Astrological Aspects Explained
Astrology aspects explained simply. Learn what conjunctions, sextiles, squares, trines and oppositions mean and how planets talk to each other in a chart.
Astrology aspects are the angles between planets in your chart. They show how different parts of your personality talk to each other: whether they cooperate easily, push each other to grow or pull in different directions. The full report in our calculator lists the five major aspects.
The five major astrology aspects
Each aspect is a set distance around the 360-degree zodiac. Astrologers allow a few degrees either side, called an orb.
- Conjunction (0°)
- Two planets together. Their energies blend and intensify. Powerful and focused.
- Sextile (60°)
- A friendly, supportive link. Opportunities that grow when you act on them.
- Square (90°)
- Tension and friction. Challenging, but a strong motivator for growth.
- Trine (120°)
- Easy flow and natural talent. Things that come easily to you.
- Opposition (180°)
- Two planets facing each other. A balancing act, often felt through relationships.
"Hard" aspects are not bad
Squares and oppositions are often called hard aspects, but they are where much of our growth and drive comes from. Many successful people have plenty of them. Easy aspects, such as trines, show talent, but they can also make us comfortable enough to coast.
How to read an aspect
Combine the two planets and the aspect into one idea. Moon square Mars could describe strong feelings that turn quickly into action, sometimes as anger, sometimes as courage. Venus trine Jupiter might show warmth, generosity and an easy way with people.
Further reading: an overview of astrological aspects and its history.
Astrology aspects: your questions answered
What is an orb in astrology?
The allowed distance from an exact aspect. For example, planets 87° apart are usually counted as a square with a 3° orb.
Which aspects are strongest?
Conjunctions and oppositions are often felt most strongly, especially when they involve the Sun, Moon or chart ruler.
Do I need my birth time for aspects?
Most aspects between planets can be found from your birth date alone, but aspects to the Moon and to the Ascendant need a time.
What Is a Birth Chart?
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The 12 Houses in Astrology Enter your birth date, time and city. It is free, private and takes less than a minute.