The Hard
Rectangle and
Mystic Rectangle
A Hard Rectangle is rather rare. According to the Astro Databank, less than 1 percent of natal charts contain this aspect pattern, in which four (or more) planets form oppositions, sesquiquadrates, and semisquares. A Mystic Rectangle occurs more often, in approximately 5–6 percent of natal charts. Four (or more) planets form oppositions, trines, and sextiles in this pattern.
The Ideal Hard Rectangle and Mystic Rectangle Patterns
The ideal Hard Rectangle is composed of two opposition aspects (Figure 79), each connected by two sesquiquadrates along the length and two semisquares along the width. This results in six aspects among the four planets.
The ideal Mystic Rectangle is composed of two opposition aspects (Figure 80), each connected by two trine aspects along the length of the rectangle and two sextile aspects along the width. The harmonious trine and sextile aspects can be considered release points for the tension of the oppositions. Like the Hard Rectangle, the Mystic Rectangle forms six aspects among the four planets.
Figure 80: The Mystic Rectangle
The Hard Rectangle and the Mystic Rectangle
Pattern Temperaments
Even though all aspects in the Hard Rectangle are “hard” in nature, the oppositions receive indirect pressure from the sides to accomplish harmony and balance, according to Bil Tierney. He notes that the sesquiquadrates and semi-squares “spark further antagonism and a lack of needed compromise with others, making this a very hard rectangle to control” (Tierney 2015, 95).
The trines and sextiles of the Mystic Rectangle are “soft” aspects. Since there are four soft aspects and two hard aspects in this aspect pattern, the overall effect of the Mystic Rectangle is viewed as beneficial. The two oppositions add just enough of a challenge to keep the Mystic Rectangle from being a self-contained pattern of ease, like the Grand Trine. This adds to its overall beneficial effect.
The Mystic Rectangle received its name from Dane Rudhyar. He argued that the pattern represents “practical mysticism” from its two awareness-revealing, illuminating oppositions. The two trines add creativity to the mix, and the two sextiles intelligent and innovative use of energies.
Counseling the Individual with a Hard Rectangle
or Mystic Rectangle Pattern
When two oppositions are linked by semisquares and sesquiquadrates, a dynamic potential results. The oppositions are integrated in this fashion. The well-managed Hard Rectangle gives the individual an added dollop of strength and purpose beyond what typically accompanies oppositions. Whatever is started in life should bring about very focused and concrete results, particularly when the sesquiquadrate operates as a positive aspect and the challenge of the semisquare is met.
In general, the Hard Rectangle can be an integrative force when the individual is persistent enough to carry out their vision in an uncompromising manner while taking into account the needs of their psychological and social environment at the same time. Much, of course, depends on the actual planets involved. If this type of rectangle links Mars, Uranus, Pluto, and/or the Sun, the dynamic intensity of the configuration could be particularly stressful.
Generally, the Mystic Rectangle is considered to be a mild aspect pattern. It is unlikely to generate a lot of discomfort or resistance.
Individuals tend to feel the effects of the four planets in a Mystic Rectangle as a sense of working together in a well-balanced and integrated manner. If the inner oppositions of the Mystic Rectangle can be handled well, then the pattern can provide the individual with inner harmony.
Individuals are well advised to avoid placing undue influence on any of the planets in the pattern. Otherwise the energies of the Mystic Rectangle can be thrown out of balance.
Annie Wilson was formerly married to Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys. The couple had two children before they divorced. Her natal chart contains a Hard Rectangle between Moon, Venus, Mars, and Pluto (Figure 81).
Maurice Gibb and his twin brother, Robin Gibb, were members of the pop music trio the Bee Gees. Maurice achieved fame as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. Maurice and Robin both had a Hard Rectangle between Sun, Venus, Uranus, and Pluto (Figure 82).
Andre Gide was a French author and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature (1947). The New York Times obituary described Andre Gide as “France’s greatest contemporary man of letters” and “judged the greatest French writer of this century by the literary cognoscenti.” His birth chart contains a Mystic Rectangle between Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus (Figure 83).
Figure 84: John Quincy Adams II
John Quincy Adams II was the grandson of the sixth US president, John Quincy Adams. Like his grandfather and great-grandfather, he was a lawyer and politician. His Mystic Rectangle contains Venus, Mars, Uranus, and Pluto (Figure 84).