The Square Aspect

The Square Aspect

by 

by Alison Price

The Square Aspect

The circle divided by four. 360°/4 = 90°

Same Mode

Planets in square aspect to one another are usually in the same mode.

More about the modes.

Read The Modes at the Movies.

Disassociate square

A disassociate square is found when the planets are in different modes.

For instance, the Sun at 29° Virgo and the Moon at 3° Cancer finds them still square but in different modes, the Sun in mutable and the Moon in the cardinal mode.

Square aspect meaning

Internal dilemmas

Two planets in a square aspect face internal dilemmas.

Difficult conflict

It can be difficult to work with the energies for the individual.

Active

The individual continuously attempts to address the issues but sometimes it is hard to define the actual conflict.

Resistance

The square offers resistance between the two and tension is present.

Unease

It is an aspect of unease where on-going change and constant attention is required to the two planets involved by the person.

Squares with other planets

Sun squares create stress.

Moon squares feel difficult.

Mercury squares make indecisiveness.

Venus squares attract unease.

Mars squares add much tension.

Jupiter squares grow awkwardness.

Saturn squares severely restrict.

Uranus squares can be unpredictable.

Neptune squares create internal confusion.

Pluto squares can be very difficult to manage.

 

Square Extras

Sun square Jupiter

Uranus square Pluto

Other Major Aspects

Conjunction

Opposition

Trine

Sextile

 

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison specializes in guiding Aspiring Astrologers. Her aim is to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart, often sprinkled with a touch of humor.

To learn more about Alison’s journey, visit this page.

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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Astrology Basics: The Aspects

Astrology Basics: The Aspects

by 



Aspects: A Cornerstone of Chart Reading


This is part of the Starzology Astrology Basics series of posts on the four building blocks for reading a chart.


This is what you need to know to read a chart.


The other blocks are:



and Chart Points.


 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Podcast Episode: Aspects Introduction


In this podcast episode, Alison and Arwynne provide valuable insights into the aspects of your birth chart.


They delve into the specific angles of major, minor and lesser used aspects, discuss the orbs that influence them, and offer real-life examples of how these aspects manifest in actual charts.


Additionally, they offer guidance on where to begin and how to determine which aspects hold significance in your natal chart.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Introduction to Aspects










Aspects are the angular correspondences formed between planets, angles and other points in a chart. 


They are measured in degrees and minutes of longitude in the signs. 


Aspects are a function of simple geometry.




    

  • Every planet will usually have some aspects.
    • 

  • Not all charts will contain all the different aspects.
    • 

  • It is unlikely that all planets will have every aspect.
    • 

  • Not all planets will aspect each other.
    • 

  • Some planets may not receive any aspects from other planets (an unaspected planet).
    • 

  • Often charts will have a preponderance of one particular aspect such as trines or squares.
    • 





Aspects in General


Aspects and aspect patterns show the main story lines within a chart. 


The dialogue between the planets and chart points is found by the planetary connections expressed through the aspects. 


Aspects are like a conduit passing information between two planets. 


Two planets in aspect will communicate with each other for better or for worse depending on the actual planets and the aspect in question.










 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				








Applying and Separating Aspects


An aspect is determined to be either applying or separating. 


This state depends on the speed of the two planets and their position in regard to each other. 


The planets are listed here by speed, from the fastest moving planet to slowest moving planet; the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.




Note


Note: Sometimes Mercury and Venus can be slower than the Sun it depends on their position at the time.


 


Applying Aspects


Aspects that are applying are stronger than those separating. 


The applying faster planet is moving towards the exact (or partile) aspect with the slower moving planet. 


During an applying aspect the pressure is still building, and the effect is of potential still to come. 


Aspects are applying when the faster moving planet has yet to catch up to the slower moving planet’s degree position.




Example


The Moon at 10° Virgo is applying a conjunction to the Sun at 15° Virgo.


 


Separating Aspects


Aspects are separating when the faster moving planet has passed the degree position of the slower moving planet. 


After the aspect has been exact the aspect is separating and the effect is more of release or acceptance.




Example


The Moon at 15° Gemini is separating from an opposition to the Sun at 10° Sagittarius.


 









			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				


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Major Aspects










We will focus on the major and minor aspects. 


The major aspects are the ones used by the Greeks and are today known as “Ptolemaic aspects” after Claudius Ptolemy.


The five major aspects are the conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile.









			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
The Conjunction










First Harmonic


The circle divided by one. 360°/1 = 360°.


Usually planets in conjunction will be in the same sign or house. 


