In astrology, an "aspect" is a geometric relationship between two planets. Aspects are important in analyzing a horoscope because they seem to make the two connected planets function together or be linked. The aspects considered here are just the major ones- the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition.
The Conjunction The conjunction is formed when two planets are at approximately the same degree of the same sign. If this symbol appeared on the fourth row of the graph under the symbol for the Sun, it would mean that the Sun and Venus were in conjunction. If it appeared under the symbol of the Sun on the 10th row it would mean that the Sun and Pluto were in conjunction. In a conjunction, the energies of the two planets are combined, and often the result is a strengthening of both.
The Sextile Sextiles occur when two planets are approximately 60 degrees apart. This is the aspect of opportunity.
The Square Squares occur when two planets are approximately 90 degrees apart. Square cause the friction and the hurdles that causes us to grow and become productive.
The Trine A trine occurs when two planets are approximately 120 degrees apart. Trines bring about ease and comfort.
The opposition The opposition occurs when two planets are about 180 degrees apart. As the name implies, opposition are obstacles that must be resolved.
The aspects indicate the energies between the planets and houses, and traditionally the "easy" aspects of Sextile and Trine indicate a more harmonious or beneficial energy and the "hard" aspects of the Square and Opposition considered to represent challenges and balance needed to be found. A Conjunction is a very dynamic aspect and can be considered either positive or negative depending on the planets involved.
However, aspects, like planets are merely representations of energy and it is what we do with it that is either beneficial or not as we all have free will.
Aspects are given an orb of influence, and there are various differing opinions amongst astrologers as to the exact degree, ranging from 10 to 6 degrees for major aspects. It's a matter of finding what you are comfortable with, but it would be safe to say that the closer the planets are to each other, the stronger the aspect's energy, as they "apply" and "separate".
Minor Aspects that are often used are semi-sextiles (30 degree separation between planets) and quincunxes or quadrasextiles (a 150 degree seperation). There is another IMPORTANT aspect that I use called the quindecile (165 degree aspect). This aspect indicates obsession, upheaval and distress. However, there are positive characteristics regarding this aspect as well. Other minor aspects such as the quintile, novile and septile are considered if their angles are very close.
*It is important to remember that signs, not houses, are used in determining aspects, as depending on what House system is used (I use the Placidus system), a house may be more or less than 30 degrees.
That basically covers the basics of planetary aspects.
Copyright 2008. Ms. Mir Astrology. All rights reserved.