  A parametrization of octupole plus quadrupole deformation, in terms of
intrinsic variables defined in the rest frame of the overall tensor of inertia,
is presented and discussed. The model is valid for situations close to the
axial symmetry, but non axial deformation parameters are not frozen to zero.
The properties of the octupole excitations in the deformed Thorium isotopes
Th-226, Th-228 are interpreted in the frame of this model. A tentative
interpretation of octupole oscillations in nuclei close to the X(5) symmetry,
in terms of an exactly separable potential, is also discussed.
