Aspects are an important part of modern astrology. As the planets
move in their elongated orbits around the Sun, they form various angular
relationships with one another, using the Sun (or Earth) as the center.
These are called Aspects. The most popular aspects result from dividing
the circle by numbers like 1,2,3,4, resulting in aspects such as the
conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine (120 degrees),
square (90 degrees), and so forth. When two planets form an aspect with
one another, their energies and natures are said to combine and work
in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are exactly on
opposite sides of the Sun (earth), they are in opposition.
The most popular aspects can be divided into three main categories:
1. Emphatic aspects - The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize
or align two planetary energies with one another. Conjunction (0 degrees)
...two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to be in conjunctions.
Their natures are fused or blended into one.....Opposition (180 degrees)
..two planets at opposite sides of the zodiac. The energies are in alignment
with each other. They can pull together or apart, depending upon the
nature of the planets involved.
2. Hard aspects - square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees).
These represent challenge, obstacles, and substance. They provide meat
and potatoes in our life. Too many can block or obstruct the life flow,
yet too few can cause life to be weak or thin.
3. Soft aspects - .trine (120 degrees) and sex tile (60 degrees).
The soft aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can
see, grasp, and understand what is happening. To few of the soft aspects
means we don't know what we are doing or what is happening in our lives,
while too many soft aspects make for a life that runs cool, is overly
mental, and lacking in substance.
Exact aspects and aspect's 'orbs'. Aspects between planets gradually
form, become exact and separate.
When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the effect
of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the moment
when it is exact. The range within which an aspect is in operation is
called its 'orb of influence', or simply its orb. An orb of one or two
degrees of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close
or tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.
Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets
involved. Aspects to the Sun and Moon are most important, followed by
the planetary aspects involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. If your natal chart has an accurate birth
time, then aspects to the chart angles (ascendant and mid heaven) are
also important. The particular combination can make a difference. Aspects
between planets such as Saturn and Mars are obviously more potentially
explosive then the same aspect between Venus and Jupiter.
ASPECT SYMBOLS