Astrologers study “aspects” — the relative positions of planets at a certain point in time — by charting positions, and tracking affects.

Often when I write blog posts, I talk about how the planets are working in the heavens, sometimes cooperating with one another, and sometimes at odds and how that impacts us here on earth. And in horoscope charts, aspects are patterns we check to ascertain elements of the personality. But what are these “aspects” exactly? I get the question a lot, so let’s take a closer look.

“Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance.”

You can think of aspects as way in which the planets work together to make things easier, or harder for you. You can track (chart) aspects by studying the angles that planets form to one another at particular points in time. And, when several aspects occur in the same chart (or simultaneously), they can create larger aspect patterns. Instead of one aspect, several planets in aspect can create a larger aspect pattern. These larger patterns can signify a complex personality pattern, referred to by psychologists as “complexes”.

Modern astrologers approach aspects more from data and reporting in current research with some consideration of historical reference. “Astrological harmonics” is an umbrella term having to do with the study and factoring in of all aspects for a given person, or situation.

Aspect patterns have a major influence on your personality and character by creating greater ease or resistance. They can also be set off and stepped up by transiting and progressed planets. A natal trine may become a Grand Trine whenever a third planet enters the part of the zodiac that trines both planets already in trine. A T-Square can become a Grand Square, and a sextile can become a Yod. This can also happen in relation to other people and their planets can form larger aspect patterns with yours. Having these aspects together can create feelings of immediate rapport and significant relationship dynamics or something you are both attracted to work on or understand.

Helpful Aspects: Trines & Grand Trines

Trines are formed between a couple of planets when they are roughly at a 120 degree angle from each other and generally are viewed as a favorable influence with the energy of each planet contributing to the positive energy of the trine. A simple example would be on a particular day when Mercury (Communication) forms a trine with Venus (Love), then it can be said to be fortuitous to speak what is in your heart — about love, on that day. But things are usually much more complex than that, and even following trines, there can be too many of them in a chart which might tend to make a person lazy.

“A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution.”

When 2 planets make a trine (120 degree angle), and there is a 3rd planet that also makes trines to both planets, this triangle is called a Grand Trine. Imagine a planet at 0 degrees Aries, another at 0 Leo and a 3rd at 0 Sagittarius, and this is a Grand Trine. The 3 planets that make up a Grand Trine are usually in the same ELEMENT. They don’t have to be, as some aspects are very close, yet out-of-sign. However, the principle of a Grand Trine is that there or 3 (or more) planets trine each other in the same element. When you see a Grand Trine in a chart, it looks like a large triangle.

A Grand Trine aspect pattern can create a feeling of ease and complacency because things seem to “just happen” seamlessly, without effort, friction, or force. This can signify a special talent or ability that appears effortless, but it can also signal a tendency to be lazy or complacent because things come so easily that there is nothing to prove and talent is never fully developed. Your tendency can be to leave the tough stuff for another day. With a Grand Trine, there’s always tomorrow….

Challenging Aspects: T-Squares and Grand Squares

When 3 planets square each other, they form a triangle called a T-Square. In a T-Square, there is one planet that squares 2 other planets that oppose each other. If you envision a planet at 0 degrees Aries with a planet square it from 0 Capricorn and another at 0 Cancer, this is a T-Square. If there is also a 4th planet in square with the others, for example a planet at 0 degrees Libra, this creates a Grand Square pattern.

A T-Square is a challenging aspect that signifies a struggle that intensifies and eventually leads to a resolution. While T-Square configurations are common, they signify an inherent challenge that forces growth or change that can lead to success in life. The focal planet, or planet that squares the opposing planets, is the key to the T-Square and shows where tension is most likely to show up. Conflict resolution may be aided by the missing or empty part of the Square (opposing the focal planet).

Above, Zytglogge tower in Bern, Switzerland. East facade fresco showing the gods for the planets Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury.

While T-Squares are often found in charts, Grand Squares are less common and often signify a weight to bear that keeps you on a short leash. It may seem like access is continuously denied and you are restricted to a small area where growth is only possible with discipline and hard work. For some reason or another, you are continually stressed and need to consciously maintain balance, always being forced to stick to the straight and narrow. Somehow, these people often learn to carry big loads and are capable of effectively handling large responsibilities. However, they can also feel overstressed and overburdened at times.

