Harmonics and Love Vibes
The energies, or Aspects, between planets are based on their degrees of distance from each other. Some Aspects are challenging -- like Squares and Oppositions -- while others are more positive -- like Trines and Sextiles. The concept of planetary Aspects can also be applied to the spatial distance between the Signs on the Zodiac, a branch of Astrology called Harmonics.
For example, if we look at the Signs of Libra and Capricorn, we find that they are 90 degrees, or three Signs, apart, creating an incredibly karmic and challenging Square. A Libra and Capricorn joined in a love bond can expect friction and a big-time need for compromise. Like any two Signs forming a Square to each other, the Scales and the Sea Goat have lessons to teach each other. Then there's the Trine among Signs of the same Element, such as the one that links Cancers, Scorpios and Pisceans. Since they share a common emotional bond, love matches between like-Elements tend to be respectful and mutually compassionate.
One vibration: when same signs come together. There is usually mutual understanding and empathy. Negative traits of the sign can also be amplified.
Conjunction
A conjunction is easy to spot in a chart: It is two or more planets situated closely together, generally within an orb of eight degrees. It is one of the major Aspects; neither a hard nor soft energy is specifically ascribed to it.
While conjunctions are often found within the same Sign, they can also fall within adjacent Signs. For example, Mars at 27 degrees Gemini is conjunct Venus at 1 degree Cancer. Here we see an orb of influence of 4 degrees. As with all Aspects, the more exact the angular measurement, or specificity of the orb, the more intense the energy. Therefore, a conjunction at 0 or 1 degrees would be much more powerful than one at 4 degrees.
Conjunctions tend to add great emphasis to the planets and Sign(s) involved. There is no mistaking the effects of a conjunction, for they are palpable and often in full view. Pluto conjunct the Sun can give great intensity and power to the individual, while Mars conjunct Venus can point to an assertive lover. The House in which a conjunction rests is also affected by the presence of neighborly planets. Were the Mars/Venus conjunction noted above in the Fourth House of Home, it could presage domestic battle (or even bliss) between a couple.
The energy of a conjunction can be either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the planets involved. What is important to remember when considering a conjunction is that the tenor of the planets will be enhanced, magnified. This is not likely to be subtle energy.
When three or more planets are in conjunction, a stellium is formed. Again, these planets may fall in the same or adjacent Signs. A stellium has an energy all its own and also greatly influences the Sign and House where it resides.
Stellium: Though not an Aspect itself, an explanation of a Stellium is appropriate in this section as Stelliums are made up of Aspects -- Conjunctions, to be exact. A Stellium refers to three or more Planets that form a series of Conjunctions in an astrological chart, regardless of whether the Planets span into two Houses or if they are in different Signs or the same Sign. Whatever the combination may be, their combined energies create a particular focus, making a Stellium deserving of attention.
Within a Stellium, the power of the Planets is focused according to the Signs and Houses involved. For example, if a birth chart were to contain a Stellium of Mercury, Venus and Mars in Taurus in the Fourth House, this would create a tremendous focus of the steady, possessive, possession-oriented, sensual energy of Taurus. That heightened energy would manifest itself as related to communication (Mercury), love (Venus) and drive (Mars), as further related to home and family (Fourth House). Sound complicated? It's really not -- just think of it as a focal point of energy.
One more complication: A Planetary member of a Stellium is subject to the influence of aspects to other Planets in the same Stellium, even if the Orb is too wide to normally include that Planet. This is called aspect by association.
Two-vibration: There is potential to this relationship; one sign is usually more tolerant of the other. There could also be a karmic link to this relationship.
Semi-sextile
We see a semi-sextile in a chart when two planets are 30 degrees from each other. This is one of a number of minor Aspects and, as a result, an orb of influence of only one to three degrees is acceptable.
With the thirty degree separation between the planets in this formation (they are usually but one Sign apart), the semi-sextile is half of a sextile. Even so, this Aspect is not quite as harmonious in tone as a sextile. Further, there tends to be a fated quality to this Aspect.
Semi-sextiles tend to create minor tension. It's not the big message or jarring jolt that's brought forth by an opposition or a square. Rather, there is a niggling sense of something going on underneath the surface which can't quite be placed. Unease is the result, and a sense that something should be done (or that if it were done, all would be better).
This Aspect also has a karmic tie. When two planets are semi-sextiling each other, we need to know that there is a lesson (albeit a small one) to be dealt with and effectively overcome. This lesson may well come to us from our past. Lastly, with this Aspect, there is always that karmic connection. Something is out there, and while we're not quite sure what it is, we just can't seem to break away from it. Is this yet another lesson from the semi-sextile?