When a conjunction occurs over a sign boundary, they are said to be in a disassociate conjunction. 


For instance, if the Sun is at 29° Virgo and the Moon is at 4° Libra, they are still conjunct but in a disassociate conjunction.




Conjunction Aspect Meaning


The conjunction is the most powerful aspect. 


It inclines the two planets towards togetherness and blends their energies. 


The planets virtually move as one and they have synergy. 


Synergy means one plus one equals three. Each planet is indistinguishable from the other. 


They show the same face to the world. Because of their close proximity it is hard for the first planet in the conjunction to clearly see the second planet and vice versa.










 


The Sextile


Planets in sextile work well together and support each other.


They suggest that you have latent talents in the nature of the planets involved and this can be brought forward for the creativity and vision in your life.


The sextile is a soft aspect.


 


The Trine


Planets in trine to each other are easy going and let the other planet be themselves.


This is the best aspect of support and being positive.


The trine is an easy or soft aspect.


 


The Square


Planets that are square to each other have some tension between them.


Their energies compete for dominance and challenge each other.


Planets in square create internal dilemmas for you.


The square is a hard or difficult aspect.


 


The Opposition


Planets that oppose are in tension with each other and will struggle to work together.


These planets create external dilemmas for you and can indicate where you project the issues to the other.


The opposition is a hard or difficult aspect.


 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
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Minor Aspects










The minor aspects are those found to have value in chart interpretation.


The four minor aspects are the semi-square, sesquiquadrate, semi-sextile and quincunx.


The orb for minor aspects is 2°.











			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				








Minor Aspects – Twelfth Harmonic










The twelfth harmonic aspects suggest potential frustrations where constant adjustments are required to maintain equilibrium in whatever is brought up by the planetary energies involved in the aspect.




Semi-sextile Aspect


Calculation


The circle divided by twelve. 360°/12 = 30°. The semi-sextile is half a sextile and one twelfth of a circle.


Semi-sextile Aspect Meaning


The semi-sextile is an aspect that can be unsettling and disruptive. There can be annoyances and tensions. 


It is a difficult aspect but in a quiet way. 


Both planets behave as if the other did not exist and try to ignore each other. 


The semi-sextile shows where you will push something off to another and try to redirect.









			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				








Quincunx Aspect










The circle is divided by twelve and then timesed by five. (360°/12) = 30° x 5 = 150° (i.e. 5/12). 


A quincunx was a Roman coin. 


The origin of the word is from the Latin “quince” meaning five and “uncla” meaning one-twelfth. 


The quincunx is sometimes referred to as the inconjunct.




Quincunx Aspect Meaning


It is an aspect of awkwardness and unease. 


The quincunx shows where adjustments are needed. 


These two planets will grind along, but are never happy together. 


They can be un-supportive of each other and make for disharmony in a niggling way.











			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				








Minor Aspects – Eighth Harmonic


These aspects fall into the eighth harmonic which indicates they are manifesting aspects and will generally exacerbate change through tension upon us.




Semi-square


The circle divided by eight. 360°/8 = 45°. 


The semi-square is also known as the octile. 


Orb for a semi-square is 2°.




Semi-square Aspect Meaning


The semi-square is half of a square and it can be difficult to work the two planets energies smoothly. 


They can be unstable and require a change of approach each time. 


This aspect inclines the individual to persisting and to keep working at making it better and finding a solution.











			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				








Sesquiquadrate Aspect










The circle divided by eight and then multiplied by three. (360°/8) = 45°x 3 = 135°. 


The orb for a sesquiquadrate is 2°. 


The sesquiquadrate combines one square and one semi-square. 


The sesquiquadrate is also known as the tri-octile.




Sesquiquadrate Aspect Meaning


It is an aspect of tension and difficulty. 


The planets challenge each other, and this person has to redo decisions. 


This aspect spurs the person to find peace.











			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Lesser Used Aspects


Quintile


Although not one of the big five aspects I use the quintile aspect as well as it is the aspect of creativity.


Planets in quintile to each other show your creative expression in line with the meaning of the two planets.


The quintile should always be considered when analyzing creative expression and outlets in your life.


 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
			

			

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
Author Bio


Alison Price: Astrology Coach


Alison specializes in guiding Aspiring Astrologers. Her aim is to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart, often sprinkled with a touch of humor.


To learn more about Alison’s journey, visit this page.


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. 

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				

					
			


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				Star of David: Major Aspect Pattern
														
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								Thor’s Hammer – Major Aspect Pattern							
					
															
Thor’s Hammer – Major Aspect Pattern

					
					
 by 
Thor’s Hammer is a Major Aspect Pattern sometimes found in astrology charts. It is triangle shaped and if you have one you can see it immediately.


