When we view the planets from Earth, they all rotate at
different speeds around the Sun.
Aspects are the various geometric angles, measured in
degrees, minutes and seconds that are formed between planets, or some
other point in the horoscope, as they move through the 360 degrees.
Put simply, the horoscope circle is 360 degrees, and if
we divide it into 12 sections (the Signs) they equal 30 degrees each. We
put Earth in the centre of the circle, and then we can see in the natal
chart (a snapshot of the position of the planets at the time of birth) the
relative positions of the planets to each other at that time.
Transits refer to the current planetary positions, and
these also make aspects to the natal planets. For example, at age 14
Saturn will be opposing it's natal position in the chart. Depending on the
speed of the planet's motion, you can calculate the aspects as it moves
around a chart, for example it takes a month for the moon and 29 years for
Saturn to complete a circuit of the entire chart.
There are some aspects that are traditionally
considered major. They are called "classical" or "Ptolemaic" after the
Greek astrologer Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus). These are:
|
Conjunction |
0 degrees - next to
each other |
|
Sextile |
60 degrees apart |
|
Square |
90 degrees apart |
|
Trine |
120 degrees apart |
|
Quincunx
(Inconjunct) |
150 degrees apart |
|
Opposition
|
180 degrees apart |
The aspects indicate the energies between the planets
and houses, and traditionally the "easy" aspects of Sextile and Trine
indicate a more harmonious or beneficial energy and the "hard" aspects of
the Square and Opposition considered to represent challenges and balance
needed to be found. A Conjunction is a very dynamic aspect and can be
considered either positive or negative depending on the planets involved.
However, aspects, like planets are merely
representations of energy and it is what we do with it that is either
beneficial or not as we all have free will.
Aspects are given an Orb of influence, and there are
various differing opinions amongst astrologers as to the exact degree,
ranging from 10 – 6 degrees for major aspects. It’s a matter of finding
what you are comfortable with, but it would be safe to say that the closer
the planets are to each other, the stronger the aspect's energy, as they
"apply" and "separate".
Minor Aspects that are often used are semi-sextiles (30
degree separation between planets) and quincunxes (a 150 degree
separation). Other minor Aspects are considered if their angles are very
close.
It is important to remember that Signs, not houses, are
used in determining aspects, as depending on what House system is used, a
house may be more or less than 30 degrees.
