Planetary aspects

Aspects are the mathematical correlation between one planet and another (or an angle of the chart). They are derived by the number of degrees they are apart from each other and are the decorations on the cake astrologically speaking, and can really affect a person's profile in a big way. This connection between planets or angles - for good or bad - combines, alters, or enhances the energies of the connected planets and angles. Aspects are shown in the chart wheel by the lines in the centre of the wheel - highlighted in the example below - connecting the individual points. Charts usually have a matrix aspect grid to help pinpoint the aspects.

A conjunction is the strongest aspect and occurs when two planets are more or less occupying the same space in your chart, thereby really picking up on each other's powers and qualities - it can though be a negative outcome as well as positive. Where there is a group of planets all close to each other, this is called a stellium, and because of the obvious interaction of these planets on each other, can be a very powerful feature indeed, especially if they occupy the same sign and/or house.

An opposition is as it suggests: planets being opposite each other in the chart and thereby going against each other, causing a seesaw effect on what it is affecting. The square is usually the most disruptive of the aspects, representing areas of life in which we need to adapt most. Squares are here to teach us - we hopefully learn by having to work around the obstacles they put in our way. The associated semi-square and quincunx are weaker versions but the latter is very troublesome because it creates a deadlock between the two planets involved, resulting in a stalemate situation that takes an awful lot of working around: often a compromise is the only solution.

  This leaves the trine and sextile as the other two main aspects, both of them being positive in outcome, generally helping the person succeed in the field of life that they represent. However, the trine can make people lazy and take things for granted. The sextile is not as strong as a trine and this variant has to be worked harder to achieve. The opportunity is there but it does not come automatically.

  Orbs are the allowance (degrees) between planets making aspect. The closer to 0 degrees apart the aspect is, the stronger it will be felt. A refers to the aspect applying in strength, S seperating (moving away).