#separating

For example, I have moon trine mercury (separating) and moon trine saturn (applying)…

Separating and Applying Aspects 🌻

Yesssssss it basically shows the movement of the aspect. Think of it as energy either moving away from exact contact or moving toward it

An applying aspect means the planets are still walking toward each other. The energy feels more active, developing, consuming, noticeable. People usually feel applying aspects stronger because there's tension building toward completion

A separating aspect means the planets already made the exact aspect and are now moving apart. The energy still exists but it feels more familiar, internalized, automatic, or tied to past experiences and habits.

So in your case Moon trine Mercury separating, your emotional and mental connection probably comes naturally to you already. You may not even notice how intuitive your mind is because it's something you have grown into over time. Communication with others may feel instinctive

Moon trine Saturn applying means that this one is still unfolding more strongly in your life. Emotional maturity, emotional control, boundaries, stability, or learning how to trust yourself emotionally may become more important as you grow. You will likely feel this aspect working on you more consciously

Applying aspects often feel louder. Separating aspects feel woven into the personality already

We are not ready to talk about it.

Things have been tough.

We feel like a failure.

We have to start over.

We don't have much.

This is going to be so hard.

Being alone again.

From PROCESSION by Anthony Opal - a chapbook-length poem in sequence and separating pairs - available here.

Separating VS Applying Aspects in Astrology

Applying and Separating aspects in astrology, in essence speak about the speed in which a planetary body is moving towards another. 

Think of it Like This:

Imagine You are Pluto at 25 degrees Capricorn and a fast moving ambulance is Mars is driving towards you. You can hear it approaching, you can see it, it’s getting louder and louder as it reaches 21°, 22°, 23°, or 24° Capricorn. Mars, The ambulance, is “applying or approaching” a conjunction [meet up] with Pluto [you]. At one point it will be right in front of you. You, Pluto and Mars will be exact [at 25 degrees] and then, Mars will start to drive past and the sirens begin to fade. You can’t hear it anymore. Mars has transited away from 25° Capricorn. Thus Mars is Separating.

Another Example is the Moon Phases

We go from waxing, to full, to waning. Applying and separating behave similarly. The quicker of any two celestial bodies [planets] in an aspect is usually the one stirring the pot.  In an applying aspect, the faster planet moves toward the slower moving planet and in the separating aspect the faster planet moves away from [separates from] the slower moving planet. 

Why is this Important?

Because there’s an order that reflects every planet’s astrological influence on the planet Earth. The Planets from slowest to fastest are basically demonstrating a “teacher to student” role. This is what causes us to say, for example: “Venus – Uranus” and not “Uranus – Venus” aspect. The faster planet defines the dynamics of the aspect. The faster moving planet is always learning lessons from and being shaped by the slower moving planet. Another example, consider the case of Moon opposing Neptune, since the moon is closer to the Sun and is therefore faster in its orbit than Neptune [because it's an outer planet, in the boondocks, while the Moon moves every 2 to 3 days], Moon is the one learning the lessons from and being shaped by Neptune.  In order [From slowest to fastest] they are:

Pluto➝ Neptune ➝ Uranus➝ Saturn ➝ Jupiter ➝ Mars ➝ Sun ➝ Venus ➝ Mercury ➝ Moon ➝ Earth

Now, An applying aspect

Is the degree two planets are coming closer together. In layman’s terms? When they become exact. They’ll intensify and push us in directions that will assist in learning whatever the energies suggest. Because these begin after birth, and onward, applying aspects indicate future endeavors.

As the two planets come closer together, a native feels it. The energy is strong. One receives that gut instinct that something intense is about to take place. Depending on the planets involved, a native might have a sense of excitement, impending doom, hike in libido, spiritual awakenings, or excess in the material [financial, etc]. Applying aspects are coming together and because of this, known to be quite active, volatile and erratic in expression. 'Applying' aspects are considered to be much stronger than 'separating' aspects. They tend to get a rise out of someone. This person will be easier to set off or even get a reaction from. They can’t help it. Said emotional surges will be spike in creativity, resourcefulness, even rise in temper. 

In a Separating Aspect

When do I know that I have lost someone?

Not physically, but emotionally, mentally?

I feel disconnected from you, not like it used to be between us. Since a while already.

I also feel frustration about it and I don't like it. Because it is a normal thing that can happen.

Two lives just part and thats okay. I think I feel frustrated, because a fake something is being kept up.

I don't like to lie or pretend. So I won't do that anymore. I will be honest. I know that it might be hurtful.

But I can't continue hurting myself anymore.

Just a deep red reaction mixture that slowly separates from the water phase in a separating funnel.