Aspects in astrology
Aspects are the angles between planets in a birth chart. A conjunction (0 degrees) blends planets, a sextile (60) and trine (120) are read as supportive, and a square (90) and opposition (180) as tension that drives growth.
| Conjunction | 0 degrees: planets blend |
|---|---|
| Sextile / trine | 60 / 120 degrees: supportive |
| Square / opposition | 90 / 180 degrees: tension, growth |
The five main aspects
A conjunction puts two planets together, so their themes merge. A sextile is a gentle link. A trine is an easy flow. A square is friction that pushes action. An opposition is a pull between two sides that asks for balance.
Orbs
Aspects do not need to be exact. Astrologers allow a few degrees either side, called an orb, and read tighter aspects as stronger.
Reading easy and hard aspects
Trines are read as talents that come without effort, and squares as the areas where effort builds skill. Astrologers note that neither is better, and that a chart with only trines can be too comfortable.
Finding yours
A birth chart calculator lists the aspects with their angles. Look first at those involving the Sun, the Moon and the rising sign.
How aspects are measured
An aspect is counted in degrees along the zodiac, the circle of 360 degrees the signs divide into twelve parts of thirty. Two planets four signs apart are about 120 degrees apart, a trine. Two planets in signs next to each other are near thirty degrees, which the main aspects do not include. Most calculators list each aspect with its orb, the number of degrees it is off exact, and many astrologers allow up to eight degrees for the Sun and Moon and less for the other planets.
Aspects to the Sun and Moon
Astrologers read aspects to the Sun as shaping your drive and confidence, and aspects to the Moon as shaping what you need to feel at ease. Venus in a trine to your Moon is read as warmth that comes naturally, and Saturn in a square to your Sun as a strong sense of duty and a habit of being hard on yourself. A tight aspect to either one counts for more than several loose aspects between outer planets, which whole age groups share.
Aspects between two charts
Aspects are also how two people's charts are compared. When your Venus sits close to another person's Sun, or your Moon trines their Moon, astrologers read a natural ease between you. When your Mars squares their Saturn, they read friction that the two of you can learn from. Relationship astrology, called synastry, is mostly a list of these links, read together with each person's own chart.
The minor aspects
Beyond the five main aspects, astrologers use a few minor ones with tighter orbs. The semi-sextile, 30 degrees, is read as a slight unease between neighbors. The quincunx, 150 degrees, is read as two needs that don't speak the same language and keep asking for small adjustments. The semi-square, 45 degrees, and the sesquiquadrate, 135, are read as low-level friction. Most readings mention them only within a degree or two of exact.
Aspect patterns
Some charts link three or more planets in a shape. A grand trine, three planets each 120 degrees apart, is read as a talent that flows so easily it can go unused. A T-square, two planets opposite each other and both square a third, is read as pressure that drives ambition. A stellium, three or more planets in one sign, isn't an aspect in the strict sense but is read the same way: a loud theme in one part of life.
Aspects in astrology: questions people ask
What is a conjunction in astrology?
Two planets at nearly the same degree, read as their themes blending.
Is a square aspect bad?
No. It is read as friction that drives action and growth.
What is an orb?
The allowed distance from an exact aspect, usually a few degrees.
Keep exploring
- Your big three: Sun, Moon and rising signThe three placements astrologers read first, and what each shows.
- The 12 houses in astrologyThe twelve areas of life a birth chart divides into.
- What the planets mean in a birth chartThe role each planet plays, from the Sun to Pluto.
- How to read your birth chart step by stepSix steps from the big three to the aspects.