter in Pisces (1°), 11th house, and, in the apex, Moon in Libra (1°), 6th house.
I’ve been trying to learn a lot of things through the last months, because of my Saturn return (Sagittarius, 9th house) and my progressed Moon in Scorpio, 8th house (not fair…), but I can’t figure out what I can learn from that natal Yod.
Can you give me a hint?
Hi Ivan , the Nodes are always a bit tricky to interpret. I would say the sextile represents your high level of self self belief that you are heading for success and happiness. To enjoy a satisfying family life that would make your ancestors proud that you have made the most of the potential handed down to you.
How you feel about this or your intuition of it is your Moon. The problem would be to turn all these high hopes and sentimentality to action and practical results. The sextile may also be spiritual growth, but whatever it is it is worked out through Moon home and family and the women in your life are essential to making it happen. They plus you mood would become extra sensitive and changeable when you are not making progress or head off in the wrong direction. Any emotional sadness would be a sign you are on the wrong track.
Hi, Jamie.
I read the information on your site about “Yods” I’m still confused about the path I should be taking. I believe I have a “Boomerang Yod”. I don’t know how to work this out or the meaning of it with the planets I have configured in the Yod. With Saturn in my 9th I can tell you that is the reason why I started to study astrology. It is an on again off again attraction. It was a mind expansion for me to lift me up from a difficult childhood and now my adult life. Astrology gave me the gift to know this too shall pass to look to the light, however I started studying astrology late in life. The Pisces Sun is always insecure, lol…..I can’t seem to figure out what I need to do….
Any help would be appreciated. What’s the message?
Thanks.
The orbs are a too wide for some of those aspect which will make it more difficult to understand, or feel disjointed. The action point Sun is your self expression but Saturn reaction point is how you express your identity through your responsibilities. I would go back to basics and research each aspect alone starting with the most dominant based on orb.
Hi Jamie,
I have a natal yod.
Saturn (9th ruler) in cancer on 3H cusp sextile venus (taurus AC ruler) in Virgo on 5H cusp. They yod apex BML on MC. Boomeranging IC.
Do angles and BML count? What could this mean? Am i supposed to work out my mission in life by conciously bearing a ‘witchy radical woman’ image in public?
Since i was a little girl, i attracted more of lustful obsession from men rather than love/respect for no apparent reason. Is this related?
Thanks for any insights.
I always use the cardinal point and yes, Lilith and Chiron. It is normal to expect that darker side of Lilith to manifest before you can transform or evolve to the priestess. But it is an important part of the journey because the sexual experience works like magic or unlocks the Kundalini energy. Venus sextile Saturn in this case may be dedication or love of your MC calling. A very difficult on the fathom Bernerdine.
Thanks Jamie.
Yes it is complex indeed. Additionally, the two sextiling planets of the above yod are BOTH part of two separate natal grand crosses. I feel that the tension of both grand crosses are therefore funnelled into this Yod’s apex; BML/MC.
Scary stuff.
Altogether I think you have to totally surrender your ego and have faith in your spirit guides.
Hi Jammie I see I have my true node 14 degrees Virgo in my 10 th house which relates to Pluto which is 16 degree Capricorn . I was born on 27/9/52 11.15 Fife Scotland . Can I ask what this means please
Are you sure about your date of birth Sandra? Pluto 22 Leo in 1952.
Jamie. this is the best info I have found on the yod aspect and the only I have heard on the boomerang, I would like to know your insight on Mars in 3 Pisces 4th house sextile the Sun in 4 Capricorn 3rd house quincunx Pluto in 29 Cancer 9th house conjunct the MC opposition Jupiter in Aquarius conjunct the IC {12-26-1937 2:40 AM Dayton, OH).
Thanks John. I guess the initial problem with your Yod is all that energy from Sun sextile Mars being intensified at Pluto MC. The Yod intensifies it and so does Pluto. Very forceful public projection which would take experience to tame. But all that sustained, ceaseless striving in the career should have resulted in contentment and happiness in the home. Lucky you have Jupiter on IC to give a balance, best planet really so you have tremendous personal inner growth this life.
How do I find out if I was born with a yod?
You would have your birth chart raised. Perhaps Jamie Partridge can perform this service for you.
Good question Joann. It can be difficult but the best place to start is making your chart at astro.com. Then look for the green aspect lines which are the long green lines. You need two of them coming together to form the long triangle. Remember that not all quincunx aspects may be marked on the chart, especially to points like Ascendant or asteroids.
