Natal Astrology

There are three important aspects that involve more than two planets and/or energies. I say energies because this aspects are also applicable to the Ascendant, Mid-Heaven and so forth, as well.

Grand Trine - formed by three planets in a triangle of the same elements. They create a harmonious energy within the houses where they are located and for the matters of which the planets/energies represent. However, the Grand Trine can be a detriment because the native may become to reliant upon the natural harmony of the aspect and therefore dismiss harnessing the positive potential. You can see the triangle in my natal chart .

Grand Square - formed by four squares and two oppositions, a Grand Square is having a planet within orb in each of the quadruplicities. There is great strength in this arrangement because obstacles must be overcome. When in the cardinal signs, action must occur to relieve the tension. When in the fixed signs, there must be an emotional outlet. When in mutable signs, the native may be plagued with indecision and become static - so look to the fixed signs within the natal chart to facilitate correcting the indecision.

T-Square - two planets that oppose one another both square a third planet. This is like the Grand Square but with a missing corner. I think of it as a square table with only three legs. Because this lack of balance, it is the most difficult of the aspects and will likely be most difficult when a heavy planet transits the area of the missing leg. The quality that needs focusing is the one that is missing.

Aspects are what astrologers call the relationships between planets in a natal chart. While there are many more aspects, I will focus on the five most prominent ones. These here focus on relationships between two planets. It is important to note that aspects should be counted by signs, not by house. Please also note that aspects can be applied to other portions of the natal chart, such as the Mid-heaven or the Ascendant.

Conjunct - this aspect has an orb of 0-10°. It is considered by many astrologers (myself included) to be the most important relationship(s) in the natal chart. The energies are close, therefore powerful. However, the aspect isn’t necessarily a harmonious one. The planet that is most comfortable within the sign of the aspect will have a stronger influence.

Opposition - this aspect has an orb of 180°. These are opposing energies that must make peace. They literally divide the circle and can cause a feeling of inner conflict. Oppositions seek others out to reconcile the conflict within. As Isabel M. Hickey states regarding oppositions versus conjunctions: “In a conjunction you do something; in an opposition the other fellow does.”

Sextile - this aspect has an orb of 60°. The planets in this aspect work together quite beautifully - they reveal potential for many opportunities of success. This relationship is typically very harmonious and indicative of talents we see in ourselves.

Trine - this aspect has an orb of 120°. Another harmonious aspect, trines are protective and accepting aspects. Unlike sextiles, however, the energies that trines offer us come with such ease that they may be completely unconscious and therefore never developed.

Square - this aspect has an orb of 90°. This is often considered to be a “hard” aspect because the planets create an energy of tension. However, it is dynamic (unlike the trine) and it’s obstacles are what builds our characters and helps us evolve spiritually.

In the next installment, I will discuss aspects that involve more than two planets.