Sometimes one experiences an effect that doesn’t seem attributable to a direct transit to a planet or point in the natal chart. There are other things to check out, in that case, such as something in the progressed chart. Another possibility to consider is an activation of the midpoints between natal planets. The midpoint between planets is just like it sounds, the middle distance between the two planets. If you take the position of each, calculate the distance in degrees and divide by two you get the midpoint.

You take that degree and measure it forward from one planet or backward from the other and find the exact spot in the zodiac. That is the midpoint. The midpoint is the shortest distance between the two points. If you’re looking at planets in opposition, which side of the zodiac the midpoint occupies is moot as a planet occupying either side will square both planets.

Activation of the midpoint is by conjunction only as it is a theoretical point. A very small orb of just a few degrees is used here. Midpoints are sensitive areas where the effect is to both planets, blended. For example, if your Moon and Mercury don’t form an aspect to each other but Pluto transits their midpoint you’re going to have a Pluto effect on the blending of Moon-Mercury matters even if Pluto makes no independent transit aspect to either.

This is also active in synastry, calculating the effect each person’s planets have on the other in relationship. One person’s planet occupying the midpoint of a pair of another’s planets will have an effect that is not obvious from looking merely at the aspects.

Do you take note of midpoints when investigating transits or synastry?