The Oracle’s Library introduces the basic aspects of a natal chart. The natal chart dates back to the ancient world, when aspects of fortune were drawn up by the astrologer for princes and kings. In those days, the astrologer was much like a sage who predicted destiny through the use of a natal chart. Now natal astrology has become much more accessible due to our modern ways of tracking birth time and astrological software that makes it much easier to construct a natal wheel. In the past, astrology was left for those gifted in both astronomy and mysticism—two subjects that do not dare mix at the present time. Despite this fact, astrology survives today to help acquaint us with the wisdom of the ancients. We can start with the aspects of ‘familiarities’ between planets of nativity.
Conjunction is an astrological aspect that is characterized by the ‘coming together’ of two or more celestial bodies within an 8 degrees span of 360 degrees. A conjunction in the sky between planets would look as if these objects were sharing the same place in the sky, although they do not always overlap. Conjunctions are points on the natal chart where the planets share similarities and strive to create a unique harmony. A conjunction with the Sun is an exception to the rule and will oftentimes overpower the effects of the planet it conjuncts—unless it is the Moon.
Opposition is an astrological aspect with a bad rap that is drawn when two or more celestial bodies are opposite or at 180 degrees from one another within a span of 8 degrees. Oppositions are known to cause a pull between two planets that is difficult to just forget. Oppositions force cooperation between the planets involved when they seem to be moving in opposite directions. We must notice the larger picture to see that they are actually moving in the same direction. For this reason, oppositions can be rewarding with control, but have the potential to overturn the beneficial aspects of both planets if not kept in check. Oppositions are often easier to cope with when the two planets are naturally opposite—Venus and Mars or the Sun and Moon.
Trine is an astrological aspect that most are happy to see when two or more celestial bodies are 120 degrees from the other within a span of 8 degrees. The interactions between planets trine is mostly beneficial in that all parts of the whole are operating in a constructive manner. The triangle is drawn if we connected three planets in perfect trine—known as the Grand Trine. This aspect is nothing less than a blessing between three celestial bodies that find it easy to work in harmony. If your Sun, Moon and Venus were all in trine, it would seem your exterior presence, emotions and expression of love were all in perfect balance—and for this reason, you must be lucky!
Square is an astrological aspect that provides times of testing when two or more celestial bodies are found at 90 degrees from one another within a span of 8 degrees. The square draws in the two planets involved to cause a reaction and make a change. This force is often challenging, though the difficulty can be assessed by the planets involved. A square between Saturn and Mars would provoke a much more violent response than that between Venus and Jupiter—where Jupiter would seem more like a benevolent and forgiving father to the whims of Venus.
Sextile is an astrological aspect that proves useful to two or more celestial bodies fixed at 60 degrees from one another within a span of 8 degrees. The sextile provides thoughtful balance between the two planets involved. This aspect provides a comfortable push for change, and often allows both planets involved to strive toward attaining the highest potential of self. The sextile is a hexagon forms Solomon’s Seal if connected by six planets. At this point it has become the Star of David and also encompasses two Grand Trines. If Saturn and the Moon were sextile, it is likely that Saturn would show us a stern face when dealing with the negative emotions of the Moon. But, this interaction would serve as a lesson for the better.
The astrological aspects must always be interpreted relative to the planets involved. More importantly, the expression of these planets can also be traced back to the zodiac sign in which they occupy. We must look toward the aspects as a clue into the interactions of the mind. Check out How to Read a Natal Chart to learn about other aspects of nativity.
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