Hi Jamie,
thank you for this interesting article. Like you I have a Boomerang Yod. Mine is straight on the AC/DC-axis with Sun and Venus on the apex oint on the DC, Mars on AC as the reaction point, Jupiter (11h) sextil Saturn (2h). Until my early thirties I was very shy. I had many life changes, seems like I can’t find my direction. I’m still not sure where I want to stand.
Could you tell me something about my Yod?
My mate puts planets on my sextil planets (his Mercury on my Jupiter and his Jupiter on my Saturn). Is this helpful to go on the ground of this Yod to be channeled the right way?
I was born 19.01.1978, 4.34 pm, Berlin, Germany.
Thank you!
That’s a very strong Yod because of the tight orbs Adriana. It came up with thick green lines on my software. I’m not sure about the effect of the synastry with your friend. but having a loving partner is critical to you yod, perhaps even a financial or business partner would do. It seems like you need to share you love and to feel their love so that you can project your own identity. Mars retrograde suggests work is needed on safely asserting yourself. To do this, you have the assistance of past life friends and lovers who perhaps owe you a favor or just want to be together again.
Research on your fixed stars will give you a lot of extra information to help you understand the past. The past is so important because of the three retrograde planets. Most of these stars are of a military nature. I suggest many people were affected by your past life actions. Now many in your generation come around to support your soul growth. Inside you must feel some guilt or shame but friends and lovers are here to heal this inner pain and make you understand that you had to do what you did, no one else was strong or brave enough.
What could a yod in a composite mean for a relationship that didn’t last long? Saturn is at the apex in the 7th so I can see how the relationship might have been difficult for my ex to handle, BUT we did have Jupiter and Venus as the two sextiles.
This is not really my area of expertise Sims. Synastry makes more sense to me. For problems in relationships I usually look to transits to my own chart.
Saturn in the seventh says it all. Jupiter and Venus brought in an irresistible compulsion of love to assure the fulfillment of a destined karmic enlightenment. If this is taken as a beautiful insight, Saturn will reward you like beyond Jupiter, I predict a solid and enduring loving and respectful partnership, Certain things are scheduled in life, but how we react to them is not. LiberArtos
Aha..! Why, this description strikes a bell in my guts, of all things. Spring of ’08 recovering from the height of destitution and frustration, I felt some kind of a “call”.
—> don’t know what or how, but find your way into eminent prosperity & success through quiet confidence (have been building on this since inspiration struck 22nd Aug. ’14). Then, you can serve the purpose that you, higher self & conscience have long wanted. Am a Sagittarius decan 3, 19th Dec. ’72 0240 hours.
http://www.astro.com/cgi/chart.cgi?rs=3;btyp=w2gw&nhor=1&cid=q2bfileZsS7BU-u1471739063
I don’t think I have a yod but can you make sure? Which lines am I supposed to look at?
You do have some quincunx aspects, the green dashed lines e.g. Mercury quincunx Pluto.
Hi Astrology King. Just wondering if you do personal consultations? Paid of course. Would really love your definition of the yod in my chart.
Peace.
Having a break for a year or two Joe. Will let everyone know when I get back on the horse.
Looking forward to it 🙂
I have YOD in my chart, was born 12 may 1952 in Poland, 5.30 a.m. The sextile is Neptune and Moon, and quincunx to Sun in XII house. I know it’s very difficult to live with it, but all that you describe about people like me, it’s true.
Regards
E.
Yes it must be hard always expressing such sensitivity. Most people keep Moon Neptune to themselves but the yod pushes it out through your identity, exposing that vulnerable intuitive and psychic self.
Enjoy today’s solar eclipse trine your Venus!
Hi Jamie. Can a transit planet when it hits a certain spot activate a yod with 2 natal planets? What if that transit yod completes a 5 point star pattern made of 3 yods?
So the transit planet is the 5th point of the star. For me, this happened on 26th August. Linked to an aquarian woman (significant ex) who turned up unexpectedly after months, 1 day before the full moon in Aquarius.
20th August damaged shoulder
26th August this yod day
29th August shoulder diagnosed as dislocated ac joint, operation set for 6th September.
Astrology can be painful
Yes Richard, I call that a transiting yod. Yep, especially painful when involving ex’s.
I do not study astrology. I do comune with my highest self and I am constantly called ” yod”. I was born 1/25/47. My soul twin was born 11/8/53. We are not together but I am told that when we get together in the physical the third who is in his 80’s and lives in Houston Texas will then come. It will be a ” great happening”. Any thoughts
It depends on your time and place of birth whether you actually have a yod in your chart Elsie.
