A conjunction occurs when two or more planet occur close to each other
in the zodiac. The number of degrees that defines "close" is called
the orb, and can vary depending on the type of aspect and whose
opinion you are getting. The conjunction represents a blending,
merging, or blurring of the principle's represented by the individual
planets participating in the conjunction.
The semisquare is half of a square (hence the name) and thus represents
an angle of 45 degrees. A semisquare acts like a minor square, but if the orb
is small enough, half that of the equivalent square, this aspect can be as
forceful, for good or bad, as the square. This aspect is also called a
octile.
The sextile represents and angular separation between two planets of
sixty degrees (one-sixth of a circle), plus or minus the orb. The
keyword for a sextile is opportunity, and it represents a mild
positive blending of the energies of the two planets involved.
The square represents an angular separation of ninety degrees or
one-fourth of a circle. Traditionally it is considered difficult or
stressful. Squares represent events, concrete manifestations of the
energies in the two planets involved. It is hard to ignore a square,
since they force themselves on you. Squares force us to do things.
The sesquiquadrate is equivalent to a square plus a semisquare, and
so it is 135 degrees. The interpretation of the sesquiquadrate is much the
same as that of a semisquare, which is considered to be like a square. This
aspects is also called a trioctile. If there are no squares present, the
semisquares or sesquiquadrates takes on a stronger force.
the trine represents a 120 degree separation, or one-third of a
circle, and is traditionally considered and easy or good aspects.
Unlike squares, trines don't always manifest themselves concretely,
and do not force us to take account of them, so it is possible to
ignore the abilities confered by a trine.
The opposition indicates two planets separated by 180 degrees, or half
a circle, so that the two planets involved are opposite on another,
representing a confrontation or tug-of-war. This aspect alos
represents polarization of the realization of the other.
The soft aspects are those which are easy and represent abilities you
have. The trine and the sextile are soft aspects, and the conjucntion
is sometimes also considered soft, depending on the planets involved.
The hard aspects are those that require us to respond, that we can not
ignore. The hard aspects are the square and the opposition, as well
as sometimes the conjunction.