Aries-Pisces | Gemini-Cancer |
Virgo-Libra | Sagittarius-Capricorn |
Aries-Taurus | Cancer-Leo |
Libra-Scorpio | Capricorn-Aquarius |
Taurus-Gemini | Leo-Virgo |
Scorpio-Sagittarius | Aquarius-Pisces |
Three-vibration: This relationship is based on friendship and loyalty. There is a strong tie between you and your association will be long-lasting.
Sextile
A sextile occurs in a chart when two planets are 60 degrees from each other. An orb of six degrees is considered acceptable for this aspect. This is one of the major Aspects, and a soft energy is generally ascribed to it.
Since sextiles, by virtue of their sixty-degree separation, are usually two Signs apart, we tend to see positive Signs sextiling each other. By extension, negative Signs sextile each other as well. For example, it should be expected that Fire and Air Signs sextile each other, and that the same relationship will correspond between Earth and Water Signs. These relationships aid in the sympathetic energies between the planets involved.
Sextiles are about the easy and unencumbered flow of energy between two planets. There is a lack of tension inherent in this aspect which translates to the ability of the individual to accomplish much. Attraction is present, and self-expression is enhanced. It's important to note, however, that while a sextile presents the individual with opportunities, the responsibility is still on them to make things happen. A sextile isn't the answer to everything, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Again, a sextile is harmonious and engenders cooperation.
Aries-Gemini | Taurus-Pisces |
Leo-Libra | Scorpio-Capricorn |
Aries-Aquarius | Gemini-Leo |
Virgo-Scorpio | Sagittarius-Aquarius |
Taurus-Cancer | Cancer-Virgo |
Libra-Sagittarius | Capricorn-Pisces |
Four-vibration: There will be friction to this relationship. Compromise is needed to overcome any challenges that may arise.
Square
A square is present in a chart when two planets are 90 degrees from each other. The acceptable orb for a square is eight degrees. Another of the major Aspects, squares are generally considered to possess a hard energy.
Since squares are roughly three Signs apart (thanks to the 90 degree angle being formed), they are usually Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable in nature. Much like the qualities represented here, a Cardinal square denotes fast action, whereas Fixed squares speak to a more ponderous, measured state. Finally, Mutable squares can go either way, depending on other factors in the horoscope.
The essence of a square is friction. Things happen, and they're no small matter. The energy surrounding a square is forceful, intense and power-laden. It's effect on the individual will be to spur them to action, to cause decisions to be made. The risk to the individual influenced by a square is to ignore this Aspect's unmistakable energy. This Aspect will not be managed effectively until its force field and message are addressed. To illustrate the point, an individual with their Sun square Mercury might be expected to have difficulty when speaking. The lesson of this square will be to do the work necessary in order to speak more effectively.
A T-square is formed in the heavens when two or more planets are opposing each other and they square a third planet. In this formation, you have two squares present. Drawing a letter 'T' in the Zodiac is the easiest way to grasp this planetary formation. It is the third planet in this formation (the one not in an opposition) which is the focal point and the creator of the greatest tension (and by extension, the greatest opportunities). Lastly, a Grand Cross is formed when two pairs of planets are opposing each other. Think of a big plus sign dividing the Zodiac into four quadrants. In this formation, you see four squares. The tension created by a Grand Cross is quite strong and will surely challenge the individual. If it can be harnessed effectively, strength and success will be the result.
Aries-Cancer | Taurus-Aquarius |
Cancer-Libra | Libra-Capricorn |
Aries-Capricorn | Gemini-Virgo |
Leo-Scorpio | Scorpio-Aquarius |
Taurus-Leo | Gemini-Pisces |
Virgo-Sagittarius | Sagittarius-Pisces |
Five-vibration: There is great respect and understanding to this relationship. You will understand each other and share similar motivations.
Trine
We see a trine in a chart when two planets are 120 degrees from each other. As with the other major Aspects, the acceptable orb for a trine is eight degrees. This Aspect possesses a soft energy.
Trines are approximately four Signs apart by virtue of their 120 angle. As a result, we can expect the planets involved to usually be of the same Element, be it Fire, Air, Earth or Water.
