Aspects

Along with the Signs and Houses of the Zodiac, the Aspects are key to our interpretation of a horoscope. Aspects address the angular relationship between planets and points in the Zodiac. To keep it simple, assume that the circle of the Zodiac is divided into twelve equal pie-shaped slices (which, in fact, it is, for the Signs). Since a circle is 360 degrees, each slice of pie (or Sign) is 30 degrees. Using the Earth as the center of the horoscope, we can make the following statement: if Venus is at 1 degree Aries and Mars is at 1 degree Cancer, these planets are 90 degrees apart and therefore making a mathematical square angle, or for our purposes, a square , to each other. Taking this a step further, if Mercury is at 1 degree Libra in the above horoscope, it will find itself 180 degrees away from Venus, or in a direct opposition aspect to that planet. The major Aspects are conjunctions (at 0 degrees, or planets which are right next to each other), sextiles (60 degrees apart), squares (a 90 degree separation), trines (120 degrees in distance), and oppositions (180 degrees apart). Squares and oppositions are also known as hard Aspects in that the energy from these Aspects generally represents challenges to be overcome or a balance that needs to be found. Sextiles and trines are considered soft Aspects in that their energy is generally harmonious and beneficent. The energy resulting from a conjunction can be either positive or negative, depending on the planets involved and other Aspects, and factors, in the horoscope. Minor Aspects which are often considered when viewing a horoscope are semi-sextiles (a 30 degree separation between planets) and quincunxes (a 150 degree distance). Other minor Aspects are addressed only if their angle is very precise. Speaking of precision, Aspects between planets are usually not at the exact angular distances listed above. In order to calculate Aspects, Astrologers adhere to an orb of influence, or a set number of degrees within which a specific aspect is effective. For example, two planets which are 86 degrees apart may well form a square to each other even though they are not at a precise 90 degree square angle. It's safe to say, however, that the closer the planets are to each other, the stronger the aspect's energy. Most Astrologers are comfortable using an orb of 8 degrees for major Aspects, or 8 degrees on either side of the angle (Aspects) being referenced (again, for a square, this would mean an orb beginning at 82 degrees and ending at 98 degrees). For minor Aspects, an orb of between 1 and 3 degrees is considered reasonable. Aspects and orbs are both subject to interpretation as to their energy and distance, respectively. Lastly, Astrologers are quick to use the entire horoscope as an aid in gleaning the message of the various Aspects. Orbs It is a matter of personal opinion and experience in deciding whether or not two planets can be considered within the orb of a specific aspect. The following is a quick guide for orbs and aspects. Degrees Orb Conjunction 0 10 Semi-Sextile 30 2 Sextile 60 6 Square 90 8 Trine 120 8 Qunicunx 150 2 Opposition 180 10