Knowledge
Aspects
An aspect is an angle between two points of a chart, taken from a list of significant ones. It shows how the themes of two planets are linked: supporting each other, getting in the way, or merging into one.
What an orb is
An aspect is rarely exact to the minute. The orb is the allowable deviation from the exact angle at which the aspect is still considered active. An angle of 88 degrees with an orb of 7 is a square with a 2‑degree deviation, and the smaller the deviation, the stronger the aspect manifests.
Conjunction
conjunction
Two themes merge and act as one. They strengthen each other, but their individual contributions are hard to separate.
- Angle
- 0°
- Orb
- ±8°
Opposition
tense
Two themes pull in opposite directions. They require a choice or balance, but provide a clear view of both sides.
- Angle
- 180°
- Orb
- ±8°
Trine
harmonic
Themes support each other effortlessly. It works on its own, so it is often unnoticed and undervalued.
- Angle
- 120°
- Orb
- ±7°
Square
tense
Themes interfere with each other and demand action. The most common source of both challenges and growth.
- Angle
- 90°
- Orb
- ±7°
Sextile
harmonic
An opportunity that works if taken. Unlike a trine, it requires a small step.
- Angle
- 60°
- Orb
- ±5°
Minor aspects
Weaker in effect, all with an orb of two degrees
- SesquisquareIrritating mismatch: small but recurring.135° ±2°
- SemisquareMinor friction, noticeable in details.45° ±2°
- QuincunxThemes translate poorly into each other: a mediator is needed.150° ±2°
- SemisextileA weak link between adjacent areas.30° ±2°
Applying and separating
An aspect is called applying if the deviation from the exact angle is decreasing, and separating if it is increasing. The platform checks this by shifting the calculation forward by 0.2 days. An applying aspect is still gaining strength, a separating one has already completed its effect.
A special rule for the Moon
For the Moon in transits the orb is limited to three degrees. The Moon moves through a sign in two and a half days, and with a normal orb it would produce aspects almost continuously: this noise would drown out significant events.