Aspects in Astrology
Curious about the meaning of those lines from planet to planet in your birth chart?
If you have ever looked at your birth chart, you would have seen a variety of lines crossing from planet to planet. Depending on the program you’re using, they may be black and white, shades of blue, or expressed with a rainbow of colors. Some short, some long, some red, some green. These lines and the symbols for each “conversation” are an aspect. Aspects in astrology represent the mathematical angles of the planets in a natal chart. Which by the way, can be created for anything.
Some astrologers, like renowned educator and author Richard Tarnas, emphasize planetary and aspect archetypes rather than the zodiac archetype alone (or at all). Learning the language for planetary communication allows you to sync with the patterns of planetary cycles. Interpreting the conversations of the celestial bodies at the time of our birth, as well as in the present, can help us understand the cycles, patterns, behaviors, instincts, and inherent needs we may experience in our lifetime.
The main focus of this blog post is the “Major Aspects” which include the following: Conjunction, Sextile, Square, Trine, and Opposition. Additional aspects (sometimes referred to as “minor” but that title isn’t favored by many astrologers) include semi-sextile, bi-quintile, inconjunct, and more. Check out The Astrology Podcat’s episode on Minor Aspects with Reck Levine for some great (and very in-depth) information on these additional aspects.
Exact aspects typically involve the same degree. However, many astrologers and interpretations alike will share horoscopes for aspects within a few degrees of exactitude since they’re still so impactful. Depending on the planets, this influence can be felt for days, weeks, months, or even years before and after the exactitude. As planets transit one another with Retrogrades and Stations, the longevity of these communicative patterns can change throughout time.
Note: Transits are different than aspects and refer to the movement of a planet throughout a period, rather than its frozen-in-time position in a natal chart.
Conjunction - 0 to 10° angle between planets
The Conjunction aspect has great significance since the two planets involved are in close proximity to one another. Only up to 10 degrees are Conjunctions acknowledged; usually we pay the closest attention when the planets are within three degrees of each other. Conjunctions have the symbol of a line with a circle at one end. This aspect marks the beginning of a cycle. Usually, Conjunctions occur under the same zodiac sign. However, a planet at 29 degrees of Pisces and another planet at 1 degree of Aries would still be considered in Conjunction, despite being “out of sign.”
Some conjunctions are common, especially the luminaries (Sun and Moon) as well as Venus, Mercury, and Mars since they move at comparable speeds. Others are far rarer such as the Grand Conjunction of 2020 when Jupiter and Saturn came together in the sign of Aquarius. When a planet forms a Conjunction with the sun at the same degree in the same sign, we signify that aspect as a Cazimi.
Sextile - 60° angle between planets
Sextiles occur when two planets create a 60-degree angle within the 360-degree astrology wheel. This is considered the second-most harmonious of the five major aspects. Sextiles can manifest positive energy, progressing intentions, and expanding dynamic energies. The symbol looks like an asterisk, a six-pointed denotation mark. When two planets form a Sextile aspect, there’s a charming sense of cooperation between the two.
Square - 90° angle between planets
In astrology, the square symbol marks an easy-to-detect Square aspect. You can identify the square because of the 90-degree angle between the two planets, which looks like one side or one-fourth of a square. This aspect creates a sensation of tension, action, and intensity. When two planets create a Square aspect, they will work together to ignite some kind of action. In a horoscope, conflict, progress, sudden experiences, and a deepening of energy may be expected. Overall, Squares require us to put work in. That “work” can be interpreted based on the planets associated with this aspect.
Two planets involved in a Square usually share the same astrological modality whether it’s fixed, mutable, or cardinal. At 90 degrees, the Square aspect is half an opposition. The tension between squared planets is as transformational as it is tense. Learn about how this aspect can become even more dynamic when involved with another aspect discussed below.
Trine - 120° angle between planets
Considered the most auspicious and favorable of the major aspects, a Trine occurs when two planets create a 120-degree angle. The symbol for a Trine is easy to spot - a triangle. This harmonious aspect can occur in an even higher octave of positive flow, known as a Grand Trine. Grand Trines are formed by three or more planets equidistant to one another. Trines in a natal chart or real-time represent a hopeful and positive relationship between the planets involved in the aspect. Be wise of the abundance that ease can bring. Jovial excesses can quickly turn into complicated addictions.
Trines occur between planets sharing their astrological energy, whether it’s air, earth, fire, or water.
Opposition - 180° angle between planets
When the angle between two planets widens, we can identify an Opposition. You’ll see a (typically red) line crossing the chart down the middle, connecting planets in “sibling signs” of the zodiac like Libra/Aries. During a full moon, we experience an Opposition between the sun and the moon. The energy between planets in Opposition has a tense, heightened signification. Oppositions mark the end of a cycle that first began with a Conjunction. Often, we experience projections and outpouring of emotional or pent-up energy with planetary oppositions. Secrets get revealed. Explosive arguments can occur.
There’s a tense polarity between the two planets involved in this aspect. This aspect has a higher octave and can be made even more intense if the third planet (or fourth) forms a Square to each of the planets in Opposition respectively. This is known as a T-Square.