DEFINITION
A "no" or negative answer will result when two significators are applying by
major aspect to each other but before perfecting, the first receives a major aspect from a
third faster planet such as Mercury or Venus which then in turn applies by major aspect to
the second significator. This is the traditional description of prohibition. Nevertheless,
if any planet applies to one of the significators before they perfect their aspect, this
will also function as a prohibition and will produce a negative answer to the question.
This rule is the second example of an inhibiting planet in action.
Although the three outer planets are never used as main significators, they can be
involved in prohibition. These kind of prohibitions can in no way effect aspects or other
rules involving the Moon and main significators. Prohibition involving the outer planets
does not necessarily mean a "no" or negative answer.
Examples
1: Venus at 7 degrees Aries applies to Mars at 10 degrees Aries, but Mercury at 6 degrees
Aries first conjuncts Venus then Mars before Venus and Mars perfect their conjunction.
This is the traditional method of prohibition.
2: Mercury at 4 Cancer applies to Mars by sextile at 9 degrees Taurus, but Venus at 8
degrees Leo will prohibit this aspect by first making a square to Mars.
3: Mars at 9 degrees Taurus applies to a trine to Jupiter at 12 Virgo, but Venus at 13
Virgo retrogrades to a conjunction with Jupiter before Mars and Jupiter perfect.
Example 4: Mercury at 4 Sagittarius applies by trine to Mars at 9 Leo but before it can
perfect the aspect, Venus at 5 Sagittarius retrogrades to a conjunction with Mercury.
Prohibition can also occur by any of the other major aspects.