PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

You've probably encountered aspects in astrology, but what do they mean for your birth chart? Conjunctions, sextiles, trines, squares, and oppositions—they're all aspects! We'll give you the full rundown on these distances between planets and how they influence your chart, so keep reading.

Section 1 of 4:

What is an aspect in astrology?

PDF download Download Article
  1. They also influence your chart in different ways. Hard aspects are thought to be challenging while soft or easy aspects are beneficial. These are the 5 major aspects in astrology:[1]
    • Conjunction: when there's 0° between 2 planets.
    • Sextile: when there's 60° between 2 planets.
    • Square: when there's 90° between 2 planets.
    • Trine: when there's 120° between 2 planets.
    • Opposition: when there's 180° between 2 planets.
    • Love astrology? Take this quiz to discover your soulmate's sign.
  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How do I find aspects in my birth chart?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most birth charts break down the information in an easy-to-read table, so you can easily read through a list of the aspects in your personal birth chart. If you prefer to look at the graph, find the planet symbols and measure the distance in degrees between them.
    • For instance, if you see that Mercury and Jupiter form a 90° angle, this makes a square aspect.
    • To make your birth chart, do a web search for a "free birth chart calculator" and enter your birthday, time of birth, and location. The calculator automatically generates your chart.[2]
Section 3 of 4:

What does each aspect mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. It can also bring intense energy to the house that has the conjunction. Astrologers argue that this is the strongest aspect since it intensifies the properties of the 2 planets.[3]
    • For instance, if Mars and Mercury are in conjunction, the communication skills of Mercury combine with the outgoing or aggressive nature of Mars. This means you'll probably be a skilled debater and you use your energy to effectively express yourself.
    • Conjunctions can also form when planets are up to 6° apart.
  2. Since it's a soft aspect, it doesn't bring a lot of energy or influence. However, having a sextile in your chart can make it easier to work through conflict.
    • For instance, if you have a sextile Venus and Neptune, your unique and romantic personality will help you have an open, positive outlook toward life.
    • Again, there can be a 6° deviation, so planets that are anywhere from 54°to 66° apart also count as a sextile.
  3. This hard aspect means that the 2 planets are separated by 3 zodiac signs. Think of squares as a tug-of-war in your chart—the planets are fighting to assert their power. Although these seem tricky, having a square can push you to action which can be a good thing![4]
    • For example, if Mars squares Saturn, you might feel angry or criticized because Saturn is blocking you. If you can work through your frustration, you can come out stronger though.
    • There can also be a 6° deviation between the planets, so 2 planets between 84° and 96° is a square.
  4. The idea with this soft aspect is that energy flows easily between the 2 planets. Astrologers note that a trine can indicate laziness since you don't have to work hard to make things happen while others argue that it simply means there's natural power in your chart.
    • For instance, if you have Leo and Aries which are both fire signs, they'll be harmonious. You'll probably find that it's easy for you to meet goals.
    • There can also be a 6° deviation between the planets, so 2 planets between 114° and 126° is a square.
  5. Oppositions are just like they sound—planets that are directly opposite each other on your chart. Although it's a hard aspect, it's a little more complicated. While oppositions can cause conflict, if you can find a balance between them, you'll have motivation to change.[5]
    • For example, if you have Mercury and the Moon in opposition, you may feel a struggle between your mind and your emotions. If you can connect your feelings with your rational mind to make decisions, you'll feel much better.
    • Again, there can be a 6° deviation between planets, so 2 planets between 174° and 186° make an opposition.
  6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Other Astrology Terms

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're exploring astrology, aspects are just the beginning. Here are a few other important astrology terms to dig into if you want to learn more:
    • Chart Ruler: The planet that rules your rising sign is called your chart ruler. For example, if you are an Aries rising, your chart ruler is Mars.
    • Houses: On your birth chart, each of the planets will be placed in one of the 12 astrological houses, in addition to a zodiac sign. For example, your chart may show Venus in Aquarius and the 8th house.
    • Modalities: The 12 zodiac signs are sorted into three different modalities. There’s Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), and Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces).
    • Black Moon Lilith: Your Lilith sign (which should be visible on your birth chart) represents your shadow self, your hidden traits, and the repressed desires you’re meant to embrace.
    • Personal Planets: The term "personal planets" refers to the five planets that shape your personality and the way people perceive you. These planets are the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

The Art of Astrocartography: Intrepreting Your Chart Lines
Read an Astrology Chart
The Top 12 Reasons Why Aquarius Gets So Much Hate
Know Your Rashi
What’s the Most Hated Sign, According to Experts?
Which Planets Are Friends & Enemies in Astrology?
Predict Child Birth from a Horoscope
A Capricorn's Weakest Personality Traits, According to an Astrologer
Ruling Planets in Astrology: Which Planet Rules Your Zodiac Sign?
Find Your Astrological Sun and Moon
What Is the Rarest Zodiac Sign?
Libra's 16 Weakest Characteristics, According to Astrology
Know Your Hindu Zodiac Sign
Twin Flame Numbers: Decoding Popular Patterns
Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about Pluto, check out our in-depth interview with Angel Eyedealism.

References

  1. https://www.horoscope.com/astrology/aspects/
  2. Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2021.
  3. Angel Eyedealism. Astrologer & Performance Artist. Expert Interview. 23 December 2021.
  4. https://www.horoscope.com/astrology/aspects/
  5. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a37341996/astrology-aspects-list/

About This Article

Angel Eyedealism
Co-authored by:
Astrologer & Performance Artist
This article was co-authored by Angel Eyedealism and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Angel Eyedealism is an Astrologer and Performance Artist based in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. With nearly three decades of astrology experience, Angel specializes in relocation astrology and astrocartography. Eyedealism has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Refinery29, NBC, MTV, Showtime, and Bravo. Angel aims to help others through a straightforward, kind, and humorous astrological lens, utilizing her entertainment and singing skills for performance art astrology readings. This article has been viewed 44,499 times.
7 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: December 31, 2024
Views: 44,499
Categories: Astrology
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,499 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement