Select a degree on the zodiac wheel or specify it using the input fields. The antiscion (solstice mirror) and contra-antiscion (equinox mirror) points will be calculated automatically.
°
Selected Position
15° Aries
Ecliptic: 15°
Antiscion (Solstice Mirror)
15° Virgo
Ecliptic: 165°
Contra-Antiscion (Equinox Mirror)
15° Pisces
Ecliptic: 345°
Selected
Antiscion
Contra-Antiscion
Solstice Axis
Equinox Axis
Antiscion formula: If a point's ecliptic longitude is L, the antiscion = (180° − L + 360°) mod 360°. The mirroring is performed across the solstice axis (0° Cancer – 0° Capricorn). Two points at antiscia positions share equal daylight duration. Contra-antiscion formula: Mirroring across the equinox axis (0° Aries – 0° Libra): (360° − L) mod 360°. It is the opposition point of the antiscion.
Antiscia pairs are determined by the solstice axis (0° Cancer / 0° Capricorn), while contra-antiscia pairs are determined by the equinox axis (0° Aries / 0° Libra).
Antiscia Sign Pairs
Sign
Antiscia Partner
Element
Shared Property
♈ Aries
♍ Virgo
Fire ↔ Earth
Equal daylight duration
♉ Taurus
♌ Leo
Earth ↔ Fire
Equal daylight duration
♊ Gemini
♋ Cancer
Air ↔ Water
Equal daylight duration
♎ Libra
♓ Pisces
Air ↔ Water
Equal daylight duration
♏ Scorpio
♒ Aquarius
Water ↔ Air
Equal daylight duration
♐ Sagittarius
♑ Capricorn
Fire ↔ Earth
Equal daylight duration
Contra-Antiscia Sign Pairs
Sign
Contra-Antiscia Partner
Element
Shared Property
♈ Aries
♓ Pisces
Fire ↔ Water
Equal night duration
♉ Taurus
♒ Aquarius
Earth ↔ Air
Equal night duration
♊ Gemini
♑ Capricorn
Air ↔ Earth
Equal night duration
♋ Cancer
♐ Sagittarius
Water ↔ Fire
Equal night duration
♌ Leo
♏ Scorpio
Fire ↔ Water
Equal night duration
♍ Virgo
♎ Libra
Earth ↔ Air
Equal night duration
Why these pairs? Antiscia pairs connect signs that are equidistant from the solstice points. For example, 15° Aries and 15° Virgo are perfectly symmetric about the solstice axis (0° Cancer). When the Sun occupies these two degrees, daylight duration is equal. Contra-antiscia applies the same logic to the equinox axis for equal night durations.
Antiscion and contra-antiscion counterparts for every degree of each sign. The table shows all mirror degrees from 0°–29° for the selected sign.
Degree
Ecliptic
Antiscion
Antiscion Ecliptic
Contra-Antiscion
Contra Ecliptic
What Is Antiscia? Mirror Degrees in Astrology
Antiscia (singular: antiscion) is a concept in classical astrology where two points mirror each other across the solstice axis. Derived from the Latin for "opposite shadow," this term describes symmetric positions of the Sun on the ecliptic. When the Sun occupies two degrees that form an antiscia pair, daylight duration is equal at both positions.
The Solstice Axis and Antiscia
Antiscia are calculated across the solstice axis. This axis connects 0° Cancer with 0° Capricorn. A planet's antiscion point is its symmetric position relative to this axis. The formula is: if a point's ecliptic longitude is L, its antiscion is located at (180° − L + 360°) mod 360°. For example, the antiscion of 15° Aries (ecliptic 15°) is 15° Virgo (ecliptic 165°); both are 75° from the solstice axis.
Contra-Antiscia and the Equinox Axis
Contra-antiscia is the point obtained by mirroring across the equinox axis (0° Aries – 0° Libra). Mathematically, it equals the opposition of a point's antiscion. If a point's ecliptic longitude is L, its contra-antiscion is located at (360° − L) mod 360°. When the Sun occupies two contra-antiscia points, night durations are equal.
Historical Usage
The concept of antiscia was first elaborated in detail by Firmicus Maternus in his Matheseos Libri VIII (4th century CE). Although Ptolemy did not use this term directly, he discussed similar symmetry concepts. In the medieval period, Abu Ma'shar and Bonatti employed antiscia as an important tool in chart assessment. William Lilly described antiscia as "secret conjunctions" in Christian Astrology and frequently used them in horary astrology.
Astrological Significance
Antiscia create an invisible connection between two planets or points. Planets that are not physically at the same degree but are symmetric on the solstice axis influence each other as if they were in conjunction. This is why Lilly called antiscia "secret conjunctions." Contra-antiscia, in turn, are considered a kind of occult opposition. In horary, natal, and mundane astrology, they are used to reveal hidden relationships, subconscious connections, and unexpected influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between antiscia and conjunction?
A conjunction is the physical co-presence of two planets at the same ecliptic degree. Antiscia, on the other hand, occurs when two planets are symmetrically positioned relative to the solstice axis — they are not physically together, but an invisible bond exists between them. Lilly called this a "secret conjunction."
Which axis is used for antiscia and which for contra-antiscia?
Antiscia are calculated across the solstice axis (0° Cancer – 0° Capricorn). Contra-antiscia are calculated across the equinox axis (0° Aries – 0° Libra). Alternatively, the contra-antiscion is the point 180° opposite the antiscion.
How are antiscia used in horary astrology?
In horary astrology, if no classical aspect is found between two significators, the antiscia connection is checked. When two planets reach each other's antiscion points, it may indicate a hidden or indirect connection, an unknown contact, or a behind-the-scenes initiative.
What is the orb for antiscia?
Classical sources generally use an orb of 1°–2° for antiscia. Wider orbs (3°–5°) are applied by some modern classical astrologers. William Lilly preferred a tight orb. An exact degree match produces the strongest antiscia connection.
What formula is used to calculate antiscia?
For a point with ecliptic longitude L, the antiscion is calculated as: (180° − L + 360°) mod 360°. The contra-antiscion is calculated as: (360° − L) mod 360°. The simulator on this page performs both calculations automatically.
Firmicus Maternus, Matheseos Libri VIII (4th c. CE) · Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos (2nd c. CE) · Abu Ma'shar, Kitab al-Mudkhal al-Kabir (9th c.) · William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647) · Bonatti, Liber Astronomiae (13th c.) · Dorotheus, Carmen Astrologicum (1st c. CE)