What Is a Mutual Aspect in Astrology? Mutual Aspects Fully Explained

What is an aspect?

In Vedic astrology, an aspect is the degree of influence a planet has in a house. A Vedic birth chart contains four squares and eight triangles, representing the twelve astrological houses. Each house is 30° long, and astrologers use this measurement to declare what planets have the most influence. An aspect, therefore, measures the degree of separation between two planets across houses. Think of an aspect like the beam of a flashlight. If the planet is a flashlight, the light it gives off represents the amount of influence. The more planets and houses the light touches, the more influence a planet has. For example, if Mars is 17° in the 10th House and Jupiter is 6° in the 4th House, there’s an 11° separation between the planets. In Sanskrit, aspects are called Drishti, which means "to see."

What is a mutual aspect?

In Vedic astrology, a mutual aspect is when two planets influence each other at the same time. In other words, two planetary energies reflect off each other simultaneously. Because of this, the planets influence each other and, in turn, influence you. For example, if Mars is 17° in the 10th House and Jupiter is 17° in the 4th House, there’s a direct mutual aspect between the planets.

There are direct and indirect mutual aspects. The type of mutual aspect between planets is determined by where they’re positioned on your chart (i.e. which house they are in). A direct mutual aspect occurs when two planets are across from each other or seven houses away. An indirect mutual aspect happens when more than one aspect occurs between planets. Generally, if planets are not directly across from each other, the aspect is indirect.

Interpreting Mutual Aspects by Planets (Grahas)

Sun. This planet represents your ego and rules over you, ego, personal health, and vitality. How you present yourself to the world is directly influenced by the Sun, making it one of your core planets. When in a mutual aspect with other planets, your self-image and attitude may change. Sun in mutual aspect with Moon: You have difficulty choosing between your wants and needs. Sun in mutual aspect with Mars: You’re good at sports and can handle confrontation with ease. Sun in mutual aspect with Mercury: You’re confident in academia and an effective communicator. Sun in mutual aspect with Jupiter: You're wise, studious, and enjoy presenting your ideas to others. Sun in mutual aspect with Venus: You’re naturally creative and appreciate the arts. Sun in mutual aspect with Saturn: You think deeply about yourself and your responsibility to the world. Sun in mutual aspect with Rahu: You’re somewhat passive and less enthusiastic about life. Sun in mutual aspect with Ketu: You’re humble and self-aware. All possible mutual aspects are covered once in this article.

Moon. This planet governs your emotions and represents your hopes, wishes, and desires. Your self-worth and life goals are affected by the Moon. Because of this, planets in mutual aspect will influence your feelings, self-worth, and passions. Moon in mutual aspect with Mars: You have pride in yourself and find joy in success. Moon in mutual aspect with Mercury: You’re open about your feelings and value your emotions. Moon in mutual aspect with Jupiter: Your wisdom will help you live a long and happy life. Moon in mutual aspect with Venus: You find comfort in wealth, luxury, and romantic relationships. Moon in mutual aspect with Saturn: Your determination and ambition to accomplish your goals. Moon in mutual aspect with Rahu: You understand what dreams are worth chasing. Moon in mutual aspect with Ketu: You second guess what you truly want in life.

Mars. This is the planet of action, and it controls your drive and ambition. How you react to competition and confrontation is governed by the red planet. When Mars is in a mutual aspect with another planet, your impulses and intuition will be influenced. Mars in mutual aspect with Mercury: You think reasonably before making decisions. Mars in mutual aspect with Jupiter: You’re able to envision your goals and act on them. Mars in mutual aspect with Venus: You act on your emotions without thinking. Mars in mutual aspect with Saturn: You responsibly pursue your dreams. Mars in mutual aspect with Rahu: You take time to slow down and rest. Mars in mutual aspect with Ketu: You often rethink your decisions.

Mercury. This planet represents communication and intelligence. Logic, reasoning, and hard work are all driven by this planet. Because of this, a mutual aspect with Mercury will greatly influence your speech, writing, and intellectual expression. Mercury in mutual aspect with Jupiter: You’re innovative, practical, and wiser than your years. Mercury in mutual aspect with Venus: You can easily express your feelings in a relationship. Mercury in mutual aspect with Saturn: You’re diligent, practical, and productive. Mercury in mutual aspect with Rahu: You often struggle in social situations. Mercury in mutual aspect with Ketu: You must learn to think before you speak.

Jupiter. This is the planet of wisdom and represents your spiritual hope. Jupiter governs the ability to wish for bigger and greater things. When in a mutual aspect with another planet, your drive to learn new things and process experiences may be altered. Jupiter in mutual aspect with Venus: You’re analytical in romantic relationships. Jupiter in mutual aspect with Saturn: You have a hopeful but realistic approach to life. Jupiter in mutual aspect with Rahu: You think twice before acting on desires. Jupiter in mutual aspect with Ketu: You find learning new things challenging.

Venus. The planet of love is all about passion and partnership. Venus represents beauty and an appreciation of the arts. A mutual aspect with this planet will influence your love life and standards. Venus in mutual aspect with Saturn: You appreciate the good qualities of life knowing you’ve worked hard for them. Venus in mutual aspect with Rahu: You find romance and partnership challenging. Venus in mutual aspect with Ketu: You must learn to overcome obstacles in romantic relationships.

Saturn. Being the responsible planet, Saturn governs your determination and drive. How you serve yourself and others is at the forefront of this planet, making loyalty one of its driving factors. Planets in a mutual aspect with Saturn will influence your desire to achieve. Saturn in mutual aspect with Rahu: You’re often frustrated and conflicted by your emotions. Saturn in mutual aspect with Ketu: You rethink your decisions so that you can make the right decision.

Special Aspects in a Vedic Birth Chart

Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu have special aspects. All planets, or grahas, aspect the 7th House; however, some planets also aspect specific houses. This is known as a special aspect, and gives a planet greater influence. The special aspects include: Mars aspects the 4th and 8th Houses Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th Houses Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th Houses Rahu and Ketu aspects the 5th and 9th Houses Think of it as a flashlight. The house a planet aspect determines where the flashlight bulb points. For example, if Mars is in the 10th House, it will have three flashlights or aspects pointing toward the 4th, 7th, and 8th Houses; two special aspects in the 4th and 8th Houses, and one normal aspect in the 7th House. If you are interested in learning astrology, find a reputable teacher who has experience teaching astrology and giving readings. If you want to create your astrological chart, you can use various apps or online chart generators. It is best to ask a professional or an astrologer to read your chart instead of doing it yourself.