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Mercury Aspects

Mercury Aspects

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: August 2024

Planetary Aspects

I am continuing on with a series on the planet’s aspects which is part of a basic natal astrology reading series which I’m working on about the aspects of the planets.

 

Cornerstones

Aspects are one of the four cornerstones of chart readings, so this is something that you really would do first when you start to read charts.

This time, I’m looking into planet Mercury’s aspects to the other planets in your birth chart. Your natal Mercury is likely to have a few aspects to the other planets. Not every Mercury get a Ptolemaic aspect from another planet and this is known as an unaspected Mercury. Any Mercury aspects in your natal chart give insights into how your mind works and the way you think, speak and converse.

Mercury, as the planet of communication, rules what you busy your mind with, how you process information, how you express your thoughts, how you learn new concepts and how you connect with other people through language. Your Mercury’s influence through its aspects also covers all forms of mental exchange, like the art of discussion and debate to practical matters like buying and selling through trade and shopping. 

Mercury Themes

Your Mercury complex and its aspects show things like:

Communication Style

How you naturally express yourself, whether through direct speech, written word, creative expression or non-verbal cues is shown by Mercury. These aspects show whether you tend to be diplomatic or blunt, analytical or intuitive, quick-witted or thoughtfully measured in your responses towards others.

Learning and Mental Processing

Your Mercury aspects indicates the way your mind absorbs, processes and organizes information. Some Mercury aspects indicate rapid-fire thinking and multitasking abilities, while others suggest deep, methodical analysis or creative and non-linear thought patterns. Sometimes Mercury retrograde can affect learning.

Relationship Dynamics

How you connect intellectually with others, share ideas and navigate the give-and-take of interpersonal communication is indicated by your Mercury. These aspects reveal whether you thrive on arguments, prefer harmony in discussions or naturally take on teaching or learning roles in your relationships.

Commercial and Practical Exchanges

Your Mercury placement and aspects show your natural approach to negotiation, business dealings and all forms of trade. That means when you are buying a car, negotiating a salary or simply deciding what to order at a restaurant you engage your Mercury.

Problem-Solving Approach

How you tackle challenges, make decisions and find solutions is suggested by your Mercury aspects. You may rely on logic, intuition, collaboration or independent analysis and this depends on your Mercury’s relationship and how well it is plugged in, or connected, to the other planets in your chart.

You will be better off if you can understand your Mercury aspects as they may show a path for you to improve your communication skills, create better relationships and greater success in all your exchanges. Your Mercury complex includes all personal and professional interactions with people. The more Mercury aspects you have, the richer and more flexible your mental skills are likely to be.

Podcast

Mercury Aspects

In this week’s podcast episode Arwynne and I chat about Mercury’s aspects.

Mercury’s Aspects

Themes

Mercury aspects in astrology are worth close attention because they describe how we think, learn, communicate, and process information. Mercury is the planet of the mind, ideas, speech, writing, and everyday connections. It shapes how we take in the world around us and how we express our inner thoughts back into it.

Mental Style

When Mercury forms aspects to other planets, those energies blend with our mental style. For example, Mercury conjunct Venus might give a love of poetry, pleasant speech, and a knack for diplomacy. Mercury square Saturn can indicate a serious or cautious thinker, sometimes prone to self-doubt but also capable of deep concentration. Mercury trine Uranus often sparks quick insights and innovative ideas.

Pay Attention

Pay attention to Mercury aspects in your natal chart, transits and progressions can reveal:

  • Your learning style: Whether you prefer facts, stories, visuals, or hands-on practice.
  • Your communication strengths and challenges: From confident speaking to thoughtful listening.
  • Your decision-making process: Either quick and intuitive or methodical and deliberate.
  • Your Goods Exchange style: How you barter, buy and sell and the importance of the deal to you.

 

Transits of Mercury

Mercury is fast-moving, so its aspects in transit can shift our mental focus from week to week. Watching these changes can help you understand your own thought patterns and adapt your schedule for tasks that need sharp thinking, careful analysis, or creative brainstorming.

Your Message

By observing Mercury’s aspects, you gain a clearer picture of how your mind is working at any given time. This can help you communicate more effectively, make wiser choices and keep your message aligned with your true intentions.

Applying and Separating

You can also pay attention to aspects which are applying and separating as this will modify the meaning of the aspect.

The Five Ptolemaic Aspects to the Mercury

Natal Ptolemaic Aspects

When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only work on the five Ptolemaic aspects, which are the conjunction, the opposition, the trine, the square and the sextile.

You can move on to the minor aspects later.

