THE ASPECTS
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS
Conjunction
The conjunction is an aspect of 0 degrees, or a division of the Zodiac by 1. It is often considered to be the most powerful aspect, although some say it is not technically an aspect, but a ‘contact’ between planets.
Unlike most other aspects, a conjunction is not classed as hard nor soft. The nature and effects vary greatly depending on the planets involved, and the sign they occupy. In general, both planets in a conjunction are strengthened, and take on some characteristics of the other planet. In a sense, the two energies are fused. Conjunctions represent the beginning of a new cycle.
Sextile
The sextile is an aspect of 60 degrees, or a division of the Zodiac by 6. It is a soft (harmonious) aspect. A sextile is an active aspect, with two planets in signs of the same duality but different elements.
A sextile is traditionally considered an aspect of opportunity. It tends to generate enthusiasm and positive energy. The planets involved react to each other, sparking growth or action. Sextiles bring clarity and drive.
Square
The square is an aspect of 90 degrees, or a division of the Zodiac by 4. It is a
hard (challenging) aspect. Squares are active aspects. Some consider squares the
most difficult aspects, because there is a constant element of tension and friction.
They can also be considered the most productive aspects for the same reason -
Squares represent friction between planets. They often lead to challenges, delays, or conflicts. People with many squares in their birth chart are prone to inner conflicts, but also an assertive, decisive tendency. Due to the nature of squares, they can sometimes produce spontaneous action. Squares can bring development and changes, sometimes dramatic.
TRINE
The trine is an aspect of 90 degrees, or a division of the Zodiac by 3. It is a
soft (harmonious) aspect. The trine is generally considered the most harmonious
aspect. It is not an active aspect, and sometimes the effects may go un-
Trines indicate a smooth flow of energy between the planets involved. This can be
one of the most helpful aspects, but often the flow of energy is so smooth it goes
unnoticed. Trines bring clarity, vision, and harmony. Unlike sextiles, there is
no active reaction between the planets, they simply exist in harmony. In a natal
chart, trines often represent un-
OPPOSITION
The opposition is an aspect of 180 degrees, or a division of the Zodiac by 2. The
opposition is one of the most significant aspects, representing two points literally
on opposite sides of the Zodiac. Just as a conjunction begins a new cycle, the opposition
is midway through that cycle -
Oppositions can bring tension, and a pull in opposite directions. There is the potential for extreme imbalance, if one planet manifests much stronger, in essence overshadowing the other. Oppositions can also bring sharp clarity, with the potential for ‘seeing things from both sides’ if the two energies are well balanced.
QUINCUNX
The Quincunx (also called in conjunct) is an aspect of 150 degrees, or 5/12 of the Zodiac. It is sometimes considered a minor aspect, however it is the most significant and commonly used of the ‘minor’ aspects.
A quincunx is one of the most elusive aspects to define. It is somewhat hard (challenging), though often considered to be an aspect of opportunity as well. There is an inherent quality if incompatibility between planets involved in a quincunx, bringing almost certain need for adjustment. It is sometimes related to fated events, or things that may seem to be out of our hands. Quincunxes also tend to relate to spiritual events or inclinations.