The number of degrees between the two lines connecting two planets with respect to the Earth forms the angular relationship – the aspect – between the two planets. Then imagine a line being drawn from two planets each to the Earth, so that the Earth is the vertex of the angle. Imagine the Earth being at the center of the circle. In mathematics, an angle is defined as that fraction of a circle formed between two lines that intersect at the vertex. The planets, then, are observed to orbit at different speeds in approximately the same plane in space.Īs a result of these planetary motions, various angles, measured in degrees, arc minutes, and arc seconds, are formed between the planets as seen from the Earth. Since astrology focuses on the interplay between the celestial bodies and our Earth, we take a geocentric (Earth-centered) view of the heavens. To be precise, aspects are special degrees of separation between the planets, with respect to the Earth. When planets are in aspect to each other, their interpretations must be blended according to the nature of the aspect.

This connection always alters the interpretation of the planets and signs involved. So, what are aspects in astrology? Simply put, aspects are a connection or relationship between two or more planets. Keep this in mind when you begin to read the interpretations of your planets in the signs of your chart – the aspects tell more of the story. Without acknowledging the aspects in a chart, the reading is incomplete, and ultimately incorrect. They indicate, among other things, if there will be struggles or ease. Aspects indicate how the various planetary and sign energies actually play out. Each planet can offer insight into your individual character and clarity about your soul's avenues for growth and personal evolution.įor information on how to read your birth chart, check out our article How to Read Your Astrology Chart.Aspects in astrology are extremely important when interpreting any chart. For example, to calculate your Sun sign we look at which zodiac constellation the Sun was sitting in at the time of your birth.Īstrologers interpret this map by looking at the interplay of all your astrological elements and based on the archetypes that each of the signs represent. Your planets are plotted onto the wheel to see which sign they fall into to. Each section is named after the famous constellations or zodiac signs that we are all familiar with (i.e Aries, Leo, Gemini, …). Visually a chart is a 360 degree wheel divided into 12 sections. The location, date, and time of your birth is all that is needed to calculate your birth chart.

Every individual’s birth chart (also know as a natal chart) is completely unique. Think of it like a map that provides a snapshot of all the planetary coordinates at the exact time of your birth.

Degrees birth chart