Mercury Conjunctions

(360°/1=360° or 0°)

The planet joined with Mercury merges its energy with your thinking and communication style.

 

Positive

Strong focus, united purpose between mind and the other planet’s function, intense clarity in that area.

 

Challenge

Hard to separate pure thought from the emotional, physical, or spiritual influence of the other planet and also objectivity may be reduced.

Mercury Conjunctions Examples

Mercury Conjunct the Sun


Mercury conjoined the Sun shows strong self-expression, clarity of thought, personal opinions shape identity.

Mercury Conjunct the Moon


Mercury conjoined the Moon suggests emotional thinking, a vivid memory and intuitive communication.

Mercury Conjunct Venus


Mercury conjoined Venus brings pleasant speech, artistic ideas and diplomacy with words.

Mercury Conjunct Mars


Mercury conjoined Mars can make speech fast, sharp, and energized.

Expect direct, assertive and sometimes blunt communication as you have quick mental reflexes.

Mercury Conjunct Jupiter


Mercury conjoined Jupiter indicates that you are an optimistic thinker. Have a love of learning and a tendency to overpromise.

Mercury Conjunct Saturn


Mercury conjoined Saturn suggests that you are serious, focused minded and have the potential for disciplined study. There is the question of possibly self-doubt.

Mercury Conjunct Uranus


Mercury conjoined Uranus brings innovative ideas, mental restlessness and lightning insights.

Mercury Conjunct Neptune


Mercury conjoined Neptune indicates that you are imaginative have intuitive thinking and on occasion, the potential for confusion or idealism.

Mercury Conjunct Pluto


Mercury conjoined Pluto shows you possess a deep, probing mind. You are likely to have persuasive speech and transformative ideas.

mercury-card

Mercury Oppositions

(360°/2=180°)

A balancing act between Mercury and the other planet, often expressed through relationships.

Note Mercury does not oppose the Sun or Venus.

Positive

Can see both sides of an argument, valuable in negotiation or diplomacy.

Challenge

Tendency to project one side of the aspect onto others, leading to misunderstandings or external conflicts.

Mercury Opposition Examples

Mercury Opposition Moon

This aspect, Mercury opposition the Moon, blends logic with emotion in a challenging way. Thoughts are often colored by feelings, leading to emotional bias or overreaction in conversations. It may be hard to separate rational thinking from instinctive responses.

Mercury Opposition Mars

With Mercury opposition Mars, quick tempers and sharp tongues are common. People may react too fast in heated conversations, leading to arguments or verbal conflicts. Assertiveness in speech can easily spill into irritation.

Mercury Opposition Jupiter

Ideas can become overly grand or scattered when Mercury opposes Jupiter. Optimism may overshadow practical details, and exaggeration is a recurring theme. There is a tendency to promise more than can realistically be delivered.

Mercury Opposition Saturn

Mercury opposition Saturn brings mental tension and self-doubt. There may be hesitation or fear of speaking, with thoughts feeling blocked or restricted. Rigid thinking and harsh self-criticism can slow down communication.

Mercury Opposition Uranus

A restless and inventive mind appears if your Mercury opposes Uranus, but it may swing toward unpredictability. Thoughts and speech can be erratic or shocking, and conversations may suddenly change direction. The gift is in fresh insights, though consistency may be lacking.

Mercury Opposition Neptune

With Neptune involved, clarity in communication is tested. Confusion, misunderstandings, and idealized thinking are common. You may be inspired or imaginative but still need to double-check facts and avoid wishful thinking.

Mercury Opposition Pluto

The Mercury opposition Pluto aspect brings depth and intensity to thinking. Obsessive thoughts or power struggles in your communication may arise. Words can be used to dominate or to uncover hidden truths, often leading towards your transformative insights through dialogue.

Mercury Trines

(360°/3=120°)

An easy flow of energy between Mercury and the other planet.

Note: Mercury never trines the Sun or Venus.

Positive

Natural talents in communication and learning; ideas seem to “just happen” in a productive way.

Challenge

May lack the push to actively develop skills since they come so easily.

Mercury Trine Examples

Mercury Trine Moon

This aspect supports a natural balance between mind and emotions. If your chart has the Moon trine Mercury you can often express yourself with warmth and empathy. Your words can comfort others and folks easily sense the emotional tone in conversations with you.

You are a skilled listener and nurturing communicator.

Mercury Trine Mars

When Mercury trines Mars in your natal chart you see confidence and courage in communication. Your thoughts are quick, sharp and direct without being overly aggressive. You have an ability to act decisively on your ideas and tend to speak with conviction. Being able to inspire other people through your words with a clear and energetic expression is an asset.