Cosmic Aspects: Yods

In a YOD pattern, 2 planets make a sextile, and they both make a quincunx (inconjunct or 150 degree aspect) to a 3rd planet, creating a triangle, or Yod. If you imagine a planet at 0 Aries and 2 planets sextile each other at 0 Virgo and 0 Scorpio, this is a Yod.

Yods are called the “finger of God” and have a connotation of being receptive to messages from higher states of consciousness. While Yods can be exotic and you can enjoy the adventure of feeling like a stranger in a strange land, you may also need to make consessions and be adaptive to unfamiliar situations when you have a Yod in your chart. It may be that you give in one direction and get your needs met from a completely different source, so it is not possible to measure how much others give you to decide how much you can give.

All of these kaleidoscope of patterns factor in together in your horoscope and the picture (a snapshot of patterns) that astrologers consider for daily, weekly, and monthly events.

The relative size of the planets are shown in this image — a composite of actual planetary photos by NASA. Note the Moon is smallest, but also closest to the earth, with the Sun so large only a small part of it is shown at top.

We made it to the weekend, and Saturday sees the Moon (Emotions) at play with three celestial bodies. It’s in a favorable position with Mercury (Communication) and Uranus (Inventiveness) which gives you a feeling of exploration, and also trying things out. Maybe you will take on a new project in the workshop or den. You could also get inventive in your romance… a little role play, anyone? At the same time, the Moon is in a stressful position with Saturn (Structure). This can be to your good, since to be inventive, you have to “think out of the box.”

“But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about.”

This past week, we celebrated Earth Day. Astrologically speaking, the Earth is still the center of the Universe, since all of the Zodiac influences come from a circular mandala of planetary influences in our heavens. What’s interesting is that we think of how all of the celestial bodies — the Sun, the Moon, the Planets — affect us on Earth. But we don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on how the Earth itself affects, influences, and sustains us. Climate sure makes a difference in our lives, doesn’t it? Ok… how does Earth awareness affect your job, your family, and your relationships?

Half way through the week, and Venus (Romance) squared off with Mars (Initiative) to make for an interesting Wednesday. When ever a water (Venus) mixes with fire (Mars) there’s bound to be some steam. How do you blow off steam? Do you have a healthy way to turn on the steam escape valve? Exercise, meditation, and maybe a get away are in order. Feeling competitive? That’s ok in the best spirit of ingenuity at work… but don’t let that spirit ruin your relationships.

On Friday, the Moon (emotions) was working hard in the heavens (again) — it forms an alliance with Venus (Love) for good feelings toward your coworkers, family, and in your romantic relationship. The Moon is also squaring off with Uranus (Inventiveness), which can create a feeling that going with something new is not the right thing to do right now. You may find yourself at odds with a group that puts out progressive ideas. That’s ok if you have good supporting reasons to back up your position. You can walk away from any conflict by concentrating on those loving feelings — pop in your favorite CD and enjoy the vibes.

Have you noticed the Moon’s important role in affecting day to day life? Most people focus on Sun signs and their influence (“what’s your sign” Astrology). That’s important too — the sign you are born under goes a long way toward determining key personality traits. But under it all runs the current of emotions in the realm of the subconscious. And that, is what the Moon is all about. Enjoy your weekend.

We often think of the Moon’s influence on Earth as primarily the gravitational affect like it exerts on the Oceans, but the Moon also emits magnetic fields and pulses as shown above from the Lunar Prospector electron reflectometer experiment.

Friday is an interesting day, since Mercury (Communication) works with (Trines) both Neptune (Ideals), and Saturn (Practicality) today. You can think clearly about what must be done on your projects, and in your relationships. And, it’s a good day for a meeting to talk things over. Saturn’s influence can feel restrictive at time, so communicating about big picture goals and plans can be a welcome break.

“Sun in Taurus (the “lovers sign” — ruled by Venus) on Saturday, with a Scorpio Full Moon on Sunday makes for a very love prone weekend.”

The week has been interesting, with the Moon is squaring off with Neptune Thursday leaving a feeling of unease about possible deception. That’s OK. The world is a tricky place at times, and discernment is always a vital skill. How do you learn what to believe, and of what to remain skeptical? Trust your gut. Study in the school of hard knocks. Pray and ask for spiritual guidance. You are after the truth, in business, in relationships, and life. That’s how you find freedom. The weekend continues an undercurrent of possible mistakes and misperceptions even as it looks like a wonderful time for romance.

