Major aspects are the five angular relationships most frequently considered when reading a modern Western natal chart: conjunction (0°), sextile (60°), square (90°), trine (120°) and opposition (180°). Their meanings depend on the actual planets and the closeness of the angle.
Conjunction and opposition
A conjunction concentrates the themes of two bodies in the same zodiacal region. Depending on the planets involved, this can suggest emphasis, integration or a difficult entanglement. An opposition places positions across the zodiacal diameter and introduces a polarity to be negotiated. It does not always mean conflict; complementary roles and perspective-taking can be important themes.
Sextile, square and trine
A sextile links positions separated by roughly two signs and is often read as a workable opportunity. A square connects positions separated by about three signs and often requires active adjustment, effort or skill. A trine spans approximately four signs and is conventionally read as a comparatively smooth flow. No geometrical relationship can be labeled universally fortunate or unfortunate apart from the planets, houses and topic.
Orbs and practical interpretation
The orb is the difference between an aspect’s ideal angle and its measured separation. Close aspects are generally emphasized more than wide ones, although schools disagree on limits. Note whether a transit aspect is applying or separating and whether a natal aspect involves the Sun, Moon, chart ruler or an angle. Begin with exact major aspects before adding less prominent patterns.
Return to Astrological Aspects to place this subject within the larger interpretive framework.