ASPECTS IN ASTROLOGY

An aspect is the precise distance between

any two points in a horoscope, measuring
distances around the ecliptic.

Aspects are formed between two planets,

planets and cusps, cusps and cusps, etc.
The angles (ascendant, nadir, descendant
and meridian cusps) are the most important.

The aspects are used to establish how the

planets combine to stimulate and moderate
each other's influence. They are divided into
two categories, major or minor, and
harmonious or tense.

Aspects are formed by division of the circle

of 360 degrees by certain numbers, and may
be understood through the laws of
numerology. Division of the circle by 3, 6 and
12 is harmonious and flowing, while division
by 2, 4 and 8 is rigid, structured and difficult.

The harmonious aspects bring an easy

relationship between the planets involved.
They provide a helpful environment for innate
abilities which the individual may take for
granted, but fail to develop fully.

The tense aspects cause friction between

the planets involved. This friction brings
difficulties and problems, which may be
psychological, environmental or a
combination of the two. In coping with these
problems many people experience failure,
but some will be driven to overcome their
difficulties and in the process develop their
astrological potential.
 Table of Aspects
Degrees
Name Glyph Orb* Strength Nature
Apart*

Conjunction 0 8 ° Major Neutral

Semi-sextile 30 2° Minor Harmonious

Semi-square 45 2° Minor Tense

Sextile 60 4° Major Harmonious

Square 90 8° Major Tense

Trine 120 12° Major Harmonious

Sesquiquadrate 135 2° Minor Tense

Quincunx or
150 2° Minor Tense
Inconjunct

Opposition 180 8° Major Tense

*
When Exact

* Orbs
An orb is the distance by which a planet is allowed to deviate from the exact aspect.
The modern standard sets an orb according to the aspect, but traditional
techniques allow for the prominence of the planet involved, so that an aspect
between the Sun and Moon, for example, is allowed a larger orb than an aspect
between Mercury and Venus. The more exact the aspect, the stronger the influence,
the looser the aspect the weaker the influence.
Conjunction is the most powerful aspect and combines two
planets in a single force.

Opposition is extremely powerful and places the planets in

conflict with each other, producing difficulties, but increasing
the range of possibilities open to the individual.

Trine is the most powerful harmonious aspect, bringing the

planets together in an easy combination.

Square is strong, but less powerful than opposition, and creates

friction between planets.

Sextile is a strong harmonious aspect, but less powerful than

the trine.

Semi-square, sesquiquadrate and quincunx are all minor tense

aspects. Psychologically their effect may be seen as a very
weak version of the square. Some astrologers give 'them
additional importance in predicting events.

Semi-sextile is the only minor harmonious aspect, and

psychologically is a weak version of the sextile.
APPLYING & SEPARATING ASPECTS

When two planets are moving together to an exact aspect they

are applying. When they are moving apart from the exact aspect
they are separating. Applying aspects are uually stronger
psychologically than separating aspects. In event and horary
horoscopes separating aspects refer to past events and applying
aspects refer to future events.

UNASPECTED PLANETS

Opinions differ over the interpretation of unaspected planets. It

is best to learn from experience, but the following guidelines are
useful. First, the planet may be difficult to express. The principle
it represents may be badly integrated with the rest of the
personality and may even be neglected. In complete contrast,
the lack of aspects may mean that the planet is unrestrained by
other planets and therefore assumes an exaggerated
importance.

Sun unaspected: these people may have a poor sense of self-

identity, but may appear to be very egotistical.
Moon unaspected: these people may feel out of touch with their
home, family, emotions and roots, but make strenuous efforts to
overcome the problem.

Mercury unaspected: these people may find it difficult to

express their thoughts, may be quiet, but strive actively to
develop intellectual skills.

Venus unaspected: these people may find it difficult to form

close relationships, but may make great efforts to be sociable.

Mars unaspected: these people may find it difficult to motivate

themselves but may have uncontrollable energy.

Jupiter unaspected: these people may have Difficulty in creating

opportunities, but spend a lot of energy looking for them.

Saturn unaspected: these people may find it difficult to

recognize limitations and cope with difficulties, but may develop
strong self-discipline.

Uranus unaspected: these people may have difficulty in

expressing their personality, either neglecting or exaggerating
it.
Neptune unaspected: these people may have difficulty in giving
expression to their imagination and mystical aspirations, but
become very dedicated to artistic work or religious activity.

Pluto unaspected: these people may find it difficult to harness

emotional energy, and may seek emotional commitment and
confrontation.

APPLYING & SEPARATING ASPECTS

When two planets are moving together to an exact aspect they

are applying. When they are moving apart from the exact aspect
they are separating. Applying aspects are uually stronger
psychologically than separating aspects. In event and horary
horoscopes separating aspects refer to past events and applying
aspects refer to future events.
 ASPECT PATTERNS
'T' SQUARE:

Two planets in opposition are both in square to a third planet.