Mercury Trine Jupiter

With Jupiter’s influence, your communication expands. This trine suggests you have a broad-minded enthusiasm for knowledge. Additionally, you have a talent for seeing the bigger picture. Optimistic and generous in thought, you can often inspire others with their faith in possibilities and uplift then through ideas.

Mercury Trine Saturn

Mercury trine Saturn grounds your mind with discipline and structure. It encourages steady, reliable thinking and the ability to plan strategically. Communication is clear, organized and practical. If you have this trine you will make an excellent planner, mentor, or authority because of your thoughtful and somewhat measured approach.

Mercury Trine Uranus

Mercury trine Uranus sparks a bright and inventive mind. Typically, flashes of insight will come easily to you, often ahead of their time. You embrace new ideas with curiosity and openness. This will bring originality to your contacts. Your words may surprise, delight and shift perspectives in fresh ways.

Mercury Trine Neptune

Here imagination flows effortlessly into thought and speech. Creative ideas, artistic inspiration and poetic expression are highlighted when Mercury trines Neptune. You may have a natural gift for storytelling, music or spiritual communication. You can probably offer messages which uplift and inspire others with their beauty and vision.

Mercury Trine Pluto

This aspect deepens the power of the mind. Words carry weight and can transform others. If you have Mercury trine Pluto then you have a penetrating intellect and an ability to uncover hidden truths. You will wield a natural influence over others in your communications. Your speech is received as compelling and draws others into your profound ideas.

trine-aspect

Mercury Squares

(360°/4=90°)

A dynamic tension that pushes growth in mental expression.

Positive

This aspect can bring mental stamina and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Challenge

Misunderstandings, some mental stress or overthinking things are common. You may feel compelled to defend your ideas.

Mercury Square Examples

Mercury square Moon

When Mercury is square the Moon your thoughts and feelings clash. Your head goes up against you needs. You may have trouble articulating your emotions. Sometimes moodiness can affect any clear thinking. You need to balance logic with sensitivity.

Mercury square Mars

This aspect is an indication of someone with a sharp tongue and who is impatience in speech. There is an argumentative streak when Mercury squares Mars. You may find that mental tension can bring quick but rash decisions.

Mercury square Jupiter

Mercury square Jupiter suggest you are predisposed to overpromising, exaggerating and careless speech. You could be tactless as well. You could have trouble focusing on details. There is the urge to balance big ideas with precision. You can make a big deal about things.

Mercury square Saturn

Mercury square Saturn may cause self-doubt in speech but eventually builds disciplined thinking. Self-doubt in thinking, blocked expression and a critical mindset is often the result of a Mercury square Saturn aspect. You may be mentally restricted or narrowminded and yet you can build deep discipline over time.

Mercury square Uranus

Mercury square Uranus indicates you have erratic thoughts and disruptive communications. Sudden outbursts or flashes of genius are likely. You could find it hard to stay consistent.

Mercury square Neptune

Confusion between truth and fantasy is often the case when Mercury squares Neptune. Misunderstandings, unclear thinking. You may have an abundance of creative imagination but there is the risk of deception.

Mercury square Pluto

Intense, obsessive thinking can happen when Mercury squares Pluto. Power struggles through words are common. You can probe deeply but risk manipulation.

Mercury Sextiles

(360°/6=60°)

A supportive, cooperative link between Mercury and the other planet.

Positive

Encourages smooth mental connections, learning and opportunities for expression.

Challenge

Because it’s easy, you might take the gift for granted and not develop it fully.

Note Mercury cannot sextile the Sun.

Mercury Sextile Examples

Mercury sextile Moon

Mercury sextile the Moon indicates that you have a latent talent for blending thought and feeling. You can learn to articulate emotions with sensitivity, becoming a natural counselor or storyteller.

Mercury sextile Venus

Mercury sextile Venus often gives charm in communication and an ear for beauty in language. Latent talent for charming words and artistic expression. With effort, you can develop a graceful communication style that brings people together.

Mercury sextile Mars

When Mercury sextiles Mars you have a latent talent for sharp, confident thinking. You can train yourself to be assertive in debate or writing, standing up for ideas without aggression.

Mercury sextile Jupiter

If Mercury sextiles Jupiter it suggests that you have a latent talent for optimistic, inspiring communication. With focus, you can become a motivating speaker, teacher, or writer who uplifts others.

Mercury sextile Saturn

You have a latent talent for disciplined, structured thinking is present with Mercury sextile Saturn. With practice, you can develop a reliable communication style and be trusted for your careful words.