At play, as ever, is our Moon, ruler of emotions, ruler of Cancer, and associated forever with Water — the ruler of Tides, as well. It circles our planet about once every 28 days, spending 2.3 days in each of the signs of the Zodiac. How it is positioned — in struggle or cooperation — relative to the other planets tells a lot about the energy tides on our earth. The Moon is also said to guide and influence one’s unconscious rythyms, habits, moods and memories. And this weekend, we encounter a Full Moon.

Sun in Taurus (the “lovers sign” — ruled by Venus) on Saturday, with a Scorpio Full Moon on Sunday makes for a very love prone weekend. Full moons bring much potency to your emotional life, and there is much erotic passion in Scorpio — so get ready for a weekend designed for hot romance. Remember that the Moon, when Full, is a time of power, and that you will have energy to work on projects that you have been wanting to finish (if you take time out from the romantic fun). Be aware that powerful emotional tides can set up deception — on the part of others, and even self-deception. You can avoid this by thinking things through, and taking time out to meditate and get in touch with higher sources of truth. The trick is to balance out passion with logic and principles in your life… and enjoy the ride.

Mercury squares the Moon

The Moon squares off with Mercury today (Saturday), so you may have to think about how to express your emotions — before you speak. It’s always good to go with gut hunches and trust your emotional intelligence, but sometimes it’s difficult to put feelings into words. Poets are good at that. Don’t be afraid to speak from your heart — even if it doesn’t sound exactly logical. Just make sure to be true to your deepest feelings.

“It’s been a week of emotions, initiative, and reflection. That can feel like work.”

Earlier this week (after Spring Break vacation with the family), the Sun (Personality) was working with Mars (Initiative) to give you that “take charge” feeling at work. But Mercury and Neptune were dancing in such a way that what you communicate could sound a bit dreamy. So if you had all of your facts and figures together that would have brought it back down to earth when you talk about your latest plans and projects.

Later in the week, the Sun (personality) was wrestling with Jupiter (Growth) bringing some tension to your plans to move ahead. Where do you need to be in your career? What about moving forward in your personal life? You can get ahead, but you have to plan it out… then do it. You also feel that it might be taking too much time to happen — that things are progressing too slow — but remember how fast time really moves? You will get there… sooner than later.

On Friday, an opportunity occurred to touch in with your emotions and see what they’re telling you. Sometimes it seems easier to avoid them, but you really move ahead when you feel, deal, then heal. It would be good to write down, “journal”, or blog, about what you’re feeling as a way to get in touch. This also works as a reference where in a week or so, you can look back and sort out what you were feeling. Your emotions are keys to your motivation, and often the reactions of people around you. Don’t ignore them.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the Sun dances with Neptune to bring out your imagination once again. It’s been a week of emotions, initiative, and reflection. That can feel like work. So now, take what you’ve learned and imagine your future. Keep it real. Imagination is great — but you have to bring it down to Earth.

16th century Arabic manuscript and Zodiac

As we head into the weekend, the heavens offer us some interesting influences — the Moon (Emotions) is at odds with Mars (Initiative), and this while the Sun (Personality) shows tension with the Moon. It’s easy to see that your feelings could be holding you back from doing what must be done. How can you prevent that? Get your “to do” list out and make sure to cross off at least the top three items after you prioritize them. No matter if you list is much longer. If you’ve prioritized correctly, the top three things you must do will prove very beneficial on completion. Of course we’re still in Pisces — a water sign, which means emotions will continue to be important, so don’t hold them back… embrace them. Once you feel… then you can deal.

“Careers, families, and relationships require concentration on the details.”

It’s been an interesting week. Last Tuesday, (3.25), the Moon (Emotion) was in harmonic position with four different planets: Venus (Love), Mercury (Communication), Jupiter (Growth), and Uranus (Enlightenment). Quite a package. Did you notice gut instincts giving you vital clues? Wednesday offered more celestial fun.

Also this week, the Sun (Personality) was in harmony with the Moon (Emotions), but Mars (Initiative) was in a tug of war with Neptune (Ideals), and this probably made you a little crazy. At those times it’s good to meditate, and do some quiet journal writing. If you’re career minded, write down some goals and make a plan, then put it aside for a while. It’s possible to be creative at this time, but big old Neptune can pull you off track now, so sit back and enjoy what harmony there is. There will be time for right action in the near future.

