Aspects in Astrology

1. Planetary Aspects: The Heart of Astrological Interpretation

Much of the art of astrological interpretation lies in the capacity of the astrologer to bring different symbols together and synthesise them.

Aspects as energy. Aspects are the angular relationships between planets, revealing the dynamic interplay of energies within a birth chart. They are the "drama" of the horoscope, transforming it from a static map into a vibrant representation of an individual's life. Aspects describe the raw material from which we build our lives, highlighting both conflict and joy.

Beyond descriptions. While planets, signs, and houses provide a foundation, aspects are what truly bring a chart to life. They describe the interactions between different parts of our psyche, revealing the complexes and patterns that shape our experiences. Aspects are not just about describing traits, but about understanding the energy that drives our actions and reactions.

Synthesis is key. Interpreting aspects requires the ability to synthesize different symbols, bringing together the meanings of planets, signs, and houses. This synthesis is the core of astrological interpretation, allowing us to understand the unique interplay of forces within each individual's chart.

2. The Sun: Identity, Will, and Purpose Illuminated

The Sun has a strong future orientation in as much as it describes where we are heading, as opposed to the Moon, which has a lot to say about where we are coming from.

Core of the self. The Sun represents our core identity, our sense of self, and what we consider important. It's the "heart" of the person, the nucleus of the atom, and a strong integrating factor in the overall map. It illuminates and warms whatever it touches in our charts, giving it power and strength.

Ego and self-image. The Sun contributes to our ego, the person we think we are, and the person we identify with. Aspects to the Sun affect how we see ourselves, whether we have a good or poor self-image. It also influences how we express our Sun sign characteristics, either exaggerating or inhibiting them.

Will and purpose. The Sun describes our will, purpose, and future goals. It's where we say, "Here I am, here I want to be a force to be reckoned with." Aspects to the Sun reveal what impedes or helps us in fulfilling our purpose and expressing our unique individuality.

3. The Moon: Feelings, Reactions, and the Nurturing Self

The Moon represents our urge to nurture and be nurtured, our urge to care for, cosset and protect.

Emotional background. The Moon represents our feelings, reactions, and responses. It describes our emotional background, roots, and heritage. It also reveals how we react to stimuli, often unconsciously and automatically, based on our early childhood experiences.

Nurturing and safety. The Moon signifies our urge to nurture and be nurtured, our need for care, comfort, and protection. Aspects to the Moon show how easily we can nurture others and find sanctuary for ourselves. It also describes our domestic preferences and how we accommodate others.

Mother and early care. The Moon is a major significator of the mother and our early caretaking experiences. It describes how we felt as a child, especially whether we felt safe. It influences how we protect and care for others and the ease or difficulty with which we are able to do so.

4. Mercury, Venus, and Mars: Communication, Connection, and Action

Mercury connects different parts of the chart to each other and acts as a kind of agent.

Mercury: The rational mind. Mercury represents thought, speech, writing, and communication. It describes how we communicate who we are on a verbal level, connecting different parts of the chart and raising consciousness. Aspects to Mercury show what supports or hinders our learning and communication.

Venus: Love and harmony. Venus symbolizes our urge to cooperate, share, and harmonize with others. It describes our desire to give and receive love, our social interactions, and how we attract others. Aspects to Venus reveal our relating problems and how we seek to make ourselves and others happy.

Mars: Assertion and survival. Mars represents our survival instincts, courage, and assertion. It describes our drive to compete, take action, and defend ourselves. Aspects to Mars show how we handle conflict, express anger, and pursue our desires.

5. Jupiter and Saturn: Expansion, Wisdom, and the Lessons of Time

In some ways Jupiter aspects are the easiest to interpret, for one of Jupiter’s most reliable major characteristics is its tendency to expand whatever it touches.

Jupiter: Expansion and meaning. Jupiter represents expansion, wisdom, and the search for meaning. It urges us to look beyond the immediate and see a deeper purpose. Aspects to Jupiter show where we seek to grow, find meaning, and express our beliefs. It also describes our faith, confidence, and optimism.

Saturn: Fear and control. Saturn represents fear, control, and denial. It describes our responsibilities, duties, and the lessons we learn the hard way. Aspects to Saturn reveal our fears, limitations, and the areas where we feel awkward and hampered. It also describes our relationship with authority and discipline.

Balancing act. Jupiter and Saturn represent a polarity between expansion and contraction, faith and fear, and freedom and responsibility. Understanding the interplay of these planets is crucial for navigating life's challenges and finding a balance between growth and structure.

6. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto: Revolution, Transcendence, and Transformation

The purpose behind the Uranian impulse for drastic action is often concerned with awakening and liberating.

