Reference · Aspects
The geometry of a chart.
Aspects are the angles planets make to each other — lines drawn across the wheel that show who’s talking to whom, and in what tone. Five major aspects do most of the work. They turn a chart from a scatter of placements into a conversation.
0°
Conjunction
Fusion
Two planets in the same sign, same degree. Their natures braid together — whether they want to or not.
Orb 8° – 10° · neutral
180°
Opposition
The Mirror
Planets facing each other across the chart. The push and pull that only resolves when both sides get seen.
Orb 7° – 9° · challenging
120°
Trine
The Ease
Same element, 120° apart. What comes naturally — for better and worse, since easy things often go underused.
Orb 6° – 8° · harmonious
90°
Square
The Friction
Same modality, 90° apart. The friction that forces you to build muscle — or stay stuck where you stand.
Orb 6° – 8° · challenging
60°
Sextile
The Opening
Compatible elements, 60° apart. A door that opens when you reach for it — unlike the trine, nothing is automatic.
Orb 4° – 6° · harmonious
Common questions
About astrological aspects
Are trines always good and squares always bad?
No — that framing is the oldest misconception in astrology. Trines are easy, which means they're often underused. Squares are hard, which means they force growth. The most transformative charts usually run on their squares. Harmonious and challenging describe the feel of the aspect, not its value.
What's an orb, and why does it matter?
An orb is how many degrees away from the exact angle an aspect can still be considered 'in effect.' A tight 1° orb is loud — the aspect dominates the chart. A wider 7° orb is quieter but still meaningful. Different astrologers use different orb tables; we note a typical range on each aspect page.
Should I ignore minor aspects?
Not entirely — but prioritise the majors. The five major aspects (conjunction, opposition, trine, square, sextile) do most of the work in a chart. Minor aspects (quincunx, semisextile, semisquare, sesquisquare, quintile) add texture but rarely change the main story. Start with the majors; add minors as the picture deepens.
Reference library
The five chambers of the chart.
12 signs
Zodiac Signs
Element, modality, ruler, and a practitioner read per sign.
14 bodies
Planets
Every planet and point — rulership, dignity, rhythm.
12 rooms
Houses
Life areas, axis pairs, natural rulers.
5 aspects
Aspects
Angles, orbs, the conversation between planets.
You’re here6 transits
Transits
Retrogrades, eclipses, Saturn return — how the sky moves.
How to read an aspect
Harmonious
Trine · Sextile. Easier to work with — the planets cooperate. Often underused, precisely because they don’t demand attention.
Challenging
Opposition · Square. Friction that forces growth. The most growth-generating aspects in a chart — when they’re named and worked with.
Neutral
Conjunction. Colour depends entirely on which planets are involved. A Venus-Jupiter conjunction is a gift. Mars-Pluto, a pressure cooker.
What’s an orb?
The tolerance in degrees around the exact angle. A trine with 7° orb is still a trine — just less intense than one with 1°. Tighter orbs are louder in the chart.