Astrological Aspects

Detailed reference guide to major and minor aspects used in astrology.

What is an Aspect?

In astrology, aspects are the angular relationships between the degrees of planets on the ecliptic. This geometric connection between two planets defines how their energies interact. Aspects are fundamental tools for understanding the dynamics in a birth chart — they symbolize different experiences from harmonious flows to challenging tensions.

Major Aspects

The five major aspects are the building blocks of astrology, representing the most powerful geometric relationships in chart interpretation.

☌ Conjunction

0° — Orb: ±8°

Quality:: Merging, intensification
Element relationship:: Same sign

The energies of two planets merge and intensify. The beginning of new cycles.

Neutral (depends on planets)

⚹ Sextile

60° — Orb: ±4°

Quality:: Opportunity, support
Element relationship:: Compatible elements (Fire-Air, Earth-Water)

Gentle harmony, opportunities activated through conscious effort.

Beneficial

□ Square

90° — Orb: ±8°

Quality:: Tension, challenge, motivation
Element relationship:: Conflicting elements (Fire-Water, Earth-Air)

Creates inner conflict and struggle, but can be the engine of growth.

Challenging

△ Trine

120° — Orb: ±8°

Quality:: Harmony, natural talent
Element relationship:: Same element (Fire-Fire, Earth-Earth, etc.)

Natural flow and talent. Ease that comes without effort.

Beneficial

☍ Opposition

180° — Orb: ±8°

Quality:: Polarization, balance
Element relationship:: Complementary elements (Fire-Air, Earth-Water)

Seeking balance between two opposing energies. Reflection in relationships.

Challenging

Minor Aspects

Supporting aspects that carry subtler effects than the major aspects, working with narrow orbs.

Semi-sextile

30°

Orb: ±2°

Slight disharmony, adjustment. A subtle tension and process of getting accustomed between adjacent signs.

Semi-square

45°

Orb: ±2°

Inner restlessness, irritation. A milder but persistently felt version of the square; creates minor friction.

Quintile

72°

Orb: ±2°

Creativity, special talent. An aspect associated with extraordinary skills and creative expression capacity.

Sesquiquadrate

135°

Orb: ±2°

Friction, impatience. Challenges coming from external conditions; unresolved tensions resurfacing.

Quincunx (Inconjunct)

150°

Orb: ±2°

Incongruity, constant need for adjustment. A perpetual fine-tuning between two energies that struggle to understand each other.

Aspect Table

Comparative summary table of all aspects.

Symbol	Aspect Name	Degree	Orb	Type	Nature
☌	Conjunction	0°	±8°	Major	Neutral
—	Semi-sextile	30°	±2°	Minor	Neutral
—	Semi-square	45°	±2°	Minor	Challenging
⚹	Sextile	60°	±4°	Major	Beneficial
—	Quintile	72°	±2°	Minor	Beneficial
□	Square	90°	±8°	Major	Challenging
△	Trine	120°	±8°	Major	Beneficial
—	Sesquiquadrate	135°	±2°	Minor	Challenging
—	Quincunx	150°	±2°	Minor	Challenging
☍	Opposition	180°	±8°	Major	Challenging