Basic Astrology Aspects & Planets

Many psychics study astrology
so they can expand their forecasting techniques.  Aspects are very
important for reading the chart correctly.

Aspects are an important part of modern astrology. As the planets move in their
elongated orbits around the Sun, they form various angular relationships with
one another, using the Sun (or Earth) as the center. These are called aspects.
The most popular aspects result from dividing the circle by numbers like 1, 2,
3, 4, resulting in aspects such as the conjunction (0 degrees), opposition (180
degrees), trine (120 degrees), square (90 degrees), and so forth. When two
planets form an aspect with one another, their energies and natures are said to
combine and work in harmony or discord. For example, when two planets are
exactly on opposite sides of the Sun (Earth), they are in opposition

The most popular aspects can be divided into three main categories: 

The "emphatic" aspects: The emphatic aspects are those that emphasize or align
two planetary energies with one another

Conjunction (0 degrees) Two planets at the same point in the zodiac are said to
be in conjunction. Their natures are fused or blended into one

Opposition (180 degrees) Two planets at opposite sides of the zodiac. The
energies are in alignment with each other. They can pull together or apart,
depending upon the nature of the planets involved

The "hard" aspects: square (90 degrees) and semi-square (45 degrees). These
represent challenge, obstacles, and substance. They provide meat and potatoes in
our life. Too many can block or obstruct the life flow, yet too few can cause
life to be weak or thin

The "soft" aspects: trine (120 degrees) and sextile (60 degrees) The soft
aspects bring ease, clarity, and vision to our lives. We can see, grasp, and
understand what is happening. Too few of the soft aspects means we don't know
what we are doing or what is happening in our lives, while too many soft aspects
make for a life that runs cool, is overly mental, and lacking in substance

"Exact" aspects and aspect's "orbs" Aspects between planets gradually form,
become exact, and separate. When an aspect is exact, it has its greatest impact.
Yet, the effect of most aspects can be felt for some time before and after the
moment when it is exact. The range within which an aspect is in operation is
called its "orb of influence," or simply its orb. An orb of one or two degrees
of arc on either side of the exact aspect is considered a close or tight orb,
while an orb of 10 degrees is loose

Also worthy of consideration when looking at aspects are the planets involved.
Aspects to the Sun and Moon (the lights) are most important, followed by the
planetary aspects involving Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto. If your natal chart has an accurate birth time, then aspects
to the chart angles (ascendant and midheaven) are also important. The particular
combination can make a difference too. Aspects between planets such as Saturn
and Mars (traditional malefics) are obviously more potentially explosive than
the same aspect between Venus and Jupiter (traditional benefics)

The Planets 

In astrology, the larger life of our solar system as a whole tells us something
about our own personal Earth life. The interplay and relationship of the planets
with one another as they circle the Sun is carefully studied. Of particular
interest to astrologers are the Sun, the Moon, and the planets Mercury, Venus,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. These are the celestial
bodies used most often by modern astrologers for natal interpretation. Each of
these planets represents or refers to a part of our life and self. Here are some
of the concepts and key words associated with each planet: 

Sun. The heart and center of it all. The father, guru, teacher or figure of
authority. Anyone older or living in 
an experience more disciplined than our own. That which we look up to and
receive light from. That which we may become

Moon. Our surroundings, the environment out of which we came. Our past and
childhood. Our formative years and self. The background we emerged
Mercury. Communication at light speed. Linkage. Thought. Ideas. The light of the
mind. Logos, direct voice

Venus. How we respond, appreciate, cherish or value something. The way we love.
Love, but not attraction
Compassion

Mars. Energy. What drives or moves us. Our emotions. Urge to unify or become
one, therefore yoga, union, or marriage.
Jupiter. The way through or on. Continuing, continuity, succession, success. The
pathfinder or lamp through the trials of time. Luck

Saturn. The giver of laws or rules. The prince of time and the material world.
Satan. Laws. Sometimes obstacles, authority

Uranus. Insight, invention, breakthrough. Good uses for Saturn. "To see eternity
in a grain of sand." 

Neptune. Cherish, solve, compassion. "The dewdrop slips into the shining sea".
Unity, solution, one

Pluto. Transformation. Sensitivity to the impermanence of life. Intimations of
mortality

Lunar north node. Vocation or application point. Right-of-way.