Your Guide to Astrology: Planetary Aspects
A Part of The Alignment Archive
How the planets speak, spark, and stir each other — and us
In astrology, planets don’t move in isolation. They interact. They lock eyes across the zodiac. They lean in close or square off. These angular relationships are called aspects — and they’re the energetic threads that weave the daily and long-term cosmic weather.
If planets are characters in a great celestial story, aspects are the dialogue.
Some whisper.
Some shout.
Some clash, collaborate, or combust.
Understanding aspects gives you a deeper feel for the astrology you encounter in transits, birth charts, and your own energy shifts — especially when they show up in Rhythm & Ritual as part of the week’s vibe.
What is an Aspect?
An aspect is the angle (measured in degrees) between two or more planets in the sky. Each major angle creates a different type of energetic dynamic. Some bring ease and harmony. Others bring tension, growth, or sudden change.
You don’t need to memorize every degree — the feeling matters more than the math.
When you hear something like “Venus square Mars” or “Sun trine Neptune,” it means those two planets are actively relating to one another in the sky — and we feel it in our own lives.
The Five Major Aspects
Each aspect has its own emotional signature — a cosmic flavor.
Here are the main ones you’ll see most often:
Conjunction (0°)
Keyword: Fusion
When two planets occupy the same space (or stand very close together), they combine forces. This aspect is powerful and intense — it magnifies the qualities of both planets, for better or for chaos.
🕯️ Think: two candles burning with one shared flame.
Sextile (60°)
Keyword: Opportunity
A subtle but sweet alignment. Sextiles create harmony and flow between planets, especially when we take action. These are sparks of potential — like little open doors.
🍃 Think: the breeze nudging a window open just enough to notice.
Square (90°)
Keyword: Friction
Squares are tense, activating, and often uncomfortable — but they catalyze change. This is where internal or external conflict demands resolution.
🔥 Think: tectonic plates grinding together until something gives.
Trine (120°)
Keyword: Ease
Trines are flowing, effortless, and often feel like things are clicking into place. They connect planets in the same element (earth to earth, fire to fire, etc.), so there’s natural understanding and support.
🌊 Think: water flowing down a gentle stream — no resistance, just movement.
Opposition (180°)
Keyword: Polarity
Oppositions stretch us. These planets sit across from one another like a cosmic see-saw. They can feel like inner tug-of-wars or relationship mirrors — asking us to find balance between extremes.
🌗 Think: a full moon — light and shadow in perfect tension.
A Note on Orbs
In astrology, an “orb” is the wiggle room around the exact angle — aspects still count even if they’re a few degrees off. This is why some transits build slowly or linger after the moment has passed.
✨ Energy has ripple effects.
Why Aspects Matter
Aspects are where the story unfolds. A birth chart full of trines and sextiles flows differently than one packed with squares and oppositions. Likewise, during a week of challenging aspects, you might feel pushed to confront or evolve something — while harmonious ones may bring breakthroughs, love, or rest.
They bring nuance to astrology — turning one-note energies into layered symphonies.
In Rhythm & Ritual…
Whenever you see a phrase like “Mars trine Neptune” or “Mercury square Uranus,” this is your cue to tune in to the type of conversation those two planets are having.
Ask yourself:
What archetypes are involved?
Is this ease, challenge, or activation?
Where in my life does this theme echo?
It’s not about predicting — it’s about presence.
Being attuned to the conversations above helps you make sense of what’s stirring below.
Save This for Later
This is a perfect guide to return to each week as you read your Rhythm & Ritual forecast — or as you deepen your relationship to astrology.
Keep Exploring
Next → Your Guide to Astrology: The Phases of the Moon
← Previous: Your Guide to Astrology: The Planet Who Leads You, and the Energies That Dance Within
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