Mercury sextile Uranus

If Mercury sextiles Uranus you have a latent talent for inventive, forward-thinking ideas. You can cultivate the gift of communicating fresh perspectives and sparking innovation in others.

Mercury sextile Neptune

When Mercury sextiles Neptune in your natal chart you have a latent talent for imaginative, symbolic, or spiritual communication. With work, you can channel your talents into writing, music or art which inspires the soul.

Mercury sextile Pluto

Mercury sextile Pluto suggest that you possess a latent talent for penetrating, transformative thought. You can train yourself to uncover hidden truths and use words as a tool for deep change.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Saturn’s Aspects

Saturn’s Aspects

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: August 2025

Planetary Aspects

I am continuing on with a series on the planet’s aspects which is part of a basic natal astrology reading series which I’m working on about the aspects of the planets.

Cornerstones

Aspects are one of the four cornerstones of chart readings, so this is something that you really would do first when you start to read charts.

Podcast

Saturn Aspects

In this week’s podcast episode Arwynne and I chat about Saturn’s aspects.

Saturn’s Aspects

Themes

In astrology, aspects to Saturn are significant because they reveal how we deal with responsibility, structure, time, discipline and life’s sometimes hard lessons. Saturn represents maturity, boundaries and playing the long game. When other planets aspect the ringed planet, they interact with this serious, grounding energy and can either support or challenge how we build our lives.

Why Saturn Aspects Matter

Saturn aspects show how we grow up

Saturn is the planet of life lessons and maturity. Aspects to Saturn describe how you handle growing pains, tough love and learning through experience. If Saturn is well-aspected (with trines and sextiles), you may have a healthy respect for rules, timelines, and commitment. If Saturn is under pressure (with oppositions and squares), you may have fears, delays, or a deep sense of inadequacy that needs time and effort to overcome.

Authority and Structure

Saturn represents all your authority figures like your parents, teachers, bosses and the government. Aspects to Saturn can show whether you respect these roles, rebel against them, or feel burdened by their expectations of you. They also indicate how you set your own boundaries and become your own authority.

 

Work Ethics and Career

In career astrology, Saturn aspects will suggest how persistent, reliable and focused you are over time and in the long run. Harmonious and easy going aspects aspects (like trines and sextiles) to Saturn may bring you steady ambition and success through hard work. Challenging aspects (like squares and oppositions) to your Saturn might denote your career blocks or heavy responsibilities early in life, but with perseverance, these very aspects when worked through, can lead to great mastery and recognition.

 

Resilience

When the Moon or Venus aspects Saturn, emotional expression may be cautious or guarded. These aspects can make you seem serious or reserved, but over time they often lead to deep loyalty and stability in relationships. Saturn teaches you that emotional growth requires patience and trust.

 

Saturn Returns

Saturn’s energy unfolds over time. The aspects to Saturn in your birth chart show how you’ll meet different stages of life, especially around your Saturn return at age 29–30 and again at your second Saturn return at age 58–60. These transiting Saturn conjunct Saturn aspects help to explain how prepared you are to handle transitions, long-term goals, and commitments.

 

Applying and Separating

You can also pay attention to aspects which are applying and separating as this will modify the meaning of the aspect.

Saturn-purple

The Five Ptolemaic Aspects to the Saturn

Natal Ptolemaic Aspects

When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only work on the five Ptolemaic aspects, which are the conjunction, the opposition, the trine, the square and the sextile. You can move on to the minor aspects later.

Saturn Conjunctions

(360°/1=360° or 0°)

Blending Energies

A conjunction to Saturn directly intensifies Saturn’s themes. The other planet which joins forces with Saturn takes on a more serious, mature tone. This can bring strong discipline, focus and patience, but it may also feel burdensome, heavy or restricted.

Example: Mercury conjunct Saturn might indicate you are a thoughtful and methodical communicator, but possibly shy or slow to speak up.

Life lesson: Learn to juggle seriousness with ease.

Saturn Oppositions

(360°/2=180°)

Tension and Balance

Saturn oppositions often bring external challenges. Planets in opposition to Saturn may represent people or situations that you think block or judge you. This can lead to self-doubt, but also helps develop awareness of boundaries and the need to find balance between freedom and responsibility.

Example: The Moon opposite Saturn might show emotional highs and lows, often tied to feeling unsupported perhaps by your parents, but with maturity, this leads to strong emotional control.

Life lesson: Learn to stand your ground and create your own stability.

