Aspects of Influences: Relationship of Astrological Planets Aspects of Influences: Relationship of Planets Aspects of Influences

Aspects are geometrical relationships (angles formed) between planets that determine how the planets will work together, and the how the resultant energy will "play out". For example, the energies of two planets will "clash" or "blend" depending upon the angle formed by them within the elliptic circle - causing a resultant energy that will result in a supportive or neutral or challenging influence.
 
The table below introduces the major aspects, with their natures:

	Conjunction: 0 degree
	Generally regarded to be harmonious.
	Planets in conjunction are blended together, and intensified - the "blended" interpretation depends upon the planets involved and how close the aspect is. The Sun and Mercury, for example, is harmonious - and if they are very close, Mercury is said to be "burnt" or "in combustion". It depends on the compatibility of planets involved. Mars and Neptune are incompatible and hence their conjunction is "disharmonious", whereas the conjunction of Venus and Moon is harmonic.
	Opposition: 180 degrees
	Generally regarded to be "disharmonious" or dynamic.
	This aspect indicates a fundamental polarity or duality. An opposition between two planets, depending on the planets, creates tension between them - often with negative results. However, it often has quite a motivating and energizing effect.
	Square: 90 degrees
	Generally regarded to be "disharmonious" or dynamic.
	This aspect implies restrictions and challenges. The planets involved seem to be "blocked" and leads to irritation, achievements delayed - the problems that arise from the square keep on turning up, like a bad penny.
	Trine: 120 degrees
	Always regarded as harmonious.
	This aspect is considered the most fortunate of aspects, and the planets involved work together in a complementary fashion, enriching one another. The flowing energy brings luck, opportunities, and innate creative talents. However, this pleasant aspect is mostly taken for granted and indicates laziness - due to the tendency to sit-back-and relax.
	Sextile: 60 degrees
	Generally regarded to be harmonious.
	This aspect represents an easy flow of opportunities or ideas. Depending upon the planets involved, they collaborate well and work comfortably together. If acted upon, this aspect will help realize an individual's goals.

 
Apart from the above major aspects, there are minor aspects like Semisquare (45 degrees), Quincunx or Inconjunct (150 degrees), Quintile (72 degrees), etc - whose influences are barely noticeable, and interpreted only to add depth to an existing influence.
 
An aspect works, or becomes operative, within a few degrees - either way of being exact. This margin of "play" is known as Orb. Most astrologers consider an allowable orb of 5-6 degrees for major aspects, and 2-3 degrees for minor aspects. However, if Sun or Moon is involved, an orb of 8-10 degrees is considered allowable. It is obvious that the smaller the orb, the more potent is the influence.
 
It is important to discuss eclipses in the context of aspects. Remind yourself that the Solar Eclipse occurs because the Moon covers the Sun - either in total or partially, and Lunar Eclipse occurs because the Earth's shadow falls on Moon. In both the cases, the most influential planets - the Sun and the Moon are involved in a straight line, either in Conjunction (Solar Eclipse) or Opposition (Lunar Eclipse). Thus, eclipses have important astrological influences, and depending upon the House of impact, there may be life-changing influences on terrestrial life.
 
Most astrologers consider a 7-10 days in either way of an eclipse for interpretations, considering a 7-10 degree orb. (The Sun revolves around the 360 degree Zodiac in 365 days, that is approximately 1 degree per day!)
 
For the same reason as eclipses, New Moons and Full Moons find important astrological significance for interpretations over smaller periods.