Today (Friday), the Sun (Personality) was in position with Neptune (Ideals) to bring your dreams, and the bigger picture to the fore font. You will have to decide if that’s productive for you. Taking a moment to look at your annual calendar and factor in ways to make progress on major goals is a good way to use this impetus. Losing focus on work activities would be one example of how you might get sidetracked. It would be good to indulge in dreaming during coffee breaks, and focus back down to earth as you get back to your desk. Careers, families, and relationships require concentration on the details.

Astrologers Studying an Eclipse, a 1571 painting by Antoine Caron, oil on panel

Happy Weekend and Good Friday. One aspect on Saturday, is that the Moon (emotions) is in position to challenge Jupiter (Growth), so you have an opportunity to look at any feelings that are holding you back from where you need to go. Emotional intelligence is one thing, but feelings are also known to block people — fear is a good example. That’s one service Astrology does for us — bringing to our attention things we can look at so we can get past them instead of leaving them rumbling at the subconscious level.

“God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.”

A lot in Astrology is about “archetypes.” For instance, the Sun (Personality) is in Pisces now, which is noted for the archetypes of the Mystic, the Dreamer, the Story Teller. Archetypes are models for a personality type, and what they say about motivation, has a lot to do with the actual behavior you observe. So, under Pisces energy, you can take some time to dream your dreams, and when you manifest them — weave a story about it. It’s ok if people see you as the Dreamer, as long as you can come back to earth long enough to bring those dreams into reality.

Jupiter and Saturn were in position this week to get us to face the truth. Most of us value the truth. Many of us block certain parts of it from ourselves for a time. You should welcome this opportunity to be set free. The work of blocking truth doesn’t really get us anywhere and requires a lot of energy that goes wasted. There’s no way around it — no shortcut. That’s the truth. God is hope, God is light, and God is truth. And the Truth will set you free.

It is interesting that the Moon (emotions) often plays a bigger role in aspects which affect our days than the Sun (personality), which most people focus on regarding their horoscopes. On Wednesday, the Moon was dancing with Mars (intiative) to bring a feeling that you can get things done today. Bring it. It was also in favorable position with Neptune (ideals) to heighten the sense that you can reach for your dreams. As with most opportunities, there is a flipside — caution that your enthusiasm doesn’t blind you so you shoot right by the truth. Bring it down to earth, and think logically about things before making important decisions.

What can we learn from rigidity? On Friday (3/21) the Sun (personality) forms a square with Pluto (Renewal) — a position that creates a sort of celestial tug-of-war. This can mean that your ego, or someone close to you, is holding you back from what you need to get done. You know, “digging in your heels?” Here’s a good meditation: what lasts longer and gets more done, the ocean (fluidity), or a rock cliff (rigidity). So, your challenge is to go with the flow, even if it means shutting down the ego a bit.

The Education of Achilles (ca. 1772) by James Barry (1741-1806), oil on canvas, depicting the education of Achilles by the centaur Chiron. Located at the Yale Center for British Art.

Welcome to March. Spring is on its way, and today Venus is working with Pluto to influence motives that might not necessarily be on the surface. Ever wonder what the intention is behind what someone says to you? It will be good to reflect on intention and motivation this weekend, and what you discern and learn can lead to a breakthrough in your relationships. Much of motivation is initiated by feelings — that’s why Advertising gurus insist that purchases are made on emotion, rather than logic.

“What a week. Heal, Deal, then Feel all over again. You have the sensitivity now to tune in to your higher self…”

We’re headed toward a new Moon (Emotion) in Pisces (Spiritual) this week (on Friday), so it’s a good time to use imagination, meditation, and visualization to renew your Faith. This can be faith in your career, faith in your relationships, and yeah — the big Faith. Mars enters Cancer on Tuesday, which means that initiative has has to find its way through some emotional interference. You can do it. Take a deep breath, get centered, and thing logically about what you must do. Prioritize and get it done. There’ll be time to address your feelings after you cross off a few items — and you’ll feel better because you got things out of the way.

How was your weekend? Venus was working with Chiron for a couple of days in the heavens to bring you needed healing energy. In Mythology, Chiron, a Centaur, was a great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, the last remaining centaur was most revered as a teacher and tutor. You can meditate on that image and think about how teaching, healing, and the energy from above are all interconnected.

