Aspects are the connection made between two planets or points in a chart. The aspect describes how the two planets interact, whether it’s harmoniously or tensely. Aspects are determined mathematically, according to the number of degrees between the two points. Remember, the chart is a 360 degree circle. A square aspect, for example, occurs when two planets are 90 degrees apart. They are essentially at a right angle to one another. Aspects can occur either between two planets or between a planet and an angle (the cusp of the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses). To simplify things a bit, I’ll just refer to aspects between two planets for now.
There are 5 main aspects that I’ll touch on for the time being: the conjunction, the opposition, the square, the trine, and the sextile. The degrees of separation for each, in order, are 0, 180, 90, 120, and 30. However, the planets don’t have to be exactly this number of degrees apart. The wiggle room is called an orb. For example, just about everyone I know who’s around my age has Uranus and Neptune conjunct in Capricorn. In my chart, Neptune is at 21 degrees, and Uranus is at 22 degrees. This is a conjunction with a 1 degree orb. Someone who has Neptune at 11 degrees and Uranus at 16 degrees would have a conjunction with a 5 degree orb.
Different astrologers allow orbs of different sizes. Here are the maximum orbs that I, personally, use: When the luminaries are involved, 10 degrees. When a personal planet is involved, 8 degrees. When only Jupiter-Pluto are involved, 6 degrees. The closer the aspect—the smaller or “tighter” the orb—the more potent it is.
Although this can vary, for the most part the signs can be used to tell which kind of aspect is involved. I’ll elaborate on that during my explanation of each aspect.
- Conjunction- A conjunction occurs when two planets are right next to each other. Their energies blend, and they act together within the chart/ person. They are typically within the same sign, making it easy for them to relate. But this doesn’t always mean that they mesh well together. Whether or not this is considered a harmonious aspect depends on the planets involved. Saturn is considered a malefic, so aspects to it are difficult. Someone with their Sun conjunct Saturn might feel an extra weight, a heaviness and seriousness, added to their self-expression. Jupiter is considered benefic, so aspects to it are primarily considered peaceful. Jupiter conjunct the moon would expand the moon’s capacity for kindness and compassion and would add it’s jovial nature to the character of the chart holder. Because conjunctions are a blending of energy, a Moon/Jupiter conjunction blends emotions and higher thought, which can make someone quite opinionated.
- Opposition- An opposition occurs when two planets are on opposites sides of the chart. Most often this occurs in opposite signs, partner signs. The concept of partner signs is, in my opinion, an important part of astrology. They are opposite yet the same in significant ways. Complementary is the best word for them. The opposition aspect requires balance. There can be a tendency to move from one extreme to the other when trying to give each planet the attention it needs. It operates like a seesaw. Balance and finding middle ground is key.
- Square- A square is half of an opposition and occurs when two planets are about 90 degrees apart and, generally speaking, 3 signs apart. The signs of the planets are often incompatible elements (like fire and earth or air and water) but the same quality (both Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable). This is a difficult aspect, symbolizing two energies that don’t see eye to eye. They produce a feeling of internal conflict in the chart holder. It’s as if the energies of the two planets are trying to be expressed at once, and they’re pulling in two different directions. This conflict spurs the person to action. People with many squares in their charts are known to be particularly driven and strong-willed.
- Trine- A trine occurs when two planets are around 120 degrees and typically 4 signs apart. This is a harmonious aspect, indicating two planets between which energy flows easily. These signs are often in the same element, so the planets operate on the same wavelength, according to that element, no matter how different the planets seem. Trines indicate natural talents. The ease with which these two planets connect can be a subconscious ability. It can be so natural that it’s taken for granted. People with too many trines, while incredibly talented, can easily take their abilities for granted and become complacent without sufficient conflict—squares and oppositions—also present in the chart.
- Sextile- A sextile is half of a trine and occurs when two planets are about 60 degrees and two signs apart. It, like the trine, is a harmonious, flowing aspect. However, it is considered to be less powerful than the trine. Instead of being in the same element, the two planets are in compatible elements, elements of the same polarity—yang, fire and air, or yin, water and earth. Instead of the talents being as natural and subconscious as they are in a trine, the abilities of a sextile need to be more consciously tapped into. Because they are more conscious, they’re less likely to be taken for granted.
Four square aspects together form an actual square in a chart (LEFT), while three trine aspects form a triangle (RIGHT). The aspect patterns are called a Grand Cross and a Grand Trine, respectively.
If in your chart you have a situation where there is a conjunction in different signs, an opposition in non-partner signs, a square in signs of the same or compatible elements, a trine in signs of different elements, or a sextile in non-compatible elements, don’t disregard it. The ASPECT, the degrees of separation, are what matter most. The energies of the planets still relate to each other in the same ways. But these cases may carry some differences. I don’t have any cases like this in my chart, but they interest me. I’d like to do more research on them.
Alright, that’s it for the 4 Basics. Please, feel free to contact me with any questions. I’ve tried to present this information in a straightforward way, but let me know if it’s still too confusing to follow or if you find any inconsistencies.
Rain and Starlight 