Interpreting Natal Aspects: How Planets Interact in Astrology

Major Aspects

Conjunctions happen when two planets are very close to each other, with an ideal distance of 0 degrees. Even so, the maximum orb allowed can stretch up until ±10 degrees. It’s a very strong aspect and is believed to be beneficial in nature. Conjunctions are so powerful that the planets become inextricably linked to each other. A major difference in the essence of the planets or other negative aspects may undermine the benefits of the conjunction.

Sextile happen when you have two planets 60 degrees away from each other. The maximum orb allowed is ±4 degrees. Overall, its effects are beneficial.

Trines are similar to sextile aspects, just a little more powerful. They occur when two planets are located 120 degrees away from each other. The maximum orb allowed is ±7 degrees.

Squares are negative aspects that make a 90 degrees angle, with a maximum orb of  ±6 degrees.

Oppositions are yet another negative aspect. Again, depending on the planets in question, that may not be inherently detrimental to the native’s identity.  This aspect occurs when an angle of 180 degrees is formed between two planets. The maximum orb allowed is  ±10 degrees.

Minor Aspects

Semi-sextiles occur when two planets are located 30 degrees apart (max. orbs ±2). This is a positive aspect, though less powerful than sextile.

Semi-squares are 45 degree aspects (max. orbs ±2). The negative effects are milder compared to those of square and opposition.

Quintiles occur when the planets link at a distance of 72 degrees (max. orbs ±2). These are favourable aspects, believed to be similar to trines, although a bit less powerful.

Quincunxes are also known as the “aspect of desire”. It’s made by two planets when they’re 150 degrees apart from each other (max. orbs ±2).

Is there a difference between aspects with a larger orbit and aspects with a tighter orbit?

Aspects with a tighter orbit tend to be of greater significance. 

What happens when a planet is isolated (holds no aspects at all)?

The native feels a strong desire to retrieve the energies of that planet. Hence, it often represents an important and recurring theme in their life.

Sun Aspects

Sun-Moon

As counter-intuitive it may sound, the negative aspects here are somewhat more desirable than the positive ones. This is because the Sun represents the conscious, egoic Self, while the Moon represents the unconscious, emotional Self. To function properly, they would need the freedom to act on their own; when positive aspects occur the individual tends to have a hard time separating the two. Those with negative aspects on the contrary sense some sort of “split” between their identity and their emotions. The only upside is that people born with positive Sun-Moon aspects are usually really loved by their parents.

Sun-Mercury

The intelligence (Mercury) of the individual is closely linked to their ego (Sun). The subject may feel that their father preferred one of their siblings over them. Good relationship of the subject with their children (if they have any). An active adolescence. 

Sun-Venus

It could be an indicator of great beauty (at least theoretically). It is a fairly common aspect, so I would rather put it this way: the subject, whether pretty or ugly, feels comfortable in their own skin. The opposite occurs with side negative aspects involving Venus. 

Sun-Mars 

Active, dynamic personality, maybe a bit aggressive.

The subject does not know how to assert themselves or lacks energy.

Sun-Jupiter 

A good-natured, optimistic personality, perhaps a little naive. On rare cases, it may be translated literally as a jovian father, that is, a rich, well educated or optimistic father. 

The subject has a gloomy view on life and does not know how to seize opportunities. 

Sun-Saturn

A cool, steady, stern personality. A strict, bossy father.

Conflicting relationship with a father figure or with authority in general.

Sun-Uranus

Dynamism, love for work. Opportunism.

Laziness. Lack of opportunities regarding work. A lazy father, or a father that works far too much.

Sun-Neptune

A distant father figure. 

Fantasy towards distant worlds, mystical or spiritual interests. Amazing artist.

Possible anxiety disorder or anything relating to the nervous system. They feel trapped in a strict daily routine. There may be changes that they would like to make but they are unable to implement easily.

Sun-Pluto

The subject has a charismatic yet manipulative personality. A secretive father. 

The individual has a toxic relationship with their father, or the death of their father particularly impacted the individual’s life.

Moon Aspects

Moon-Mercury

The subject may have been brought up by an influential female figure like their sister, their aunt or their grandmother. Good perception of the surrounding environment, sociability. Witty humour. Women with this aspect may have a smaller chest. A young, charming mother.

Insensitivity. Cold emotions. An envious relationship between the subject and their mother.

Moon-Venus

Creative talent, aesthetic appeal, sensitivity.

The subject often complains or indulges in self-pity. Lack of sensitivity.

Moon-Mars 

Women become more masculine in temper, while men get a bit more feminine.

Deep emotional wounds. 

Moon-Jupiter 

Regardless of the gender, it gives the subject a strong feminine appearance and/or temperament. 

Abandonment issues, rejection of food, or greed for money.

Moon-Saturn

The subject has a strict control over their feelings, cold temperament.

