Aspects
An aspect is an angle between two planets, measured around the zodiac. When two planets sit at certain distances from each other, their energies link up. The aspects are the lines in the middle of a chart wheel.
- Conjunction0°fusion
- Sextile60°opportunity
- Square90°friction that builds
- Trine120°natural flow
- Opposition180°polarity
The five major aspects are the conjunction (0 degrees), sextile (60), square (90), trine (120) and opposition (180). They come from dividing the circle by one, two, three, four and six, and they match the way the signs relate to each other: a trine joins signs of the same element, a square joins signs of the same modality.
Orbs
Planets rarely sit at an exact angle. The orb is how far from exact an aspect can be and still count, a few degrees either side. The tighter the orb, the stronger the aspect. Orbs vary between schools, and the Sun and Moon usually get wider ones.
Soft and hard
Trines and sextiles flow: the planets cooperate with little effort. Squares and oppositions build friction: they push for action and growth. Neither kind is better. Easy aspects can make a talent so natural it is never developed, and hard aspects are where much of a person's drive comes from.
Minor aspects add detail. The quincunx (150 degrees) is the one used most, and it has its own page here.
The Conjunction in Astrology — When Planets Merge
A conjunction is two planets at the same point of the zodiac, their energies fused into one. Learn what conjunctions mean, how to read them in your chart, which ones are strongest, and what most people get wrong about them.
The Sextile in Astrology — Opportunity That Asks for Effort
A sextile is two planets 60 degrees apart, a friendly link between compatible signs. Learn what sextiles mean, how to read them in your chart, how they differ from trines, and what most people get wrong about them.
The Square in Astrology — Friction That Builds Strength
A square is two planets 90 degrees apart, the aspect of friction, challenge and growth. Learn what squares mean, how to read them in your chart, why they are often a source of drive, and what most people get wrong about them.
The Trine in Astrology — Natural Flow and Talent
A trine is two planets 120 degrees apart, linked in the same element - the aspect of ease, flow and natural talent. Learn what trines mean, how to read them in your chart, and what most people get wrong about them.
The Quincunx in Astrology — The Aspect of Adjustment
A quincunx, or inconjunct, is two planets 150 degrees apart, linking signs that have nothing in common. Learn what quincunxes mean, how to read them in your chart, the yod, and what most people get wrong about them.
The Opposition in Astrology — Polarity and Balance
An opposition is two planets 180 degrees apart, facing each other across the chart - the aspect of polarity, awareness and balance. Learn what oppositions mean, how to read them, and what most people get wrong about them.