In traditional astrology, this term refers to different situations where the energies of a planet are weakened or corrupt. In such situations, the planet finds great difficulty to express itself freely and in a positive way, as if it were in distress. A typical affliction is, for example, receiving a hard aspect – an opposition or square – from Saturn or Mars, traditionally regarded as Malefics, or from any other planet that is not compatible in nature. Another affliction is when a planet is “besieged”, being positioned between the two malefics.

In modern astrology, a planet is afflicted when it receives unfavourable aspects.

The angles of a chart are the Ascendant (ASC) or degree ascending at the horizon, the opposite point, known as Descendent (DESC), the Medium Coeli (MC) and the Immum Coeli (IC).

The cusps of the First, Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Houses are on the ASC, IC, DESC and MC respectively and are highly personal and sensitive points. A planet positioned near these points becomes very important in chart interpretation and is said to be “angular”.

The point in a planet’s orbit where it it most distant to the Sun. The opposite point, where it is closest to the Sun, is called Perihelion.
The aphelion of the Earth occurs about 4th July each year.