The Five Configurations: How Planets Behold One Another

An aspect is a way in which two planets see one another in the sky. In horary the real question is this: if an aspect forms between the significator of the person asking (the ruler of the Ascendant) and the significator of the thing asked about (the ruler of the relevant house), the two parties make contact and the road to an answer opens; if no aspect forms at all, the parties do not touch one another.

Conjunction ☌ 0°

Two planets come together side by side in the same degree and minute of the same sign; it means union. Whether it is favorable or difficult depends on the planet it joins: constructive with Jupiter or Venus, testing with Mars or Saturn. Lilly says that to call the conjunction an aspect is 'very incorrect'; a conjunction is not an aspect (a beholding) but a bodily union of two planets.

Sextile ⚹ 60°

One sixth of the circle, that is 60 degrees. It is an easy aspect; it brings opportunity and ease. It resembles the trine but is somewhat weaker than it. A sextile between the two significators describes a tendency for the matter to proceed comfortably.

Square □ 90°

One quarter of the circle, that is 90 degrees. It is a hard aspect; it describes obstruction, conflict and delay. Lilly counts it as a sign of 'imperfect enmity': there is tension, but the hope of reconciliation is not entirely closed off.

Trine △ 120°

One third of the circle, that is 120 degrees. It is the most flowing and harmonious aspect; it strengthens the tendency toward a 'yes'. If the two significators behold one another by trine, the matter proceeds easily.

Opposition ☍ 180°

Two planets stand directly facing one another, that is 180 degrees (half the circle). It is a hard aspect; it describes separation, regret and open hostility. Lilly counts it as a sign of 'perfect hatred'; it often carries the nuance of 'it happens, but ends in regret'.

Sample question: Will the person I like and I come together? (Does an aspect form between the significator that represents me and the significator that represents them?)

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