Saturn Trines

(360°/3=120°)

Natural Ease

The trine to Saturn is a harmonious aspect that helps things flow more easily. It shows a mature, grounded approach to life and that you have a natural ability to take responsibility, set boundaries, master things or work toward long-term goals without too much struggle.

Example: The Sun trine Saturn may bring confidence that grows with time, a strong sense of purpose and respect from others.

Life lesson: Use your natural wisdom to guide others.

Saturn Squares

(360°/4=90°)

Challenge and Pressure

A square to Saturn often feels like a test. It can bring internal blockages, delays, or make you have feelings of not being good enough. These aspects also bring the greatest potential for growth, especially if you stick to your guns and learn resilience.

Example: Mars square Saturn, a very tough aspect. may show frustration when trying to take action, but with persistence, it can develop into strong willpower and endurance.

Life lesson: Learn to overcome obstacles and build your inner strength.

Saturn Sextiles

(360°/5=60°)

Supportive Opportunities

The sextile is a gentle, encouraging aspect related to your latent talents. Planets in sextile to Saturn work well together and offer opportunities for consistency through effort. You may have a natural ability to be responsible, plan well or build long-lasting results in the nature of the other planet.

Example: A Venus sextile Saturn aspect could suggest that you have a steady and loyal approach to love and money which is essential for a lasting marriage.

Life lesson: Take advantage of slow and steady progress.

Saturn: More…

Overarch

Time to Step Up

Aspects to Saturn are essential for understanding how we handle life’s challenges. They show where we need to grow up, take ownership, accept responsibility, stop blaming our parents and earn our rewards. While Saturn aspects may feel heavy at times, they are also the foundation of real achievement, wisdom and inner strength in your life. In your natal chart, Saturn aspects point to where long-term effort can lead to lasting success.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

Lunar Aspects: Basic Natal Astrology

Lunar Aspects: Basic Natal Astrology

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: August 2025

The Moon’s Aspects

The Moon

As the Moon is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Moon’s aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only work on the five Ptolemaic aspects, which are the conjunction, the opposition, the trine, the square and the sextile. You can move on to the minor aspects later. I believe that any aspect that the Moon makes is worth, nay, more than worth, interpreting.

 

Applying and Separating

You can also pay attention to aspects which are applying and separating as this will modify the meaning of the aspect.

Podcast

Moon Aspects

In this week’s podcast episode Arwynne and I chat about the Moon’s aspects.

moon-aspects-podcast

The Five Ptolemaic Aspects to the Moon

Natal

In a birth chart, the Moon represents our emotional world. It reflects our feelings, instincts, memories and how we respond to others and situations on a gut level. The Moon shows our need for comfort, safety, caring and nurturing. It also speaks to the past through our roots, our mother and food or maternal caregivers and it shows how we internalize care.

Ptolemaic Aspects

The transiting Moon moves quickly through the wheel and changes signs about every two and a half days. This quick pace means the Moon will forms several aspects to other planets and each of these aspects shapes the emotional tone of your chart. If you focus on the five Ptolemaic aspects of the conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile you can get a solid framework for understanding the Moon’s dynamic role in your chart.

 

Moon Conjunctions

(360°/1=360° or 0°)

A conjunction blends the Moon’s emotional nature with the other planet’s energy. This can create a powerful emotional focus on that planet and what it represents.

Examples: The Moon conjunct Venus may bring deep sensitivity to love and beauty. The Moon conjunct Saturn might show a more reserved or cautious emotional nature.

Conjunctions tend to be neutral and can be harmonious or tense, depending on the planets involved, but they always intensify emotional awareness when the Moon is involved.

Moon Oppositions

(360°/2=180°)

Oppositions highlight polarities and external projections. When the Moon opposes another planet, you often seek that planet’s energy through others. 

Example: The Moon opposite Uranus may indicate emotional need for freedom and excitement, but you may experience it through unpredictable relationships.

Oppositions show emotional lessons learned through interaction, contrast, projection and sometimes confrontation.

Moon Trines

(360°/3=120°)

A trine suggests ease and natural harmony. When the Moon trines another planet, the emotional flow is smooth and well-integrated.

Example: The Moon trine Neptune could bring emotional intuition and artistic ability. The Moon trine Jupiter adds generosity and faith to your emotional makeup.

Lunar trines show where emotions feel “right” and may come from past life experience or a strong family pattern.

Moon Squares

(360°/4=90°)

The square is a challenging aspect that stirs up internal dilemmas and tension. With the Moon involved, this often brings inner emotional friction or outer conflicts that help you grow.

Example: The Moon square Sun (as mentioned in our podcast) may show struggles between wants and needs or between identity and comfort.

