The Aspects


Aspects are connections formed between planets depending on the degree of the Zodiac that they occupy. When the planets occupy the same degree of different signs, they have a connection that is either harmonious or challenging, depending on the signs involved, or the number of degrees separating the planets. Separations of 0, 90 and 180 degrees are considered challenging, while separations of 60, 72 and 120 degrees are considered flowing or easy. The "Major" aspects are considered the conjunction (0°), the opposition (180°), the square (90°), the trine (120°), and the sextile (60°). Minor aspects include the inconjunct (150°), another form of inconjunct, the semi-sextile (30°), the quintile (72°), the semi-square (45°), and another form of semi-square, the sesquiquadrate (135°). Although these are the degrees of separation when an aspect is exact, the "orb" of an aspect is how far off from exact it can be and still operate. Most practitioners use an orb of 7 to 8 degrees for major aspects, 1 to 2 degrees for minor aspects, and up to 12 degrees for major aspects with the Sun or Moon involved.

A complete list of the aspects used in TimePassages Astrology Software is given below, with their associated degrees. The theory of aspects is complex, including the phasal relationship represented by the number of degrees of separation, and whether the aspect is "waxing" or "waning" in analogy to the phases of the Sun-Moon relationship.

Symbol Name Angle / Orb Keyword
Conjunct conjunction 0° ± 8° Blending
Opposite opposition 180° ± 8° Dynamic (Difficult)
Trine trine 120° ± 8° Flowing (Easy)
Square square 90° ± 8° Dynamic (Difficult)
Sextile sextile 60° ± 6° Flowing (Easy)
Inconjunct inconjunct 150° ± 4° Dynamic (Difficult)
Quintile quintile 72° ± 2° Flowing (Easy)
Semi-Sextile semi-sextile 30° ± 2° Dynamic (Difficult)
Semi-Square semi-square 45° ± 2° Dynamic (Difficult)
Sesquiquadrate sesquiquadrate 135° ± 2° Dynamic (Difficult)

Conjunct Conjunction (Major aspect)

The strongest blend of energies represented by the two planets.

 

Opposite Opposition (Major aspect)

The planetary energies are polarized; outer events stimulate their interaction; integration is the challenge.

 

Trine Trine (Major aspect)

The planetary energies flow smoothly; the connection is easy and beneficial.

 

Square Square (Major aspect)

The planetary energies conflict; internal and creative tensions bring rich rewards through effort over time.

 

Sextile Sextile (Major aspect)

The planetary energies flow together, open into new possibilities, new connections.

 

Inconjunct Inconjunct (Minor aspect)

The planetary energies do not flow smoothly, one or the other predominates; discrimination must be employed.

 

Quintile Quintile (Minor aspect)

The planetary energies are positively linked, subtle, and spiritual in dimension.

 

Semi-Sextile Semi-Sextile (Minor aspect)

The planetary energies attract each other, require effort, allow entry of new information.

 

Semi-Square Semi-Square (Minor aspect)

The planetary energies conflict in determined subtle tension; calmness is required.

 

Sesquiquadrate Sesquiquadrate (Minor aspect)

The planetary energies conflict in determined subtle tension; control is required.

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