An important part of astrology is understanding how the planets interact. The planets form various angular relationships to each other which are called aspects. Imagine an aspect as the blending of the rays of two planets.
The sextile,
, 60°, is a favorable aspect, the planets usually being in congenial signs of compatible elements. This aspect can allow the influences of the planets to work in harmony. However, the sextile only brings opportunity. These opportunities must be acted upon to be of use.
The square,
, 90°, is traditionally regarded as unfavorable. It represents the struggle of two forces at cross-purposes. The square brings stress and denotes obstacles which can inspire growth through concentrated effort.
The trine,
, 120°, is the most harmonious aspect. In most cases, it joins planets in congenial signs of the same element. These energies combine with ease. The drawback is the lack of challenge -- getting benefits without effort.
The opposition,
, 180°, (or
, the Lunar Eclipse), when planets are exactly opposite each other in the zodiac, causes stress and awareness. This polarity, though tense, does not have to be discordant as these opposites are complementary.
The conjunction,
, (or
, for a Solar Eclipse or Lunar occultation), is when two planets are in the same degree of longitude (or within orb). It gives great strength to the energies of the interacting planets. This aspect can be either harmonious or discordant depending upon the nature of the planets involved. Conjunctions with Mars or Saturn, and sometimes with Uranus or Neptune, can be difficult, especially conjunctions between these planets. More can be determined about the nature of a particular conjunction by comparing the nature of the sign in which it occurs to the natures of the planets involved. A planet strongly compatible to the sign of conjunction can dominate the energies of the other planet.
Orbs
Aspects given in the calendar are listed at their exact times. This is when they are strongest but the influences are present before and after the aspect is exact. This aura of influence is called the orb. When two planets are in aspect, the faster moving planet is said to be aspecting the other. The inner planets generally move faster than the outer planets.Applying or Separating
Aspect must also be examined as to whether they are applying or separating. When two planets are coming together, the aspect is said to be applying. Separating occurs when the faster planet is pulling away from the aspect to the slower planet. The orb for the aspect is larger when it is applying than separating. The energies of two planets in the process of coming together into exact aspect interact more powerfully than wen they are moving apart. For example, a conjunction is zero degrees, but the influences of the two planets would begin to interact when they come as close as, say, ten degrees. They would be out of orb when the faster planet has moved six or so degrees beyond the slower.It is a matter of personal opinion and experience in deciding whether or not two planets can be considered with the orb of a specific aspect. The intensity of an aspect is open to interpretation.
Reading Aspects
, reads "Venus conjunct Mars". This aspect depends a lot on the sign of the conjunction. For example, if the conjunction. For example, if the conjunction were in Taurus or Libra, Venus would dominate. In Aries or Scorpio, the Mars nature would be stronger. Without regard to sign, we can integrate the concepts of:
Venus: love, beauty, receptivity.
Conjunction: blending, strength.
Mars: outgoing, sexual, energeticAnd so, appreciation (Venus) of love, sex and all expressions of beauty are enhanced and active, as can be seen in the numerous people with exceptional artistic talent who have the aspect in their natal chart.
To delineate an aspect consider the meaning of the aspect, the natures and combined meanings of the planets, and the strength of the planets by virtue of their signs. Most daily aspects are lunar, since the Moon is the fastest moving planet (astrologers refer to the Sun and Moon as planets). The following is a guide to the lunar aspects. Greater understanding comes with knowing the planetary strengths and natures involved by the sign each is in.
Aspects of the Moon
In a lunar aspect the Moon, a receptive planet, receives and reflects the influences of the other planet which affects the way we react to life. Areas ruled by the other planet will be subject to fluctuations and change. For example, conjunctions with the Moon give intense feelings and strong emotional influences in affairs which are ruled by he aspected planet.Sextiles with the Moon give opportunities for emotional and domestic growth and general development in the areas affected by the aspected planet.
A trine with the Moon is a time of creative imagination. Responses, arising from the unconscious, come easily and creatively. People are sensitive to the moods of others which aids communication and recognition of their needs.
Squares to the Moon bring emotional blocks, frustrations and misinterpretation of what others want or need.
Oppositions to the Moon stimulate difficulties in relationships as we tend to project emotional problems onto others. It is a time to try to be emotionally detached in affairs ruled by the aspected planet and it sign and to see things objectively as a play of impersonal cosmic energies.
Moon To Mercury Aspects
Moon conjunct Mercury: Intellect and feelings are working together. Mentality is active, alert and sensitive. Our nervous systems are highly tuned and very responsive. People are intellectually attuned to intuitions and emotions. People are talkative.
Moon sextile or trine Mercury: communication and conversation are easy with the positive connection of mind and emotions. Practical mental abilities and good common sense mentality are highlighted. It is a good time to conduct business which utilizes communications media or to engage in writing of any sort.
