Astrological Aspects

Simplistically stated, the astrological term aspect is used to describe a "relationship" between planets in a natal, progressed, or relationship-oriented chart. The aspects could be thought of as interpretation of the angles formed by the planets in the chart (ie, if two planets are 90 degrees from one another, the aspect formed is known as a "square;" planets 180 degrees from one another are said to be in "opposition," etc.).

There are various astrological aspects, classified as MAJOR or MINOR. Below, you will find descriptions of the aspects, major and minor, and some clues to what this may signify in one's natal chart.

Major Aspects

Conjunctions are formed when two planets in the chart are from 0 to 8° from one another; if the separation is within one degree, it is known as an "exact conjunction." Conjoined planets give one another a "boost" in the chart area indicated by their placement. The planets involved are actively exchanging energy with one another--to blend, or to feud, as the case may be! If three or more planets are conjoined in the chart, the aspect is referred to as a "stellum."

Sextiles occur within "compatible" elements; in other words, sextile planets will both be "positive" (fire/air) or "negative" (water/earth). The energy of sextile planets is generally easy and cooperative. Sextile planets present one with opportunities, however, whether these opportunities are seized or allowed to pass by is always up to the individual him- or herself.

The watchword for planets 90° apart is "friction." Another word would be "action." If the square occurs between cardinal planets, the action will be swift and decisive; between fixed planets, it will tend to be more measured and deliberate, between mutable planets -- well, it could go either way! While tension is sometimes unpleasant, don't forget that squares do offer opportunities to learn to deal with life's problems in a transcendent and triumphant way. In certain cases, two or more planets opposing one another will square a third planet. This formation is known as a "T-Square." The third planet--the one not in opposition--will be the focus with this type of alignment.

Trines occur between planets of the same element, approximately 120° from one another. The energy of the planets is described as "soft," and the watchword with trines is ease. Trines in the natal chart point toward areas of one's life which will come easily, where the flow of energy is very natural. One's innate talents will often be pointed out by trines in the chart; again, it is important to note that a talent is something one is born with, while a skill is something developed with focus and practice. Planets in trine do seem to "enjoy" their ease of interaction, and it may take a bit of work not to simply rest on one's laurels, to develop those talents into real skills. If three planets in the same element appear, each one trining the other two, the aspect is known as a "Grand Trine." This is an extremely potent formation providing solid clues which, if taken advantage of, can be of immense help to the individual with this placement. A Grand Trine wherein the planets are all fire signs can signify an enormous amount of energy and drive ready to be tapped, a Grand Air Trine would indicate mental and intellectual prowess, a Grand Water Trine a great deal of empathy and intuition, and a Grand Earth Trine will point up practical manners of getting ahead, of making one's way in the world.

Planets in opposition are approximately 180° from one another, and the energy produced by these planets is described as "hard" energy -- not without reason. Planets in opposition tend to reflect or mirror one another (please remember that mirror images may look the same, but are in fact reversed). Planets in opposition represent areas of conflict -- everyone has them! -- as well as, perhaps more importantly, opportunities to devise and discover methods of resolving those areas of conflict. The heavens are not out to get you, although it can seem that way at times! Even though we all get sick of hearing it, problems really do present opportunities to learn and to improve ourselves and our place among the Stars.

Minor Aspects

Many of the Minor Aspects are what could be described as modifications on the Major Aspects. While more subtle, the energy of minor aspects is not negligible, simply not as upfront and in-your-face as that of the more major chart angles.

A Semi-Sextile describes two planets approximately 30° apart. The effects of this placement will be similar to that of the Sextile, however, the energy will be a bit more muted.

A Semi-Square indicates that two planets are approximately 45° apart. If Squares represent obstacles to overcome and lessons to be learned, Semi-Squares seem to deal more with life's little frustrations, the day-to-day tensions and irksome problems which take less energy to deal with, but may paradoxically tend to linger and stick in one's mind. Hey, it's a GREAT life, but snags and hassles are part of it. If nothing else, Semi-Squares in the natal chart indicate a great opportunity to develop patience!

The word Quincunx describes an aspect also referred to as "Inconjunct," wherein two planets are approximately 150° from one another. A Quincunx could represent ye olde proverbial "issues" to be faced and overcome. Quincunxes often deal with either health or finances, but by no means all the time. The issues will generally involve influences which must be overcome to some extent, and in learning to "work around," compensate for, or overcome these issues, which often include less than optimal backgrounds (such as growing up in poverty or an abusive environment, or possibly a disability of some sort) which can hamper and drag you down. The up-side (of course there is one!) is that these areas of tension can be overcome, and learning to work within or beyond one's "circumstances" can be an exciting adventure -- as well as a flat bitch, of course!