If you don’t have one you will probably only learn about this pattern later in the first or second year of your astrology studies.


Thor’s hammer and other major aspect patterns used to be part of the second year syllabus but have recently been brought forward to some first year classes.






Thor – the Man


Thor was a mythical guy who wielded a small hammer that was used for throwing. When hurled the hammer would spin and hit his opponent with quite some force. It was not a hammer for banging nails in or banging on about.


The head of his hammer was shaped short and blunt as the major aspect pattern triangle is today thus the name Thor’s hammer.


Thor’s hammer is formed by three planets, two planets in square with each other and both sesquiquadrate to a third planet.




Features of a Thor’s Hammer


There are several things that make a Thor’s hammer different to any other triangle shaped aspect pattern like a grand trine, T-square or yod.




This pattern has only hard aspects


The square (90°) always drawn in red ink, and the sesquiquadrate (135°) always drawn in orange ink, are both aspects from the eighth harmonic. This means they are derived by dividing the circle by 8 (360/8=45) and 4 (360/4=90). The sesquiquadrate is one quarter (90°) plus one eighth (45°) resulting in 135°.


There are no soft aspects in this major aspect pattern such as a trine or sextile.


In our example chart Terry Fox has Sun square Mars and both sesquiquadrate Saturn and this forms his Thor’s hammer.


It is a manifesting aspect pattern


A manifesting aspect is one from the eighth harmonic set of aspects. These are always challenging and will be the aspect that the person will be working with already. Manifesting aspects do not hide in the bushes they are to be grappled with from day one.


Resistant to change


Due to the tight squares and sesquiquadrates this aspect pattern is resistant to change and the planets in the aspect pattern will be locked together and work as a ‘team’ for the person whose chart it is. This can be for good or bad depending on the planets involved.


In our example chart the three planets are the Sun, Mars and Saturn.


Difficult to live with


A Thor’s hammer is difficult to live with because it will keep on coming up as the squares and the sesquiquadrates demand their attention.


The Sun square Mars is a very masculine aspect full of life and energy.


The Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn suggests a struggle to achieve the life’s goals but shows perseverance.


The Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn indicates the drive and the ambition are linked in a powerful way but that caution may be cast to the wind in the push for life.


The focal planet is a sensitive point


One square and two sesquiquadrates.
One square and two sesquiquadrates.


In every triangle shaped major aspect pattern there are three planets. Two will be in cahoots and the third will be a ‘focal’ planet.


The focal planet in a Thor’s hammer is the one with the two sesquiquadrates connecting to it.


This planet will express the energy of the two other planets in square through itself into the chart. This makes the focal planet very sensitive to the energy from transits and progressions and those from the other two planets as well.


In our example chart for Terry Fox the focal planet is Saturn retrograde in Sagittarius in the fifth house of sport. This suggests the energy (Mars) and the identity (Sun) was been harnessed towards the goal (Saturn) even to the detriment of the life as this man pushed through adversity in sports.


Note the dispositor of the focal planet


The focal planet’s dispositor is the planet that rules the sign that the focal planet is in. So if the focal planet is Saturn in Sagittarius, Jupiter (as the ruler of Sagittarius) will be the dispositor of Saturn. or in other words, Jupiter will dispose Saturn in the chart.


This suggests that caution will be cast to the wind and the underlying Saturn drives may be taken recklessly because of Jupiter’s influence on the staid focal planet Saturn.


General interpretation


Thor’s hammers need careful interpretation. You have to understand the meaning of the three planets (Sun, Mars and Saturn) and the meaning of each individual aspect (the square and the sesquiquadrates) and which planet is stronger in each aspect before you can understand the inner dynamics of a Thor’s hammer.


Again in our example, in the Sun square Mars aspect, the Sun is powerful in Leo (score +5) and Mars is in detriment in Taurus (score -5) so the Sun dominates the square.


In the Sun sesquiquadrate Saturn aspect, the Sun again dominates this aspect and bosses up the sesquiquadrate with Saturn.


In the Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn aspect, Mars is in detriment in Taurus (score -5) and Saturn is peregrine in Sagittarius (score 0).


Neither Mars nor Saturn has accidental dignity by house but Mars is most elevated and Saturn is retrograde so on average Mars will be stronger than Saturn in that particular sesquiquadrate. This again shows the weakness of his Saturn.


Be on the lookout for a Thor’s hammer and see how it works in your charts.