Moon square or opposite Mercury: Minds are acute but restless and excitable. Nervous systems function poorly. The unconscious mind will interfere with the conscious reasoning process. Preoccupation with the past can interfere with one's objectivity and open-mindedness. Concern with trivialities and emotional whims might block meaningful mental pursuits. Incessant talking can drain everyone's energy. This is a very poor time for communications with the public. Nervous energy can cause digestive difficulties.
Moon To Venus Aspects
Moon conjunct Venus: there is a good balanced outlook on life and a love of beauty. The emotional response to beauty and harmony heightens artistic abilities. Sensitivity and affections are strong as subconscious sensuality seeks emotional satisfaction. This is a good time for romance or for any social gathering. Have a party!
Moon sextile or trine Venus: Generally similar to the conjunction, but more pronounced. Personalities mellow. Depositions are pleasant. There is an increased interest in the arts.
Moon square or opposite Venus: There is an inability to express emotions and affections. There might be unhappiness and disappointments in emotional relationships. People become moody and overly sensitive.There are material and domestic difficulties. This is not recommended as a time for organizing social events.
Moon To Mars Aspects
Moon conjunct Mars: Brings moodiness, aggressiveness, impulsive actions. Feelings are strong and outbursts of anger are likely. People seem opinionated. People are also likely to be feeling courageous.
Moon sextile or trine Mars: These aspects bring good emotional and physical health, a lot of energy and emotional force. There are opportunities for material enterprises or for home improvements.
Moon square or opposite Mars: A time of more delicate health and strong, volatile emotions. It is easy to be quarrelsome, get upset and lose tempers. People are irritable, impulsive and self-indulgent.
Moon To Jupiter Aspects
Moon conjunct Jupiter: People are sympathetic and generous. There is concern with the social welfare. This conjunction brings good health and optimism. People might feel an inner need for change.
Moon sextile or trine Jupiter: Brings pleasant temperaments and kind dispositions. Domestic peace and happiness become important. It is a good time for business.
Moon square or opposite Jupiter: Financial judgement is not good. Tendencies are to extravagance, foolish generosity and laziness. Overeating is likely. Spiritual doubts may arise.
Moon To Saturn Aspects
Moon conjunct Saturn: Opportunity for hard work. Duty and orderliness becomes important. People are included to be critical and stringy. People are timid, cautious and possibly feeling inadequate. Depression is very possible.
Moon sextile or trine Saturn: Benefits come through the willful acceptance of duty. There can be gains by keeping things practical and orderly. Physical comforts seem of little importance.
Moon Square or opposite Saturn: There is a lack of emotional flexibility or optimism. depression. Judgmental attitudes may block abilities to respond to others in an appropriate way. Life is just hard.
Moon To Uranus Aspects
Moon conjunct Uranus: Be ready for sudden changes of mood and impulsive,unexpected actions. There might be high emotional tension. We might also feel the freedom-seeking urge.
Moon sextile or trine Uranus: Ambition and intuition are strong. Feelings of independence and self-reliance being to surface. There is much energy in the air. This aspect gives rise to an inventive, original, spontaneous imagination. Psychic abilities become highly tuned if you can get on the right channel. Changeable moods help break through inhibiting patters, bringing the opportunities to evolve 00 to begin new ways. New friends are often found when this aspect occurs.
Moon square or opposite Uranus: Disruptions. Obsessions with the unusual and unconventional. Independence is so prominent that communicative contact with others is difficult. People are restless, irritable and stubborn. We might be prone to accidents.
Moon To Neptune Aspects
Moon conjunct Neptune: This is a time of warm kindness, sympathy and understanding. Emotions and psychic inclinations are strong and feelings are vulnerable. It can be easy to drift into a dream world as Neptune makes us very impressionable. Check out the sign this aspect is in and how it relates to your natal chart.
Moon sextile or trine Neptune: sensitivity opens the unconsciousness. Imagination is strong and inspirational
Moon square or opposite Neptune: We can easily deceive ourselves. Emotional relationships can be difficult and escapist tendencies are prominent.
Moon To Pluton Aspects
Moon conjunct Pluto: Moods and impulsiveness might pull us toward new foundations for our emotions.
Moon sextile or trine Pluto: Strong emotional outbursts may become disruptive but for the better.
Moon square or opposite Pluto: People are uneasy. Emotions are stifled. Jealousy is likely. Secrets are revealed.
Sun and Moon Aspects
Moon conjunct Sun (New Moon): We feel more harmony, vitality, determination and are inclined to instinctual activity.
Moon sextile or trine Sun: Feelings and thinking can be easily aligned. Inner conflicts float away. Ambition ebbs as the feeling of being contented rides high. Harmony is everywhere. We can "let it be."
Moon square Sun (First or Last Quarter): Tensions and conflicts erupt between desires and emotions as we struggle for fulfillment.
Moon opposite Sun (Full Moon): Our emotions, self-confidence and energy can go to extreme highs or lows as we crest on the waves of the preceding New Moon and perspectives we have or haven't developed through the first tow lunar phases.