Uranus: Liberation and change. Uranus represents the urge to break free, rebel, and shock. It symbolizes sudden awakenings, radical change, and the pursuit of freedom. Aspects to Uranus show where we seek independence, challenge the status quo, and experience sudden shifts in our lives.

Neptune: Transcendence and illusion. Neptune represents our urge to transcend reality, escape the mundane, and connect with the spiritual. It symbolizes dreams, fantasies, and ideals. Aspects to Neptune reveal our capacity for imagination, deception, and sacrifice.

Pluto: Transformation and power. Pluto represents death, transformation, and rebirth. It symbolizes taboo, obsession, and crisis. Aspects to Pluto show where we experience intense change, confront our shadow, and grapple with issues of power and control.

7. Aspects: The Language of Planetary Relationships

The nearer to exactitude that the conjunction is, the more potent will be its influence.

Conjunction: Unity and merging. The conjunction represents a merging of energies, where two planets act together as one. It signifies a strong focus and concentration of energy, but can also create a blind spot where the individual struggles to differentiate between the two planets.

Opposition: Polarity and awareness. The opposition represents a polarity, where two planets are in conflict but also complementary. It signifies a need for balance and integration, often manifesting in relationships. It fosters awareness and brings issues to our attention.

Trine: Ease and flow. The trine represents ease and harmony, where two planets work together effortlessly. It signifies innate talents, enjoyment, and motivation. However, it can also lead to complacency and a lack of challenge.

Square: Tension and growth. The square represents tension and conflict, where two planets work at cross-purposes. It signifies challenges, obstacles, and the need for action. It is a catalyst for growth and transformation.

Other aspects. The sextile represents opportunity and cooperation, the quintile represents style and creativity, and the semi-square and sesquiquadrate represent tension and release. The quincunx represents adjustment and the semi-sextile represents connection.

8. The Angles: Personalizing the Astrological Map

The Ascendant and its ruler seem to describe our journey in life, the vehicle we are travelling in and the way we have to go.

Ascendant: The persona. The Ascendant represents our approach to the world, our persona, and how we present ourselves to others. It describes our initial reactions, our physical appearance, and the way we begin our journey in life. It is the lens through which we view the world and through which the world views us.

Descendant: Relationship and the not-self. The Descendant represents our relationships, partnerships, and how we react to others. It describes the qualities we seek in others and the lessons we learn through interaction. It is the mirror to the Ascendant, showing us what we are not.

Midheaven: Public life and aspirations. The Midheaven represents our public life, career, and aspirations. It describes our goals, ambitions, and the legacy we seek to leave behind. It is the highest point in the chart, representing our potential for achievement.

Imum Coeli: Roots and heritage. The Imum Coeli represents our roots, heritage, and emotional foundation. It describes our home, family, and the place we retreat to for safety and security. It is the lowest point in the chart, representing our past and our inner world.

9. Elements, Modes, and Signs: The Context of Aspects

Aspects become much easier to spot when the elements and modes have become second nature.

Cardinal signs: Action and initiation. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are associated with action, initiation, and the desire to get things started. They are dynamic and forward-moving, but can also be impulsive and impatient.

Fixed signs: Stability and persistence. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) are associated with stability, persistence, and the desire to maintain the status quo. They are reliable and determined, but can also be stubborn and resistant to change.

Mutable signs: Adaptability and change. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) are associated with adaptability, flexibility, and the desire for change. They are versatile and open-minded, but can also be indecisive and scattered.

Elemental trines: Flow and harmony. Trines within the same element (fire, earth, air, water) represent ease, flow, and natural talents. They signify areas where we feel comfortable and supported, but can also lead to complacency.

Elemental squares: Tension and challenge. Squares between different elements represent tension, conflict, and the need for integration. They signify areas where we face challenges and must work to reconcile opposing forces.

10. Interpreting Aspects in Practice: A Synthesis of Energies

The best way of interpreting an aspect, or indeed any other piece of astrological information, must be to work it out creatively for oneself, through long and careful deliberation.

Beyond keywords. While keywords can be helpful, true interpretation requires a creative synthesis of different symbols. It's about understanding the underlying energies and how they interact, not just memorizing definitions.

Weighting and orbs. Not all aspects are created equal. Angular planets, exact aspects, and aspects involving the Sun, Moon, or Ascendant are generally more significant. Orbs, the allowable range of degrees for an aspect, should be considered, with tighter orbs indicating stronger influences.

Planetary protocol and applying/separating aspects. The relative strength of planets and whether an aspect is applying (becoming exact) or separating (moving away from exactitude) can also influence interpretation. Applying aspects are often considered stronger and more future-oriented.

Aspects in declination. Aspects in declination, measured north or south of the celestial equator, can also provide valuable insights. Parallels are similar to conjunctions, and contra-parallels are similar to oppositions.

Last updated: January 27, 2025