Astrology aspects

What is an astrology aspect?

An aspect is a measurement in degrees of the distance between two planets or other celestial bodies, a planet or other celestial body and an angle; the aspect shows how they interact with each other. 

Each aspect has an orb of influence which means that it can vary from its exact measurement and still have an influence on the chart. For example; if a 10 degree orb can be used for an aspect the measurement for the distance between both parts of the aspect can be 10 degrees shorter of longer than the exact measurement. Some aspects have smaller orbs than others; also an aspect can be described as applying or separating. An applying aspect occurs when one planet or celestial body is approaching another planet, celestial body or angle to create an aspect; a separating aspect occurs when a planet or celestial body is leaving the exact measurement of an aspect. When an aspect is exact is at its strongest; when it’s applying it increases in strength and when it’s separating it becomes weaker. 

The 1st harmonic.

The conjunction has a neutral effect. It's the influence of the planets, other celestial bodies or points that give it a positive or negative influence. Planets, celestial bodies or points in this aspect have a strong influence on each other, that influence is strengthened if they are both in the same sign; the influence is weakened if each of them is in a different sign. If the planets in a conjunction are not compatible there can be friction; if they're compatible there can be harmony.

For transits the conjunction shows the start of a new process and sometimes a surge of energy. If a transiting planet is in conjunction with a natal planet it can have a strong influence on what the natal planet represents.
 

KEYWORDS Binding; intense power; merging; unifying dynamic energy.

The second harmonic.

The planets in this aspect can balance and complement if they're compatible or conflict with each other if they're not. It can show an inner conflict that needs to be dealt with. The opposition can represent difficulties but they're not a severe as difficulties presented by the square. One planet can be favoured and the other neglected.

Planets in opposition are usually the same quality (fixed, mutable, cardinal); but they're in elements where one element can drain the other element (fire drains air).

A trine or a sextile on the end of an opposition in a transiting aspect shows a solution to the challenge the caused by the opposition.

KEYWORDS Alienation; a need to make peace or at least an uneasy truce; balance and cooperation are required; building of character; can be destructive; challenge; competition; conflict; conflicting impulses; confrontation; difference; difficulties; dilemma; duality; extremes; extreme change in attitude; hostility; indecision; obstacle; opposition; paralysing indecision; pushing and pulling effect; separation; struggle; tension.

The 6th harmonic.

This aspect brings out the best qualities in each planet, celestial body or point in the aspect. There is a working relationship between planets, celestial bodies or angles. They are usually in different elements and qualities that complement each other.

It shows a tendency to take advantage of opportunities when they occur or create opportunities.

KEYWORDS Ability to achieve; compatibility; creativity; development of talent; ease in gathering and using information; fulfilment; growth; luck; making the most of chances for growth and fulfilment of hopes and wishes; opportunity; positivity; potential to be developed; skill.

The 3rd harmonic.

Both parts of this aspect are harmonious and work well together. Little effort is needed to use abilities and talents as shown by this aspect. There is a tendency to take the path of least resistance. 

Planets in trine are usually in the same element but different qualities such as fixed, mutable or cardinal.

KEYWORDS Apathy; a route of escape; available resources; beneficial; chances that don't have to be seized but have to be caught; comfort; creativity and creative talent; doesn't force anything; easily allows opportunities to pass by; favourable conditions; good fortune; harmonious; lack of motivation; little work involved in using talent; luck; opportunity and opportunities that don't have to be sought after; overcomes difficulties; positivity; protection; self-satisfaction; success that is easily achieved; unexpected advancement.

The 4th harmonic.

There is conflict between both parts of this aspect, they struggle to co-operate with each other and this aspect brings out the least favourable natures of both of them. Achievement requires a lot of effort. The negative characteristics of one planet can overwhelm the positive characteristic of the other planet. How severely the effect the square has on a person depends on the rest of the information on their birth chart.

KEYWORDS Achievement from hard work; action taken to release tension; challenges; character building; conflict and inner conflict; creation of problems; delayed or thwarted success by circumstances or inconsistent behaviour; disruption; drive to conquer difficulties; failure; fear; fighting spirit; formidable barriers; foundation; frustration; hardship; inhibition; lessons to be learned; limitation; obstacles; problems; tension; tough dilemmas.

Planets or points in semi-square are usually in signs next to each other, which causes minor conflict. Occasionally this aspect can stretch across three signs with causes less conflict with the elements, so this softens the influence of the aspect.

KEYWORDS Occasional difficulties; mildly irritating; friction; struggle; hard work; slightly adverse; productive effort; friction which can be irritating and cause impulsive decisions due to impatience.

KEYWORDS Can be productive; some effort has to be made to achieve success but hard work is unlikely to be required; occasionally awkward and occasionally harmonious; mildly supportive; slightly stressful; co-operation; positive development.

KEYWORDS Strain between both parts of the aspect; tension; necessary adjustment; frustration, differences; problems that need to be dealt with; negative characteristics of both planets or celestial bodies; dilemma; indecision; unease; mildly constructive; stress; incompatibility; issues that need to be confronted to build up confidence; choice of desire or necessity.

Planets in sesquiquadrate can be in the same or different element, but they always have different qualities (cardinal, mutable, fixed). When the planets are in the same element the effect of the aspect is softened.

KEYWORDS Aggravation; agitation; anger; conflict; danger due to over-impulsiveness; difficulty making wise decisions; domineering tendencies; feeling hindered by own emotional problems and emotional state; has to make an effort to be calm and patient; irritation; likely to quarrel; minor obstacles; productive effort; situations that are complained about but not problematic enough to change; slightly adverse; stressful; tension is easier to release than the square.

Planets in quintile can be in the same or different qualities (mutable, cardinal, fixed), but they always have different elements. Planets of the same qualities have a more harmonious aspect.

KEYWORDS Ability to create using inspiration; ability to link concepts and subjects to create something new; cooperation; creativity; distinct style of expression; harmony; hidden abilities; how a person is gifted; inspiration; luck; lucky breaks; positive expression; powers of invention and creation but these powers have to be developed; slight positive influence; talent that can be used successfully. 

KEYWORDS Ability to create solutions to problems; expression of creativity; potential talent; slightly positive influence.

KEYWORDS Driven by ideals; how wisdom is sought; indication of inventive ability; tendency to deviate from what is normal.

KEYWORDS Fulfilment; idealism.

KEYWORDS Ability that can be used in a career; slightly positive influence; talent that needs to be developed.