Aspects play a crucial part in adding more nuance to a natal chart. Aspects are the angular relationships between planets. When planets make an aspect to each other, they influence how each other will "act".
There are 5 major aspects - conjunction, opposition, square, trine, and sextile. The conjunction, opposition, and square are considered hard aspects, while the trine and sextile are considered soft aspects. The hard aspects are the most powerful - they are more potent and influential. Hard aspects can be challenging, but they trigger the most growth and change. The soft aspects are experienced more gently and aren’t as powerful. They are easier to get through on their own and can be more positive.
Conjunction
The conjunction occurs when planets (or an angle) are at about the same degree, ~0° from each other. When two planets are conjunct, their energy is merged and they act as one. The closer two planets are to each other, the stronger the conjunction will be. The energy of a conjunction heavily depends on the planets involved. For example, a conjunction between a neutral planet like Mercury and a benefic planet like Venus will be experienced more positively. If a conjunction involves one of the malefics, Mars or Saturn, the conjunction will be more challenging.
Example Chart
In this natal chart, the Moon (13°) is conjunct Saturn (14°) in Sagittarius; this conjunction can be found in their 4th house, near their IC (Imum Coeli). The Moon and Saturn are heavily influencing each other in this chart. The Moon represents things like feelings, emotions, the body, and the inner being. Saturn represents topics such as responsibility, authority, timelines, and structure. Saturn is considered a malefic, or challenging planet. With the Moon conjunct Saturn, this person likely feels their emotions heavily. This person may struggle with self-criticism due to Saturn feeling like an authority figure to their Moon. With the conjunction being in Sagittarius, the conjunction between Saturn and the Moon will be felt a bit lighter. Sagittarius as a sign is more optimistic, which opposes the natural energy of the Moon conjunct Saturn. Since the Saturn - Moon conjunction is in their 4th house, their home and family life are being influenced by the conjunction.
Opposition
An opposition occurs when two planets (or an angle) are about 180° from each other. When two planets are opposite one another, there is noticeable tension. The closer the two planets are to being exactly 180° from each other, the stronger the opposition will be. No matter what planets are involved, an opposition can bring rigidity and a sense of pressure. With an opposition, there can be indecision and/or a struggle to see the other side in situations. Although oppositions bring the feeling of being pulled in two different directions, planets that are opposite each other are in the same modality (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable) and polarity (feminine, masculine). The planets have an elemental (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) difference. An opposition is of similar nature to Saturn.
Example Chart
In this chart, Mars (5° Aries) is opposite Uranus (8° Libra). This opposition is in their 6th/12th house axis. Because they are opposite one another, tension can be felt between the two. Mars represents topics such as aggression, impulse, determination, and energy. Uranus represents sudden events and changes. With Mars and Uranus being opposite each other, they are at odds with each other. Mars making an opposition to Uranus in the 6th house aggravates Uranus - Uranus is always being triggered by Mars. Vice versa, Mars is being aggravated by Uranus. This Mars - Uranus opposition could manifest in this person struggling to find a balance between alone time, work, and how they spend their energy. Their body may be a struggle for them; having some type of issue or illness that hinders their energy or secludes them. Since Uranus is involved, aggravating problems may come up suddenly. Mars is more productive in this chart since it’s in its domicile or ruling sign, Aries.
Square
The square occurs when two planets (or an angle) are about 90° from each other. When two planets are square one another, there is notable power and pressure. Both a square and opposition bring tension, but a square is usually more productive. Squares can be easier to work through when compared to an opposition. No matter the planets involved, squares have the opportunity to bring obstacles. But with a square, many of those obstacles will be useful in some way. You may learn important lessons from a square. Although squares can bring noticeable pressure, planets that are squaring each other are in the same modality. A square is of similar nature to Mars.
Example Chart
In this chart, Uranus (22° Sagittarius) is square the ascendant (18° Virgo). Because they square each other, there is likely something they will have to work through in their lifetime. The ascendant is the angle that represents your personality, body, and sense of self. Uranus is the planet of sudden events and changes. On the most basic level, because Uranus is aspecting the ascendant, this person may experience major changes to their appearance or body. With a Uranus-Ascendant square, this could manifest in struggles when first trying to express oneself. They may feel the strong need to be independent, but it is something they have to work towards.
Trine
A trine occurs when two planets (or an angle) are about 120° from each other. When planets are making a trine to one another, they are getting along and have a similar understanding. The trine is considered a harmonious aspect that is usually beneficial. Trines can enhance other planets that are already making an aspect, bringing more opportunity. A trine aspect won’t always necessarily be easy, especially depending on the planets involved. On its own, a trine doesn’t have the same power that the hard aspects do. Planets that make a trine to each other are in the same element. A trine is of a similar nature to Jupiter.
Example Chart
In this chart, Uranus (17° Gemini) is trine Jupiter (17° Libra). Because they are making a trine to each other, they are getting along and understanding each other. Uranus represents sudden events and changes, while Jupiter expands things and brings more opportunity. Jupiter trine Uranus can manifest as someone receiving random opportunities throughout their lifetime, especially related to those natal house topics (Uranus and Jupiter’s Houses). Sudden events may happen in their life that benefit them in some way. Since Uranus also represents freedom, this person likely highly values their independence and independence may benefit them.
Sextile
A sextile occurs when two planets (or an angle) are about 60° from each other. When planets are sextile each other, they are getting along. A sextile is like a weak trine; it brings harmony but it isn’t as powerful as the trine. When a planet is receiving a sextile, it’s being supported by the other planet. Planets that sextile each other have the same polarity. A sextile is of a similar nature to Venus.
Example Chart
In this chart, Pluto (27° Virgo) is making a sextile to the Moon (24° Scorpio). Because they are making a sextile to each other, these planets have similar understanding. Pluto represents transformations and evolution, while the Moon represents our deepest feelings, emotions, and body. On the most basic level, this person likely has Pluto qualities when it comes to their emotions. Things likely impact them more emotionally than others, but with a sextile, they can deal with deep emotions productively. This can also manifest in them having strong empathy.
Aspects are like the conversations between planets - some will get along while others won’t understand each other. I hope this gives you a deeper understanding of the 5 major aspects and how they can manifest in astrology. As always, thank you for the support!
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