Aspects and Alignments
Overview
Major Aspects
Minor Aspects
Other Aspects
Hard Aspects
Soft Aspects
• Applying
• Orb
• Midpoints

Overview

An aspect is geometric angle that occurs between two planets. The aspects are based on sections of the Sun's path. For example, planets that are separated by about 90 degrees (one-quarter of the 360-degree circle) are in a square aspect. Those separated by 120 degrees, or a third of a circle, are in a trine aspect, and so forth. While about ten aspects are commonly used by modern astrologers, only two were recognized in ancient Mesopotamia, the conjunction (an angular separation of zero degrees) and the opposition (an angular separation of 180 degrees). Three others, the sextile, square, and trine, were added by the Greeks. Much later, Johannes Kepler, the great astronomer-astrologer, added several minor aspects to the list.

It is helpful to think of the aspects in terms of vibrations and harmonics. The division of the circle of the zodiac by each number, called the fundamental, produces a specific tone or harmonic. Aspects are broken down into two general sets of categories: Major vs. Minor and Hard (challenging) vs. Soft (harmonious)

Back to top

Major Aspects

In practice, most astrologers use the conjunction, opposition, trine, square, and sextile as major aspects. These aspects are traditionally known as the Ptolemaic Aspects, named after the great astrologer-astronomer Claudius Ptolemy who lived in Egypt during the time of the Roman Empire.

Conjunction

0 degrees or 360 degrees apart. The conjunction is the most powerful aspect between planets. This aspect represents the beginning and end of a cycle and the fusing of the principles of the planets involved in an unconscious way. Its net astrological effect depends on the nature of the planets. For example, Saturn conjunct the Sun suggests that the cold of Saturn is conjoined with the heat of the Sun. Saturn is warmed up, but the Sun is cooled down. Orb: +/- 10 degrees.

Opposition

180 degrees. This aspect marks the midpoint of a cycle. It usually represents a division or a critical turning point. It can mean success as a result of awareness, objectivity, and perspective, or it can imply conflict and separation. It symbolizes the need for understanding. Orb: +/- 10 degrees.

Oppositions: Challenging

Division of the circle by two produces the opposition, where the planets are separated by 180 degrees. With the opposition, the qualities of the planets are separated yet forced to coexist. The opposition has mixed qualities and some combinations of planets fare better when in this aspect than others.

Trine

120 degrees. Said to be the most favorable aspect, the trine represents a state of balance and harmony between the planets involved and what they symbolize. Orb: +/- 7 degrees.

Trines: Harmonious

Division of the circle by three produces the trine, or 120 degrees. Two planets in trine work well together; they are in phase or in balance with each other. Three planets spaced equidistant from each other, 120 degrees apart, create what is known as a Grand Trine. This powerful configuration is generally stable and strong, but such extreme stability is not always a good thing because it can indicate resistant to change.

Square

90 degrees. This may be the most stressful aspect because it usually demands action or change. It represents the struggle between incompatible elements, and the consequent need for adjustments. Orb: +/- 7 degrees.

Squares: Challenging

Division of the circle by four produces the square, or 90 degrees. The square is tense and stressful, yet its demands often result in action and productivity. Although two planets in square are out of phase with each other, this aspect forces the two to work together toward practical ends. In this respect the square is not such a negative aspect.

Four planets in square to each other produce what is called a Grand Cross. This is a particularly tense configuration requiring a constant effort to maintain a balance between the four points. Many people with such a configuration in their charts become stressed, while others are extremely productive and successful.

Sextile

60 degrees. The sextile, being one-half the value of the trine, has traditionally been regarded as an aspect that presents opportunities that require a little effort. It represents a point of stability in a cycle, and is favorable, but not as strong, as the trine. Orb: +/- 4 degrees.

Sextiles: Harmonious

Division of the circle by six produces the sextile, or 60 degrees. Like the quintile, this aspect is considered positive in that it allows the planets to function together harmoniously. However, it works in less creative and natural ways than does the quintile. The sextile symbolizes possibilities that need work or attention in order to reach completion.

Back to Top

Minor Aspects

Minor aspects include the semisquare and sesquiquadrate, the quintile, the septile, and the semisextile and quin-cunx. There are also other, even smaller, minor aspects that are used by some astrologers. These include the 16th harmonic, sometimes called the semi-semisquare (22.5 degrees), and the 32nd harmonic (11.25 degrees). These aspects function only when they are exact or very close to exact.

Semisqare

45 degrees. This aspect, being one-half the value of the square, represents a point of friction and agitation that demands a practical response. Orb: +/-3 degrees.

Sesquisquare

135 degrees. This aspect is three times a semisquare and as such is similar in effect. Orb: +/- 3 degrees.

Semisextile

30 degrees. This aspect represents the onset of awareness and the blending of different elements. It symbolizes a mild discomfort or instability. Orb: +/- 2 degrees.

Quincunx

150 degrees. Similar to the semisextile, though possibly stronger and more noticeable. The quincunx symbolizes the awareness of incompatibility, which leads to tradeoffs and compromises. It is also associated with health issues. Orb: +/- 2 degrees.

Semisquares and Sesquiquadrates

Challenging

Dividing the circle by eight produces the semisquare (or octile), which is 45 degrees. Moderately stressful but potentially productive the semisquare is half of a square. Like the square, it symbolizes crisis and it tends to operate practically, directly, and immediately. The sesquiquadrate (a.k.a. sesquisquare or tri-octile) is 135 degrees, or three times the semisquare. It is very similar to the semisquare.

Back to Top

Quintiles and Biquintiles

Dividing the circle by five produces the quintile, or 72 degrees. Because 72 degrees is harder to spot than multiples of 30 degrees, this aspect is frequently overlooked and therefore not used by many astrologers. Overall, it is a positive aspect that promotes creativity and productivity in a natural way. The biquintile is 144 degrees, or twice the quintile, and has a similar effect.

Septiles

Dividing the circle by seven produces the septile, an aspect that is close to 52 degrees plus about 24 minutes. Seven is the first number that does not divide exactly into 360. Numbers that have this property are sometimes called irrational. This strange aspect, rarely used by astrologers in the past because it was hard to calculate (but now no problem with computers), is found in the charts of those who reach for the unattainable. For example, it is frequently found in the charts of those devoted to religion and spirituality.

Back to Top

The Semisextile and Quincunx

Division of the circle by twelve produces the semisextile, an aspect of 30 degrees. Since it links adjacent signs of the zodiac, which have very little in common, the effects of this aspect can vary. Most practicing astrologers consider it moderately inharmonious. The quincunx or inconjunct is 150 degrees (five times the semisextile). Its effects are generally considered even more inharmonious than the semisextile.

Back to Top

Other Aspects

Noviles, Deciles, and Elevenths

Division of the circle by nine, ten, and eleven produces aspects that are only rarely used by astrologers. The novile and decile are said to be moderately favorable while the eleventh, the second lowest irrational number, is said to be difficult. The labeling of favorable and difficult is really the product of hardworking astrologers who are pressed by their clients to make black or white judgment calls. The real effects of these subtle aspects are difficult to convey to people not interested in their spiritual evolution. The truth is that no aspect is actually good or bad. Aspects are just what they are and we must do our best with them.

Parallels and Contraparallels

There are two other aspects that are not measured along the ecliptic and are not based on division of the circle. The parallel occurs when two planets are equidistant from the celestial equator, and both are either north or south. In other words, both planets share the same declination. The contra-parallel occurs when two planets are equidistant from the celestial equator, but one is north and one is south. The parallel tends to work like a conjunction; the contraparallel like an opposition.

Back to Top

Hard Aspects

The opposition, square, semisquare, and sesquiquadrate are all aspects that show a potential for crisis, response, and productivity. These aspects, , are found in the charts of those who struggle for achievement. Great men and women seem to be driven by these powerful aspects which signify the need to balance conflicting planetary energies.

Back to Top

Soft Aspects

Trines and sextiles are often called soft or harmonious aspects. People with too many of these are usually not so strongly motivated to resolve challenges and inner tensions, and consequently they tend to be less visibly productive.

Back to Top

Applying

In practice, an exact aspect is very rare. More commonly, two planets may be separated by a figure that is close to, but does not equal, the exact angle. For example, two planets spaced 125 degrees apart are close to the distance of the trine which is 120 degrees. When the relative motions of the planets involved in an aspect are considered in this regard, we can tell if the aspect was exact before birth or afterward. Applying aspects are those that were not yet complete at birth, separating aspects have already formed.

Back to Top

Orb

Astrologers regard each aspect as having a range of effect which is called its orb of influence. In general, the orbs for the conjunction and opposition are larger than those for the other aspects. Also the orbs for any aspect involving the Sun or Moon are generally larger than those for the other planets.

Back to Top

Midpoints

Like Aspects, Midpoints are a way of interpreting the blending of planetary influences. To locate a midpoint between two planets you take the sum of two planetary positions and divide by two. For instance: The Sun is at 10 degrees of Aries and the Moon is at 10 degrees of Taurus. There are 30 degrees in a sign, so we add 10 for the O Sun and 40 for the Moon. Then we take the sum, which is 50, and divide by 2. The Sun/Moon midpoint is at 25 degrees of Aries.

The midpoint of any two planets is a sensitive point in a chart where the energies of the two planets come together in a unique blend. Using the above example, the Sun/Moon midpoint symbolizes the merging of the masculine and feminine principles in the chart. This is a point that says much about a person's relationships with the opposite sex. Very subtle astrological delineations can be made using midpoints, and even aspects to midpoints. Composite charts are assembled using midpoints.

Back to Top