Astrological aspect

In astrology, an aspect is the relative angle between two heavenly bodies. These aspects are held to influence human affairs: the more exact the aspect is, the more important it is said to be. The difference between the exact aspect and the actual aspect is called the orb.

As an example, if an astrologer creates a horoscope showing the apparent positions of the heavenly bodies at the times of a person's birth (a natal chart), and the apparent distance between Mars and Venus is 92°, the chart is said to have the aspect "Venus square Mars" with an orb of 2° (the orb is 92 minus 90 = 2).

Approach

To the ancients, certain aspects and certain planets were either good (benefic) or bad (malefic). Modern usage is different, with less emphasis placed on simple divisions.

Modern approaches to astrological aspects, grounded more on current research rather than historical references, are more in alignment with research on astrological harmonics, of which John Addey was a major proponent in England (and which Johannes Kepler set forth in his book Harmonice Mundi in 1619). In routine practice, the German schools of Uranian astrology and its derivative Cosmobiology have taken a wholly empirical approach to the aspects, largely divorced from traditional assumptions, and based on extensive research. In the process, they have come to conclusions different from traditional astrologers about the power and effect of the various types of aspects. Among the Uranians, the term 'aspect' is even sometimes avoided, to divorce traditional beliefs from current observations.

The astrological aspects are noted in the central circle of this natal chart, where the different colors and symbols distinguish between the different aspects, such as the square (red) or trine (blue)

The research of Françoise and Michel Gauquelin on the significance of planetary configuration in the astrological chart showed strong signs that the semisquare and sesquiquadrate, "minor" aspects according historical assumptions, might in fact be relatively "major". Many of these valuable realizations have been lost in a recent wave of return to traditional astrological beliefs.

A list of traditional aspects below presents their angular values and a recommended orb for each aspect -- the orbs are subject of controversy even today.

With the introduction of the manifold midpoints used in Cosmobiology and the many "formula" points of Uranian/Hamburg Astrology, most modern Astrologers, now, use much narrower orbs for aspects than what were common prior 1970.

Major aspects

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).

Conjunction (abrv. CON)

File:Conjunction-symbol.png A conjunction is an angle of approximately 0-10°. If one of the bodies is the Sun or Moon, a separation (orb) of approximately 0±10° is considered a conjunction. If neither the Sun or Moon is involved, a conjunction is a separation (orb) of about 0±08° (though different astrologers use different orbs). This is said to be the most powerful aspect, intensifying the effects of the involved planets — and 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 favourable scenario (and all three actually met on November 9-10, 1970, for example), while the most unfavourable configurations involve Mars, Saturn, and/or the Moon (with all three conjoining on March 10 in that same year). 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 Sun, it is said to be combust. The Sun and Moon are in conjunction monthly during the New Moon.

Sextile (abrv. SXT)

File:Sextile-symbol.png A sextile 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 only provides opportunity, requiring effort to gain its benefits. See information on the semisextile below.

Square (abrv. SQR)

File:Square-symbol.png A square is an angle of 90° (1/4 of the 360° ecliptic, or 1/2 of an opposition [180°]). A separation (orb) of 90±05° is considered a square. The square is said to indicate strain, tension, and energy, presenting challenges to achievement and an opportunity to develop strength of character. See the information on the semisquare and sesquiquadrate below.

Trine (abrv. TRI)

File:Trine-symbol.png A trine is an angle of 120° (1/3 of the 360° ecliptic). A separation (orb) of 120±04° is considered a trine. The trine has been traditionally assumed to be extremely beneficial, providing ease even if undeserved. Too many trines are said to make a person weak and unable to cope with adversity. The ancients considered an abundance of trines as a "sign of evil".

Opposition (abrv. OPP)

File:Opposition-symbol.png An opposition is an angle of 180° (1/2 of the 360° ecliptic). A separation (orb) of 180±05° is considered an opposition. Oppositions are said to be the second most powerful aspect. They are looked on less negatively than in the past, though the opposition is still considered a difficult aspect. The Sun and Moon are in opposition monthly during the Full Moon.

Minor aspects

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 then what were used prior 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 (inconjunct) are considered as the 'border' aspects in-between major and minor ones. Most of the astrologers consider the sextile (60°) as major aspect, while a quite a noticeable group uses the quincunx aspect (150°) as major, while only a very small minority considers the inconjunct (30°) as a major aspect. All major aspects, along with these three 'border' aspects, are called the 'Ptolemaic aspects'.

Quincunx (abrv. INC) - Major/Minor aspect

File:Quincunx-symbol.png The quincunx, or inconjunct, is an angle of 150°. A separation of 150±2° is considered a quincunx. The quincunx is said to be of moderate but somewhat unpredictable influence, bringing strain. This aspect is also sometimes called the inconjunct, though this usage is technically incorrect.

Semi-square (abrv. SSQ)

File:Semisquare-symbol.png The semi-square 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.

