Understanding Aspects pt. 2

In part one we went over what aspects are, the doctrine of optics, and the different types of aspects.

There are a variety of factors to look at that will help determine how strong an aspect is and how it might be felt.

Orbs

An orb refers to the range of degrees within an aspect being exact that is considered to be influential.

Most astrologers have varying thoughts around a proper orb and use orbs based on personal preferences, however, it is pretty unanimously agreed that the tighter the orb the more influential and strong the aspect is.

Traditional astrology emphasizes orbs based on the planets involved, while a more contemporary approach centers an orb of influence based on the type of aspect.

It is also generally accepted that the luminaries cast wider orbs than other planets, and that when working with an outer planet or asteroid, only particularly tight orbs (1-2° on either side) are applicable.

Finally, in addition to degree-based aspects, traditional astrology also recognizes sign-based configurations. This means that planets are said to be configured to one another if they are placed in configured signs (or co-present in a sign together), regardless of whether or not they are close by degree.

Separating vs. Applying Aspects

When two planets are heading towards an exact, degree-based aspect they are said to be applying, while two planets headed away from an exact, degree-based aspect are said to be separating.

Applying aspects are thought to be more powerful expressions of an aspect, as the energy and intensity is building up, while separating aspects are moving away from the climax and thought to be waning in power.

In Hellenistic astrology planets are thought to become configured immediately upon entrance into signs that are configured to one another, and remain configured throughout their time in configured signs, with the perfecting of a degree-based configuration being the most powerful point within that period of time. However, contemporary astrology tends to place emphasis solely on degree-based aspects.