A strict mother. Emotions are restrained by logic. The subject  has experienced a hard childhood and they may have been forced to grow up fast.

Moon-Uranus

A very physically active mother. The subject may move home many times throughout their life.

Listlessness, inability to be active or bad manual skills.

Moon-Neptune

The subject feels their emotions on a very deep, intense level. 

There’s a dangerous split between emotion and imagination. Their mother may have been emotionally or physically distant.

Moon-Pluto

Strength and self-confidence (for women), an easy ability of lying (for both sexes).

Restlessness, destructive or self-destructive sensitivity, insecurities about one’s feminine side.

Mercury Aspects

Mercury-Venus

Charming personality. Co-dependence with others. Fear of being alone. The subject has a good relationship with their siblings and/or peers. But this may not apply if there are some side negative aspects involving the two planets. 

Mercury-Mars 

Dynamic sociable relationships.

Distrust towards others. Bullying suffered by peers or during adolescence. A bossy sibling.

Mercury-Jupiter 

The subject is an excellent speaker.

Shyness. Gloomy view on life.

Mercury-Saturn

Heightened intelligence and they may be naturally good at slowly and carefully explaining complicated concepts to others.

Conflictual relationship with authoritarian figures. Petty patterns of behaviour. The subject may be an only child or may have problems generating children. 

Mercury-Uranus

Practical intelligence coupled with top notch manual skills.

Bad relationships with peers or siblings. Accidents during short-distance travels.

Mercury-Neptune

Good intelligence. Artistic talent. Strong musical talent. 

Great intellect. Can be a bit socially awkward as they struggle to understand other people. Fear of travelling.

Mercury-Pluto

Great at finding ways to escape difficult situations.

Deceitfulness.

Venus Aspects

Venus-Mars 

Impressive looks. It often gives an androgynous beauty. Women with this aspect are handsome, while the men are pretty. 

Distrust of the opposite sex. High libido.

Venus-Jupiter 

Hedonistic temperament. Good looks. 

Sentimental dissatisfaction.

Venus-Saturn

Lasting and fulfilling personal relationships. Plenty of vitality. A positive outlook on life.

Can be too health-conscious. Relationships with others could feel emotionally taxing, or their connections are too emotionally cool or distant.

Venus-Uranus

The subject is able to seize many opportunities regarding love. 

Sudden breakups. Love life filled with incidents. 

Venus-Neptune

Love for art. The subject is prone to feel platonic love. 

Toxic and/or masochist love life. Or it may even indicate that the subject’s lover struggle with some addictions. 

Venus-Pluto

Sexual charm (remember that charm is not the same as good looks). 

Secret and/or complicated lovers. Winding love life. 

Mars Aspects

Mars-Jupiter 

Great self-confidence. A domineering/aggressive approach to others.

Dissatisfaction. Lack of assertiveness.

Mars-Saturn

The subject usually has a strong will and lofty career goals.

A never-ending battle to balance harshness and impulsivity. Depending on the other elements of the natal chart, it could have a balancing effect on the psyche of the subject. 

Mars-Uranus

Excellent decision-making skills and a strong competitive streak at work.

The subject could be prone to breaking things. Perhaps they can be clumsy. Negligent behaviour.

Mars-Neptune

Restlessness, passion for experimentation. 

Similar to the negative aspects regarding the Moon and Neptune. Here again it may indicate an underlying mental struggle. Fear of change. 

Mars-Pluto

An overload of energy, especially sexual.

Possible sexual struggles coupled with a strong disdain for disappointing partners. 

Jupiter Aspects

Jupiter-Saturn

A great deal of self-confidence. The individuals born with this aspect are very practical and like to focus on material things. 

The subject has a hard time balancing their optimism (or lack of it) with their rational mind.

Jupiter-Uranus

A positive attitude to problem solving. They’re very good at making the right decision at the right time. Good manual skills.

A tricky relationship with money. Uncertain in their decision making ability. They could be a lot of procrastination generally.

Jupiter-Neptune

A great desire for change and a fertile imagination.

Struggles with changes and metamorphosis.

Jupiter-Pluto

Confident personality with a flare for the arts and creativity.

They may crave to prove their worth to others.

Saturn Aspects

Saturn-Uranus

The subject is very confident in themself and in their actions, sometimes overly so.

There can be too much hesitation and overthinking before taking action.

Saturn-Neptune

A splendid fusion between imagination, metamorphosis and rationality.

Fear of uncertainty, difficulty in either being logical or being imaginative.

Saturn-Pluto

The subject’s personality is very creative, while at the same time strong, unyielding or even unforgiving. 

Insecurity and dissatisfaction with oneself.

Uranus Aspects

Uranus-Neptune

Easily identify excellent opportunities, including opportunities in business.

Wishful thinking, lack of realism, and laziness.

Uranus-Pluto

Often present in the charts of people who are skilled.

The subject has strong doubts about their own abilities. They may struggle to feel satisfied with themselves.