Sesquiquadrate (abrv. SES)

File:Sesquiquare-symbol.png The sesquiquadrate, sometimes called a sesquisquare and/or square-and-a-half, is an angle of 135° (a square [90°] + a semisquare [45°]). A separation of 135±2° is considered as sesquiquadrate, and is considered similar in influence to the semisquare.

Semi-sextile (abrv. SSX)

File:Semisextile-symbol.png The semi-sextile is an angle of 30° (1/2 of a sextile [60°]). A separation of 30±2° is considered a semisextile. This aspect signifies a weak strain connected with making decisions. Alternate names include confinis and inconjunct.

Quintile (abrv. QNT)

File:Quintile-symbol.png The quintile 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.

Biquintile (abrv. BQT)

File:Biquintile-symbol.png The biquintile 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.

Other Aspects disregarding the classical "major" and "minor" categories

Many Uranian astrologers use only the 22.5° multiple aspects, including the 67.5°°, 112.5, and 157.5° aspects, claiming that they are not "minor."

Some Hamburg School astrologers consider multiples of the 15°, including the 75°, 105°, and 165° aspects.

Declinations

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.

• Parallel: same degree± 1-degree 12-minutes of arc. This is similar to a conjunction, but usually provides benefits.

• Contraparallel: opposite degree± 1-degree 12-minute of arc. Said to be similar to the opposition, but weaker.

References and further reading

• Addey, John. Harmonic Anthology. American Federation of Astrologers: Tempe, 1976. ISBN 0-86690-061-6.
• Avery, Jean. Astrological Aspects. American Federation of Astrologers: USA, 2004. ISBN 0-86690-553-7.
• Braha, James. How To Be a Great Astrologer: The Planetary Aspects Explained. Hermetician Press: Hollywood, 1992. ISBN 0-935895-02-7.
• Brau, Jean-Louis. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology. McGraw-Hill: New York, 1977.
• Brummund, Ruth. Brummund Technique Book for Uranian Astrology. Uranian Institute: San Francisco, 2006.
• Carter, Charles. The Astrological Aspects. American Federation of Astrologers: USA, 1993. ISBN 0-86690-420-4.
• Dean, Geoffey. Recent Advanced in Natal Astrology. Astrological Association: Bromley, 1977.
• Ebertin, Reinhold. The Combination of Stellar Influences. American Federation of Astrologers: Tempe, 1972. ISBN 0-86690-087-X.
• Gauquelin, Françoise. Psychology of the Planets. Astro Computing Services: San Diego, 1982.
• Gauquelin, Michel. Cosmic Influences on Human Behavior. Stein and Day: New York, 1973.
• Hamaker-Zondag, Karen. Aspects and Personality. Weiser: York Beach, 1990. ISBN 0-87728-650-7.
• Hamaker-Zondag, Karen. The Yod Book: Including a Complete Discussion of Unaspected Planets. Weiser: York Beach, 2000. ISBN 1-57863-163-7.
• Huber, Bruno. Aspect Pattern Astrology: A New Holistic Horoscope Interpretation Method. Hopewell: USA, 2005. ISBN 0-9547680-1-9.
• Kepler, Johannes. The Harmony of the World (1619) (Latin: Harmonice Mundi). American Philosophical Society: USA, 1997. ISBN 0-87169-209-0.
• Kepler, Johannes. On The More Certain Fundamentals of Astrology (1601) (Latin: De Fundamentis Astrologiae Certioribus). Kessinger Publishing: USA, 2003. ISBN 0-7661-3375-3.
• Pelletier, Robert. Planets in Aspect: Understanding Your Inner Dynamics. Whitford Press: Atglen, 1974. ISBN 0-914918-20-6.
• Rodden, Lois. Modern Transits. American Federation of Astrologers: Tempe, 1980.
• Rudhyar, Dane. Astrological Aspects. Aurora Press: USA, 1980. ISBN 0-943358-00-0.
• Tarnas, Richard. Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View. Viking: New York, 2006. ISBN 0-670-03292-1.
• Tierney, Bill. Dynamics of Aspect Analysis: New Perceptions in Astrology. CRCS Publications: USA, 1993. ISBN 0-916360-56-3.
• Tompkins, Sue. Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope. Destiny Books: Rochester, 2002. ISBN 0-89281-965-0.

See also

• Aspects of Mercury
• Aspects of Venus
• Aspects of Mars
• Aspects of Ceres
• Aspects of 1 Ceres
• Aspects of 2 Pallas
• Aspects of 3 Juno
• Aspects of 4 Vesta
• Aspects of Jupiter
• Aspects of Saturn
• Aspects of Uranus
• Aspects of Neptune
• Aspects of Pluto
• Aspects of Eris
• Cosmobiology
• Hamburg School of Astrology
• Natal chart
• Syzygy
• Uranian astrology
• Harmonice Mundi
• Astrological symbols

External links

• Articles on the use of the aspects
• Online Ephemeris from Khaldea.com -- 600BC to 2400AD -- Calculated for Midnight GMT; also with an Aspectarian included for years 1900 to 2005