| Planetary Aspects: A Basic Guideline |
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Planetary Aspects: A Basic Guideline Aspects are angles of relationship between any two planets or luminaries. Imagine these are mapped anywhere on the perimeter of a circle, representing an orbit. The Sun and Moon are luminaries and Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are the planets. Aspects can be between the luminaries alone, like when the Moon and Sun are in aspect as in a Full Moon and can also be between any two planets and between any planet and one of the two luminaries. There are five major aspects and these are as follows: Conjunction or 0 degrees – together in the sky (neutral, seed-like, influence depends upon the two planets or luminaries involved – archetypal symbol of a New Moon - considered the strongest aspect); Sextile or 60 degrees apart (generally a harmonious and mind stimulating aspect - not very powerful, yet stimulating and generally pleasant and fortunate in terms of opportunites that come from others); Square or 90 degrees apart (usually a challenging aspect yet dynamic and very energy producing – must be handled very consciously to turn the tension into productivity – like driving in a busy city – archetypal symbol of a Half Moon); Trine or 120 degrees (Classically considered the most harmonious aspect stimulating creative expression – could be lazy and self-indulgent due to so much ease yet is pleasant anyway if not overdone and at best inspiring and suggestive of talents and easy, flowing, pleasant, uplifting people and events); Opposition or 180 degrees (Generally considered challenging and tensional like a tug of war – requires consciousness, awareness, fairness and cooperation for success – archetypal symbol of a Full Moon). Most basic Astrology books offer explanation and interpretation of these aspects. The Astrologer's Handbook by Acker and Sakoin is a solid standard in the field. For an even more in-depth approach look for Dynamics of Aspect Analysis by Bil Tierney. |
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