A significant geometric relationship between two planets, or between any two significant points in an astrological chart (such as a planet and the Ascendant), measured in degrees of celestial longitude along the ecliptic and signifying a corresponding relationship between the archetypal principles associated with these points. Each of the geometric relationships has a specific meaning or character, so that the qualities associated with the two planets or astronomical points that form an aspect are combined according to the specific character of that aspect.

Another term for an aspect between two planets: A meaningful geometric relationship formed between any two planets, including the Sun and Moon, measured in degrees of celestial longitude along the ecliptic. Such an alignment indicates that the archetypal principles associated with these planets are in a mutually activating relationship with each other. The nature of this relationship varies according to the meaning of the geometric relationship.

The conjunction and opposition: Geometric alignments formed between two planets of 0 degrees (conjunction) or 180 degrees (opposition), with a range (or orb) of 15 degrees on either side of exactitude. The conjunction and opposition alignments are equivalent respectively to the relationship of the Sun and Moon at the New Moon (0 degrees) and the Full Moon (180 degrees).

The conjunction, opposition, and squares: Geometric relationships (or aspects) of 0, 90, and 180 degrees (the conjunction, square, and opposition, respectively) formed between two planetary bodies with a range (orb) of 15 degrees on either side of exactitude for the conjunction and opposition, and 10 degrees for the square.

The range of degrees on either side of an exact geometric alignment within which an alignment or aspect is considered to be operative. Axial aspects for world transits, for example, are considered to be operative within an orb of 15 degrees. In other words, conjunctions and oppositions are assumed to start when the alignment first reaches 15 degrees before exactitude and to end when the alignment last exceeds 15 degrees beyond exactitude. An opposition alignment, therefore, is considered operative within an angular range of 165°–195° (180° ± 15°).

Based on the empirical research so far, Archai uses the following orbs for world transit alignments and natal planetary aspects: For most personal transits involving conjunctions, oppositions, squares, or trines, Archai generally recommends using a 5-degree orb for initial archetypal activation, and a 3-degree orb for full activation.

Note: Beyond the rule of thumb, the orbs for certain personal transits such as the Saturn Return contravene the general rule. More detail concerning these exceptions will be provided here at some future date.

Often referred to in astrological literature as "hard" aspects, the dynamic aspects include the quadrature aspects: the conjunction (0 degrees), square (90 degrees), and opposition (180 degrees). These aspects are typically characterized by mutually stimulating, often challenging, and sometimes antagonistic relationships between the corresponding archetypal principles of the two planets that have formed the aspect. In general, the dynamic aspects appear to correspond with dominant themes of personal biography and to yield the most significant archetypal correlations with world transits.

Often referred to in astrological literature as "soft" or harmonious aspects, the confluent aspects include the trine (120 degrees) and the sextile (60 degrees). These aspects are traditionally associated with mutually supportive, more readily integrated, and balanced relationships between the corresponding planetary archetypes.

Although any two objects or points on the ecliptic may form a significant angular relationship or aspect, not all aspects are considered to be equally significant in astrological theory. The most important angular relationships, known as the major aspects, are:

• Conjunction
• Sextile
• Square
• Trine
• Opposition

See also Minor Aspects.

An angular relationship of approximately 0 degrees between two planets or between any two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. A conjunction typically signifies a powerful confluence and dynamic mutual stimulation of the archetypes associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 60 degrees between two planets or between any two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. A sextile aspect typically signifies the potential for a relatively harmonious combination of the themes, impulses, and qualities of the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 90 degrees between two planets or between any two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. A square aspect typically signifies a challenging, problematic, or even confrontational combination of the themes, impulses, and qualities associated with the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 120 degrees between two planets or between any two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. A trine aspect typically signifies a relatively harmonious, well-established, and balanced combination of the themes, impulses, and qualities of the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 180 degrees between two planets or between any two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. An opposition aspect typically signifies a highly charged dynamic tension between the themes, impulses, and qualities of the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

In astrological theory, in addition to the major aspects, there are several other angular relationships between two planets or two significant astrological objects, which are known as the minor aspects. Although not usually as important as the major aspects, the minor aspects can be significant, especially when close to exact. Although there are many such aspects, the most important for the purposes of this journal are:

• Inconjunct or Quincunx
• Semisquare
• Sesquiquadrate (also called "sesquisquare")
• Semisextile

See also Major Aspects.

An angular relationship of approximately 150 degrees between two planets or between two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. An inconjunct aspect typically signifies a discordant, incongruent, although potentially creative, relationship between the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 45 degrees between two planets or between two significant points or objects in an astrological chart. A semisquare aspect is similar in meaning to the square aspect, and, when close to exact, typically signifies a dynamic and challenging relationship between the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 135 degrees between two planets or between two significant objects or points in an astrological chart. A sesquiquadrate aspect, like the semisquare, is similar in meaning to the square aspect, which, when close to exact, typically signifies a dynamic and challenging relationship between the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

An angular relationship of approximately 30 degrees between two planets or between two significant objects or points in an astrological chart. A semisextile aspect typically signifies a minor, emerging relationship between the archetypal principles associated with the two objects involved.

Various patterns formed by several planets or other significant astrological objects in aspect to each other. The most important and relevant aspect patterns are:

• Stellium
• T-Square
• Grand Cross or Grand Square
• Grand Trine
• Midpoints

A grouping of three or more planets in a chain of conjunctions.

Two planets in an opposition alignment, and a third planet in square alignment with each planet of this opposition.

Two sets of planets in opposition alignments with each of the two planets of one opposition in square alignment with both planets of the other opposition.

At least three planets each in trine aspect to the other two planets to form roughly an equilateral triangle.

A midpoint is situated halfway between any two planets or significant objects in an astrological chart. Within the 360-degree chart circle, every midpoint forms an axis that runs from the original midpoint to the degree exactly opposite it in the zodiac. For example, if Saturn is at 0° Aries and Venus is 90 degrees away at 0° Cancer, their midpoint forms an axis between them that is 45 degrees from each of the two planets, running from 15° Taurus to 15° Scorpio. If a third planet, for example, Mars, is conjunct this midpoint axis by being positioned at either 15° Taurus or 15° Scorpio, the Mars archetype is brought into a dynamic relationship with the Saturn and Venus archetypes. Following the normal convention for listing midpoints, this particular midpoint configuration would be given as Mars=Venus/Saturn.