Antiscia

Definition

An antiscion (plural: antiscia) is the mirror image of a zodiac degree, reflected across the Cancer–Capricorn solstice axis. Two points that are antiscia of each other share the same solar declination, so they get equal hours of daylight. The mirrored sign pairs are Gemini–Cancer, Taurus–Leo, Aries–Virgo, Pisces–Libra, Aquarius–Scorpio, and Sagittarius–Capricorn. The contra-antiscion is the point 180° opposite that, reflected instead across the Aries–Libra equinox axis.

In Tradition

Traditional Western astrologers read a planet sitting on another planet's antiscion as a hidden, secret conjunction. Because the link is subtle, astrologers only count it when the two points are very close — antiscia are judged with very tight orbs.

In Practice

Astrologers check antiscia when reading a birth chart to catch connections between planets that the usual aspect methods miss entirely. In horary work — answering a question from the chart of the moment it was asked — an antiscion conjunction to a significator can resolve the question when no ordinary applying aspect does. Contra-antiscia, the traditional view holds, behave more like a square or an opposition.

Historical Origin

Antiscia are attested in Hellenistic-era astrology and were systematized by later medieval and early-modern authors. Lilly discusses them in Christian Astrology (1647), treating an antiscion as a hidden conjunction — and, when a benefic planet is involved, as good as a sextile or trine.

Further Reading

• Robert Hand, Horoscope Symbols
• Charles Obert, Introduction to Traditional Natal Astrology