Hi Jamie, I have tried to understand the yod in my chart but some how i’m just not getting it. Like i’m blocking the info, or just plan brain dead. I was born 06/02/1963 at 5:50pm in pueblo,Co. I have Jupiter in 5th, sun in 7th, and Neptune in 12th. Any insight and understanding Would really be appreciated. Thank you
Your Sun sextile Jupiter generosity can be taken advantage of through Sun quincunx Neptune scammers, religions, scandals. They see your generosity as a weakness.
You turn it around through self awareness of how this energy flows. Promote what you want out of Neptune. Ignore Houses as they only confuse astrology, the same goes for Signs. Concentrate only on aspects and fixed stars. Very powerful fixed stars in your chart:
Moon conjunct Spica and Arcturus
Sun conjunct Aldebaran
Mars Uranus conjunct Regulus
The two archangel star mean you will have some extreme ups and downs in life but always the energy and courage to win the day.
Hi. Thank you so much for that article. I have a Yod with pluto sextile netune and mc at the top with the Ic at the bottom in the boomerang. Ive always felt I needed to put myself out there more. Like Im pushed or that theres not an inner contentment. Im just not sure in what area I need to apply the energy too as i have many likes. March 9, 1982 4:20am. Los Angeles, CA. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
The MC is definitely where you want to be because of the Boomerang effect but also fixed star Algol on your IC. I would use to signs of talent in your chart like Venus sextile Uranus, especially with Venus so close to your AC. Fixed star Agena on MC may indicate a career in which you can project your pronounced sensuality.
Hi, I got to your page through Michelle Young’s link in one of her comments on the thread about yods on the KISS page on FB. I, like you, have a yod with Neptune-Pluto base and Pisces Moon apex at 17° (conjunct NN at 15°). Apart from Saturn at 25° Virgo which I think is a bit out of orb I have no other planets in Virgo. Should I take the Neptune-Pluto midpoint to be the release point? Thank you.
Glad you found me! See what aspects you get from that midpoint degree for more information. Check for any asteroids or minor planets, Arabic Parts even at that midpoint degree. I would prefer to actually see you chart but The opposite degree to your Moon may also be the reaction point.
I’ve been trying to find info on this for decades. I have a double yod. In the major one, the ruler of my sun (pluto(13V46), along with a conjunct Uranus(9V18)) is one base in my rising sign (Virgo) and the ruler of my rising sign (Merc (12Sc23) as part of a stellium including my sun (12Sc12), nep(15Sc16) and Ceres(11Sc51)) is the opposite base in my sunsign (Scorpio). The Apex is Jupiter(11Ar3) in my 7th house, widely conj my desc (end of 6th/28Gem52) in Aries.
This one is particlularly of note as I recently reconnected w/a childhood sweetheart who is my twin flame. His moon (6Ar17) is conj that 7th house Jupiter(11Ar3) apex and conjunct my desc(28Gm52), on either side. His desc (17Ar21)also falls in my 7th house conj my apex, and his N. Node(14Sc6) sits smack dab on top of my Scorpio stellium yod base, conjunct at least 4 major planets/asteroids. My Aries Jupiter apex(11Ar3)trine my Mars(7Sg40) run conj along one leg of his natal grand fire trine with his moon (6aries17), his Saturn(7Sag41) (conj my mars(7Sg40) exactly), and his Uranus (8Leo12). Although our moons square each other, we do have a cross moon/mars aspects with his moon trine my mars and my moon sextile his mars. As well as Eros/Psyche, part of karma, marriage, and other parts aspects.
My second Yod is the other yod’s apex jupiter(11Ar3) in the 7th and Saturn(16Aq37) in the 5th, as the bases; with Pluto(13Vg46) in the 12th as the apex (as well as the 4 degree conjunct Uranus(9Vg18) if you’re using a 5 dg. orb, otherwise it’s just Pluto).
It is overwhelming and I have no idea where to even begin an interpretation and I’ve been studying for years and have a bookcase full of books. Computer programs don’t even touch these aspects. See for yourself. (female, Nov. 5, 1963; 3:31am; Detroit, MI) and if you feel like checking out those twin flame/karmic indicators use (male, Aug. 14, 1957; 10:30am; Detroit, MI). Any suggestions? A computer generated, general natal or synastry report won’t even touch most of these aspects, and it’s frustrating to say the least. I KNOW there’s something important right in front of my face and it may as well be in a language from outer space for all I can read it. Even a recommendation to an astrologer who interprets charts personally, by advanced experience and not by computer would be appreciated.
