Recognizing the background and development of the zodiac system enables a more reliable understanding of the interplay of the planets positions. Diving into the history of how the specific signs developed proves a strong link to the mathematical and thus astronomic approach which was originally taken to astrology.
Around the end of the fifth century BC, Babylonian astronomers divided the ecliptic into 12 equal “signs”, by analogy to 12 schematic months of 30 days each (see Zodiac – wikipedia). Each sign contained 30° of celestial longitude, thus creating the first known celestial coordinate system. See here for more explanations of the different signs. Viewing the zodiac system through a mathematical lens can enhance our understanding of the various zodiac signs, bridging the gap between them and avoiding the sharp divisions often seen in modern astrology. Unlike the simplified interpretations found in magazines, the mathematical framework and its order also incorporate other influences. Notably, planetary interactions play a significant role in shaping personality (as seen in natal charts), relationships (composite charts or synastry), and even the impact of transits on our life paths. These planetary or point interactions are known as aspects—cosmic dialogues between celestial bodies that reveal how their energies intertwine and harmonize.
Aspects are typically categorized into:
Conjunction: when planets are positioned close together (within 5 degrees), they meld their energies
Trine and Sextile: when planets make a 120 or 60 degree aspect. These are harmonic aspects, indicating flowing interactions
Opposition and Square: when planets make a 180 or 90 degree aspect. These are dynamic and challenging aspects.
Conjunction: In astrology, a conjunction occurs when two separate celestial points in the solar system come together and blend their energies. These points are often planets, such as Earth, Mars, and Jupiter, but they can also include other luminary bodies like Chiron and Lilith. When planets form a conjunction, they essentially unite their forces, acting in tandem. The closer they are to each other in terms of degrees, the more subjectively these combined energies manifest. When planets align precisely at the same degree, their influence intensifies significantly. It’s like they’re having a celestial conversation, sharing their unique qualities and characteristics. This interaction shapes the dynamics of an individual’s birth chart, relationships, and life experiences. For example, mercury and venus in conjunction become mercury (associated with communication, intellect, and adaptability) and venus (associated with love, beauty, and harmony) meeting in the same sign. This conjunction could enhance artistic expression, poetic communication, or even romantic connections. It’s like these celestial neighbors are having a cosmic conversation, sharing their qualities and influencing the individual’s experiences.
In summary, the specific effects of a conjunction depend on the planets involved and the zodiac sign they occupy. Whether it’s a harmonious or intense blend, it is believed that planetary conjunctions play a significant role in shaping our lives and interactions.
Trine and Sextile: Planets forming a trine are approximately 120 degrees apart. This aspect signifies a positive alignment, promoting ease, creativity, and talents. When planets are in trine, they work together harmoniously, enhancing each other’s qualities. For example, if your Sun is trine your Moon, it suggests a natural alignment between your conscious self (Sun) and emotions (Moon).A sextile occurs when planets are approximately 60 degrees apart. Some of the interpretation of this is similar to trines. However, some astrologers suggest that a sextile is slightly weaker in energy influences than a trine. Yet, sextiles still represent a gentle and supportive connection. Sextiles encourage cooperation, communication, and growth. While not as powerful as trines, they still offer opportunities for positive outcomes. For instance, if Mercury is sextile Venus, it implies that your communication style (Mercury) complements your social interactions and relationships (Venus).Thus, both trines and sextiles are harmonious and foster collaboration and favorable circumstances.
Opposition and Square: As stated above these are aspects forming when planets are either180 degrees (opposites) or 90degrees (square) apart. These aspects are more active and sometimes challenging. Yet, the active part of such aspects pushes us to take action and seeking solutions and balance. Oppositions in particular highlights contrasts and tensions. Such aspects can both manifest as inner conflicts and/or challenging interaction with other–or at least the interactions may be felt this way. For example, if a person has ascendant, which symbolizes our approach to the world, opposite the moon, which symbolizes our inner needs and feelings, we may sometimes find ourselves in situations where for example our hard work and dedication(as an ascendant in Capricorn would indicate) sometimes may conflict with a moon in cancer (the need for nurturing or being nurtured).
Squares similarly indicate friction and challenges, but simultaneously create growth opportunities. Such aspects push us to take action and resolve conflicts. Therefore, we should always remember that challenging aspects teach us something–and transits in particular pushes us out of our comfort zone only to teach us something new which may later be beneficial for us.
Summative, aspects found in charts–or in planet interrelations between charts–are sometimes just as informative and interesting as the actual zodiac signs the planets are placed within. The zodiac signs of the planets, however, do indicate the characteristics of the energies involved in the aspect.
