Beginner’s Guide to Major Aspects

I wrote the below descriptions to help translate aspects in the birth chart, but the same general principles can apply to transits as well!

Conjunction

Vibe: Group Think

What it is: Two planets super close together

What it feels like: Two parts of the personality are riding in the same car. One experience immediately pulls the other in with it. It can feel hard to tell which planet started the reaction because they arrive as a package deal.

For example: Mercury conjunct Moon can mean the person’s thinking is closely tied to their emotional state, so their feelings shape what they notice, remember, and say.

Sextile

Vibe: Courteous

What it is: Two planets are 60 degrees apart.

What it feels like: T Two parts of the personality keep opening the door for each other. When one shows up, the other has an easy time joining in. It feels like discovering two of your appliances plug into the same outlet and work great together.

For example: Sun sextile Mercury might mean that your identity and mind cooperate easily, so self-expression and communication tend to support each other.

Square

Vibe: Chafing

What it is: Two planets are 90 degrees apart.

What it feels like: Two parts of the personality keep bumping into each other in a narrow hallway. Each one wants to pass through first. Life keeps producing moments where something has to shift, move, or adjust so everyone can get through.

For example: Moon square Mars — a small irritation can turn into a full-body reaction faster than you expected.

Trine

Vibe: Breezy

What it is: Two planets are 120 degrees apart.

What it feels like: Two parts of the personality move in the same direction without much effort. When one starts moving, the other naturally rolls along with it. It feels like stepping onto one of those moving walkways at the airport and realizing you’re already going the right way.

For example: Sun trine Neptune — you often pick up on the mood of a room quickly and adjust your tone or behavior to match it.

Opposition

Vibe: Torn

What it is: Two planets are 180 degrees apart.

What it feels like: Two parts of the personality sit across the table from each other, both making valid points. Situations in life tend to bring both perspectives into the room at the same time. Decisions often involve figuring out which one gets the microphone in that moment.