These aspects can point to childhood dynamics that shape our emotional responses. While uncomfortable at times, squares give you, the chart-holder, drive and emotional resilience.

Moon Sextiles

(360°/5=60°)

Moon sextile aspects indicate there is room for opportunities for emotional growth through effort. It is a supportive aspect, the sextile, that suggests your emotions flow more easily when you choose to engage.

Example: A Moon sextile Mercury aspect can bring a natural talent for speaking or writing about feelings. Alternatively, the Moon sextile Mars might show quiet confidence and calm emotional courage.

In general, sextiles indicate inner resources and latent talents which you can develop.

More on the Moon

Here are a few more articles about the Moon which you may like.

moon

Overarch

Why the Moon Matters So Much

The Moon is your internal world and it shows you how you process your life’s ups and downs or ebbs and flows. Luna speaks to your daily moods, unconscious habits and what makes you feel secure. It influences how you bond, how you nurture others and how you want to be nurtured. In relationships, the Moon’s aspects show what you seek to feel emotionally fulfilled. In timing and forecasting, lunar movements and progressions can trigger key feelings and deep inner emotional shifts.

 

Where to Start

By understanding the Moon’s Ptolemaic aspects in a natal chart, you can gain deeper insight into how a person feels, reacts, responds and cares for themselves and others. Lunar aspects form the emotional soundtrack of your life. If you can tune into them, it may bless you with clarity, compassion and wisdom.

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.

 

This Month’s New Moon

This Month’s New Moon

,

Author: Alison Price   -   Published: July 2025 August 23rd at 0° Virgo This month’s New Moon is on August 23rd at 0° Virgo. More on Virgo First of Two Virgo New Moons in 2025 This year there will be two New Moons in Virgo. This often happens that there is one sign...

The Sun’s Aspects

The Sun’s Aspects

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: August 2025

The Sun’s Aspects

The Sun

As the Sun is the first planet that you will interpret when you do an astrology reading. The Sun’s aspects are also super important. When you start out with aspects, I suggest you only work on the five Ptolemaic aspects, which are the conjunction, the opposition, the trine, the square and the sextile. You can move on to the minor aspects later. I believe that any aspect that the Sun makes is worth, nay, more than worth, interpreting.

 

Applying and Separating

You can also pay attention to aspects which are applying and separating as this will modify the meaning of the aspect.

symbology-sun

Podcast

Sun Aspects

In this week’s podcast episode Arwynne and I chat about the Sun’s aspects.

The Five Ptolemaic Aspects to the Sun

Natal

In basic natal astrology, the Sun symbolizes your life force, vitality and sense of purpose. It’s the central energy of your birth chart and represents your identity, drive and the reason that you get up in the morning. When any planets form aspects to your Sun, they color your character and influence how you express your core self. These planetary connections, the solar aspects, help shape your motivation and show where and how you shine in the world.

Sun Conjunctions

(360°/1=360° or 0°)

A conjunction to the Sun blends the two planetary energies together. The Sun is already powerful, so any planet close by becomes supercharged. This aspect brings intensity and focus.

Example: If you have a Sun-Mercury conjunction, for instance, your thoughts and words are closely tied to your identity.

Example: A Sun-Mars conjunction adds drive, boldness and personal initiative.

Conjunctions to the Sun often mark key traits in your personality because they are so strongly felt.

Sun Oppositions

(360°/2=180°)

An opposition to the Sun brings awareness through reflection and relationship. These aspects often show up through other people and their responses to you.

Example: A Sun-Moon opposition (a Full Moon person) might indicate a tug-of-war between your head and your heart, or between your public self and your private needs.

Oppositions can feel like a push-pull dynamic through projection, but they also offer balance and the potential to integrate both ends of the spectrum.

Sun Trines

(360°/3=120°)

A trine to the Sun indicates a harmonious and flowing relationship between the two energies. It shows natural talents, self-confidence and ease of expression.

Example: A Sun-Jupiter trine often brings optimism and a broad outlook on life.

Example: A Sun-Neptune trine might gift you with artistic or musical abilities, sensitivity and vision.

Trines really don’t require much effort. Trines simply just work, but at times they can be so smooth that they go unnoticed or underused.

Sun Squares

(360°/4=90°)

Squares, the aspect of inner dilemmas, to the Sun create personal tension that pushes you to act. They show where you’ll face challenges in expressing your identity.

Example: A Sun-Saturn square might bring self-doubt or a slow path to confidence, but with effort, it can help you build strong inner discipline.

