The Meaning of the 5 Main Aspects in Astrology

11 May The Meaning of the 5 Main Aspects in Astrology

Before touching on the main aspects in astrology, we need to understand the basics of astrology itself. Loosely explained, astrology is all about the symbolic relationship between us, humans, and the planets.

In order to comprehend this relationship, however, we need to start by studying the planets’ relationship with each other; and that’s where aspects come into the picture.

Think of it this way. It’s like therapy. In order to have a deeper understanding of who you are, you first have to look at your relationship with your parents. And to take it a step further, you look at the relationship between your parents and how it helped form your basic understanding of the world and your place in it.

Got it?

Now let us look at the main aspects in astrology in detail.

What are the main aspects in astrology?

Aspects in astrology are created by the mathematical angle between two different planets in a birth chart. And as you can probably tell from our topic, there are many aspects, but today we’re only going to look at the traditional major ones (also sometimes called Ptolemaic aspects.)

They include:

• Conjunction (0°)
• Sextile (60°)
• Square (90°)
• Trine (120°)
• Opposition (180°)

Each aspect has an energy that will represent either a narrow passage of the planets that inhibits expression of the planets or an open door for easy expression.

All main aspects in astrology are also measured by mathematical angles (as shown in the list above.) But we will skip the time-consuming geometry lesson for today and get to the main section of the post where I explain how we reference them in our daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes.

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1. Conjunction

When two of the planets in astrology are in conjunct, their energies merge and often create a third one. This represents the gift of new beginnings, energy, and the power to thrust forward.

If you notice a conjunction in horoscopes, you have to determine which planet has the upper hand (based on the house the conjunction is in) because it will be a packed source of energy that can generate tons of events and activities in our lives.

2. Sextile

The Sextile aspect is formed when two planets are at a 60° angle to each other, and it carries a very fortunate force of energy that will motivate us to take on new avenues in our lives and act on the new creative endeavors we’ve been avoiding.

3. Square

The square represents a crisis or blocks down the road. And this can be either internal (incapability to understand, work on, or release something) or external (getting forcefully crossed, challenged, stopped, blocked, or removed altogether.)

Now, when any of the things mentioned above happen to us, our first reaction is usually shock, sadness, anger, and incomprehension. But after some time, strength kicks in and we’re forced to face the problem and find a solution – which in turn results in personal growth.

Ensure you do not get stuck in the first “shock” phase and miss out on the “growth” phase.

4. Trine

Created by an angle of 120° between two planets, this aspect in astrology delivers a ton of positive energy, easiness, luck, gifts, and helps us complete tasks in our daily lives with minimal effort. There is a downside, though. This aspect can make us lazy, which can in turn result in missed opportunities.

5. Opposition

The opposition represents when the planets are across the zodiac wheel from each other.  It’s a hard and challenging aspect because the energies are at odds and you’ll feel like you’re getting pulled between two different needs.

Finding a middle ground or harmonic point that allows you to ring these two opposite energies won’t be easy either. But if you’re willing to do the work and stay aware of yourself, your needs, and your flaws, you can rest assured this phase will not be too erratic.

Of all the main aspects in astrology, the opposition will teach you about confrontation and partnership the most.