Aspects: how planetary symbols relate

1. Angles and orbs

A circle has 360 degrees. Aspects compare the ecliptic longitudes of two chart points. When the distance is close to a defined angle, the aspect is counted within a tolerance called an orb.

Schools use different orbs and weightings. A wide orb produces more matches, a narrow one fewer. A transparent reading states its rule instead of declaring every approximate distance meaningful after the fact.

2. Conjunction, sextile and square

Conjunction: around 0 degrees, combining two themes. Sextile: around 60 degrees, a possible opening or cooperation. Square: around 90 degrees, friction, pressure to act or a learning field.

“Harmonious” and “challenging” do not mean good and bad. A sextile may remain unused; a square may build persistence. Meaning depends on the symbols involved and on the real situation.

3. Trine, opposition and precision

Trine: around 120 degrees, a flowing connection. Opposition: around 180 degrees, two poles asking for exchange or balance. With conjunction, sextile and square, these are the common major aspects.

The exact distance is often stated as deviation from the ideal angle. Within a chosen system, smaller orbs are usually treated as more prominent; some schools allow wider orbs for the Sun and Moon. This is convention, not a natural constant.

4. Worked example: Sun square Saturn

5. From one aspect to a synthesis

A chart contains a network of relationships. Repeated planets, especially close angles and contacts to the Sun, Moon or chart axes may be considered first; one isolated aspect should not explain a whole person.

A traceable synthesis separates observation, possible readings and counterexamples. It ends with an open question or observable everyday action, not a label.

6. Limits of aspect interpretation