The Aspects
Tight or Wide Orbs
Now we are getting into disputed waters, when we ask
what orbs we should use. Astrologers are just like
people (in fact, they are people!) in that some use very
fussy and tight orbs, while others consider anything
remotely in the ballpark to be an aspect. Let's look at
this.
Astrologers tend to use different orbs for different
purposes. When we are looking at a static natal chart,
wider orbs are generally used, as we are trying to get an
overall picture as to the nature of the person or event.
On the other hand, if we are looking at today's transits in
the sky, we may use much smaller orbs. The same goes
if we are looking at today's transits in the sky as they
relate to your natal chart: tighter orbs.
For example, here is my helio natal chart. Everyone
could agree that Venus and Neptune are within orb of a
conjunction. Also, most astrologers would agree that
Saturn is conjunct Uranus and Uranus is conjunct
Jupiter, but few would agree that Saturn is conjunct
Jupiter. Jupiter has, however, recently completed a
conjunction with Saturn, so it is not that far from a
conjunction. And finally, some astrologers would say
that Mercury and Mars are in conjunction (some 9
degrees), although most would probably say they are
not, since Mercury is moving away from that aspect.