Aspects in Astrology

[my_starz]

This will be the final 'background' piece on the components of a detailed natal chart. Unlike the earlier posts, I'm not even going to try and provide you with the number of variations this step will add to the mix -- in all honesty, I'm not even sure I know *how* to calculate the possible combinations and permutations that this essay will introduce!

And for the grammarians among you, that is the correct preposition in the title: this is not "Aspects of Astrology", but indeed a presentation on what are known as planetary aspects in the study of astrology. 'Planetary aspects' is a term that covers the angular relationships between the luminaries (sun, moon, and planets) in a chart; the most relevant are named as follows:

• Conjunctions - 0 degrees separation
• Sextiles - 60 degrees separation
• Squares - 90 degrees separation
• Trines - 120 degrees separation
• Oppositions - 180 degrees separation

Of these aspects, conjunctions, trines, and sextiles are most often complementary; squares and oppostions usually tend to represent difficulties or challenges -- although that can vary dramatically in the case of some specific parings. Also note that most astrologers will allow some variance in defining the aspects, typically ranging from +/- 5 to +/- 10 degrees, identifying these variances as "orbits": thus, with a 5 degree orbit, any angle between 85 and 95 degrees would be interpreted as a square; with a 10 degree orbit, 110 - 130 degrees would constitute a trine.

Just in case it isn't obvious, not every placement within a chart will necessarily form a significant aspect. It is also possible for aspects to stack -- a 3-way or more-way conjunction, or 2 (or more) conjunct bodies forming meaningful aspects with (possibly several) others. The more aspects present in a chart, the more detail will be available for interpretation, any and all of which will help fine-tune a reading beyond the scope of sun sign, planetary placement, and the astrological houses, each of which will be present to the same degree in every chart.

There are, of course, many more details to chart construction and interpretation than I have presented in these short essays: I haven't touched on the concept of planetary rulers, and barely alluded to degree positions of the luminaries within the signs, as examples. But I hope I've presented enough to give you a sense of the amazing detail a natal chart contains, and how that detail presents something far more unique than the simple "He's a Capricorn, she's a Cancer" version of astrology that most folks are familiar with.

When I come back again, I'll be starting a set on personal experiences -- what course my investigations of astrology took, and what experiences I had that led me to an acceptance of astrology as something far more meaningful and accurate than any 'Daily Horoscope' would have ever caused me to suspect.

BTW: it occurs to me to mention that some writers on this topic use the term "luminaries" to mean only the sun and moon, distinguishing those from the planets. I prefer, and will continue to use the word to mean all celestial bodies that have relevant placement within the framework of the zodiac on a natal chart.

See you again soon; keep those comments coming!

Comments

Yes...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I like aspects for the geometry. They just pop right out once the lines are drawn on the chart.

I'm particularly intrigued with patterns of aspects. There are, oh, half a dozen or so different ways that the luminaries can spread in a chart. Some are quite evenly distributed. There's a "bowtie" version with two dense clusters on opposite sides, creating a lot of oppositions. There's a "bucket" with a lot of luminaries in an arc, then one or two opposite that, so you get opposition plus trines. It might be fun to compare the different patterns some time.

[rix_scaedu]

I hope this isn't inappropriate levity but my reaction to the second paragraph was"

"Today's essay on aspects of astrology is titled 'Aspects in Astrology.' "

LOL

[my_starz]

As far as I'm concerned, a little levity in never inappropriate (at least in this setting). Thanks for sharing!