The Aspects

Aspects are an important part of modern astrology. As the planets move in their elongated orbits around the Sun, they form various angular relationships with one another, using the Sun (or Earth) as the center. These are called aspects.

The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, resulting in aspects such as the conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine (120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth.

When two planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and natures are said to combine and work in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are exactly on opposite sides of the Sun (or Earth), they are in opposition.

Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets involved. Aspects to the Sun and Moon (the lights) are most important, followed by the planetary aspects involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

If your natal chart has an accurate birth time, then aspects to the chart angles (ascendant and midheaven) are also important. The particular combination can make a difference too.

Aspects between planets such as Saturn and Mars (traditional malefics) are obviously more potentially explosive than the same aspect between Venus and Jupiter (traditional benefics).

Hard Aspects

Hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) -- Challenges.

The "hard" aspects: square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees). These represent challenge, obstacles, and substance. They provide meat and potatoes in our life. Too many can block or obstruct the life flow, yet too few can cause life to be weak or thin. Life can be challenging, and things are not always easy. The major challenges in a natal chart are where we can expect increased activity and personal involvement -- ready or not.

These critical areas of life can be difficult, and the resulting confusion and possible obscuration often makes it hard for us to see and act with normal clarity. Therefore, when it comes to the hard aspects (squares, oppositions, semi-squares) , you may wish to exercise caution and extra patience.

Soft Aspects

Easy aspects (trine, sextile) -- Talents

The "soft" aspects: trine (120 degrees) and sextile (60 degrees) The soft aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can see, grasp, and understand what is happening. Too few of the soft aspects means we don't know what we are doing or what is happening in our lives, while too many soft aspects make for a life that runs cool, is overly mental, and lacking in substance.

Despite whatever problems we may have, there are areas of life where we have clear insight and real talent -- natural ability. When it comes to these matters, our judgment is sharp and we always manage to take charge. We have the knack. It may be as simple as the ability to work hard and accomplish things without something going wrong. An innate sense of the workings of these parts of life makes it easy for us to learn and accomplish things where they are concerned.

Neutral Aspects

Neutral aspects (conjunctions) -- Emphasis

These are areas of life where we show intense focus and activity. For better or worse, these qualities stand out and are obvious to all those who come to know us. They are very clear parts of our character.

Emphatic Aspects

The "emphatic" aspects: The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize or align two planetary energies with one another.

Conjunction (0 degrees) Two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to be in conjunction. Their natures are fused or blended into one.

Opposition (180 degrees) Two planets at opposite sides of the zodiac. The energies are in alignment with each other. They can pull together or apart, depending upon the nature of the planets involved.

Orbs

"Exact" aspects and aspect's "orbs" .

Aspects between planets gradually form, become exact, and separate. When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the moment when it is exact.

The range within which an aspect is in operation is called its "orb of influence," or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.

Chart Patterns

This option examines the major chart patterns in effect for a given date. The key to the inner self (who you are) is the heliocentric patterns at birth. These are examined, explained, and contrasted with the outer (geo) patterns -- how you appear.

Next, the most "connected" planet(s) are detailed, the key to your inner life and growth. Then, the most connected planet(s) in your outer circumstances are explained. And last, the "hot spot" -- the most aspected planet, irrespective of patterns.

To the right of the key planets appear numbers which indicate the number of contacts for that planet, either as part of overall patterns or, in the case of the "hot spot," as a sum total of aspects in the geocentric chart, connected or not.