Which aspect is the strongest?

The conjunction is usually strongest, followed by the opposition, square and trine. Strength also depends on the orb and on which planets are involved.

No. They show friction, and friction often drives action and growth. Many people with successful careers have prominent squares.

Do I need to know the exact degrees?

Yes, to see an aspect. A chart calculator lists them in a table called the aspectarian, so you can read them without calculating.

What is an out of sign aspect?

It is an angle that is close enough by degrees but joins planets in signs that do not normally form that aspect, such as a trine between two signs of different elements. Many astrologers treat these as weaker, and some ignore them.

Do the planets need to be in the same house?

No. Aspects are about angles in the zodiac, and the houses add a separate layer. See [the 12 houses](/learn/houses).

The major aspects in astrology

Angles between planets

An aspect is a measured angle between two planets, or between a planet and a point such as the Ascendant. Astrologers use aspects to show how different parts of a natal chart work together. A planet by itself says what a drive is. An aspect says how that drive meets another one, whether they cooperate, compete or blend.

The angle is counted in degrees along the zodiac. Because a circle has 360 degrees, the main aspects come from dividing it by simple numbers. The five major aspects are known from ancient times and are the ones to learn first.

The five major aspects

Conjunction (0 degrees). Two planets in the same place. Their energies merge and act as one. It can be powerful and intense, and it takes its colour from the planets involved. Sun conjunct Mercury, for example, tends to tie identity closely to thinking and speech.

Sextile (60 degrees). Two planets two signs apart, usually in compatible elements. It offers an opportunity that needs a small effort to use. It is a gentle and friendly aspect.

Square (90 degrees). Two planets three signs apart, in signs of the same mode but different elements. It creates friction and a push to act. Squares are often the aspects behind growth, because they refuse to let a person stay still.

Trine (120 degrees). Two planets four signs apart, in the same element. Energy flows easily and the talent comes naturally. The risk is taking the gift for granted, since little effort is needed.

Opposition (180 degrees). Two planets in opposite signs. It sets up a tug between two needs, and it is often felt through other people. Learning to balance both sides is the task of an opposition.

Minor aspects

Astrologers also use minor aspects, which are weaker and need a tighter orb. The semi sextile is 30 degrees and the quincunx is 150 degrees, and both show a need to adjust two things that do not share any element or mode. The semi square is 45 degrees and the sesquiquadrate is 135 degrees, which act like mild squares. Beginners can leave these aside until the five major aspects feel familiar.

Orbs

An aspect does not need to be exact. The allowed distance from the exact angle is called the orb. A common guide is about eight degrees for conjunctions, oppositions and trines, about seven for squares and about five for sextiles. Many astrologers allow a wider orb when the Sun or Moon is involved and a tighter orb for minor aspects. The closer an aspect is to exact, the stronger it feels. An aspect inside one or two degrees is called tight.

Applying and separating

An aspect is applying when the faster planet is moving toward the exact angle and separating when it has already passed it. Applying aspects are often felt as more active, because the event is still building. Separating aspects are felt as more settled or as something to learn from.

Hard and easy aspects

Aspects are often grouped by feel. Trines and sextiles are called easy or soft, and squares and oppositions are called hard or challenging. The conjunction depends on the planets. The words can mislead, because a chart made only of easy aspects may lack drive, and challenging aspects often bring achievement. A good reading keeps both in mind and avoids calling any aspect good or bad.

Common chart patterns

Stellium. Three or more planets close together in one sign or house. It makes one theme very strong.

Grand trine. Three planets in the same element, each 120 degrees apart. It shows a smooth and natural talent, though it can lead to ease without effort.

T-square. Two planets in opposition with a third square to both. It builds pressure and drives action. The planet at the point of the T is often the key to resolving it.

Grand cross. Four planets in two oppositions joined by four squares. It shows a high level of tension and a great deal of energy.

Yod. Two planets in sextile, both quincunx to a third. It points to a need for adjustment and is sometimes called the finger of fate, though the name is more dramatic than the effect.

How to read an aspect

Name the two planets and what each stands for.
Name the angle and whether it is easy, hard or fused.
Check the signs and houses involved, which show style and area of life.
Check the orb. A tight aspect is a main theme, and a wide aspect is background.
Look at the whole chart before deciding on a conclusion, since one aspect rarely stands alone.

Aspects beyond the natal chart

Aspects are also used between the planets of two people, called synastry, and between the planets in the sky today and a natal chart, called transits. The same angles and orbs apply in both cases.