WTF are Astrology Aspects!?
Ok, so you’re reading a post by one of your favorite astrologers (in other words, me), and you love everything that she’s saying (thank you, I try) because her descriptions are so wise and on point (they really are) yet also cheeky, caustic, and slightly poetic (it’s a gift)— except she keeps mentioning these things called aspects. While this astrologer is amazing (stop, you’re making me blush), the words she’s using- square, conjunct, sextile, trine, opposition—kinda sound like something from your 9th grade Geometry class, and you want to know what f**k she’s talking about.
Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, I got you covered. I’m decoding all that Geometry lingo, which is better known as the major aspects in astrology.
Planetary aspects can be: soft, easygoing, tense, discordant, and nonexistent. What determines the nature and existence of an aspect is the degree in which the planets are transiting or placed in the horoscope, which is a 360° circle of the zodiac. This circle is divided into twelve 30°sections.
Whew. Ok, now that we know the basic function of the astrological aspects, we can learn about the most common types, otherwise known as major aspects.
Conjunction ☌ — A conjunction blends and intensifies the energies of the planets and the signs in which they are placed. Conjunctions are like having different characters in a play saying the same lines. They speak the same language, you know?
Trine ⧍- A soft and smooth aspect, trines allow a harmonious flow of energy between planets. Their dialogue is easygoing, sympathetic, and usually quite upbeat.
Sextile ⚹ — A soft yet stimulating aspect, sextiles allow planetary energies to flow in promising ways. The exchange of dialogue is productive and encouraging, with little disharmony or misunderstanding.
Square ▧- Arguably the hardest aspect, the square creates seemingly irreconcilable conflict, as the planets want two different things. However, there’s immense potential for progress if the tension is overcome.
Opposition☍- Another hard aspect, oppositions mean the energies of the signs and planets are polarized or divided and are in need of balance and blending. The exchange is like an old married couple who are always bickering, but can eventually agree if they both compromise.
Here are the degrees and sign relationships of each aspect:
The Conjunction ☌ — 0° occurs when planets are in the same sign. The planets occupy the same place in the horoscope.
The Trine ⧍ — 120°, occurs when planets are in the same element, but in different signs. These are the signs that create 120° trine aspect to each other:
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
The Sextile ⚹ — 60° occurs when planets are compatible but in different elements and signs. These are the signs that create a 60° sextile to each other:
Aries, Gemini
Taurus, Cancer
Gemini, Leo
Cancer, Virgo
Leo, Libra
Virgo, Scorpio
Libra, Sagittarius
Sagittarius, Aquarius
Scorpio, Capricorn
Capricorn, Pisces
Aquarius, Aries
Pisces, Taurus
The Square ❒ — 90° occurs when planets are in incompatible elements but in the same mode. These are the signs that create a 90° square each other:
Aries, Cancer, Capricorn
Taurus, Leo, Aquarius
Gemini, Pisces, Virgo
Cancer, Libra, Aries
Leo, Scorpio, Taurus
Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini
Libra, Capricorn, Cancer
Scorpio, Aquarius, Leo
Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo,
Capricorn, Aries, Libra
Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio
Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius
The Opposition — 180° ☍ occurs when planets are in the same mode and compatible elements. These are the signs that have an 180° opposition to each other:
Aries & Libra
Taurus & Scorpio
Gemini & Sagittarius
Cancer & Capricorn
Leo & Aquarius
Virgo & Pisces
