Aspects
Angles between planets showing how their energies interact.
Aspects describe the relationships between planets based on their angular distance. Major aspects like conjunctions, squares, trines, and oppositions show how different parts of you cooperate or challenge each other. Orbs set how close an aspect must be to count.
Example
Venus square Mars can describe tension between desire and harmony that needs conscious balance.
Cultural Context
The aspect system originated with Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, based on geometric divisions of the zodiac circle. The number 5 major aspects (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition) correspond to dividing the circle by 1, 6, 4, 3, and 2.
Famous Example
The chart of the United States (July 4, 1776) features a Sun-Saturn square — a challenging aspect showing tension between identity and authority. This aspect describes America's founding struggle against monarchy and its ongoing debates about government power.
Did You Know?
The word 'aspect' comes from Latin 'aspectus' meaning 'look' or 'gaze.' In ancient astrology, planets were said to 'see' each other through aspects — certain angles created blindspots where planets couldn't perceive one another.