Aspectorial Significance & Meanings

In longitude and declination, there is a total of 17 aspects combined that show up during secondary progressions of significant events. Those aspects include 00°, 180°, 120°, 90°, 72°, 60°, 45°, 30°, 15°, 75°, 105°, 135°, 150°, 165°, parallel north, parallel south, and contraparallel (n/s). Astrological aspects indicate the implications of events while the planets and Major Angles indicate the nature/activities of an event.

The aspects are divided into three groups:

Declination parallels north or south of earth’s equator: parallel north (║N), parallel south (║S), and contraparallel north/south (N╫S). Aspects can occur anywhere from 00° to 26° north or south parallel to the equator.

Longitude aspects that result from a division of whole numbers by a 360° circle: 00° (one), 180° (two), 120° (three), 90° (four), 72° (five), 60° (six), 45° (eight), 30° (twelve)

Longitude aspects that result from multiples of whole numbers by 15°: 15° (one), 75° (five), 105° (seven), 135° (nine), 150° (ten), 165° (eleven).

The multiples of 15 relate to the earth’s rotation of 15° per hour (or 30° every two hours, which equates to a new sign on the ASC every two hours) during a 24-hour cycle.

With the sole exception of the quintile (72°), every other aspect mentioned above has a corresponding aspect that complements its opposite sign in the division of a 360° circle or the multiple of 15° to complete half of a circle (180°) when making an aspect to a major angle. This also applies to parallel aspects to the equator (north or south). The duplicity of aspected parts of a horoscope only applies when the major angles and their opposites (ASC/DSC, MC/IC) are involved.

So, for example, when a planet conjuncts (00°) the MC, it’s also in opposition (180°) to the IC. When it’s 75° to the IC, it’s also 105° to the MC. When it’s parallel (║) to the ASC, it’s also contraparallel (╫) to the DSC. The square (90°) angle is unique in that it complements itself evenly with its own 90° angle. That is, when a planet is 90° away from the ASC, it’s also 90° away from the DSC.

If no aspect is made to any of these major angles, then the duplicity (or complementary nature) of aspects don’t pertain.

The one aspect that is an exception to all of the others is the quintile (72°), with the divisor being 5. It is quite unusual because although 108° complements the quintile (72°) in the opposite major angle/sign it aspects, it does not form a whole number value (integer) when divided by a 360° circle nor from a whole number multiple of 15°. Hence, when there is a quintile aspect to a major angle, special emphasis is to that one major angle only and not its opposite—making the quintile a very unique aspect, indeed!

The table below shows each aspect and its opposite angle:

Astrological AspectIts Opposite Angle
00° (360° ÷ 1)180° (360° ÷ 2)
120° (360° ÷ 3)60° (360° ÷ 6)
90° (360° ÷ 4)90° (360° ÷ 4)
72° (360° ÷ 5)108° (no integer from 360° or 15°)
45° (360° ÷ 8)135° (15° × 9)
30° (360° ÷ 12)150° (15° × 10)
75° (15° × 5)105° (15° × 7)
15° (15° × 1)165° (15° × 11)
║ (has the power of 1)╫ (has the power of 1)

The meaning of each aspect is indicated below:


Aspects in declination are not only stronger but also occur more frequently than those in longitude. That’s because they do not depend on angular resonances forming between two or more celestial bodies during cycles of change as the earth rotates on its axis, resulting in the formation of angular relationships from a division of 360° or multiples of 15° increments within that 360-degree circle. Instead, declination aspects can and do occur anywhere from 00° to 26° north or south parallel to the equator.

Declinations provide profoundly valuable information that’s often missing from horoscopes with just a longitude perspective. They are so important, in fact, that no INCARN horoscope can be verified without them. So it’s paramount that both declination and longitude aspects be included and used together in the delineations of all horoscopes because they supplement one another. Many times the main aspects of an important life event in secondary progressions occur in declination while supporting (and sometimes zero) aspects are found in longitude. Any aspect that involves the Sun, Moon, or Major Angles (ASC, IC, DSC, and MC) predominates over all others—regardless of the type of aspect being formed.

N Northern parallels occur when two or more planets are parallel north of the equator (or to a major angle north of the equator). It is an extremely powerful aspect, similar to the conjunction, in the sense that two or more energies are operating synergistically 100% of the time (there is a unity of power and purpose), without interruption. It demands attention. Northern parallels are in reference to outwardly-directed decisions and social circumstances.

S Southern parallels occur when two or more planets are parallel south of the equator (or to a major angle south of the equator). Like northern parallels, they demand attention. Unlike northern parallels, they are in reference to inwardly-directed decisions or those that affect self only.

N/S Contraparallels occur when two or more planets are parallel opposite sides of the equator—one north and the other south (or opposite a major angle north or south of the equator). Contraparallels are interpersonal in nature and relate to decisions affecting two or more people. They often appear during partnerships, negotiations, battles, takeovers, marriages, merges, etc. It could also be a health-related aspect.


Starting with the conjunction (00°), having the power of ONE, it is the most powerful aspect in longitude because two or more planets on the same side of the earth (and in the same sign and degree) maintain their sustained resonances (vibrations) throughout the earth’s 360° daily rotation. The divisor is 1, so there are no periods of rest between such energies. Similar to all of the aspects in declination, it dominates, is very powerful, and indicates a situation or experience in which one is totally immersed.