Looking toward Wednesday, we can see that Venus (Love) and Neptune are dancing together to once again bring emotions to play for new beginnings. What a week. Heal, Deal, then Feel all over again. You have the sensitivity now to tune in to your higher self, and get what you need from groups, gatherings, and the new ideas and brainstorms that are generated. In two days, the New Moon will help you launch those plans that come from this time with a new energy and a Springtime surge.

From a painting of Aquarius circa 1782

The Moon today is full of good energy for new beginnings, this has a lot to do with the New Moon that occurred earlier last week. You can really “bring it” this month. What new projects do you have to start? Is it time to take a new course of action in your career — in a relationship? There was a Solar Eclipse last week too, and that is another opportunity for you to look at things anew — as they are revealed again after being hidden during the eclipse. What will you see in a new light this week?

“February is a month to get things done, use this to get in tune with those around you so that your “team” can forge ahead.”

February looks like a busy month — a time when you can get things done… even on the weekends. How do you juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and manage to keep track of it all? Does your computer help you manage your tasks, or do you simply write a list and cross things off as they are completed? This is a good time to have a system so you can double-check — it’s a bit hectic, and communications can go awry because of the Mercury Retrograde. Just make sure you communicate with yourself well — use a daytimer, journal, or simple note system.

The Sun in Aquarius (thru. the 19th) brings a thirst for learning that can translate into innovation and creativity. You should be able to take a good look at your life, home, and surroundings and see what’s ready for a little change. On Monday (Feb. 11th), the Moon and Sun favor each other in such a way that you will feel confidence in your abilities. In fact, the Moon (emotions) also works with Mars (assertion) to boost confidence — just don’t take it too far. There’s a fine line between self confidence and an ego that’s a “legend in your own mind.” You can use this influence for strength of character as you “step up” to lead at work and home.

On Tuesday (Feb. 12th), the Moon (Emotion) forms a trine with both Saturn (Practicality), and Neptune (Compassion). This brings you down to earth as you approach business matters, and makes you open to understanding and empathy with others. Since February is a month to get things done, use this to get in tune with those around you so that your “team” can forge ahead.

Mercury, captured from Mariner 7, shows a pock-marked surface, similar to our Moon.

On Monday, January 28th, Mercury went Retrograde in Libra. This is a most beautiful diplomatic placement for Retrograde because as most of you know, “Retro” means to Red-Do, or ReVisit — and for this particular Retrograde negotiations are quite favored next week. What this means for everyone is to be sure to ask for what you want, and be direct about it. You will be well respected for knowing exactly what you want, so get busy thinking about exactly what that is.

“…the eyes are known as the windows to the soul – the same soul that feels the pull of earth and of the heavens.”

Mercury Retrograde affects communications, so it’s good to remember that experts on the subject say that there are four messages given each time we communicate. What we mean to say. What we actually say. What the receiver hears us say. What the receiver (the other person in the communication) thinks it means. The last part can have a lot to do with our body language and the emotions and intonations that go along with spoken communication. And remember that Mercury in Retrograde disrupts communications, so pay special attention to the four messages, and how you can sort them out. How? Check to see if you’ve understood correctly by asking if what you think the communication means, is actually what the person speaking meant to say.

And on Wednesday, Jan. 30th, the Mars goes Direct adding its fiery passion to the mix of influences here on earth. You need to sharpen your focus on written and verbal communication in your career and personal life. What about subliminal communication? Every watch someone’s eyes carefully? They can tell you a lot. According to communication experts, blinking fast usually means a person is nervous — and peoples’ passions could be up this week. Eye contact regulates conversations, shows interest or involvement, and establishes a connection with others — in our culture. Dilated pupils indicate greater affection or attraction, while constricted pupils send a colder signal — usually a signal that your brain picks up subliminally. But you can tune in consciously and use what you see to help you understand what is being communicated. And of course, the eyes are known as the windows to the soul – the same soul that feels the pull of earth and of the heavens.

Mars coming back to “Direct” (it visually proceeds forward in its path through the skies), puts its fierce passions at work this week, and along with the Last Quarter Moon (Weds. Jan. 30th), this combination makes for a time to learn about what you truely care about. Give it some time — sleep on it. Then proceed with careful, clear communication — Mercury (Communication) in Retrograde now, means that you need to double-check the messages you are putting out. Get in touch with your feelings, get yourself together, and go forward like a skilled negotiator, to seek your opportunities.