The major aspects
Aspects are the angles between planets in a chart. A conjunction blends two planets, a trine or sextile helps them flow, and a square or opposition creates tension that drives growth. Here is how to read them.
The full deep dive
What an aspect is
The planets in a chart sit at different points around a 360-degree circle. When two planets are a meaningful angle apart, they are said to be “in aspect”, and they talk to each other. Aspects add the story to a chart: they show which parts of you work together easily and which pull against each other.
The five major aspects
| Aspect | Angle | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunction ☌ | 0° | the two planets blend into one strong force |
| Sextile ⚹ | 60° | friendly opportunity; works well with a little effort |
| Square □ | 90° | friction and challenge that pushes you to act |
| Trine △ | 120° | easy flow and natural talent |
| Opposition ☍ | 180° | a tug of war that seeks balance |
Orbs
Planets rarely make an exact angle, so astrologers allow some leeway called an orb, usually up to about 8 degrees for the major aspects, and a little more when the Sun or Moon is involved. The closer the aspect, the stronger it feels.
Easy and hard aspects
It is tempting to call trines good and squares bad, but most astrologers do not see it that way. Easy aspects give talents you may take for granted; hard aspects bring tension that often leads to your greatest achievements. A chart full of trines can be pleasant but lazy; a chart with a few squares has drive.
Aspects between two charts
When two people’s charts are compared, the aspects between one person’s planets and the other’s describe how they get on. See Synastry: comparing two charts.
Sources and perspectives
- Sue Tompkins, Aspects in Astrology