Planetary Aspects for Dummies

Planetary aspects are the degree and nature of influence that planets have on the houses of a horoscope chart. This includes the effect on the area of life that a house relates to, and any planets that may occupy the house. So this is in a sense, the manner in which planets, houses and zodiac signs interact in a horoscope chart.

Aspects are an important chart feature according to both the Western and Vedic forms of astrology. However, the technique for determining planetary aspects is quite different in these two methods of astrology.

Difference Between Vedic and Western Astrology Aspects

The difference in the two systems arises mainly from the manner of their chart casting methods. That is, Vedic charts are cast as rectangular, with right angles, where the houses are counted clockwise, whereas Western charts are circular. Hence the method for positioning planets is quite different in these two systems.

1. In Western astrology, aspects are primarily angular (e.g., conjunctions, oppositions, trines, squares) based on the degree of separation between planets.
2. In Vedic astrology, aspects are house-based and are predefined for each planet, irrespective of degrees.

Aspects in Western Astrology

According to Western astrology, aspects are the geometric angles formed between any two planets or points, in a chart. This angle is expressed in degrees, as a fraction of the 360°, zodiac circle. In the case of computer generated charts, aspects are represented in an ‘Aspects Table’.

How Aspects are Calculated

1. Determine the Planetary Positions:
   • Locate the planets in their respective zodiac signs and degrees.
2. Measure the Angular Distance:
   • Subtract the degree of one planet from the other, adjusting for the 360° circle of the zodiac.
3. Apply the Orb:
   • If the measured angle falls within the allowed orb of an aspect, it is considered active.

Key Elements of Aspects in Western Astrology

1. Orb of Influence:
   • An orb is the allowable margin of deviation from the exact angle for an aspect to still be considered effective. This margin is described further on in 'Orb Rules'.
   • Typical orbs range from 1° to 10°, depending on the aspect type, the planets involved and the astrologer's preference.
2. Major Aspects: These are the primary and most impactful aspects and are used in both basic and advanced interpretations:
   • Conjunction (0°) ☌: Planets are in the same degree, that is in the same zodiac. When in conjunction, planetary energies will be combined.
   • Opposition (180°) ☍: Planets are diametrically opposite to each other. This can create tension or balance, depending on their nature and alignment.
   • Trine (120°) ▵: Planets are harmoniously aligned, facilitating easy flow of energy.
   • Square (90°) □: Planets are at odds, causing challenges or friction.
   • Sextile (60°) ✶: Planets are cooperative, offering opportunities and growth.
3. Minor Aspects: These subtler angles add nuance and detail to the chart.
   • Quincunx/Inconjunct (150°) ⚻: Indicates adjustment or incompatibility.
   • Semisextile (30°) ⚺: Suggests mild cooperation.
   • Sesquiquadrate (135°) ⚼: Points to tension but less intense than a square.
   • Semisquare (45°) ∠: Indicates minor friction or challenges.
   • Quintile (72°) ⬠ : Indicative of creative potential.
   • Biquintile (144°) ⬟ : Indicative of creative harmony.
4. Orb Rules:
   • Luminaries (Sun and Moon): Receive wider orbs (up to 10°).
   • Outer Planets (e.g., Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto): Receive narrower orbs (often 1°–5°).
   • Exact Aspect: When the angle is precise (e.g., exactly 90° or 120°), the effect is considered most powerful.
5. Aspect Patterns: Complex configurations in a chart involving multiple aspects are known as patterns. Examples include:
   • T-Square: Two planets in opposition, both square to a third planet.
   • Grand Trine: Three planets in trine, forming a triangle.
   • Yod (Finger of God): Two planets in sextile, both quincunx to a third.

Aspects in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, aspects are called ‘Drishti’ which means "Sight" in Sanskrit. This can be thought of as how planets ‘View’ other planets and chart houses and determines the influence that one planet exerts over another planet or house, in the chart. Each planet has predetermined ‘Drishtis’, hence these are not geometric in nature as in Western astrology. The short-hand symbol used to represent an aspect in Western astrology may be used for the corresponding Vedic aspect.

The effect of a planet is both the consequence of its aspect, and its alignment. Vedic planets have mythological backgrounds and are personified as mythical deities. One way of viewing Vedic aspects is considering if these personifications feel at home, or not, in different zodiac signs. That is, each planet has a friendly, neutral or adverse relationship with each sign of the zodiac. Hence the zodiac sign that a planet occupies, determines just how it ‘Views’ others in a chart, and the nature of the ‘Drishti’ that it casts.