Aspects
Aspects of a planet show how we express a planet qualities
Additional Info
You also need to understand the specific signs, what modality the signs are, the planets involved and their nature, whether is separating or applying, etc, to interpret an aspect.
Understanding Aspects
A good way of understanding aspects would be comparing the relationship between the houses. For example 1st house with the 3rd and 5th. The 1st represents the native, the human body and circumstance in which we are born. It’s the physical space and time in which we are located and we occupy. The 3rd house sextiles the 1st because that would represent language. We are given tools at a young age to learn a specific language (the one that we happen to be taught) which helps us communicate and make our existence harmonize with others in society (keep in mind the 3rd trines the 7th and 11th), but also language is a structural, definite, rather static thing (it evolves too slowly to significantly change in our lifetime) that we all need to accommodate to. On the other hand, the 1st trines the 5th (which signifies talents, vocations), things that imply more than just language and happenstance. The relationship here is psychological, energetic, unconscious, unique to the individual. Not so much as something that we learn, but rather something we already have. Or the opposition between the 1st-7th. The first is the body and societal rule we take on (the persona, in Jung’s terms), while the 7th is that which directly we are not (shadow). That which we are forced to contrast with by mere fact.
Major
Conjuction
Root 1, Angle 0°, Orb 8° - 10°
Planets in conjunction form a unity. They are inseparable from each other, blending their energies into a kind of “third force”.
Energies are brought together very unconsciously and early on in life. Two energies, through circumstance or essence, are expressed at the same time and in the same way. There is a need for unity that lies under the nature of the aspect. Depending on the quality of the planets or the sign, the results are dissonant or consonant.
Example Sun conjunct Mars would represent someone who very much will always express and identify themselves, their value and their uniqueness with action, aggressiveness or the need to compete.
Opposition
Root 2, Angle 180°, Orb 8°
Hard Aspect
Planets in opposition reflect an internal dilemma arising from conflicting needs where both sides are very unlikely to cede in any way until a profound realization is found. We might identify with one side and project the other, unconsciously playing out the conflict in our relationships.
The activation of one side triggers the other, which pushes back very strongly. Conflict is pretty much unavoidable, but this very fact can create motivation, discipline and steadiness.
Oppositions imply distinction but also complementarity.
For example, Mars opposed to Saturn can express itself as a deep hatred for the fact that one doesn’t have something like, say, being strong and having a good body (perhaps because of trauma where the native was made bullied for it) and which, in the best case scenario, motivates them to do exercise consistently. **An opposition can definitely become the backbone of a chart. **
Trine
Root 3, Angle 120°, Orb 8°
Soft Aspect
The trine creates an easy flow between planets. They represent reservoirs of talent and things we find easy and enjoyable. However, we may take these talents for granted and not develop their deeper capacities.
Energies are in harmony through a deep connection in nature, which is manifested unconsciously and easily.
Square
Root 4, Angle 90°, Orb 8°
Hard Aspect
Planets in square tend to be very productive. The expression “squaring up to a challenge” is appropriate. Here, we can be inhibited to express
our drives fully, but equally we strive to hone and perfect our skills.
energies are brought together through excess/lack of balance. Both sides don’t contradict each other unlike the opposition, but their energies aren’t moderated enough.
For example, Mars square Venus would be someone that’s interested in relationships but perhaps too emotionally involved to the point where initiative turns into being pushy and aggressive. This can lead to bad experiences like infidelity and heartbreak, but the native will feel very much compelled to solve the problem once the square starts manifesting in his/her life. Some modern astrologers say the square is the best aspect, because it’s uncomfortable enough to growth and at the same time it activates the energy of both planets and makes them stronger.
Sextile
Root 6, Angle 60°, Orb 4°
Soft Aspect
With sextiles, we are motivated to put in a little work, but also feel relaxed about expressing whatever is indicated by them. We tend to enjoy the busy creativity of the planetary combination.
Like say, a Trine would be the equivalent of having an excellent natural talent for music; the sextile would represent being given the best of teachers and instruments which in turn can easily develop the skill.
Minor
Semisquare
Root 8, Angle 45°, Orb 2°
Sesquiquadrate
Root 8, Angle 135°, Orb 2°
These carry a similar quality to the square, although without the same
intensity. Like the square, we want our efforts to produce concrete
results, and we set ourselves goals and targets.
Semi-sextile
Root 12, Angle 30°, Orb 2°
Quincunx / Inconjuct
Root 12, Angle 150°, Orb 2°
These aspects can generate frustration, making us feel
thwarted in our efforts. They can be a blind spot, a desire or set of
skills that needs our conscious focus in order to achieve or fulfill.
Energies are too different. The use of one prevents the natural flow of the other, which can lead to unawareness, confusion, or anxiety if not well managed or understood.
Unlike the opposition, the activation of one does not trigger the other. Rather, it would be closer to one occupying too much or too little energy without conflict (which causes confusion). The positive side however, is that this structural difference can naturally lead to creativity, wit and new ways of approaching something. The key here is understanding and reevaluation.
Example, Mercury in a quincunx to the Moon would signify a mind that is too active to the point where it affects the body unconsciously. Someone who has an obsessive compulsive disorder. It can also make the native have thinking patterns that create dissociation from the body. On the bright side, it can signify intelligence and the opportunity to structure and rationalize the way in which the body is connected to the brain and to thought.
Although, for Semi-Sextile, there is an esoteric relationship between the two which indicates continuity. Just as much as the order of the zodiac indicates a natural pattern of flow in the universe, the semi-sextile indicates that the activation of one of the energies will lead to the activation of the next in succession.
For example Mars in a semi-sextile to Pluto could indicate that earlier manifestations of anger and motivation in life will lead the way to the native discovering Plutonian energies like a deep need to uncover the truth, power and the need for transformation and rebirth.