This brings tension and sharp, pressing problems, the result of
which may be great energy and consequently a better than
average chance of success throughout life.
When interpreting a T' Square all the factors involved - planets,
signs and houses - must be taken separately and then built up
into a picture of the choices, difficulties and solutions which
each planet suggests.
When the 'T' Square is in:
Cardinal Signs, there is exceptional dynamism and energy;
Fixed Signs, people may be excessively stubborn, fighting
personal battles to the bitter end.
Mutable Signs, they may try to solve, or even avoid, the
problems associated with the 'T' Square by being flexible and
adaptable.
 Solution to the 'T' Square

A: via harmonious Aspects.

The tension of the 'T' Square can be released or positively
expressed through the planet which makes the closest sextile or
trine to any of the three planets in the 'T' Square. In this
example the emotional tension of the Sun-Mars-Saturn 'T'
Square can be released through the sextile to Jupiter in Cancer.

B. Development of Opposite Characteristics

The tension of the 'T' Square focuses on the planet at the apex,
in this case Venus, and the part of the chart immediately
opposite may also act as a focus for problems. By coping with
them the whole situation can be eased and turned to advantage.
In this example Venus in the eighth house, squared to Uranus
and Saturn, suggests business difficulties. This may bring
second house problems - personal financial ones with an
inability to handle money. By learning how to deal with these
issues, the eighth house problems, and the whole 'T' Square,
can be helped.
GRAND CROSS

The Grand Cross consists of four planets connected by four

squares and two oppositions. In effect this consists of four 'T'
Squares and, although the process of interpretation is
essentially the same as that for a 'T' Square, the complexity and
possibilities are considerably more varied. This pattern is not
necessarily more dynamic than the T' Square.
When the Grand Cross is in:
Cardinal Signs, problems and difficulties are more likely to
result in energetic and assertive behaviour.
Fixed Signs, people may hang on to their problems and be
exceptionally stubborn and resistant to change.
Mutable Signs, they may be very adaptable but may also
exacerbate their problems by evading them.

GRAND TRINE

Three planets are connected by three trines to form a triangle,

the Grand Trine, around which planetary influences circulate
with ease. This brings a wealth of natural talent indicated by the
signs and houses containing the planets, but may require tense
aspects to provide the motivation for its expression.
When the Grand Trine is in:
Fire Signs, talents lie in enthusiasm, and the search for new
possibilities.
Earth Signs, talents lie in practical work and experience.
Air Signs, talents lie in intellectual work and the communication
of ideas.
Water Signs, talents are rooted in sympathy, compassion and
intuition.
YOD

Also known as the Finger of Fate or the Finger of God, Yod is the
name given to two planets in opposition connected to two other
planets, one by semi-sextiles and the other by quincunxes.
There is a consensus that this pattern is important, but few
astrologers make much use of it. The two additional planets
provide a choice of paths for the individual to express or
discharge the tension of the opposition.
 MYSTIC RECTANGLE

This consists of four planets connected in a rectangle of two

squares and two trines, together with two oppositions
connecting the opposite planets. Despite the name there is
nothing mystical about this pattern. The combination of tense
and harmonious aspects produces the best possible potential
for the constructive use of natural talents.
KITE

The person with a kite pattern may be a 'high flyer'. All three
planets in a grand trine are connected to a fourth planet, one by
an opposition and the other two by sextiles. This is useful
combination of tense and harmonious aspects in which the two
planets connected by trines and sextiles provide outlets for the
tension of the opposition.
 CHART SHAPES
Marc Edmund Jones identified and labeled certain patterns in
the natal chart.
SPLASH

The planets are evenly dispersed around the zodiac. The

individual has a wide range of abilities and experiences but may
fail to concentrate sufficiently on any one goal.

SPLAY

The planets are grouped in tight bunches emphasizing a few

houses and signs. This suggests a person who may be highly
motivated in several completely different directions.
 BUNDLE

All the planets are contained within 1200. The individual tends
to focus on one part of life's potential and ignores the rest. This
pattern is especially strong if all the planets are on one side of
either the Ascendant-Descendant axis or the MC-IC axis.

BUCKET

All the planets are contained in one half of the chart except for
one 'singleton' in the opposite half. This planet is the 'handle' of
the bucket and assumes extra importance.
 LOCOMOTIVE

All the planets are gathered within 240 degrees. The unoccupied
sector of the chart tends to remain unexpressed.

SEE SAW

The planets are gathered in two opposing groups. This suggests

a person who may be pulled in two completely different
directions. There may be an awareness of opposing possibilities
and an ability to manipulate these.

SOURCE: www.skyscript.co.uk
www.nickcampion.com