One of the foundational components of astrology is that of planetary aspects. They are the relationship that binds planets and zodiac signs. They dictate how planets and zodiac signs interact, and the dynamics that exist between them. They tell us whether that relationship between those planets (and therefore the parts of our lives they symbolize) will be one filled with harmony, or whether they will be difficult. It is through those aspects where you will slowly develop a story about a chart - they give incredibly deep and insightful information that may be missed if you simply look at your sun sign’s horoscope.

What are Astrology Aspects?

What defines a planetary aspect in astrology is the degrees of separation they have with each other - from our view on earth. In astrology, when you look at a natal chart, the point at the center is represented by earth (since astrology works from our point of view as humans), and the 12 sectors that surround it, each corresponding to one zodiac sign, represents the celestial band.

When you draw a line from a planet to the center, and draw another line from another planet to the center, the angle that those angles form define the aspect. Different angles have different meanings on how those planets interact.

For example, the chart in this article's image shows a sextile planetary aspect (60 degrees).

What Are Astrology Orbs?

You may be saying that it seems it’d be incredibly rare to find aspects when the requirements seem so exact. But - they don’t need to be exact! Planetary aspects have a margin of error - a range of degrees in which they still produce that relationship. This is known as an orb.

If an aspect, for example a sextile, 60 degree aspect, has a 6 degree orb, that means that if the angle is 54 degrees through 66 degrees, those planets still are under that aspect.

However, the larger the deviation from the aspect, the weaker the bond between the planets are.

Each planetary aspect has different amounts of orb that are allowed before the effects of the aspect disappear. For example, major planetary aspects all tend to have an orb of around 5-6 degrees, depending on each astrologer’s preference. Minor aspects tend to be weaker in general, so their allowable orb is usually less, around 2-3.

Astrology Aspect Meaning List

The following list details the meanings of each planetary aspect, and what the dynamics are within them. Use these as starting points to interpret your natal charts - and as you develop your knowledge, you can start getting a better sense of the deeper connections beyond what is written here.

Major Planetary Aspects in Astrology

Planet Conjunction Meaning - Planetary Aspects in Astrology

• Degrees: 0
• Orb: 6
• Keywords: unity, focus, intensity
• Signs apart: 0
• Dynamic Planetary Aspect - Creates action
• Same sign, modality, polarity and element
• Harmonious and disharmonious

Planets in conjunction work together, and intensify each other. Together, their energies are focused and blended together. This can either be a positive or negative aspect - and you’ll have to look at the planets to understand the energy. If the planets are compatible with each other, there can be great potential here. Otherwise, if they are conflicting - like Saturn and Neptune, the aspect can create disharmony.

Planet Sextile Meaning - Planetary Aspects in Astrology

• Degrees: 60
• Orb: 6
• Signs apart: 2
• Keywords: relaxed, supportive, simple, comfortable
• Passive Planetary Aspect - Does not create action
• Same polarity, different element
• Harmonious

Planets that have a sextile planetary aspect have a relationship that allows concepts and ideas to flow easily between them. The energies within the planets tend to collaborate and work well together. While positive, this aspect doesn’t push the individual towards any action - but also doesn’t create any disruptions.

Planet Square Meaning - Planetary Aspects in Astrology

• Degrees: 90
• Orb: 6
• Keywords: struggle, confusion, growth, strength
• Signs apart: 3
• Dynamic Planetary Aspect - Creates action
• Same modality, different polarity
• Disharmonious

The square planetary aspect creates restrictions and obstacles. Because of the conflicts present, the planets push each other to integrate and thus grow. This can be difficult, leading to frustration and annoyance during the process. There are many changes that need to be made, but the end result helps the individual develop.

Planet Trine Meaning - Planetary Aspects in Astrology

• Degrees: 120
• Orb: 6
• Keywords: lazy, talented, power, natural
• Signs apart: 4
• Passive Planetary Aspect - Does not create action
• Same element
• Harmonious

The trine planetary aspect is considered one of the most lucky. Energy flows between planets seamlessly - meaning that sometimes this aspect can be associated with laziness. Opportunities and talents seem to be plenty - meaning sometimes they are taken for granted and even ignored.

Planet Opposition Meaning - Planetary Aspects in Astrology

• Degrees: 180
• Orb: 6
• Keywords: conflict, motivation, challenging
• Signs apart: 6
• Dynamic Planetary Aspect - Creates action
• Same modality, same polarity
• Disharmonious

Planets with the opposition planetary aspect have deep tension. This manifests in the individual as a kind of duality - where one side of them must cooperate and give something up or else break.  The energies of the planets in these aspects can end up being some of the core experiences of life. It can lead to frustration when not integrated, but through hard work, a balance of opposite feelings can be earned.

Major Planetary Aspect Meanings List - Infographics