Astrology Aspects Explained: Conjunction, Trine, Square and More
Quick Answer
Aspects are the angles between planets in a birth chart, and they show how different parts of your personality interact. The five major aspects are the conjunction (0°, blending), sextile (60°, opportunity), square (90°, tension and action), trine (120°, ease and talent) and opposition (180°, balance and awareness). Each allows a margin called an orb, usually a few degrees, depending on the planets and aspect.
What aspects are in astrology, the five major aspects (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition), their angles and meanings, orbs, and how to read them in a birth chart.
A birth chart isn't just planets in signs and houses. The aspects, the angles between planets, show how those parts of you talk to each other. They're often what makes two people with the same Sun sign so different.
The Five Major Aspects
| Aspect | Angle | Keyword | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | 0° | Fusion | Planets blend and act together |
| Sextile | 60° | Opportunity | Easy cooperation, needs a little effort |
| Square | 90° | Tension | Friction that pushes action and growth |
| Trine | 120° | Flow | Natural talent and ease |
| Opposition | 180° | Polarity | Awareness through balance and relationship |
Conjunction (0°)
Two planets in the same place merge their energies. A Venus–Mars conjunction, for example, blends love and desire. Conjunctions are powerful, and their effect depends on which planets are involved.
Sextile (60°)
A friendly aspect of opportunity. The energies cooperate well, but you usually need to act to benefit.
Square (90°)
A challenging aspect. The planets want different things, creating inner tension that pushes you to act, adjust and grow.
Trine (120°)
The easiest aspect. Energies flow naturally, often showing talents. The risk is taking them for granted.
Opposition (180°)
Planets face each other across the chart. You may swing between two sides or project one onto other people. The goal is balance.
Soft vs Hard Aspects
- Soft: sextile and trine, which bring ease, talent and support.
- Hard: square and opposition, which bring tension, motivation and growth.
- Conjunction: depends on the planets involved.
Orbs
Aspects rarely form exact angles. The orb is the allowed margin. Many astrologers use around 6–8° for major aspects and wider orbs for the Sun and Moon. The tighter the orb, the stronger the aspect.
Minor Aspects
Astrologers also use minor aspects such as the semi-sextile (30°), semi-square (45°), sesquiquadrate (135°) and quincunx (150°). They're subtler but can matter in close orbs.
Aspects Beyond the Natal Chart
- Transits: current planets aspecting your natal planets show timing.
- Synastry: one person's planets aspecting another's show compatibility.
See Your Aspects
Your natal chart lists every aspect in your chart. To compare aspects between two people, use a compatibility report.
Key Takeaways
- Aspects measure angles between planets and points in a chart.
- Major aspects: conjunction 0°, sextile 60°, square 90°, trine 120°, opposition 180°.
- Soft aspects (sextile, trine) flow easily; hard aspects (square, opposition) create tension and growth.
- Orbs are the allowed margin, typically wider for the Sun and Moon.
- Aspects apply to natal charts, transits and synastry.
