Yod (astrology)
In astrology (in the context of an astrological chart, birth chart or horoscope), a yod is a specific, triangular-shaped planetary alignment that is formed by two planets or points being sextile to one another (60° apart), with a third planet being exactly 150° to the other two points, or quincunx (also called inconjunct). In essence, the three points add up as 150°+150°+60°=360° in a traditional, spherical astrological chart. Visually, this alignment forms a “triangle”-shaped aspect, with one point being nearly directly across (150°) from two other points that are 60° apart from each other.
Generally, in astrology, for any aspect to be seen prominently in a chart, the planets/points involved in the aspect should not have more than a three-degree difference. This means that all three points must be within a three-degree range of one another, such as 3°-5°-6°, or 10°-7°-8°; a trio of planets with placements such as 3°-21°-15° or 10°-27°-2° is considered too “wide” to have any real connection, thus there is no aspect formed.
While the sextile is an inherently harmonious aspect, the quincunx is unrelated to either of the sextile planets. Quincunxes are considered to be somewhat awkward but also allowing the other energy to shine at its best, one making up for the other. A quincunx is the aspect just shy of an opposition; for example, Gemini is in opposition (180°) to Sagittarius, and Scorpio and Capricorn are located on either side of Sagittarius. Thus, Gemini is said to be “inconjunct”, or quincunx, to Scorpio and Capricorn (150° apart). Conversely, on either side of Gemini lie the signs Taurus and Cancer; thus, Sagittarius is quincunx to Taurus and Cancer. It is not fully 180° (a true opposition within a 360° sphere), but placed just before or after the opposite sign. It shares neither polarity - Yin/assertive or yang/receptive, astrological element - fire, water, air, or earth, or modality - cardinal, fixed, or mutable.
Meaning
Astrology has different views regarding the interpretation of the Yod. It's traditionally been known as a minor pattern, but more recently, has been gaining interest. One theory gaining attention is that the Yod reflects the 1-6-8 sign pattern of the zodiac.
Hypothetical example
As an example of the 1-6-8 Yod interpretation would be with Mars at 11" Aries in a quincunx angle to Mercury at 11° Virgo and the Sun at 11° Scorpio. The confusion arises between the impulsive and energetic character of Aries interacting with the analytical and careful character of Virgo, and the intensity and mystery of Scorpio. The lack of commonality of Mars with the two sextile planets (Virgo and Scorpio in this example) illustrates how the Yod triggers an irritating situation, yet one that pulls the individual to discover completely new pathways in one's life. Some natives will ignore it altogether, while others are fascinated by the strangeness and attempt to adapt so that they can explore this complex ground.
Sometimes with initiative and fortitude to overcome the confusion created by the yod, great rewards can result. It is a not uncommon element in the charts of those who overcome limitations in early life to later then become especially known for their unique contributions to their chosen fields of interest.
An alternate perspective is that a yod is an aspect that indicates some kind of dramatic event, or 'finger of fate'; Yods represent extraordinary powers available for good or ill; it is largely a matter of how the individual uses the energy, and whether the planets forming the crucial aspects are in any way harmonious.
Golden yod
Related to the yod, though much less noticed, is the golden yod. A golden Yod occurs when one planet forms biquintiles (144° aspect) to two others separated by a quintile(72° aspect). Because these aspects are seen as beneficial, the golden yod is seen as reflecting characteristics acquired by the person whose chart contains it. The few astrologers who have studied it regard it as an extremely creatively charged aspect good for artistic skill, especially as quintiles and biquintiles are frequently linked with Neptune. An example of a golden Yod would be with the Sun at 20° Cancer, Uranus at 8° Taurus and Jupiter at 14° Sagittarius.