Los Grados Críticos en Astrología: Un Antes y Un Después

Critical Degrees in Astrology: A Before and After

November 8, 2024

In astrology, critical degrees are specific points in the zodiac that possess more intense or prominent energy (and also a different potential) . These degrees often amplify the meaning of the planets and aspects that activate them, causing more noticeable effects on personal and collective experiences. Knowing the critical degrees in a natal chart, composite chart, progressions or transits offers us additional clues to understand dimensions of our life purpose or key periods of our life. We will explore what these degrees mean, their importance in astrological interpretation and how...

In astrology, critical degrees are specific points in the zodiac that possess more intense or prominent energy (and also a different potential) . These degrees often amplify the meaning of the planets and aspects that activate them, causing more noticeable effects on personal and collective experiences. Knowing the critical degrees in a natal chart, composite chart, progressions or transits offers us additional clues to understand dimensions of our life purpose or key periods of our life. We will explore what these degrees mean, their importance in astrological interpretation and how they influence different areas of our life.

The Origin of Critical Degrees

Critical degrees have their origins in traditional astrology, especially in Hellenistic and Medieval astrology, where certain degrees in each sign were observed as carrying a more intense or unstable energy, which could represent turning points in life. This knowledge has been transmitted throughout the centuries and has been used mainly in Western astrology , although references are also found in other astrological systems such as Vedic astrology. Although there is no single discoverer of critical degrees, ancient and medieval astrologers already used them as points of special attention in the interpretation of birth charts and transits.

And the Critical Degrees Are:

The 0° Degree of All Signs

The 0° degree represents the pure beginning and fundamental essence of each sign's energy . From a past life perspective, it symbolizes a new stage of learning in this incarnation . At this degree, the sign's influence manifests without any burdens or previous experiences associated with it, which may indicate that the soul is beginning a completely new lesson in that area. When a planet or major point is at the 0° degree, it suggests that the individual is approaching this energy unconditioned by previous lives, with the possibility of exploring and experimenting without karmic patterns limiting their expression. This degree, therefore, marks a key time for initiation, discovery, and fresh learning, both at the level of this life and in the context of the soul's journey.

Degree 0° suggests a possibility of originality or of being “the first” in some aspect related to the energy of the sign in question, which can stand out in birth charts of people with a pioneering vocation or with a strong capacity to initiate projects and open paths.

The 29th Degree of All Signs

The 29th degree in astrology—also known as the anaretic or completion degree—represents the closing of a cycle and the need to fully integrate the lessons and experiences associated with the sign it is in . From a past life perspective, the 29th degree indicates that the soul is completing an important phase of learning and that there are experiences pent up in that energy that require resolution or release . This degree can bring about situations of urgency or pressure, as there is a sense of “last chance” to confront and assimilate the issues of that sign before moving on to the next stage. Planets or important points in the 29th degree often signal final challenges or intense moments, where it is crucial to integrate the wisdom gained and close a cycle before moving on to a new beginning in the next sign.

Additionally, the 29th degree is associated with fame or visibility , as the intensity and climactic nature of this degree often attracts attention or notoriety. The energy of the sign is at its peak , which can lead to people with planets or important points in the 29th degree having dramatic or remarkable experiences that capture the attention of others . In this sense, the 29th degree becomes a destination point that, when manifested so strongly, draws attention to that aspect of life and can lead the person to a place of recognition or significant closure in that area.

Specific Degrees for Each Modality

In addition to the 0° and 29° degrees for all signs, there are specific critical degrees in each of the three modalities . There are different schools of thought that assign each of these degrees a certain character (such as the 8° of the fixed signs with strength and resistance, or the 17° of the mutable signs with leadership and power). What is clear is that these degrees do not go unnoticed:

• Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn): degrees 0° (with greater intensity than the 0° of the other modalities), 13° and 26° .

• Fixed Signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius): degrees 8° , 9° , 21° and 22° .

• Mutable Signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces): 4° and 17° degrees.

Significance of Planets in Critical Degrees in the Natal Chart

When a planet or angle is at a critical degree in a birth chart, its influence takes on special strength and becomes a prominent factor in a person's life . It is important to evaluate all critical degrees, including the 0° and 29° degrees, as well as specific degrees according to modality (cardinal, fixed, or mutable) to get the full picture. A planet at a critical degree emphasizes the qualities and themes associated with that planet. For example, if Jupiter is at a critical degree in a birth chart, it indicates that Jupiter's themes will be significant in a person's life. This may manifest as a marked need for expansion, growth, or a search for meaning in life. The energy of a planet at a critical degree comes with a special intensity , which can both highlight and challenge the individual in relation to the areas ruled by that planet, adding depth and weight to their experiences in those themes.

Significance of Planets in Critical Degrees in the Composite Chart

In a composite chart, when a planet or angle is at a critical degree, its energy takes on special relevance in the relationship . Evaluating critical degrees in a composite chart is critical, as these points underscore key themes and dynamics in the couple's interaction or bond . A planet at a critical degree in the composite chart signals that the qualities associated with that planet will be an especially significant and possibly challenging area in the relationship. For example, if Venus is at a critical degree in a composite chart for a couple , themes of love, harmony, and mutual appreciation could become points of great intensity or transformation within the relationship. Or if Neptune is at a critical degree in a composite chart for a business partnership , it could be challenging to keep confusion and idealization at bay. Thus, the presence of critical degrees in the composite chart suggests that the areas associated with those planets or angles will experience particular emphasis, which may lead partners to face situations that deepen or test their bond on those specific themes.

Significance of Planets in Critical Degrees in Transits and Progressions

In transits and progressions, critical degrees mark turning points in life; a change of direction that can be felt as a before and after. In the case of transits , when a planet activates a critical degree, its influence usually translates into a concrete and palpable change or transformation, indicating important endings or new definite beginnings . These moments tend to manifest themselves externally, requiring clear decisions and actions that clearly impact the person's life. In contrast, in progressions (especially when the Sun or Moon is in a critical degree), the emphasis is on a deep internal transformation . These points reflect new beginnings in the process of emotional and psychological maturation, marking a phase of personal evolution that redefines the way in which the person understands and experiences their emotions and experiences . Thus, while critical degrees in transits stand out for their visible and external effects, in progressions they indicate growth and development at an internal and more subtle (but no less important) level.

In Summary

Critical degrees in astrology represent points of great intensity and potential in any astrological chart . These degrees uniquely concentrate energy, offering countless opportunities for growth, learning and evolution, but also requiring us to face challenges that can be intense. Recognizing and working with these critical degrees allows us to take full advantage of their power, approaching their lessons with awareness and courage to advance on our path of personal and spiritual development.

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