Conjunction A
Conjunction (abbreviated as "Con") is an angle of approximately (~) 0–10°. Typically, an
orb of ~10° is considered to be a Conjunction. If neither the
Sun or
Moon are involved, some astrologers consider a maximum orb of 8°. Conjunctions are a major aspect in a horoscope chart. They are said to be the most powerful aspects, because they mutually intensify the effects of the involved planets. Depending on the involved planets, a Conjunction may be beneficial or detrimental. Highly favourable Conjunctions may involve the Sun,
Venus, and/or
Jupiter as well as any of the three possible combinations. Highly
unfavourable Conjunctions may involve the Moon,
Mars, and/or
Saturn as well as any of the three possible combinations. Exceptionally, on November 9–10 of 1970, the
Sun,
Venus, and
Jupiter were in a three-way beneficial Conjunction. In that same year, on March 10, the
Moon,
Mars, and
Saturn were in 3-way detrimental Conjunction. If either of two planets involved in a Conjunction is also under tension from one or more hard aspects with one or more other planets, then the added presence of a Conjunction will further intensify the tension of that hard aspect. If a planet is in
very close Conjunction to the Sun (within 17 minutes of arc or only about 0.28°), the Conjunction is of great strength. The planet is said to be
Cazimi, which is an ancient astrological term meaning "in the heart" (of the Sun). For example, "Venus
Cazimi" means Venus is in Conjunction with the Sun with an orb of less than ~0.28°. If a planet is moderately close to the Sun, the specific orb limit may depend on the particular planet. It is said to be
Combust. Every month of the year, during the
New Moon, the Sun and Moon experience a Conjunction.
Great Conjunctions In the past, Great Conjunctions between the two slowest classical planets,
Jupiter and
Saturn, have attracted considerable attention as celestial omens. This interest can be traced back to Arabic translations found in Europe; most notably
Albumasar's book on Conjunctions. During the late
Middle Ages and the
Renaissance, these omens were a topic broached by most astronomers. This included scholastic thinkers, such as
Roger Bacon and
Pierre D'Ailly. Omens are also mentioned in popular literary writings by authors, such as
Dante and
Shakespeare. This interest continued up to the times of
Tycho Brahe and
Kepler. Every 20 years, successive Great Conjunctions move retrograde ~120°. Sequential Conjunctions appear as triangular patterns. They repeat after every third Conjunction; they return after some 60 years to the vicinity of the first. These returns are observed to be shifted by ~8° relative to the fixed stars; no more than four of them occur in the same zodiac sign. Typically, Conjunctions occur in one of the following
Triplicities or
Trigons of
Zodiac signs: After about 220 years the pattern shifts to the next Trigon; in ~900 years, the pattern returns to the first Trigon. To each triangular pattern, astrologers have ascribed one from a series of
four elements. Particular importance has been accorded to the occurrence of a Great Conjunction in a new Trigon, which is bound to happen after ~240 years at most. Greater importance is attributed to the beginning of a new cycle, which may occur after all four Trigons have been visited, which occurs in ~900 years. Typically, medieval astrologers used 960 years as the length of the full cycle, because, in some cases, it took 240 years to pass from one trigon to the next. Traditionally, a Sextile is said to be similar in influence to a Trine, but less intense. It indicates compatibility and harmony, which eases communication between the two involved elements. It also provides opportunity. See information below on the
Semisextile.
Square A
Square or
Quartile (abbreviated as "SQr or Squ") is an angle of 90°, which is of the 360°
ecliptic or an opposition (180°). Depending on the involved planets, an
orb of 5-10° is allowed. Typically, with a Square, Trine or Sextile, the outer or
superior planet has an effect on the inner or inferior planet. A Square creates a strong and usable tension. It may integrate between two different areas of your life or it may offer a turning point where an important decision needs to be made that involves an opportunity at a cost. Typically, it involves
Houses in different
quadrants.
Trine A
Trine (abbreviated as "Tri") is an angle of 120°, which is of the 360°
ecliptic. Depending on the involved planets, an
orb of 5-10° is allowed. Traditionally, a Trine is extremely beneficial. It indicates harmony, ease and what is natural. A Trine may involve innate talent or ability. In
transit, an event may emerge from a current or past situation in a natural way. == Minor aspects==