BEHIND THE SCENES: THE WHY OF ASPECTS

I've received a few questions over the past few months about why various aspects mean "ending" or "crisis" or "disconnect." So here's a quick summary. These qualities apply to the aspects no matter which planets, points, asteroids or signs are involved. Different signs and bodies will modify but not change the basic energies. 

Aspects are based on how the various signs relate to each other. For example, a conjunction will only happen with two bodies in the same sign. A trine will only happen between signs in the same element (Earth, Air, Fire, Water). A square will only happen between signs in the same Modality (Fixed, Mutable, Cardinal). Sextiles happen between signs that are two signs apart (Libra and Sagittarius, Sagittarius and Aquarius, etc). Quincunxes happen between signs that are five signs apart (Taurus and Libra). 

All aspects are governed by orb (the distance between the two bodies). The Sun at 0 deg Virgo and the Moon at 28 deg Virgo are not considered conjunct because they are too far apart. The closer the orb the stronger the aspect. 

Here are the general orbs I use for each aspect and please note that I use smaller orbs. Some astrologers use larger orbs. Sometimes I will break my own rules and use slightly larger orbs if it feels right. None of this is carved in stone. 

Conjunction (up to 5 deg): union and new beginning. Depending on the planets/points/asteroids, the union can be harmonious (Venus/Neptune, Sun/Moon) or tense and even dangerous (Mars/Pluto, Mars/Uranus). The two energies combine. 

Trine (up to 4 deg) : easy, fast progression. There's no tension so things tend to happen quickly and follow the path of least resistance. No effort is needed. 

Sextile (up to 4 deg): beneficial opportunity but needs a bit of effort to make anything happen. Often overlooked. 

Square (up to 5 deg): crisis leading to change. A buildup of tension leads to discomfort and challenge that demands a change. Often feels like turning a corner or having a breakthrough, once the change happens. 

Opposition (up to 5 deg): ending or culmination. An energetic peak. Often involves projection, the "other" and always polarities. 

Quincunx or Inconjunct (up to 3 deg): a disconnect. Two signs with nothing in common are linked by two bodies. One of the more frustrating aspects because it's difficult to pinpoint the problem.