In astrology, an aspect is an angle the planets make to each other in the horoscope, and also to the ascendant, midheaven, descendant, lower midheaven, and other points of astrological interest. Aspects are measured by the angular distance in degrees and minutes of ecliptic longitude between two points, as viewed from Earth. According to astrological tradition, they indicate the timing of transitions and developmental changes in the lives of people and affairs relative to the Earth.
As an example, if an astrologer creates a horoscope that shows the apparent positions of the celestial bodies at the time of a person's birth (a natal chart), and the angular distance between Mars and Venus is 92° of arc, the chart is said to have the aspect "Venus square Mars" with an orb of 2° (i.e., it is 2° away from being an exact square; a square is a 90° aspect). The more exact that an aspect is, the stronger or more dominant it is said to be in shaping character or manifesting change.
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In medieval astrology, certain aspects, like certain planets, were considered to be either favorable (benefic) or unfavorable (malefic). Modern usage places less emphasis on these fatalistic distinctions.
The more recent approach to astrological aspects places more emphasis on psychology and tendencies.
The German schools of Uranian astrology and its derivative Cosmobiology have attempted to take a different approach to the aspects, largely divorced from the traditional use of signs and houses. In the process, they have come to some conclusions that are different from traditional astrology about the power and effect of the various types of aspects. Among the Uranian astrologers, the term 'aspect' is even sometimes avoided, to separate their observations from the traditional views of astrology. The introduction by Cosmobiology of manifold planetary midpoints, mainly through the publication Reinhold Ebertin's The Combination of Stellar Influences[1], has gained wide acceptance among astrologers, but the "formula" points of Uranian/Hamburg Astrology has earned less acceptance.
The writings of Françoise and Michel Gauquelin on the significance of planetary configurations in the astrological chart suggested that the semisquare and sesquiquadrate, which are traditionally considered as "minor" aspects, might in fact be relatively "major".
A list of aspects below presents their angular values and a recommended orb for each aspect. The orbs are subject to variation, depending on the need for detail and personal preferences.
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 separate astrological systems/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).[2]
A conjunction (abrv. Con) is an angle of approximately 0-10°. An orb of approximately 10°[3] 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.
A sextile (abrv. SXt or Sex) is an angle of 60° (1/6 of the 360° ecliptic, or 1/2 of a trine [120°]). A separation (orb) of 60±04° 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.
According to Sue Tompkins: [1]
| “ | The number six is often associated with Venus and there is a Venusian feeling to this aspect. The sextile is an aspect of enjoyment, pleasure and, I believe, valuation — particularly intellectual valuation. Sextiles have also been linked to rhythm and repetition and thus with dancers and musicians, which also sounds rather Venusian. Certainly the sextile is an aspect of harmony and planets linked by this kind of contact tend to co-operate with each other. That’s not quite the same as the `hand-holding,‘ non-questioning flavour of planets linked by trine aspect. Co-operation does involve some degree of effort. | ” |
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°[3] 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. For example, Mercury square Saturn indicates practicality and prudence with thoughts and communication, concentrating on practical matters. It is also indicative of caution in planning and other mental tasks. However, the square between those planets indicates mental restraint, excessive censoring of communication and overemphasis on trivial details. It also indicates pessimism and a stilted and fearful approach to life. The square is said to indicate strain, tension, frustration, inhibitions, disruption and inner conflict. However, it can become a source of energy and activation to a person determined to overcome limitations, presenting challenges to achievement and an opportunity to develop strength of character. See the information on the semisquare and sesquiquadrate below. The square is also sometimes known as the quartile.
A trine (abrv. Tri) is an angle of 120° (1/3 of the 360° ecliptic). A separation (orb) of 120±04° is considered a trine. 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, which is innate. The nature of the trine is that of the fire signs (Aries to Leo and or Aries to Sagittarius) and is thus inspirational. The trine has been traditionally assumed to be extremely beneficial, providing ease even if undeserved, but it can be a 'line of least resistance' to a person of weak character. Too many trines are said to make a person weak and unable to cope with adversity.
An opposition (abrv. Opp) is an angle of 180° (1/2 of the 360° ecliptic). An orb of somewhere between 5° and 10°[3] 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. So the fact that the opposition creates a dynamic and exalted energy between the planets involved isn't as clearly negative as for instance the square, but it can be indicative of tension, conflict or confrontation, due to the polarity between the two signs involved if not channeled constructively. If channeled constructively however the individual may use it as a creative and energetic power source. The Sun and Moon are in opposition monthly during the full moon.
The traditional minor aspects, introduced by the famed astronomer/astrologer Johannes Kepler in the 16th Century AD, were long considered to be of relatively secondary importance, although many modern astrologers are not in agreement with this. These included the quincunx (150°), semisquare (45°), sesquiquadrate (135°), semisextile (30°), quintile (72°), and biquintile (144°).
