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Astrology course — Aspects
Aspects describe the relationship between two planets: cooperation, tension, opportunity, blockage or maturation. Here: definitions, orbs, logic and an interpretation method (natal & transits).
Definition
An astrological aspect is the angle formed between two planets in a natal chart or in transit: it describes the nature of their relationship (harmony, tension, fusion) and directly shapes the interpretation of the chart.
Aspects in astrology are the heart of every interpretation, yet they remain often misunderstood by beginners. What is the difference between a trine and a sextile? How do you calculate an orb? This page guides you step by step through the 5 major aspects and the quincunx, with clear definitions, precise orbs and an interpretation method you can apply right away.
An aspect is not “good” or “bad”: it describes a dynamic. Its quality comes from how you integrate it (sign, house, dignities, secondary aspects, awareness).
The tighter the orb, the more powerful the aspect. In transit, keep stricter orbs.
Natal
tolerates wider (depending on planets)
Transits
favour tight (0–2°)
| Aspect | Angle | Type | Tone | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | 0° | major | neutral | fusionintensificationfocusnew cycle |
| Sextile | 60° | major | harmonious | opportunitycooperationfluiditytalent |
| Square | 90° | major | tense | frictionchallengegrowthreadjustment |
| Trine | 120° | major | harmonious | easetalentfluidityalignment |
| Opposition | 180° | major | tense | mirrorpolarityprojectionbalance |
| Quincunx | 150° | minor | neutral | adjustmentdiscomfortfine-tuninghygiene |
Aspect
Two planets are in the same place (or very close): their functions blend together. The conjunction amplifies, concentrates and “forces” you to integrate both energies as one.
At 0°, the symbols no longer have any distance: they cannot be separated. This creates a point of psychic density (natal) or an event/turning point (transit).
Natal
up to ~8° (10° for Sun/Moon)
Transits
rather tight: ~0–2° (3° max if strong)
Aspect
The sextile creates a dynamic ease: the planets understand each other and open a door. It is often a potential that requires a small effort to be seized.
At 60°, the energies are compatible: they hold a dialogue. The sextile is less “automatic” than the trine: it rewards initiative.
Natal
~3–5°
Transits
~1–2°
Aspect
The square puts the planets in tension: they want different things at the same time. It pushes you to act, to decide, to evolve.
At 90°, it is a difference of rhythm and method: the tension is an engine. The square creates growth through confrontation and adjustment.
Natal
~5–7°
Transits
~1–2° (3° if very marked)
Aspect
The trine indicates a very fluid flow: the planets help each other naturally. Often a talent, an ease, a “corridor of success”.
At 120°, the energies are (often) of the same element: they speak the same language. It flows — sometimes so much that one forgets to develop it.
Natal
~6–8°
Transits
~1–2°
Aspect
The opposition sets two energies face to face: you oscillate, you project, you learn through the other. It demands a conscious balance.
At 180°, it is the axis: two poles answer each other. The opposition reveals what lacks integration and pushes toward cooperation rather than a tug-of-war.
Natal
~6–8°
Transits
~1–2° (3° if strong)
Aspect
The quincunx calls for adjustment: the planets do not understand each other naturally. You progress through tweaks, organisation and listening to the body/to reality.
At 150°, the symbols are “out of phase”. It is less spectacular, but very telling in the details: habits, health, method, priorities.
Natal
~2–3°
Transits
~0–1°
The trine (120°) is a very fluid harmonious aspect, often linked to a natural talent. The sextile (60°) is also harmonious but requires conscious action to make the most of it. Both ease the relationship between the planets involved, but the trine acts more automatically.
No. The square (90°) creates tension, but that tension is an engine of growth. A well-integrated square develops strength, competence and resilience. It is the most formative aspect of the natal chart.
The orb is the margin of tolerance around the exact angle. The tighter the orb (close to 0°), the more powerful the aspect. In natal charts, up to 8–10° is tolerated for major aspects involving the Sun or the Moon. In transit, keep to 1–2° for a precise reading.
The conjunction (0°) merges two planets at the same point of the zodiac. Their functions blend and intensify. It is neither positive nor negative: it is powerful. The interpretation depends on the planets involved, the sign and the house concerned.