Aspects in Astrology

Astrological aspects are the angular relationships between planets, measured in degrees. Think of them as the “conversations” happening between different parts of your personality. While signs tell us how a planet expresses itself and houses tell us where, aspects tell us how well the planets get along, or don’t.

Whether you’re brand-new to astrology or looking to decode your own birth chart, here you will learn the major and minor aspects, what they mean, and how to start interpreting them like a pro.

What Are Astrological Aspects?

In astrology, an aspect occurs when two planets are a specific number of degrees apart from each other on the birth chart wheel. These geometric angles reveal whether the planetary energies are flowing easily, creating tension, or something in between in the birth chart.

There are major aspects, which are the most influential and widely used in chart interpretations, and minor aspects, which are more subtle but still insightful. Every aspect represents a kind of dynamic between your inner drives, talents, and conflicts.

The 5 Major Aspects in Astrology

Conjunction (☌) — Merged Power

The conjunction occurs when two planets are side-by-side, usually within 0–10° of each other.

This aspect represents intensified energy, where the two planetary forces merge and combine into one powerful expression.

Depending on the planets, this can create synergy or overwhelming intensity. When Sun–Mercury form a conjunction, for example, suggests sharp thinking and self-expression. Conjunctions mark major focus points in your personality or life path.

Sextile (⚹) — Easy Opportunities

The sextile aspect creates a supportive 60° link between two planets.

It represents potential, opportunity, and natural cooperation between different energies. Sextiles are often “untapped gifts”—they operate smoothly in the background and can be strengthened through conscious effort.

Someone with a Venus–Mars sextile might find it easy to balance love and passion. This aspect brings lightness and encouraging flow, especially in creative or social areas.

Square (□) — Dynamic Tension

A square occurs when planets are 90° apart, creating internal tension and challenge.

This aspect creates tension and often represents areas of stress or friction, but also motivation and drive. Squares push you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to take action, learn lessons, and grow.

A Moon–Saturn square, for example, might show emotional insecurity that develops into resilience over time. Squares are where your greatest struggles and growth live.

Trine (△) — Natural Flow

The trine is a soft, harmonious 120° aspect that shows natural flow and talent.

Planets in a trine work together effortlessly, creating gifts that often feel easy or innate. While trines don’t demand effort like squares, they offer creative brilliance, emotional ease, or intellectual talent.

A Jupiter–Moon trine, for example, may create emotional optimism and generosity. Trines are considered fortunate but should still be actively developed to avoid complacency.

Opposition (☍) — Push-Pull Energy

An opposition is when two planets are directly across from each other, 180° apart.

This aspect creates tension through contrast, often showing up as external conflict or relationship dynamics. However, oppositions reflect an inner split—one part of you may contradict or resist the other.

A Mars–Venus opposition, for example, may create a love–desire tension that plays out in partnerships. Learning to balance and integrate oppositions can lead to deep self-awareness and growth.

Minor Aspects (For Intermediate Learners)

Once you’re familiar with the major aspects, you can explore minor aspects that add subtlety to your chart.

Quincunx (⚻ or 150°)

A strange, awkward angle that requires constant adjustment. It can feel like two planets don’t understand each other at all, but can grow through compromise.

Semi-square (45°)

These create irritation or mild tension, like background static that needs awareness and fine-tuning.

Semi-sextile (30°)

A soft, subtle link between neighboring signs that offers small but noticeable cooperation.

Sesquiquadrate (135°)

These create irritation or mild tension, like background static that needs awareness and fine-tuning.

How to Read Aspects in Your Chart

To explore your aspects, you need your birth chart with accurate time and location. Look inside the circular chart: the colored lines in the middle show aspects between planets. Most software or websites (like astro.com or astro-seek.com) will also give you an aspect table, which lists each relationship, angle, and aspect type.

Start by exploring aspects between personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars), they’re easiest to feel and spot in daily life.

Pro Tips for Beginners:

Minor aspects add nuance but aren’t essential for beginners.

Conjunctions (☌) amplify power—what planets are fused in your chart?

Squares (□) and oppositions (☍) are growth zones—don’t fear them!

Trines (△) and sextiles (⚹) show where things come naturally to you.