More progressive research-oriented schools like Cosmobiology or Uranian astrology (Hamburg School of Astrology) consider the semisquare and sesquiquadrate to be relatively "major" aspects while the traditional sextile (60°) and trine (120°) are thought to be relatively "minor" in influence — this based on current research rather than historical documents or beliefs. Astrologers using Cosmobiology and Uranian/Hamburg Astrology work with many more minor aspects than were used prior to 1970, i.e. multiples of 15° (15°, 75°, 105°, & 165°) and multiples of 22.5° (22.5°, 67.5°, 112.5°, & 157.5°).
The sextile and quincunx are considered as the 'border' aspects in-between major and minor ones. Most of the astrologers consider the sextile (60°) as major aspect, while quite a noticeable group uses the quincunx aspect (150°) as major, only a very small minority considers the semi-sextile (30°) as a major aspect. All major aspects, along with these three 'border' aspects, are called the 'Ptolemaic aspects'.
The quincunx (or inconjunct, abrv. Inc) is an angle of 150°, which is five-twelfths of the 360° ecliptic. A separation of 150±2° is considered a quincunx. The quincunx is said to be of moderate but somewhat unpredictable influence, bringing strain. It 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. This aspect is also sometimes called the inconjunct, though this usage is technically incorrect. A quincunx is thought to be one of the most difficult aspects to work with because it will not allow for retreat. There’s no backing down when it comes to this aspect because you can’t just think your way out of it, you have to take action on those thoughts. The quincunx will challenge you to trust your own intuition.Significance of a quincunx aspect
The semi-square (abrv. SSq) is an angle of 45° (1/2 of a square [90°]). A separation of 45±2° is considered a semisquare. This aspect is considered a weaker version of the square and indicates somewhat difficult circumstance. It is sometimes known as the octile or semiquartile. A semisquare reveals an area of inflexibility. There may be obstacles keeping one from changing and adapting to new or different situations. The semisquare is teaching persistence and patience. Significance of a semi-square aspect
The sesquiquadrate (abrv. Ses) is an angle of 135° (a square [90°] + a semisquare [45°]). A separation of 135±2° is considered a sesquiquadrate; it indicates somewhat stressful conditions. it is considered similar in influence to the semisquare. The sesquiquadrate is sometimes called a sesquisquare, square-and-a-half, quartile-and-a-half, and/or trioctile. Unlike the square, which eventually brings solutions through practical experience, the semi-squares and sesquidradrates often point to issues, problems and energies that are irresolvable, and that we must learn to live with and cope with.Meaning of a sesquiquadrate aspect
The semi-sextile (abrv. SSx) is an angle of 30° (1/2 of a sextile [60°]). A separation of 30±2° is considered a semisextile. It is the basis of all the major aspects aside from the conjunction and the quintile. This aspect signifies a moderate rapport with the involved planets, where they both support the cause of the other but might not have enough of a realistic understanding of that same cause to contribute much. It will be important pragmatic effort be taken to reconcile this issue and create results. Alternate names include confinis and inconjunct. Along the lines of Dane Rudhyar, Michael R. Meyer developed the idea of a pair of distinctly different semi-sextiles: the waxing and the waning. From Virgo the semi-sextile with Libra is waxing and with Leo is waning. The waxing semi-sextile indicates motivation from the past while the waning semi-sextile is more involved with to consolidating and learning from the past. Astrological influence of semi-sextile aspect.
The quintile (abrv. QNt or Qui) is an angle of 72°, i.e. the angle for a regular pentagon. A separation of 72±2° is considered a quintile. This aspect is considered somewhat similar to a semisextile (moderately beneficial), but effort is not needed to reap its benefits. Indicates talent and vaguely fortunate circumstances. Quintiles have been also linked to great creativity, and, being a 5th harmonic, also to a need for freedom and change. Significance of a quintile aspect
The biquintile (abrv. BQt or BQn) is an angle of 144° (a quintile [72°] x 2 = 144°). A separation of 144±2° is considered a biquintile. This is considered similar to a quintile.
Additional aspects used, though not commonly, in astrology.
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by seven.
The septile (abrv. Sep) is an angle of 51.428571°, or approximately 51°25'43", one-seventh of the circle of the zodiac. It is supposed to be aspected to have irrational relations between its constituent components but confer the hidden underlying nature and deeper destiny of them [2].
Most of the work on septiles has been undertaken by John Addey, Charles Harvey, Mike Harding and David Hamblin. In general, septile symbolism is associated with inspiration, visionary experiences, and connection with divinity. “is related to the inflowing of inspiration, of some kind of ‘higher vision’ which comes from perceiving the unity….It is traditionally associated with religious and mystical experience, and with sacrifice to some higher ideal." Influence of Septile Aspect
The biseptile (abrv. BSp) is an angle of 102.857143°, or approximately 102°51'26", 2/7 of the zodiac circle. This aspect is considered the externalized septile.
