The Grand Sextile Aspect Pattern

A Grand Sextile is a pattern of six individual sextiles (60° each) linked together to form a circle of 360°.

The Grand Sextile contains within it two Grand Trines, not to mention a host of other significant aspect configurations (Mystic Rectangles, Kites and more).

The six (or more) planets in a Grand Sextile together form six sextiles, six trines and three oppositions — fifteen aspects total, all included in the same configuration.

Though the three oppositions within this pattern would normally mean a triple-dose of that hard aspect’s usual tension, when working together with the other positive aspects (the sextiles and trines), the oppositions lose some of their sting. In fact, they become more of a source of structure, balance and motivation than of conflict.

There are two types of sextiles, and each one indicates a particular type of organization.

The first type is a separating sextile where the faster moving planet has moved 60° away from the slower planet. A separating sextile indicates a new style of organization, for the purpose of inspiration and momentum. The driving dynamic is creating new structure that can be built on.

The second type is an applying sextile where the faster moving planet has almost completed its cycle and is only 60° away from its next conjunction. (In this case, it is actually 300° away from the slower moving planet.) An applying sextile indicates management that is focused on re-organization or re-orientation. The driving dynamic is centered around adapting to changing values.

The main difference between the two types of sextiles is that one creates new momentum and the other creates change. In other words, the “separating sextiles” are based on creating structure around new values, and the “applying sextiles” are more of a reaction to what’s not working.

A Grand Sextile always contains both types of sextiles. These two types are working together to support the larger pattern. By reading the pattern of individual sextiles and their accompanying planets, you can identify strengths and see different ways that management and organization can be applied to different situations.

While the overall form contains dynamic elements, at the same time, because of its almost perfect symmetry, it also inherently lacks the dynamic interaction or tension needed to spur growth and transformation. In other words, an individual sextile holds tension and the potential for growth, However, once six sextiles are joined, the overall pattern of harmony stabilizes and neutralized the expressions of the individual sextiles. They lose their emphasis and their individual accent in favor of the larger pattern of harmony.

The challenge of a Grand Sextile chart is to find the creative outlet that provides enough tension to allow for the expression of all of the harmonized energies. The opportunities for growth in a chart are always identified by the patterns that create dynamic tension. In the Grand Sextile chart this pattern, the “accent,” must be found outside of the sextile itself.

An astrological accent is what is emphasized or what stands out in a chart. For example, the accent could be a planet isolated and standing by itself in a hemisphere. It could be the 90° angle between two planets that forms what astrologer’s call a square. It could be a group of planets (usually 4 or more) bunched tightly together forming a stellium. In a Grand Sextile, it could be the planet (or planets) not part of the pattern. In the case of the July 29, 2013, Grand Sextile, there is only ONE planet (the Sun) not included in the pattern so this creates the clear accent.

Accents are important in a chart because they create a dynamic quality which provides the catalyst for personal growth. Accents define creative purpose or tension in a chart and this tension is the builder of character and maturity. Their specific meanings and roles depend on the type of accent involved.

With a grand sextile, the accent is often the planet which is “not” included as one of the six points of the hexagon. Being separate creates a type of dynamic tension and channels extra energy into that planets force for growth and transformation. This is precisely the situation we have with the July 29, 2013 grand sextile formation (read article). The Sun isn’t part of the Grand Sextile formation and thus it channels all the free-flowing energy which would otherwise be stuck and spinning within the hexagon with no place to go.

Whenever a transit appears, it represents an opportunity for growth. The challenge of experiencing the Grand Sextile as a transit in your life centers around recognizing your personal opportunity for growth. You can recognize this opportunity by working with the accent in the chart. There is an opportunity for growth, however experiencing a Grand Sextile will most of all feel wonderful because of its stability and balanced flow of energy, allowing organization and management of the current situations at the time to be effortless, almost too easy, to where most may not even notice this rare phenomenon even happening and some may even misplace this energy as self-entitlement.

To be considered a true Grand Sextile, all six planets must be situated in signs of the same element (e.g., all in water signs or all in earth signs). This alignment creates a harmonious flow of energy across all six points of the star, connecting air-water, water-earth, earth-fire, and fire-air.

The Grand Sextile is a manifestation of creativity, productivity, and roundedness, and it harnesses the energies of all six planets involved. Its influence can bring an increased sense of clarity, focus, and connection to one’s talent and abilities. It’s a powerful moment to tap into your full potential and bring your passions to fruition.

Overall, the Grand Sextile is a rare and powerful aspect that encourages personal growth and expansion as well as embracing creativity. The power of this configuration comes from the balanced interplay of all six aspects of the self, which creates a flow that enables us to tap into our full potential.