Squares can feel uncomfortable, but they’re often the reason we get up of the couch and get things done. They generate the friction needed for personal growth. 

Sun Sextiles

(360°/5=60°)

A sextile to the Sun brings easy-flowing energy and creative opportunities. It’s a supportive, cooperative connection that urges you to grow your latent talents.

Example: With a Sun-Venus sextile, you may have a natural flair for art, charm or diplomacy.

These easy aspects show where things feel easier or where you are naturally drawn to develop yourself. Typically, sextiles are subtle but beneficial once engaged.

Overarch

That Little Light of Yours

Working with the Sun’s aspects is something that every astrologer will do every time they look at a chart, and so should you. Understanding even the basic aspects between the Sun and the Moon, if there is one, can be extremely insightful when doing a chart reading. Your Sun shows your personal story of becoming yourself and owing your identity.

In your natal chart, all aspects to your Sun reveal how you build your identity and where your life energy naturally flows. Solar aspects are key to understanding your birth chart because they show how your core essence interacts with the rest of your planetary team. They are like the captain of your ship.

These important connections guide your confidence, purpose and personal journey. At Starzology, I always encourage aspiring astrologers to spend time with their own Sun’s aspects, because they give a deep insight into what drives you, your heart of hearts, where your strength lies and how you radiate that little light of yours into the world.

sun

Aspects Articles

Here is a roundup of some of my aspect articles which you may enjoy.

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Octile Aspects

Octile Aspects

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: October 2024

Halloween and Octile Aspects

I’d like to give some thought to where these octile festivals and celebrations come from. And particularly how the position of the Sun in the Zodiac marks the timing of these pagan events. In the Wheel of the Year, the pagan festivals are not just randomly picked from the calendar, rather they are determined by the position which the Sun reaches in the zodiac every year. These days mark the passing of time. We can divide the year into the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. We can further divide each season in half through the cross-quarter days and this is what I’d like to share a little bit more about with you now.

division

8th Harmonic (Octiles)

In astrology, the 8th harmonic is created by dividing the 360° zodiac circle into eight equal parts. This results in aspects that reflect the energetic dynamics of this division. The key aspects associated with the 8th harmonic are the semi-square (45°) and sesquiquadrate (135°). These are considered minor aspects, yet they carry a potent, tension-driven energy. They often indicate underlying friction that pushes for action, growth and resolution, making them catalysts for change and transformation in a subtle but persistent way.

Tension and Friction


Semi-squares and sesquiquadrates create a subtler yet untiring pressure, unlike the more intense energy of squares or oppositions. This friction motivates you to take action, encouraging you to address imbalances or areas in your life that need improvement.

Subconscious Challenges


The challenges brought by 8th harmonic aspects often stem from within, highlighting inner psychological conflicts or unresolved emotions. These aspects push for personal transformation, making them powerful forces for long-term growth.

Catalyst for Change


These aspects act as subtle triggers that can shift your perspective, behavior or attitude. Though they may create discomfort, this tension is necessary to stimulate movement and progress in stagnant areas of life.

octile-aspects

Octile Aspects

Semi-squares (45°)

In astrology, the semi-square aspect occurs when two planets or points in a chart are separated by an angle of 45°. Although considered a minor aspect, the semi-square carries significant energetic tension and friction, though it is less intense than the square (90°). Often associated with the color orange in astrological charts, this aspect represents subtle challenges that, while not immediately obvious, push us toward necessary growth and change. 

The semi-square signals areas where we may feel stuck or uncomfortable. Unlike the more pressing energy of a square, the semi-square’s tension feels like something bubbling just below the surface, urging us to take action, but not in an overwhelmingly urgent way. It often points to lingering frustrations or unresolved issues that need attention in order to make progress, but we may need to dig deeper to recognize them.

semi-square-octile-aspect

Sesquiquadrates

The sesquiquadrate is an aspect formed by a 135° angle between two planets, representing a more pronounced internal conflict than the semi-square, though still a minor aspect. This aspect often highlights areas where we experience frustration or tension due to misalignment or imbalance in our approach to certain life situations. Unlike the semi-square, the sesquiquadrate can feel more complex, as it involves energies that don’t flow smoothly together, requiring more effort to resolve. 

While semi-squares and sesquiquadrates may seem less influential than the major aspects, they often act as subtle forces persistently driving personal development. They challenge us to work through discomfort and friction, encouraging growth in ways that may not be immediately obvious but are essential for long-term progress. These aspects push for internal transformation that can lead to breakthroughs when approached with awareness and a willingness to confront hidden issues.

sesquiquadrate-octile

Cross Quarter Days

Sun’s Position

The cross-quarter days are significant because they correspond to the Sun reaching 15° of the four fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. These days represent a midpoint between the equinoxes and solstices, marking important seasonal centers. Each cross-quarter day reflects a moment of energetic balance and shift, offering a time for reflection, celebration and intention-setting.