A trine allows for the easy flow of energy between two planets. This Aspect is generally favorable, and light and joyous in nature. Translated to the individual, trines are indicative of fun, creativity, an easy spirit and bounteous talent. Pleasure is the byword here, coupled with a sense of idealism and ease in doing things. If there is a shadow side to a trine (or to the presence of several trines in a horoscope), it is a willingness to do little, to accept gifts already bestowed and leave it at that. The beauty of a trine's energy is that it doesn't require much action to be activated. One is often blessed with minimal effort. The presence of trines in a horoscope also serve to balance out other less-favorable Aspects.
A Grand Trine is present when three planets, all in the same element, are approximately 120 degrees from each other. This formation signals great creativity and largesse. A Grand Trine takes on the characteristics of the element it represents. For example, a Grand Fire Trine carries with it considerable drive, while a Grand Air Trine is more intellectual in spirit and a Grand Water Trine is more intuitive.
Aries-Leo | Taurus-Capricorn |
Cancer-Scorpio | Virgo-Capricorn |
Aries-Sagittarius | Gemini-Libra |
Cancer-Pisces | Libra-Aquarius |
Taurus-Virgo | Gemini-Aquarius |
Leo-Sagittarius | Scorpio-Pisces |
Six-vibration: There is a karmic pull to this relationship. One of you will feel a need to please the other. There is an imbalance to this association.
Quincunx
A quincunx is present in a chart when two planets are 150 degrees from each other. Since this is one of the minor Aspects (there are nearly ten of them), an orb of influence of only one to three degrees is considered acceptable. This Aspect is also referred to as the inconjunct.
The planets involved in a quincunx do not share the same quality or element, as is the case with squares and trines. Rather, these are two planets with very little in common, and their celestial meeting can be uneasy as a result.
This Aspect, above all, demands that adjustments be made. Things will appear muted or unclear and one must resolve to gain some focus on the matters at hand. A reorganization of priorities, as well as a change in the way things are done, is wanting. A change in attitude, outlook and perspective can also be indicated. The individual must take a further cue from the planets and Houses involved in this Aspect to understand its energy fully.
Quincunxes often influence health and financial matters. It is also believed that this Aspect has karmic lessons to teach us. Along those lines, an extension of the quincunx is the Yod, also referred to as the 'Finger of God.' In this little-known configuration, considered the most fated in Astrology, two planets which are sextiling (a sixty-degree Aspect) each other are in communion with a third planet which rests opposite the midpoint of the sextile. These three planets would then form the letter 'Y' in the heavens (draw it for yourself and you'll see). The third planet, effectively at the bottom of the 'Y' figure, is the trigger point of the Yod. This very fated configuration adds great emphasis to the quincunx and speaks to significant lessons and issues to be overcome. Further, whenever a planet is transiting through the midpoint of the sextile segment of the Yod, the entire configuration is essentially on red alert. The burden is upon us to listen closely at this time, and to learn.
Aries-Virgo | Taurus-Sagittarius |
Cancer-Sagittarius | Leo-Pisces |
Aries-Scorpio | Gemini-Scorpio |
Cancer-Aquarius | Pisces-Libra |
Taurus-Libra | Gemini-Capricorn |
Leo-Capricorn | Virgo-Aquarius |
Seven-vibration: The sign opposite your own sign. This relationship will either be all or nothing. When it is good it's great and when it's bad it's worse!
Opposition
An opposition occurs in a chart when two planets are 180 degrees apart, or in direct opposition to each other (the circular horoscope is made up of 360 degrees). The acceptable orb of influence for an opposition is eight degrees. This is one of the major Aspects, and a hard energy is generally ascribed to it.
This Aspect is the widest one to be found in a horoscope. We also tend to see polarities in an opposition, such as Aries to Libra or Virgo to Pisces. The planets in an opposition may be from different yet complementary Elements (say Gemini's Air to Sagittarius' Fire), and they may also be from the same Quality, be it Fixed, Cardinal or Mutable. These traits, when present, make for some common ground between the planets in an opposition.
More often than not, however, an opposition is a poster child for conflict resolution. This Aspect, as its name would indicate, presents opposing forces. Mars' energy may find itself at war with Venus' golden glow, for example. The key here is for the individual to see the conflict, the challenge at hand, and to find a way to act upon it. For that reason, many people prefer to view an opposition with an eye to the opportunities it can bring. With a heightened awareness of conflict, we can take the steps necessary to achieve balance and harmony.
The key to conquering an opposition is to bridge the great divide. The opposing energies are far apart only until we have brought them together.
Aries-Libra | Taurus-Scorpio | Gemini-Sagittarius |
Cancer-Capricorn | Leo-Aquarius | Virgo-Pisces |
