Degrees, Aspects, Orbs, and House Cusps [LEVEL 1]
Degrees in Astrology
Every astrological sign spans 30 degrees of the zodiac, with a total of 360 degrees in the full zodiac wheel. The position of planets, house cusps, and key points like the Ascendant and Midheaven are measured in degrees. Specific degrees have unique interpretations, sometimes carrying special significance such as critical degrees, anaretic degrees, and degree theory insights.
Critical degrees (0°, 13°, and 26° in cardinal signs; 8° and 22° in fixed signs; 4° and 17° in mutable signs) indicate heightened energy.
Anaretic degrees (29° of any sign) symbolize transitions, crises, or culmination points in life.
Sabian Symbols attach specific meanings to each degree, offering further depth to interpretation.
Aspects:
Aspects are the angular relationships between planets, measured in degrees. They reveal how planetary energies interact, creating harmony or tension.
Conjunction (0°): Intense merging of energies; can be empowering or overwhelming.
Opposition (180°): A tug-of-war between two planets; calls for balance.
Trine (120°): A flowing, harmonious connection, bringing ease and talent.
Square (90°): Tension and conflict that drive growth and challenges.
Sextile (60°): Mildly positive aspect, offering opportunities.
Quincunx (150°): A need for adjustment and integration of two disconnected energies.
Orbs: The Allowance of Influence
Orbs refer to the leeway given to aspects, determining how strong their influence is. The closer the planets are to the exact degree of an aspect, the more powerful the aspect’s effect.
Tight Orbs (0°-3°): Strongest effects, felt most intensely.
Moderate Orbs (4°-7°): Still relevant but slightly less dominant.
Wide Orbs (8°-10°): Influence is present but weaker.
Personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) tend to allow wider orbs, while outer planets and asteroids work better with tighter orbs.
House Cusps:
House cusps mark the boundaries between different life areas in a natal chart. Each house represents a particular aspect of life, and its cusp (starting degree) indicates how energy flows into that life area.
1st House Cusp (Ascendant): Identity, appearance, and first impressions.
2nd House Cusp: Finances, possessions, self-worth.
3rd House Cusp: Communication, learning, siblings.
4th House Cusp (IC): Home, family, emotional foundation.
5th House Cusp: Creativity, romance, pleasure.
6th House Cusp: Work, health, daily routines.
7th House Cusp (Descendant): Relationships, partnerships, commitments.
8th House Cusp: Transformation, shared resources, deep bonds.
9th House Cusp: Travel, philosophy, higher education.
10th House Cusp (MC): Career, reputation, life goals.
11th House Cusp: Friendships, networks, aspirations.
12th House Cusp: Hidden matters, spirituality, subconscious.
