Yod (astrology) - Hypothetical Example

Hypothetical Example

A hypothetical example of a yod would be with Jupiter at 11° Pisces quincunxing Mars at 11° Leo and the Sun at 11° Libra. The conflict arises between the worldly, sociable character of Leo and Libra, which tend to seek inspiration in the world, versus the introverted, unworldly character of Pisces, which is too sensitive to be able to cope with worldly life and aims to work in the background serving others. These energies do not interact and hence this hypothetical native would possess great difficulty making the choice between serving others and seeking inspiration on the social stage.

Jupiter is in a female sign, while the Sun and Mars are both in male signs. Jupiter is also in a mutable water sign, while the Sun is in a cardinal air sign and Mars in a fixed fire sign. Jupiter shares neither gender, element, or mode with the two planets that aspect it in quincunx. This complete lack of commonality of Jupiter to the two sextile planets illustrates how the yod triggers an irritating situation that can only be overcome through adaptation and discovering new paths. If there are no other aspect outlets to Jupiter (such as forming a trine or sextile to another planet), a transiting planet in opposition to Jupiter and conjunct the midpoint of the sextile planets can trigger major life events which are difficult to handle and take great creativity to overcome. It is for this that the yod is often called the "Finger of God", for it takes great initiative and fortitude to overcome the limitations created by the yod, but great rewards can result if done.