Astrological aspects: what they are and how to read them
Aspects are the angles the planets form with each other. They show how the different parts of your personality talk to each other: in harmony, with tension or merging into one.
3 min read · Updated
What aspects are in astrology
“The geometry that connects your planets.”
An aspect is a specific angular distance between two planets in the chart, measured around the zodiac circle. For example, if the Sun is at 10° Aries and the Moon at 10° Leo, they are 120° apart: a trine.
The angle does not need to be exact: a margin called the orb is allowed. The tighter the aspect, the stronger its influence.
- Harmonious aspects: sextile and trine
- Challenging aspects: square and opposition
- Neutral or variable: the conjunction, depending on the planets involved
The five main aspects
The Ptolemaic aspects, used since classical astrology.
Conjunction (0°)
Two planets at or near the same degree. Their energies merge and intensify each other. Its tone depends on the planets: Venus with Jupiter softens; Mars with Saturn hardens.
Sextile (60°)
A harmonious aspect of opportunity. The planets cooperate easily, but it takes initiative to make the most of it. It usually links signs of compatible elements (fire with air, earth with water).
Square (90°)
An aspect of tension and inner conflict. The planets block each other, which creates stress but also motivation: many of the greatest personal achievements are born from a square.
Trine (120°)
The most harmonious aspect. It links signs of the same element and brings ease, natural talent and flow. Its risk is complacency: what comes easily is sometimes not developed.
Opposition (180°)
Two planets facing each other from opposite signs. It represents a polarity to balance, often experienced through other people or relationships.
Other aspects worth knowing
Quincunx or inconjunct (150°)
Links signs with no element or modality in common. It shows two energies that do not understand each other and need constant adjustment.
Semi-sextile (30°)
Links neighboring signs. A subtle aspect of gradual growth.
Semi-square (45°) and sesquiquadrate (135°)
Minor versions of the square: small frictions and irritations that push you to move.
The aspects at a glance
Conjunction
- Angle
- 0°
- Typical orb
- 8–10°
- Nature
- Variable
- Keywords
- Fusion, intensity, focus
Sextile
- Angle
- 60°
- Typical orb
- 4–6°
- Nature
- Harmonious
- Keywords
- Opportunity, cooperation
Square
- Angle
- 90°
- Typical orb
- 6–8°
- Nature
- Challenging
- Keywords
- Conflict, action, growth
Trine
- Angle
- 120°
- Typical orb
- 6–8°
- Nature
- Harmonious
- Keywords
- Ease, talent, flow
Opposition
- Angle
- 180°
- Typical orb
- 8–10°
- Nature
- Challenging
- Keywords
- Polarity, relationships, balance
Quincunx
- Angle
- 150°
- Typical orb
- 2–3°
- Nature
- Minor
- Keywords
- Adjustment, adaptation
Semi-sextile
- Angle
- 30°
- Typical orb
- 1–2°
- Nature
- Minor
- Keywords
- Subtle growth
| Aspect | Angle | Typical orb | Nature | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | 0° | 8–10° | Variable | Fusion, intensity, focus |
| Sextile | 60° | 4–6° | Harmonious | Opportunity, cooperation |
| Square | 90° | 6–8° | Challenging | Conflict, action, growth |
| Trine | 120° | 6–8° | Harmonious | Ease, talent, flow |
| Opposition | 180° | 8–10° | Challenging | Polarity, relationships, balance |
| Quincunx | 150° | 2–3° | Minor | Adjustment, adaptation |
| Semi-sextile | 30° | 1–2° | Minor | Subtle growth |
Orbs vary by school and are usually widened for the Sun and Moon.
Aspects FAQ
Common questions about astrological aspects.
No. They indicate tension, but tension drives action. A chart with no challenging aspects can lack motivation; one with several squares usually has plenty of drive to overcome obstacles.
The margin of degrees allowed around the exact angle. For example, with an 8° orb, two planets between 112° and 128° apart are in trine.
The tightest ones and those touching the Sun, Moon, ascendant or chart ruler.
Applying when the faster planet is moving toward the exact angle (its effect is building) and separating when it is moving away (its effect is fading).
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