In horary astrology, not every promising aspect brings success. Even when two significators seem about to perfect an aspect (like a conjunction or trine), sometimes the connection is interrupted or canceled.
Three classical conditions describe these blocked outcomes: Prohibition, Frustration, and Refranation.
These conditions reveal why something doesn’t happen, even when it looks like it should — such as missed opportunities, external interference, or a sudden change of heart.
🌒 1. Prohibition — “Someone Else Gets in the Way”
Definition:
Prohibition occurs when a third planet intervenes between two significators that are about to perfect an aspect. This interference “prohibits” the event.
Example:
You ask, “Will I marry this person?”
- Venus (you) is applying to conjunct Mars (the partner).
- But before the conjunction happens, Saturn forms an aspect with Mars.
→ Saturn “prohibits” Venus and Mars from uniting — an obstacle, person, or event blocks the relationship.
Interpretation:
- A third person or external force takes over the situation.
- The matter is out of the querent’s control.
- Timing: the prohibiting planet usually acts first in time and importance.
Modern examples:
- A job goes to another candidate.
- Someone intervenes before a reconciliation.
- Bureaucracy or authority halts a plan.
🌓 2. Frustration — “The Opportunity Slips Away”
Definition:
Frustration happens when a planet applies to another, but the receiving planet moves away or changes signs before the aspect perfects.
Example:
A querent asks, “Will I sell my house soon?”
- Mercury (the house) applies to sextile Jupiter (the buyer).
- Before the sextile completes, Jupiter moves to the next sign.
→ The sale doesn’t finalize — the buyer withdraws or circumstances shift.
Interpretation:
- The situation almost happens but falls apart last minute.
- It often shows missed chances, cold feet, or loss of interest.
In modern life:
- Someone “ghosts” before commitment.
- A project collapses after initial enthusiasm.
🌔 3. Refranation — “A Change of Mind Before Acting”
Definition:
Refranation occurs when a planet starts to apply to an aspect but then turns retrograde before it perfects.
Example:
The querent asks, “Will I get the promotion?”
- Mars (querent) applies to trine Saturn (employer).
- Before the trine happens, Mars turns retrograde.
→ The querent “refrains” — withdraws, rethinks, or circumstances shift.
Interpretation:
- The event is deliberately avoided.
- The querent or the other party changes direction or intention.
- It often suggests hesitation or self-sabotage rather than external obstacles.
Modern parallel:
- Someone cancels an interview.
- A client backs out of a deal.
🔮 Comparative Summary
Condition | Description | Symbolic Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | Another planet steps in first | External interference | Third party prevents reunion |
| Frustration | The aspect fails before completion | Lost chance | Buyer withdraws |
| Refranation | Applying planet turns retrograde | Change of mind | Querent reconsiders |
🪶 William Lilly’s Guidance
“Prohibition and refranation do oftentimes shew the interruption or hindrance of the thing demanded, although the significators apply.”
(Lilly, Christian Astrology, 1647)
⚖️ Judgment Tips
- Always look for the sequence of aspects — which planet acts first.
- Determine why the union or event fails: interference, loss of momentum, or reversal.
- Note retrogrades and sign changes carefully — they often indicate refranation or frustration.
💡 Practical Application
When reading a chart, note that:
- Prohibition shows external blocks.
- Frustration shows timing or readiness issues.
- Refranation shows internal resistance or reconsideration.
Recognizing these prevents false optimism and helps guide the querent toward realistic expectations.