The triseptile (abrv. TSp) is an angle of 154.285714°,[4] or approximately 154°17'09", 3/7 of the zodiac circle.
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by nine.
The novile (abrv. Nov), also known as a nonagon, is an angle of 40°, one-ninth of the circle of the zodiac. The novile is said to represent a constriction between the aspects that can be unlocked and used as a catalyst to self-enhancement.[5]
The binovile (abrv. BNv) is an angle of 80°.
The quadnovile (abrv. QNv), also known as a quadrinovile, is an angle of 160°.[4]
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by ten and are related to the 5th-harmonic aspects (the quintile and biquintile).
The decile (abrv. Dec, symbol ⊥), also known as a semi-quintile, is an angle of 36°, one-tenth of the circle of the zodiac. This aspect is said to impart ability to help others [3]. The energy of the deciles is such that it conveys order and structure. Mental ingenuity is at work here. Deciles are power and career indicators. They often bring strong technical insights and abilities. Deciles indicate special gifts that may be wasted or unappreciated. Self-improvement is needed to capitalize on this power. Significance of a decile aspect
The tridecile, or sesquiquintile, is an angle of 108°, which is supposed to confer a social creativity or the need for withdrawal and introspection needed for external originality. This aspect is also known as the quintile-and-a-half.
The vigintile (abrv. Vig, symbol ∧), or semi-decile, is an angle of 18°, one-twentieth of the circle of the zodiac, or half a decile.
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by eleven.
The undecile (abrv. Und), also known as the undecim, is one-eleventh of the zodiac circle or an angle of 32.727272° (32°43'38"); in addition there are the biundecile (aka biundecim, 65.454545°, or 65°27'16"), the triundecile (aka triundecim, 98.181816°, or 98°10'55"), the quadriundecile (aka quadriundecima, 130.90909°, or 130°54'33") and the quinqueundecile (aka quinqueundecim, 163.636363°, or 163°38'11"), representing, respectively, two-elevenths, three-elevenths, four-elevenths, and five-elevenths of the zodiac circle. The undecile is said to be associated with social consciousness and the ability to reach beyond oneself for help.[6]
These aspects are based on the division of the zodiac by fourteen and are related to the 7th-harmonic aspects (septile, biseptile and triseptile). They are said to have a sense of empowerment about them arising from the correct use of structure.[7]
The semiseptile (which has also been called quattuordecimal, from the Latin word for fourteen, quattuordecim) is an angle of 25.714286° (or, in degree-minute-second format, 25°42'51"), one-fourteenth of the circle of the zodiac, or half a septile. It is said to have to do with giving up what one has completed in order to move on to the next cycle of activity.[8]
The tresemiseptile, also known as the sesquiseptile, is an angle of 77.142858° (77°08'34"), three-fourteenths of the circle of the zodiac.
The quinsemiseptile is an angle of 128.57143° (128°34'17"), , five-fourteenths of the circle of the zodiac.
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by sixteen and are related to the 8th-harmonic aspects (semisquare and sesquiquadrate). All are considered "hard" or "stress" aspects.[9] Many Uranian astrologers use only the semioctile and its multiple aspects, including the sesquioctile, quasquiquadrate (112.5°, or 112°30'), and septemsedecimal (157.5°, or 157°30') claiming that they are not "minor."
The semioctile is an angle of 22.5° (22°30'), one-sixteenth of the circle of the zodiac.
The sesquioctile is an angle of 67.5° (67°30'), or three-sixteenths of the zodiac circle, or a semisquare (octile) and a half.
These aspects are based on the division of the circle of the zodiac by twenty-four. Some Hamburg School astrologers consider multiples of the quattuorvigintile, including the squile, squine, and quindecile, aspects.
The quattuorvigintile is an angle of 15°, one-24th of the zodiac circle.
The squile is an angle of 75°, 5/24 of the zodiac circle or 2.5 signs, considered a hybrid between a square and a sextile. Kepler described as causing malice, treachery, passion or grief; relentless pursuit, potent personal influence.Astrological influence of squile
The squine is an angle of 105°, 7/24 of the zodiac circle, considered a hybrid between a square and a trine.
The quindecile (also known as the johndro or contraquindecile) is an angle of 165°. It is supposed to be associated with an unrelenting headstrong determination, with disruption and upheaval.[10] Tyl’s usage of the 165 degree aspect reflects earlier work of Lorne Edward Johndro. At www.astrologycom.com, one finds the name “Johndro” to describe the 165 degree aspect, and it is also used in the Intrepid astrology software program, with the glyph (symbol) “J”. According to Noel Tyl, the quindecile, with rulership routings to be respected as well, suggests a burning point of focus, often a place of extreme concern and effort in the life, even to the point of upheaval, disruption, and obsessive mania. Quindecile Aspect
The parallel and antiparallel (or contraparallel) are two other aspects, which refer to degrees of declination above or below the ecliptic. They are considered strong influences, though not much research has gone into studying these particular aspects.