Major aspect

Definition

A major aspect is one of the five classical angular relationships between two planets within a natal chart: conjunction, opposition, square, trine, and sextile. They are called major because they carry more interpretive weight than minor aspects and because classical astrology considers them structural to the reading of a map. Each one corresponds to a specific angular distance on the zodiac.

In context

A conjunction occurs at 0 degrees, an opposition at 180, a square at 90, a trine at 120, and a sextile at 60. Where Venus and Mars sit 120 degrees apart, they share a trine and dialogue with symbolic ease; where they sit 90 degrees apart, they share a square and produce a more visible tension. Major aspects structure the great currents of a chart and are usually the first reading an astrologer makes once signs and houses are placed.

To go deeper

The major aspect belongs to the planetary-aspect system:

• Conjunction, opposition, square, trine, sextile: the five majors.
• Minor aspect: secondary relationships with narrower orbs.
• Orb: the margin of degrees keeping an aspect active.