Aspects are how the planets interact
with each other and how they resonate. you can think of the
aspects in the chart as the internal wiring between the planets.
Aspects have two different factors that influence how they
work. The first is the "whole sign" relationship
(that is, how well do the two signs in question work with
each other). The second is the harmonic vibration, which has
to do with how close the two planets are to being in a specific
relationship to each other that corresponds to the division
of the 360 degree circle by a whole number.
There are two classifications of Aspects: "Major"
and "Minor." The "Major" aspects (Conjunction,
Opposition, Trine, Square, and Sextile) all share both strong
harmonic and sign relationships. The Quincunx has only recently
been "upgraded" to a major aspect. More than anything,
what makes a "Major" aspect "Major" is
how strong and noticeable it's ultimate effects are. The "Minor"
aspects involve less obvious divisions of the chart, or harmonics
that operate on other levels than the physical.
The
Major Aspects
The Conjunction is a 1st harmonic aspect - the
division of the circle by 1. Two planets are conjunct if they
occupy the same position in the chart by sign and degree.
When two planets are conjunct, they tend to blend their energies
and always act together. Conjunctions are extremely important
aspects, and the closer the conjunction is, the more important
the aspect will be to the individual. Conjunctions also represent
the beginning of a new cycle involving the two planets.
The Opposition is a 2nd harmonic aspect - the
division of the circle by 2, resulting in a 180 degree aspect.
Planets in opposition are directly across the chart from each
other, and therefore can "see" each other very clearly.
Oppositions are always about learning how to balance the energy
and expression of the planets and signs involved. Sometimes
when two planets are in opposition, it can feel like only
one can be 'used' at a time; if one is "on" the
other must then be "off". The key with oppositions
is learning how to integrate the two planets so that they
can both function at the same time.
The Trine is a 3rd harmonic aspect - the division
of the circle by 3, resulting in a 120 degree aspect. The
3rd harmonic is very creative, although it represents more
creative potential than it does creative expression. Planets
in Trine are usually in the same element (Fire, Earth, Air
or Water), and this represents a very harmonious flow of energy
between the two planets. Trines represent inborn talents and
gifts. However, Trines are notoriously lazy and require a
conscious effort to make use of their gifts.
The Square is a 4th harmonic aspect - the division
of the circle by 4, resulting in a 90 degree aspect. The 4th
harmonic is where things first begin to manifest on the material
plane. Planets that are square each other are usually in the
same Modality (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable) and squares can
feel as if the planets are working at cross-purposes to each
other. Squares create tension and conflict, and are generally
uncomfortable. However, squares are also how we achieve things,
and get things done.
The Sextile is a 6th harmonic aspect - the division
of the circle by 6, resulting in a 60 degree aspect. The sixth
harmonic is considered to be one of balance, harmony and rest.
Planets that are Sextile each other are usually in the same
polarity, but different elements (i.e. Earth and Water (both
feminine) or Fire and Air (both masculine)). Sextiles represent
an opportunity for the two planets to work with each other
in a flowing and harmonious way; however, unlike Trines where
the flow is always there, Sextiles must be activated to take
advantage of them. Sextiles truly represent opportunities.
The Quincunx is actually a 12th harmonic aspect
- it is 5/12 of the circle, or a 150 degree aspect. Signs
that are Quincunx each other have nothing traditional in common
- they share nothing by polarity, element or modality (although
some of the signs connect in other, less obvious ways). When
planets are Quincunx each other, they can often feel like
an opposition in that there should be a way to balance
them, and we may try to. However, there isn't a way of balancing
these planets, and Quincunxes generally require some sort
of adjustment.
The
Minor Aspects
The Semi-Square is an 8th Harmonic Aspect
- the division of the circle by 8, resulting in a 45 degree
aspect (or half of a square). The 8th harmonic, like the 4th
harmonic is also action oriented, and operates on the material
plane. However, because of the 2nd harmonic aspect (2 x 4th
harmonic), the 8th harmonic also introduces an element of
balance and rest. Semi-Squares occur in signs that share a
common polarity (masculine (Fire and Air) or feminine (Earth
and Water)), and therefore there is the potential for
harmony between them. This is still a "hard" aspect
in that it can be uncomfortable and force us to take some
action in order to resolve the discomfort; however, Semi-Squares
can be resolved more quickly than squares because of the ability
to find that point of balance.
The Sesquiquadrate is also an 8th Harmonic Aspect
- it is 3/8 of the circle or 135 degrees. Sesquiquadrates
tend to be slightly less action-oriented than the Semi-Squares.
They still represent a feeling of tension, and a need for
a release, of course. However, planets that are Sesquiquadrate
each other, are usually 5 signs apart, and are therefore in
signs that are Quincunx each other and have nothing in common.
Sesquiquadrates are often best handled through humor - often
being able to joke about the associated situations can release
the tension.
The Semi-Sextile is a 12th harmonic aspect -
it is 1/12 of the circle or 30 degrees. Planets that are Semi-Sextile
to each other are in signs that are adjacent to each other.
Like the Quincunx, the Semi-Sextile signs have nothing in
common by either polarity, modality or element. However, unlike
the Quincunx the Semi-Sextile is usually an easier aspect
to work with because each sign naturally evolves to the next
sign. The Semi-Sextile is usually considered to be a weakly
harmonious influence, one that requires even more effort to
activate and take advantage of than the Sextile.
The Quintile is a 5th harmonic aspect - it is
1/5 of the circle or 72 degrees. The Quintile is not an easy
aspect to see directly, and this is one of the reasons that
it is not often used by many astrologers. The 5th harmonic
relates to creativity in action, and tends to operate on the
mental plane rather than the physical plane. Quintiles have
been linked to great creativity, and, being a 5th harmonic,
also to a need for freedom and change.
The Septile is a 7th harmonic aspect - it is
1/7 of the circle, and the first harmonic that does not evenly
divide the circle. Septiles are 51 1/2 degree aspects, and
are extremely difficult to see in the chart without the aid
of a computer program or an aspect dial. The 7th harmonic
has been associated with matters of fate and karma, and also
with spirituality and our connections to our higher self.
In numerology, the number 7 is the first number that we can
not grasp by just looking at it (we can tell how many objects
there are up to six without having to count or break them
down into smaller groups). The number 7 is just beyond our
ability to comprehend. Personally, I feel that Septiles relate
more to our spiritual lessons than anything else, and that
they require a conscious effort in order to experience or
work with them.
The Novile is a 9th harmonic aspect - it is
1/9 of the circle, or 40 degrees. In numerology, the number
9 relates to the end of a cycle; there is an element of completion
and perfection here, as well as an element of being tested
before being allowed to move on to the next cycle. Noviles
(also called Noniles) have been linked with perfection and
completion, and they have also been linked (somewhat less
appropriately, I feel) with imprisonment and difficulty. Again,
I feel that Noviles tend to operate on a more spiritual level
than on a mundane level, and that they do indicate that we
will be tested on our skills in working with the two planets
involved; they also indicate that we have reached a point
with these two planets where we have adequate resources and
experience to pass the test - all we need to is integrate
this and let ourselves be guided by spirit. In Jyotish (Vedic)
astrology, the 9th harmonic chart is the chart of Marriage.