15° Taurus: Beltane (May 1)

Taurus, an Earth sign, represents stability, fertility and growth. When the Sun reaches 15° of Taurus, it marks Beltane, the height of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a time of blossoming, fertility and abundance. In many ancient cultures, Beltane isa celebration of life, growth and the turning of the season toward summer. Energetically, it’s a time to celebrate physical vitality and the fertility of the earth and soul.

15° Leo: Lughnasadh – Lammas (August 1)

Leo, a Fire sign, is associated with creativity, self-expression and vitality. When the Sun is at 15° Leo, it corresponds to Lughnasadh, the first harvest festival. This is a time for giving thanks for the abundance of the earth, acknowledging the fruits of labor and preparing for the coming autumn. Energetically, this cross-quarter day is about honoring personal achievements and creativity while recognizing the need for balance as the summer begins to wane.

15° Scorpio: Samhain (November 1)

Scorpio, a Water sign, governs transformation, death and rebirth. When the Sun reaches 15° Scorpio, it aligns with Samhain, a powerful time marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Samhain is also seen as a moment when the veil between worlds is thin, making it a time to honor ancestors and reflect on the cycles of life and death. Energetically, this cross-quarter day invites deep introspection, letting go of what no longer serves and embracing transformation.

15° Aquarius: Imbolc (February 1)

Aquarius, an Air sign, symbolizes innovation, vision and new beginnings. When the Sun is at 15° Aquarius, it corresponds to Imbolc, the first stirrings of spring. This is a time of renewal, purification and the return of light after the dark winter. Energetically, Imbolc represents the planting of new seeds, both literally and metaphorically, as we prepare for the growth of spring. It is a time to set intentions for the year ahead.

cross-quarter-days

15° of Fixed Signs

Symbolism

Fixed signs embody stability, endurance and determination. When the Sun reaches 15° of these signs, it is at a key point in the season, where the energy is concentrated and ripe for harnessing. The cross-quarter days offer a moment of heightened awareness and connection to the natural cycles of the earth. These days represent a balance between the dynamic forces of the changing seasons and the steady, grounding energy of the fixed signs. Cross quarter days are at the heart of each of the four seasons. By aligning with the cross-quarter days, we can tune into these potent energetic shifts, using them as guideposts for personal growth, reflection and transformation throughout the year.

Sacred Geometry

In numerology and sacred geometry, dividing by 8 relates to the octagon shape and symbolizes balance, transition and structure. Eight-fold divisions in astrology create a cyclical pattern that allows for a deeper understanding of the energy dynamics within a chart. When planets are connected by these aspects, they often signal the need to break through internal barriers or patterns to create a shift in awareness or behavior. The energy of these aspects is often felt as a growing restlessness or discomfort, nudging us toward resolution, personal evolution, or adjustment. Working with semi-square energy requires patience and persistence, as the changes it brings are usually not immediate but unfold over time.

Closing

I personally don’t have any semi-squares or sesquiquadrates in my birth chart. However, when the transiting Sun reaches 15° of the fixed signs, it makes several strong hard connections to my natal chart. This means that every cross-quarter day, which is four times every year, I get a meaningful transit from the Sun. And let’s face it, normally you wouldn’t really pay much attention to the transiting Sun, but because it triggers my chart on some days, I find it fascinating. I suspect this is why I have a distinct interest in the solar cycle and the Sun’s movement throughout the year.

Extend Yourself 

Your Natal chart

Let’s explore your natal chart a little bit more regarding any octile aspects.

  • List any semi-squares in your chart.
  • List any sesquiquadrates in your chart.
  • Note the two planets in each aspect.
  • Decide if it is an applying or a separating aspect.
  • Find the exact orbs for each aspect.
  • Sort the aspects in a list from tightest orb to widest orb.

Extend Yourself Further

Interpretation

Now let’s go a little deeper with the interpretation of some of your octile aspects. With your list of octile aspects in hand, please do the following:

  • Choose the tightest octile aspect and interpret it. Pay attention to both planets involved. Note if they are retrograde or direct. Note if the aspect is applying or separating. Note if the aspect is in the same polarity. Write a full interpretation for your tightest octile aspect (500 words).
  • Continue on working your way through your list and interpret every aspect in your natal chart.

 

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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