The Aspects

An aspect is a geometric relationship between two planets — measured in degrees of arc along the wheel. When two planets fall a particular distance apart, they become aware of one another. Their voices start to speak together, harmoniously or in tension or both. The five major aspects form the foundation of any reading: Conjunction (0°) — two planets together; their voices merge. Opposition (180°) — two planets facing one another; tension that asks for balance. Trine (120°) — flowing, easy, gifts that move freely. Square (90°) — friction; the engine of growth, the place where work is required. Sextile (60°) — opportunity; an open door that will open further if you walk through it. A minor aspect — the quincunx (150°), among others — adds nuance for finer readings. Aspects are not exact in nature; we allow a small range, called the orb, within which the relationship is considered active. Aurathea uses orbs calibrated to the planets and the surface: tighter for the personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) and slightly looser for the social and outer planets. The conjunctions and oppositions, squares and trines a chart contains are where the inner drama lives. The planets sit; the aspects move. A chart with many squares is a chart of friction-as-engine. A chart with many trines is a chart of ease-as-gift — but ease can become passivity, and friction can become craft. The whole picture matters.