When discovering Astrology we tend to focus on signs and how are personalities coordinate with our assigned zodiac. However, if we look deeper into the inner workings of astrology, we can discover a rich and robust profile behind those zodiacs. Since every planet is aligned just slightly differently from another’s zodiac composition based on time of birth, geo-location, time of year, etc. There is an infinite combination of patterns and sequences that contribute to our personalities and predispositions. One. of the basic fundamentals to familiarize yourself with for a true and deeper understanding of your zodiac profile are in Aspects.
Aspects In Modern Astrology
There are four basic principles in astrology to understand. These are all represented in the horoscope as aspects, planets, houses, and transits. As the Solar System’s planets move in their elongated orbits around the Sun, they form numerous angular relationships with one another; using the Sun (or Earth) as a point of reference.
These are called Aspects. The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by numbers like 1,2,3,4, resulting in aspects such as the conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180 degrees), trine (120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth.
When two planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and natures are said to combine and work in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are exactly on opposite sides of the Sun (earth), they are in opposition.
The most popular aspects can be divided into three main categories:
Emphatic Aspects:
The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize or make two planetary energies work together. Conjunction (0 degrees) is when two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to be working together.
Two planets that are at opposite sides of the zodiac can have a lot of energy between them. This can pull them together or push them apart, depending on the nature of the planets involved.
Hard aspects:
Square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees) represent challenges, obstacles, and substance.
There is a balance that is needed for the flow of life. Too many or too few can block or obstruct the life force, respectively.
Soft aspects:
When two planets are 120 degrees apart, it is called a trine. This aspect is helpful because it brings ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can see what is happening more clearly and understand it better.
Too few of the soft aspects mean we don’t know what we are doing or what is happening in our lives. Too many soft aspects make for a life that is not very real, is overly mental, and lacks substance.
How do Aspects Affect My Astrology Charts?
When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact. Yet, the effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the moment when it is exact.
The range within which an aspect is in operation is called its ‘orb of influence’, or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or tight orb, while an orb of 10 degrees is loose.
Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets involved.
Significant Planets to Consider in Aspects
Aspects to the Sun and Moon are most important, followed by the planetary aspects involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
- The Sun and Moon represent our basic needs, drives, and emotions.
- Mercury represents our thinking, learning, and communication. Venus represents our social life, values, and love for nature.
- Mars represents our will, energy, and assertiveness.
- Jupiter represents our faith, optimism, and luck.
- Saturn represents our ambition, caution, and structure. Uranus represents our freedom, eccentricity, and rebelliousness.
- Neptune represents our spirituality, imagination, and ideals.
- Pluto represents our power, intensity, and transformation.
While all aspects are important, some are considered to be more powerful than others.
The conjunction (0 degrees) is the most powerful aspect followed by the opposition (180 degrees), square (90 degrees), trine (120 degrees), and sextile (60 degrees). The semi-square (45 degrees), sesquisquare (135 degrees), quintile (72 degrees), and biquintile (144 degrees) are also considered to be powerful aspects.
Aspects in Astrology Charts
There are a variety of ways to use aspects in astrology. One way is to look at the aspects between two planets to see how they are working together or in conflict. Another way is to look at the aspects of a planet to see what areas of life it is affecting.
Aspects can also be used to compare two astrology charts. This can be done by looking at the planets in each chart and seeing how they are aspected. If there are a lot of hard aspects, the relationship may be difficult. If there are a lot of soft aspects, the relationship may be easier.
Summary
No matter how you use them, aspects add another layer of depth and understanding to your astrology chart. It is a richer insight to one’s profile when you begin to understand how aspects affect one’s chart and how it may explain certain traits that might not be stereotypical of the larger sign. We can seek understanding in our inner struggles, our ego, our openness, and much more based on aspects and the energy and forces that were present during our time of birth and creation.
I’m curious to know what your aspect is and if it aligns with who you are to your core. Do you feel that you have common or stereotypical traits of your sign? Comment below and let me know!