The Aspects

In astrology, the angle between any pair of planets on your horoscope has symbolic significance. These angles, measured in degrees, are called planetary aspects, or simply aspects. Aspects represent the tension or harmony in the areas of your life ruled by the two planets that compose the aspect. Though any relationship between two planets can be expressed as an aspect, only aspects of a certain degree are considered of great significance in astrology. These aspects, called major aspects, include the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.

The sample horoscope shown here includes two types of major aspects:

To understand how aspects can convey meaning, consider the square aspects in this example. Astrologers might interpret that a person with this horoscope has trouble thinking abstractly (Neptune) about death (Pluto) and that he has problems making his relationships (Venus) work within expected social norms (Jupiter).