When did Grand Trines devolve?

Question

I remember from AGES ago that Grand Trines were 3 trines from 3 planets creating a larger trine (thus Grand Trine). Now I read that a "Grand Trine" is between 3 Elements/Planets. WHEN did this happen? Does that downgrade my other two grand trines? (I have 1 fire grand trine).

Answer 1

With respect, Aspicco is very wise and has given many excellent answers, but has answered your question with an incorrect reference to Vedic astrology.

Jung has given an EXTREMELY good answer to your question.

I need to compliment his answer and correct aspiccio's statement that Vedic Astrology considers aspects only between signs and elements. This is simply wrong.

Vedic astrology does not have complex aspects like sextiles, squares, etc. In fact these have evolved over the past 1,000 years in Western Astrology as one of the many attempts to cover up or compensate for the growing inaccuracy in the it's tropically based zodiac. However, in Vedic Astrology every planet (except the two lunar nodes) cast an aspect (called dhrishti or "glance").

The following are the basic rules for Vedic Aspects:

Every planet glances across the sky to the house and planets 7 houses away from it.

In addition to this aspect... Mars also aspects the 4th and 8th houses from him. Jupiter also aspects the trines (5th and 9th from him). Saturn also aspects the 3rd and 10th from him.

In a sense Jupiter can form a "grand trine" by being placed in a sign of one element when there are planets in the 5th and 9th from it although there is no consideration as such in Vedic astrology - but there are 1,000s of "yoga" or planetary combinations of which this is 1.

The major difference between Western and Eastern planetary aspects is that in Vedic astrology a planet aspects the entire SIGN of the house 7th from it (and the other special aspects for Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn), not just a 10 +/- orb. However, Orbs ARE considered crucial in Vedic astrology to evaluate the STRENGTH of the aspect.

Answer 2

You are mixing up two different forms of astrology.

Western Astrology insists that a Grand Trine involves three (or more) planets, all trining each other within a 10º or 7º orb.

Vedic Astrology only considers elements and signs when deciding upon aspects.

______________________

ATTENTION:

This answer is WRONG. I stand corrected by Vic D. I am a Western Astrologer with only minimal knowledge of Vedic Astrology... and apparently even less than I thought!

Answer 3

Nah.  Do it the old way.

Answer 4

Hi Op

You have to take note that even if you had one planet out of orb to complete your Grand Trine, when that planets Transits that certain spot, it will create and complete your Grand Trine for that moment and thus activating the other trines.

You mentioned that you have a Grand trine between 3 elements. This is impossible. Grand Trines are formed in the same element. If you have a Grand Fire trine, the planets would have to be in fire signs.

I often interpret Grand Trines even if out of orb as long as they are in the same element.