The Antiscions and Contrantiscions are a relatively easily applied technique but unfortunately also quite neglected. The Antiscions and Contrantiscions are a form of aspect that involves the signs and degrees of the Zodiac. An Antiscion is nothing more then a Sign which is divided from another at equal distance between the two Tropics (of Cancer and Capricorn). In order to illustrate this, a diagram may be useful for the visualization.

From this table it is easy to see that the Antiscion of Gemini is Cancer because it is of equal distance between the Tropics. This technique is taken further in the second step which involves the division of the degrees. Each of the signs is divided into 30 degree and 60 minutes a degree. The following Table will illustrate how to find the Antiscions between the degrees and minutes;

From this table we can see that the Antiscion degree of 5° is 25° in the Antiscion Sign. With regards to the minutes column we see that if it be 5°10', the Antiscion degree and minute follows 25°50'. To put all of this together, the Antiscion of Gemini 5°10' is Cancer 25°50'. Now that we understand the Antiscions of the Signs we need to add the Planets into formula.

For example, if the Sun occupies the 5°10' of Gemini, any Planet placed in 25°50' is his Antiscion. If Mars happens to be placed there, the Sun has Antiscion to Mars. Antiscions are said to be similar in effect to a Trine or Sextile between the Planets and this is especially true if the Antiscion happens between two benevolent Planets (whether Essentially or Accidentally). This placement is a positive placement for any Planets and it must be exact. Antiscions and Contrantiscions are very useful in predictive Astrology for when a Planet falls in the Antiscion or Contrantiscion of a Planet, he receives influence from that placement.

Contrantiscions are nothing but the opposite of the Antiscions and have the opposite influence the Antiscion which is similar to a Square or Opposition aspect. To find the Contrantiscion look in what Sign, degree and minute that your found Antiscion falls. This Contrantiscion will be the same degree and minute that is opposite to the Sign of your Antiscion.

For example, the Antiscion of the Sun in Gemini 5°10' has an Antiscion of Cancer 25°50' and therefore a Contrantiscion of Capricorn 25°50'. Therefore the Contrantiscion of the Sun falls in Capricorn 25°50' as it is in direct opposition of the Antiscion. Any Planet placed in this position (or moving into it) has a similar interpretation to the Planet being in opposition of the Sun itself. These are very powerful and accurate tools which should be used by all Astrologers when analyzing the relationships between not only the Planets but also the signs.

To conclude this treatise it seems appropriate to quote Ptolemy from his Centriloquium regarding the Antiscions where he states; Oftentimes a Planet operates in that Part of the Heaven where he hath no Dignity, giving the Native unexpected wealth, which is thought to proceed from the Antiscions of the Planets. This quote illustrates that even a Peregrine Planet has the ability to bring good results with an Antiscion (and contrary with a Contrantiscion).