The Grand Trine in Astrology

The Grand Trine is a relatively common configuration.  It is divided into elements, Water, Fire, Air and Earth.  The Grand Trine consists of three planets or significant points (Midheaven, Ascendant) all linked together in trine to one another, separated each by 120 degrees.  You can allow an orb of 8 degrees when determining if the trines form part of the Grand Trine configuration.  For example, you have the Sun at 20 degrees Cancer, the Moon at 16 degrees Scorpio and the Ascendant at 23 degrees Pisces.  This would be considered a Grand Water Trine.

The strength of influence is increased the closer these trines are to being direct.  For example, if all these planets and points are within 1-3 degrees in separation, the trine has a stronger influence in the life of the individual concerned.  The weakening of a Grand Trine happens when one of the planets or points is in a different element than the other two, for example the Sun in Cancer, the Moon in Scorpio and the rising sign being in Aries.  These configurations make a triangle in the portrait of the birth time captured at moment of birth but only two are in water signs and the remaining is in fire.

The positive influences of the Grand Trine include free energy flow which in turn assists the individual in gaining benefits.  Inherent good luck seems to follow these individuals, particularly when the Grand Trine is activated through transit or progression.  They seem to have more prospects than most others and attract good fortune and opportunities into their lives easily in areas related to the element the Grand Trine is in.  For example a person with a tight Grand Earth Trine (especially if it connected to the Midheaven or Ascendant and Venus or Jupiter) will have more opportunities to move ahead in their life’s endeavours related to finances, business and occupation.

Grand Trines, however, also have negative connotation to them because the energies flow so well that the individual can lose their push or motivation.  They become lazy or they refuse to take on challenges that enter into their lives.  Some become trapped in self-sufficiency which is also suggested by the Grand Trine, either working for you or against you.  Those individuals that are not using these energies become stuck and often feel as though they are not going anywhere in life.  Some become so self-sufficient, (for example someone with a Grand Water Trine has such a strong emotional foundation that even when confronted with emotional trauma will not reach out for assistance from others) can become overrun with their own emotions and have great difficulty moving beyond any trauma that may appear in life.  Some become closed in the element the Grand Trine is located and become, as Astrologer Noel Tyl refers to, “Closed circuits of self-sufficiency.”

People with Grand Trines are very motivated in the element that the Trine is in, but when confronted with life’s difficulties, they often are not comfortable with these issues and have difficulties with them.  Grand Trines work very well most of the time and when a challenging condition comes their way, they are not used to this type of energy, (unless they have many challenging aspects within their birth chart) and are not sure how to handle this energy accordingly.

When deciphering the Grand Trine within the framework of a natal chart, you will have to take into consideration which element it is in and also the planets and houses affiliated with this energy.  Often one of the Planets in the configuration is linked strongly to another planet in the configuration by aspect, especially by square or opposition that particular planet will be the motivating factor behind this Grand Trine.  This often becomes the pivotal point of expression and can be used as an inspiring point which imitates the source of action to the Grand Trine and the area of life it resonates with.

                

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