When you are reading astrological writings, texts, articles, you often come across the term "Antiscia" and "Contra-antiscia". The term is often accompanied by aspects between planets where none exist. But how can that be possible?
The basis of the theory lies in the Pythagorean philosophy where everything in the universe has an opposite point, which causes balance. In astrology we are dealing essentially with the energies of the planets and in particular with the most basic cosmic energy, Light.
The antiscia is based on the light of the Sun and how strong it is. These are the axes of solstices and Equinoxes. The light’s two constants are zero (0) degrees of Cancer and Capricorn. These are the times of summer and winter solstice, or the greatest amount of light and correspondingly the smallest. The light is limited between zero degree Aries and zero degree Libra, or the time of equinoxes, where the day is equal to night.
Antiscia works very simple. We start from the axle base of Cancer-Capricorn. If a planet is located at 29th degree Gemini that planet’s light produces a shadow or "antiscia" in the 1st degree Cancer. As we move away from the zero degree Cancer so the mirror of the light grows in distance.
The Signs brought together with "antiscia" (exp 1):
Aries- Virgo
Taurus- Leo
Gemini-Cancer
Libra- Pisces
Scorpio –Aquarius
Sagittarius-Capricorn
Example 1
The Sun in Taurus makes antiscia in Leo. Moon in Pisces makes antiscia in Libra.
According to the principle of balance, a planetary body and antiscia should make a total sum of thirty (30) (exp. 2).
To find a planetary body’s antiscia subtract from the number thirty (30) its normal degree (exp. 3). Don't forget that each degree has sixty (60) minutes.
Example 2
The Sun is in the 15th degree Taurus- its antiscia is in 15th degree Leo (15 + 15 =30)
Moon in 3rd degree Pisces –its antiscia is in the 27th degree Libra (3 + 27 = 30)
Example 3
Peter is arguing on a rational basis (Mercury in Virgo, 10th degree) but he also tries to impose his arguments on others (Mars in Aries, 20th degree). Even though there is no aspect in his horoscope to suggest something like this, this happens because his Mars falls exactly on his Mercury by antiscia.
The antiscia is used in natal horoscopes to find hidden behaviors. In transits and progression the antiskia brings something that the person does not perceive directly. Horary Astrology uses the most antiscia/counter-antiscia to provide answers to questions.
Contra-antiscia
Contra-antiscia is the light’s shadow at the exact opposite point. It works like antiscias' opposition.
Example 4
Sun 20.22' Leo. Antiscia 9.38 Taurus. Contra-antiscia 9.38’ Scorpio. The antiscia and counter-antiscia should be used sparingly in the interpretation of any chart, with the exception of Horary Astrology. My advice is to be used with an orb of half degree (0.30').
