The Aspects
The Aspects are certain angular relationships between Zodiacal positions in the horoscope. They are measured by the distance in degrees between those positions, and indicate the manner in which any two or more Planets (or other points) are related. In principle, an Aspect is an angular separation that describes an equal division of the circle in up to twelve parts. Appendix B contains a theoretical explanation of the principles that the Aspects demonstrate.
Aspects which arise from divisions by factors of twelve (1,2,3,4,6,12) involve identical positions in different Signs, and carry the significance of the similarities and differences of the involved Signs. These similarities and differences are measured by comparison of the Elements and Modes. The Elements Fire and Air are complementary, as are Earth and Water. Other Aspects are unrelated to the Signs, and are seen to speak of extraphysical (spiritual) considerations. Each Aspect of less than 90 degrees has more than one form; it also exists as (a) multiple(s).
Aspects allow insights into how the various astrologically defined components of being (Planets) work together. In this way, such relationships can be used to identify and describe the more primitive life functions that are the building blocks from which individuality develops. Often, three or more positions are found to form a pattern of aspects. These patterns describe a variety of complexes that can be seen to manifest as simply as a habituation, or as complexly as a "persona" (incomplete personality).
In practice, the Aspect allows an astrological statement of a primitive life function in the following form:
| [Planet/Sign/House] | (Aspect) | [Planet/Sign/House] |
The Sun in Gemini in the Sixth House squares Saturn in Virgo in the Ninth House.
The Conjunction is an Aspect of 0 (or 360) degrees and is that of the circle divided by one. It is the strongest of the Aspects and creates a relationship of identity. The result is an integration of the related components, but the integration is never equal; the slower moving Planet is modified by the addition of the faster such that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Thus, the Conjunction identifies functions of being that are themselves blended and melded into unique mega-components.
The Opposition is an Aspect of 180 degrees and is that of the circle divided by two. The Aspect expresses a relationship inherent in the Signs. It is the strongest of the dissonant Aspects. The representing Planets are positioned in Signs of complementary Elements and identical mode. Complementary Elements are seen to be related formulations of the same fundamental attribute of the universe, implying the potential for transformation from one to the other. Transformation creates the potential for motion that gives direction and purpose. Thus, the Opposition identifies functions of being that provide the fundamental awareness(es) that orient the individual.
The Trine is an Aspect of 120 degrees and is that of the circle divided by three. The Aspect expresses a relationship inherent in the Signs. It is the strongest of resonant Aspects. The representing Planets are positioned in Signs of identical Elements, but different modes. Here, an Elemental archetype is being expressed in two different states (Modes) which implies, not transformation, but change. Change requires process, and process is the basis of facility. Thus, the Trine identifies functions of being that are the inherent strengths upon which one depends in one's life.
The Square is an Aspect of 90 degrees and is that of the circle divided by four. The Aspect expresses a relationship inherent in the Signs. It is the second strongest of the dissonant Aspects. The representing Planets are positioned in Signs of non-complementary Elements, but identical modes. Attributes of the environment are connected but are at cross purposes, requiring and motivating the search for an expression that is amenable to both. Thus, the Square identifies functions of being that are seen as challenges and thus provide basic drive.
The Quintile is an Aspect of 72 degrees and is that of the circle divided by five. This Aspect is not a relationship that is inherent in the Signs, and so is not a direct expression of the physical environment. By implication, therefore, it and all other such unrelated Aspects are expression of non-physical or spiritual realities. As such, the significance of division of the circle by five is spiritual; five, according to most mystical cosmologies, is the number of humanity. Thus, the Quintile identifies functions of being that are expressions of the unique grace and artistry of human creativity.
The Biquintile is an Aspect of 144 degrees and is a multiple of the Quintile. It is an extension of human creativity into the collective mode. Thus, the Biquintile identifies functions of being that are suited for involvement in group creativity.
The Sextile is an Aspect of 60 degrees and is that of the circle divided by six. The Aspect expresses a relationship inherent in the Signs. It is the second strongest of the resonant Aspects. The representing Planets are positioned in Signs of complementary Elements, but different Modes. Both transformation and change are implied, and so something new arises. The Sextile is also half of a Trine, and provides the Trine with a forum of accomplishment. Thus, the Sextile identifies functions of being that are creatively productive.