Hi there. 5 degrees it too wide for a quincunx. This is how I see your yods:
1. Jupiter apex to Sun Mercury sextile Uranus Pluto
2. Moon apex to Mars sextile Part of Fortune
Jupiter Rx is by far the most important. My best advice to is research each individual aspect, read about natal Jupiter retrograde, and check out your fixed stars, some very powerful ones there. Jupiter for you is believing in yourself and others, having faith in yourself and and others, trusting. not being selfish or greedy and sharing openly with others.
I don’t do relationships astrology, too time consuming and complex.
Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time. I’ll be reading up on those aspects you’ve mentioned, thoroughly.
I’ve been studying astrology for over a decade now, but only realized that I have yod/boomerang aspect patterns today – super interesting stuff.
1. Sun in 29° Aries Uranus in 3° Sagittarius Mars in 3° Libra
2. Mercury in 8° Taurus Uranus in 3° Sagittarius Mars in 3° Libra
To create the boomerangs, I have:
Sun Opposition Pluto orb: 4 °
Sun Opposition Jupiter orb: 7 °
Mercury Opposition Jupiter orb: 2 °
Are these orbs tight enough to create a boomerang? I also have 6 Rx planets (Mars through Pluto).
Thanks for any insight.
Hi Brad, we never cease learning hey? I like to keep the quincunx aspect to a max of 3 degrees. The sextile and oppositions can go wider but only you will really now the strength of your own yod. Here is something about your retrogrades: Retrograde Planets and their Number in the Natal Chart.
Hi Jamie,
I know about the Traditional Yod (150-150-60) and the Quintile or Golden Yod (144-144-72). Is there a name for the configuration of 135-135-90, which I have? Or can I claim this as a Silver Yod? 🙂
Thanks for all interesting articles, KC
Awww sorry Kristian, you missed out on naming rights. Or perhaps you could add it to the list. Quadriform is the correct term I think but it is also called the Fist of God, Thor’s Hammer, or Arrowhead.
Thank you for this article, Jamie! I have been trying to dissect and understand my Yod for a while now and your guidance was very helpful. I often feel like I am not in charge of my life’s path and I am placed in relationships and settings requiring a huge amount of growth, change and transformation. Sun 19 Taurus 43′ 3″, Moon 20 Pisces 55′ 53″, Pluto 19 Libra 35′ 56″r. My Pluto is also conjunct the MC in the 9th.
Nicole, “I am placed in relationships and settings requiring a huge amount of growth, change and transformation.” This is exactly how I feel with a yod and I’m sure nearly everyone who reads your comment will understand. Yods work through one to one relationships and i do feel for my partners. It must be hard on them.
So Pluto MC is your Yod apex to Sun sextile Moon. You are gifted and have good karma with Sun sextile Moon. My guess is that you abused your good charm once upon a time in order to gain more power and control. Now you use your Sun sextile Moon emotional balance and mental stability to help others. this is your calling or career to help transform the lives of others who are victims of abuse or some other form of power tripping. Maybe it was you who were the victim. Check out your fixed stars for more detail.
Wow! I never thought about that balance of power, emotion, and mental clarity as karmic in nature. I’ve been told I have a “healers” chart with Neptune in the 12th, Moon in the 2nd, and a stacked 8th House. I do feel very charmed in that I’m gifted a great deal of popularity and notoriety. I escalate into leadership positions quickly, but with that comes a great amount of cost to my energy. It can feel really lonely, too. I feel very compelled to be responsible and use my power wisely for the good of all.
Here is my info. I’d be honored if you took a look. May 9, 1980, 11:47 PM MDT, Rock Springs, Wyoming, USA.
It appears Spica sits almost dead center between my natal Pluto at the Yod apex and the MC. I didn’t see any other fixed stars conjunct my Sun or Moon.
FINALLY! Someone I can ask about my Golden Yod! and NOW I understand it’s a ‘Boomerang’ Quintile Yod – how devine! I have a 0 degree orb with Sun (0.06 Scorpio/in last minutes of 7th) Q MC (12.02 Cap), both bQ Jupiter, Rx in 2nd (5.46 Gemini). Jupiter is opposite Mars in Sag at 7.43. PLEASE help me interpret (learning? teaching?) I have been trying to find for years and am so glad you’re teaching this aspect!
sorry, that was Sun in last minutes of 6th house, just below my Descendant – thanks!