The Wheel

The House System

The Twelve Houses

The Seven Astrological Types

The Aspects

Aspect Patterns

The center of the wheel of the birth chart shows the angular relationships, or aspects, between the Sun, Moon, planets, Ascendant and Midheaven. Major aspects are shown as Black Lines and Red Lines. Minor aspects are shown as Dotted Lines (Astrographix birth charts only show Major Aspects). When planets are 'in aspect' to each other, their influence on the personality is increased. Aspects reveal the areas of the personality where the characteristics can find full and positive expression. They also impart an understanding of those areas in which psychological pain and stress can occur. The five most significant aspects follow.

Conjunctions
Conjunctions occur when planets overlap. These are powerful, and tend to blend and amplify the qualities associated with each. They are associated with self-assurance and assertiveness. Conjunctions can be both stressful and harmonious. When superior planets are concerned, conjunctions indicate self-containment, and the acting out of impulses with little concern for the feelings of others. The ability to be totally immersed in the matters at hand. Resistance to external influences and limited perspective is also indicated. A number of conjunctions in the birth chart is indicative of a self-made individualist.

Oppositions
Oppositions occur when two planets are 180 degrees apart. They are a "hard', objective influence and often indicate where stress in relationships may occur. They can be a strong integrating force. They connect Signs that are natural polar opposites which need each other's energies to effectively perform. If oppositions are prevalent in the birth chart, you may often feel that you are being pulled in two directions at once. It may be difficult for you to take decisive actions in life, with a tendency to be more influenced by your relationships and the immediate environment. A willingness to compromise. Oppositions are drawn as black lines which bisect the inner circle.

Squares
Squares are formed when planets are at right angles to each other. A 'hard' influence, Squares are both character building and stress-producing. They are associated with energy that is directed inward. An uncompromising and confrontational aspect, the Square provides the ability to overcome obstacles in life through direct action. While tending to block the flow of emotions, it is likely that there will be a real desire to initiate change for the better. An excess of Squares in a chart indicates one who can tend to nervous and physical exhaustion. Squares are drawn as black lines.

Trines
Trines occur when planets are 120 degrees apart. They are 'soft' aspects that emphasize creative expression and a positive nature. Trines are associated with self-confidence, contentment and good luck. Those who are easiest to get along with in life can often be seen to have one or more trines in the birth chart. Too many trines can tend to make one lazy and unwilling to push themselves to overcome difficult situations. Trines are helpful to a strong character, but can exercise a spoiling effect on the shallow. Trines help to make one feel inspired and elevated, and reflect well upon subjective conditions. In ancient times, many trines was a sign of evil. Trines are drawn as red lines.

Sextiles
Sextiles are not regarded as being as strong as Trines, Squares and Oppositions. They can be a significant influence depending on the planets and houses involved. Sextiles occur when planets are 60 degrees apart and are regarded as mentally energizing aspects. They heighten perception and reasoning abilities, making for an enjoyment of new learning experiences. The Sextile is more stimulating than the tranquilizing Trine. They increase our ability to communicate with others. Sextiles assist the urge to obtain knowledge of life through objective observation. Beware of too many sextiles, which limit the ability to cope with adversity. Sextiles are drawn as red lines.

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