The aspects
are the angles the planets make to each other in the horoscope, and also to the
Ascendant, Mid-heaven, Descendant and Nadir. The aspects are measured by the
angular distance along the ecliptic in degrees and minutes of celestial
longitude between two points, as viewed from the earth.
They indicate
focal points in the horoscope where the energies involved are given extra
emphasis. The more exact the angle, the more powerful the aspect, although an
allowance of a few degrees each side of the aspect called an orb is allowed for
interpretation.
According
to astrological tradition, they indicate the timing of transitions and
developmental changes in the lives of people and affairs relative to the Earth.
The traditional major aspects are sometimes called
Ptolemaic aspects since they were defined and used by Ptolemy in the 1st
Century, AD.
These
aspects are the conjunction (approx. 0-10°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine
(120°), and opposition (180°).
It
is important to note that different astrologers and astrological traditional
utilize differing orbs (the degree of separation between exactitude) when
calculating and using the aspects, though almost all use a larger orb for a
conjunction when compared to the other aspects.
The
major aspects are those that can be used to divide 360 evenly and are divisible
by 10 (with the exception of the semi-sextile).
The following
are the aspects in order of importance.
Conjunction-
Conjunction
0° (orb ±8°).
The conjunction
is a major point in the chart, giving
strong emphasis to the planets involved. The planets will act together to
outside stimulus and act on each other.
A
conjunction is an angle of approximately
0-10°. An orb of approximately 10° is usually considered a conjunction, however
if neither the Sun or Moon is involved, some consider the conjunction to be a
separation (orb) of only about 0±08°. This is said to be the most powerful
aspect, intensifying the effects of the involved planets mutually — and being a
major point in the chart.
Whether
the union is to be regarded as "positive" or "negative"
depends upon what planets are involved: Venus, Jupiter and the Sun, in any
possible combination, is considered the most favorable scenario , while the
most unfavorable configurations involve Mars, Saturn, and/or the Moon . If the
planets are under stress from other configurations, then the conjunction will
be said to intensify the stress. When a planet is in very close conjunction to
the Sun it is referred to as cazimi; when a planet is moderately close to the
Sun, it is said to be combust. The Sun and Moon are in conjunction monthly
during the New Moon(Amavasya).
Opposition-
Opposition
(orb ±8°) is
an angle of 180° (1/2 of the 360° ecliptic). An orb of somewhere between 5° and
10° is usually allowed. Oppositions are said to be the second most powerful
aspect. It resembles the conjunction although the difference between them is
that the opposition causes exaggeration as it is not unifying like the
conjunction but instead exalted.
The
opposition is indicative of tension, conflict and confrontation, due to the
polarity between the two elements involved. Stress arises when one is used over
the other, causing an imbalance; but the opposition can work well if the two
parts of the aspect are made to complement each other in a synthesis.
Trine-
Trine 120°(orb ±8°)
A
trine is an angle of 120° (1/3 of the 360° ecliptic), an orb of somewhere
between 5° and 10°. The trine indicates harmony and ease of expression, with
the two elements reinforcing each other. The trine is a source of artistic and
creative talent, but can be a 'line of least resistance' to a person of weak
character. The trine has been traditionally assumed to be extremely beneficial.
Square-
Square 90°(orb
±8°)
A
square (abrv. SQr or Squ) is an angle of 90° (1/4 of the 360° ecliptic, or 1/2
of an opposition [180°]). An orb of somewhere between 5° and 10° is usually
allowed. As with the trine and the sextile, in the square, it is usually the
outer or superior planet that has an effect on the inner or inferior one.
Basically, the square's energy is similar to that of a trine but it is intensified
to such an extent that the energy is said to be stressful. The square indicates
frustration, inhibitions, disruption and inner conflict, but can become a
source of energy and activation to a person determined to overcome limitations.
Sextile- Intermediate major/minor
aspect
Sextile (orb
±6°) is an angle of 60° (1/6 of the 360° ecliptic, or 1/2 of a trine [120°]). A
separation is considered a sextile. The sextile has been traditionally said to
be similar in influence to the trine, but of less significance. It indicates
ease of communication between the two elements involved, with compatibility and
harmony between them, but only provides opportunity, requiring effort to gain
its benefits. See information on the semisextile below.
Quincunx
150°(orb ±3°) The quincunx indicates difficulty and stress, due to incompatible
elements being forced together. It can mean an area of self-neglect in a
person's life (especially health), or obligations being forced on a person. The
quincunx can vary from minor to quite major in impact.
Semisextile 30° (orb ±2°) Slight in effect.
Indicates an area of life where a conscious effort to be positive will have to
be made.
Semisquare
45°(orb ±2°) Indicates somewhat difficult circumstance. Similar in effect to
semisextile.
Sesquiquadrate
135°(orb ±2°) Indicates somewhat stressful conditions. Similar to semisextile.
Quintile 72° (orb ±2°) Slight in effect.
Indicates talent and vaguely fortunate circumstances.
144° (orb ±2°)
Slight in effect. Indicates talent and vaguely fortunate circumstances.
A planet is
retrograde when it appears to move backwards across the sky when seen from the
earth, due to one planet moving more quickly relative to the other. Although it
is not an aspect, some astrologers believe that it should be included for
consideration in the chart. Planets which are retrograde in the natal chart are
considered by them to be potential weak points.
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