The Septile is an Aspect of 51 degrees and 26 minutes, and is that of the circle divided by seven. This Aspect is not a relationship that is inherent in the Signs, and is an expression of a spiritual reality. The number seven, according to most mystical cosmologies, is the number of spiritual responsibility, as commonly expressed by spiritual talents or skills that must have been earned. Thus, the Septile identifies functions of being that provide connection with kharma.
The Biseptile is an Aspect of 102 degrees and 51 minutes and is a multiple of the Septile. It is an extension of spiritual responsibility to include shared considerations. Thus, the Biseptile identifies functions of being that provide connection with group kharma.
The Triseptile is an Aspect of 154 degrees and 17 minutes and is a multiple of the Septile. It is an extension of spiritual responsibility to include general considerations at some appropriate level. Thus, the Triseptile identifies functions of being that provide connection with cultural or tribal kharma.
The Semisquare is an Aspect of 45 degrees and is that of the circle divided by eight. The Aspect is not a relationship that is inherent in the Signs, and is an expression of a spiritual reality. The number eight, according to most mystical cosmologies, is the number of manifestation. The Semisquare, however, is a half of a Square, and provides the actual events and occurrences that are the challenges in life. Thus, the Semisquare identifies functions of being that are involved with key or pivotal events in the life.
The Sesquadrate is an Aspect of 135 degrees and is a multiple of the Semisquare. The Aspect is not a relationship that is inherent in the Signs, and is an expression of a spiritual reality. It is a combination of the Square and the Semisquare, such that the challenges have circumstantial focus. Thus, the Sesquadrate identifies functions of being that provide trials and learning experiences.
The Novile is an Aspect of 40 degrees and is that of the circle divided by nine. The Aspect is not a relationship which is inherent in the Signs, and is an expression of a spiritual reality. The number nine, according to most mystical cosmologies, is the number of human potential, as commonly expressed by a variety of experiences of spiritual unfoldment. The way to this end is through effort and trial. Thus, the Novile identifies functions of being that provide connection with dharma.
The Binovile is an Aspect of 80 degrees and is a multiple of the Novile. It is an extension of human potential beyond the scope of the individual into that of the collective. Thus, the Binovile identifies functions of being that provide connection with fundamental human expectations.
The Trinovile is an Aspect of 120 degrees, and is the Trine.
The Quadranovile is an Aspect of 160 degrees and is a multiple of the Novile.
It is an extension of human potential beyond the scope of reality into that of potential eventuality. Thus, the Quadranovile identifies functions of being that connect with unexpected alternative possibilities.
The Decile is an Aspect of 36 degrees and is that of the circle divided by ten. The Aspect is not a relationship which is inherent in the Signs, and is an expression of a spiritual reality. The number ten has no commonly agreed significance, according to an overview of major mystical cosmologies; however, the Decile is half a Quintile and provides the fulcrum for the Quintile's creative expression. Thus, the Decile identifies functions of being that serve to provide foundations for human creativity.
The Tredecile is an Aspect of 108 degrees and is a multiple of the Decile. It is also that of the Decile and Quintile combined. It is creativity in the public context. Thus, the Tredecile identifies functions of being that provide the knack of professional artistry.
The Undecile is an Aspect of 32 degrees and 44 minutes, and is that of the circle divided by eleven. This Aspect is still under investigation, and so is not included in current interpretations. I believe it to signify functions that express what Jung called the Collective Unconsciousness.
The Semisextile is an Aspect of 30 degrees and is that of the circle divided by twelve. The Aspect expresses a relationship inherent in the Signs. The representing Planets are positioned in adjacent Signs. As the Zodiac is an archetype of orderly procedure, adjacent Signs indicate one or another type of procedural unit or step. The Semisextile is also half a Sextile and so provides the formal foundation for productivity. Thus, the Semisextile identifies functions of being that provide an operational orientation for accomplishment.
The Quincunx is an Aspect of 150 degrees and is anomalistic. It can be seen as an Opposition minus a Semisextile; a powerful awareness without the means to act effectively. It has been called the Aspect of "no relationship". This Aspect indicates the need for the indicated function to exist, but it does not develop by chance as might functions involving unAspected Planets. Thus, the Quincunx identifies functions of being that require intentional development in order to be useful.
The Aspects are a major focus of the more modern horoscope techniques, and their placement as a design in the center of the chart is a practice only decades old. As a footnote to this section, I might observe that a common practice has been to draw the Aspect pattern separately for use as a private mandala, for use as a focus of meditation on the full potential of the self.