In astrology, soft aspects are specific angles between planets or placements on an astrological chart that suggest the two may work well together. The two points may support or excite one another or cooperate well. Two major soft aspects are called trines, and sextiles.
So what can you learn from these friendly aspects in your chart? Read on to find out!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Soft aspects can feel easy but could lead to a lack of balance.
- The major soft aspects are trines and sextiles.
- In a chart, soft aspects are often represented as blue or green lines.
Soft Aspects Explained
Astrology and geometry are heavily connected.
Since the natal chart is a circle, the unit of measurement used in an astrological chart is degrees, just like you learned in school.
An angle on a chart that measures a specific number of degrees, an angle that is a certain size, is referred to as an aspect in astrology.
The angle made determines the type or style of the relationship.
Angles described as soft aspects indicate that the planets or placements involved will cooperate or support each other.
The Major Soft Aspects
Astrologers put aspects into two categories, major and minor aspects.
Major aspects are thought to be quite influential and minor aspects as more subtle.
There are just 2 major soft aspects in astrology, the trine, and the sextile.
Trine △
The other major soft aspect in astrology is called the trine and it represents a relationship where planets are 120 degrees apart.
In the example chart above, we can see that there is a trine between the Moon and Mercury.
When it comes to harmonious relationships in astrology, it doesn’t get much better than a trine.
The trick with a trine is not to get lulled into complacency.
The planets in a trine work together and support one another as much as two planets can.
There is no conflict, only friendship.
The trick with a trine is not to get lulled into complacency.
When things come too easy, it is also easy to take them for granted.
Trines can be incredibly powerful, but their true potential won’t be seen if you coast and don’t take full advantage of all your trine has to offer.
Trines in a chart are blessings that, if not taken for granted, can yield incredible gifts in your life.
Sextile ⚹
The aspect called the sextile represents a relationship where planets are 60 degrees apart.
In a sextile, either one planet will be in an earth sign and the other will be in a water sign, or one planet will be in a fire sign and the other in an air sign.
In the example chart above, Mars in the air sign Libra is sextile Venus which is in fiery Sagittarius.
Planets in a sextile are planets that have a high amount of dynamic energy between them.
Both planets are revved up and ready to take action together.
In a sextile relationship, the stage has been set for the planets to have a great partnership.
The energy, enthusiasm, and potential are there. But the course this union will take may be up to the individual to map out.
With a sextile, there could be “much ado about nothing.” It could be all high-fives and pats on the back while nothing has actually been accomplished.
The energy, enthusiasm, and potential are there. But the course this union will take may be up to the individual to map out.
The placements involved may expend a lot of energy encouraging each other in no apparent direction.
With a sextile, the pieces are all there for a relationship between two planets that could produce greatness, it just may be up to the individual to put the pieces together in the right way so that the magic happens.
The Minor Hard Aspects
Minor aspects aren’t considered to be unimportant, but they aren’t one of the first things an astrologer looks at in a chart for information.
They may not have as much pull as the major aspects, but they do add more layers of complexity to a reading.
There are 2 minor soft aspects I will explain here, the biquintile and quintile.
The two influence a relationship in similar ways, so I will explain them together.
Quintile Q and Biquintile bQ
A quintile describes the relationship between two planets that are 72 degrees apart and the biquintile is an aspect with an angle of 144 degrees.
Quintile
Biquintile
Both of these minor soft aspects describe a relationship that is a productive one.
This is meant literally as often this union of planets inspires the individual to make something that is tangible or to create something.
How to Find Soft Aspects on a Chart
In a chart, aspects are often represented by lines drawn through the center.
Soft aspect lines are generally drawn in blue, as the ones shown below.
In the example chart above, you can see many soft aspects, represented by blue lines.
But how do you know which type of soft aspect it is??
You can easily find out through reading the aspect grid.
The aspect grid is a table with all of the aspects in the chart included.
Follow the column of a planet or placement down to find the aspect, then trace the row over to see which planet or point it is in aspect with.
Soft Aspect Symbols in Astrology
| Symbol | Soft Aspect |
| bQ or | Biquintile |
| Q | Quintile |
| ⚹ | Sextile |
| △ | Trine |
What does aspects mean in astrology?
Aspects in astrology are angles between two points or planets in astrology. Each aspect is a specific angle and is thought to foster a certain relationship between those two placements. Some can bring a friendly connection (soft aspects), and some can cause challenging ones (hard aspects).
How many aspects are there in astrology?
There are many types of aspects in astrology, but there are only 5 that are considered “major aspects.” These 5 are the aspects astrologers generally consider first in a reading before looking to the minor aspects. The 5 major aspects are conjunctions, squares, oppositions, trines, and sextiles.
What is the definition of a sextile?
A sextile is an aspect where planets or placements are 60 degrees apart in an astrological chart. This is a soft aspect, meaning that it creates a supportive relationship. With a sextile, two points or planets are very enthusiastic about revving each other up.
Other articles you may enjoy:
Hard Aspects in Astrology
Conjunctions in Astrology