The opposition (180°), having the power of TWO, is the second most powerful aspect in longitude. Here, you have two planets on opposite sides of the earth, taking up (or making up) 180° consumption of energy. It’s similar to the contraparallel in declination, in the sense that it is interpersonal in nature or represents two points of view or courses of action. However, it is not as powerful as the contraparallel since it doesn’t maintain its resonance 100% of the time throughout the earth’s daily rotation but is rather reinforced during every half-turn (180° rotation) of the earth. With its divisor being two, it’s indicative of face-to-face encounters, opposite forces, two courses of action, negotiations, or health-related aspects. Cooperation is a matter of choice as there can be strength of purpose or a division of ideas, ideals, and actions among parties involved.

The trine (120°), having the power of THREE, is when two or more planets are 120° apart. The divisor is 3 because three rotations of 120° are needed before reinforcements (or jolts of energy) are ignited between those planets. There are two periods of rest before the 120° aspect is reenergized. It represents strength and an unblocked (or free) flow of circumstances, conditions, energy, and output. Things come forth or out easily.

The Square (90°), having the power of FOUR, is when two or more planets are 90° apart, making up one-fourth, or quadrant, of a circle. Every 90° turn of the earth reinforces the square angle between the two planets. Squares are indicative of a time of challenge, of changing the “status quo”, and for reflecting, correcting, building upon, and applying efforts to sow that which is good, virtuous and that will empower one in the future.

The Quintile (72°), having the power of FIVE, is when two or more planets are 72° apart. It is indicative of CHANGE or changes taking place with respect to activities, circumstances, and conditions.

The Sextile (60°), having the power of SIX, is when two or more planets are 60° apart. It’s usually indicative of bringing about balance, favorable periods or conditions, or for seeking and receiving aid and support that would be to your advantage.

The Semisquare (45°), having the power of EIGHT, is when two or more planets are 45° apart. It’s indicative of conditions coming to a final finish or time for redirecting one’s energies toward starting or embarking on something new. This aspect as been observed many times in secondary progressions as it relates to changes regarding material success (schooling, money, career, etc.).

The Semisextile (30°), having the power of TWELVE, is when two or more planets are 30° apart and indicates a time of completion, endings, or finishing projects.


Fifteen Degree (15°). The 15° aspect forms the basis of all multiples because every 15° increment represents an hour in time and forms a recognizable aspect between day and night (from 1 to 12 = 180°, half a day, for daylight hours, before the cycle repeats from 13 to 24 [180° × 2] = 360°). The fifteen degree plays a supporting and often harmonious role, but not a major one unless the aspect is to a major angle.

Seventy-Five Degree (75°), also having the power of FIVE, is when two planets are 75° apart by five increments of fifteen degrees (15° × 5). It is indicative of changes, opportunities, and experiences in the offing.

One Hundred Five Degree (105°), having the power of SEVEN, is when two planets are 105° apart by seven increments of fifteen degrees (15° × 7). It is indicative of unexpected elements of surprise that can have a deeper (or spiritual-based) significance.

Sesquiquadrate (135°), having the power of NINE, is when two planets are 135° apart by nine increments of fifteen degrees (15° × 9). It is indicative of changes in lifestyle and a time for getting out of the rut or old way of doing things.

Quincunx (150°), having the power of TEN, is when two planets are 135° apart by ten increments of fifteen degrees (15° × 10). It is indicative of new adjustments and opportunities to gain strength and power.

One Hundred Sixty-Five Degree (165°), having the power of ELEVEN, is when two planets are 150° apart by eleven increments of fifteen degrees (15° × 11). It is indicative of the receiving or bestowing of something to someone, such as an award, reward, honor, gift, or some kind of positive support influence.


Aspects to the ASC/DSC: Involve and pertain to existing human beings/bodies, including physical and mental activities as they pertain to health conditions, sports activities, injuries, races, adventures, aerobics, travels, vacation trips, moves, explorations, operations, illnesses, relocations, combats, fights, wounds, participation in protests movements, dancing, marriages, new partnerships, interfaces with other people, physical fitness, etc.

Aspects to the MC/IC: Involve and pertain to impacts upon self as a result of being alive, both outwardly—by one’s public or social influence in outer spheres (MC); and inwardly—by one’s image of and impact upon oneself, home life, family matters, and personal status. Hence, honors, dishonors, awards, jobs, lay-offs, acclaim, commendations, promotions, appointments, notoriety, election wins, social triumphs, new positions, taking command, leaders, bosses, steps up or down the ladder of success, changes of public image (MC) and purchases of new homes, places of residence, significant family affairs, parents, and all matters affecting private and home life (IC) affect these angles.


Hard and soft aspects don’t necessarily result in events with the same implications (i.e. negative or positive) but rather produce different flows of energy and their respective comfort levels. The main difference between “hard” aspects and “soft” aspects is that hard aspects prompt one to exert a greater deal of effort and will power in furthering objectives. They produce a greater level of agitation in getting out of a particular comfort zone or status quo. But, nothing worthwhile comes easily. If constructive decisions are made in relation to ideals, followed by the right actions, so-called “hard” aspects can lead to extraordinarily worthwhile accomplishments.