Aspects
Orb
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What is an orb in astrology?
An orb is the allowable deviation in degrees from the exact angular measurement of an aspect. A conjunction is exact at 0°; with a 6° orb, planets within 6° of each other are considered conjunct. The tighter the orb, the stronger and more precise the aspect's effect.
- Allowable degrees from exact for an aspect to be considered active
- Tight orb (0-3°) = strong aspect; wide orb (7-10°) = weak
- Different astrologers and different aspects allow different orb sizes
Orb in Astrology
An orb is the allowable deviation in degrees from the exact angular measurement required for an aspect to be considered active. No two planets are ever at precisely the exact degree of a conjunction, trine, or square — so orbs define how close is close enough.
Orb Standards by Aspect
Different aspects are traditionally allowed different orb sizes:
| Aspect | Traditional Orb | Tight Orb |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunction (0°) | 6–10° | 0–3° |
| Opposition (180°) | 6–10° | 0–3° |
| Trine (120°) | 5–8° | 0–3° |
| Square (90°) | 5–8° | 0–3° |
| Sextile (60°) | 3–6° | 0–2° |
| Quincunx (150°) | 2–4° | 0–2° |
Tight vs. Wide Orbs
Tight orb (0–3°): The aspect is precise and strong. Its themes are distinctly felt and clearly expressed.
Medium orb (3–6°): The aspect is moderately active. Its influence is present but less sharply defined.
Wide orb (7–10°): The aspect is weak. Many astrologers question whether orbs this wide carry meaningful influence.
Sun and Moon — Larger Orbs
The luminaries (Sun and Moon) traditionally receive larger orbs because their energy radiates more broadly. A Sun-Mars aspect with a 9° orb may still register meaningfully; a Neptune-Uranus aspect at 9° would be considered negligible by most astrologers.
Applying vs. Separating
Applying: The faster planet hasn't yet reached exact — the aspect is building. Applying aspects tend to describe developing themes and future potentials.
Separating: The exact aspect has passed — the faster planet is moving away. Separating aspects describe themes in the process of resolving or completing.
Related Terms
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most astrologers allow 6-10° for conjunctions with the Sun and Moon, and 4-8° for other planets. The tighter the orb, the stronger the blend of energies.
Tight orb (0-3°): the aspect is very strong and precise. Medium orb (3-6°): moderate strength. Wide orb (7-10°): the aspect is weak and may barely register. Some astrologers ignore orbs wider than 6-7° entirely.
Yes — the Sun and Moon traditionally receive larger orbs (up to 10° for conjunctions) because their energies are more pervasive. Outer planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto typically receive tighter orbs (3-5°).
An applying aspect is one where the faster planet is moving toward exact — it hasn't peaked yet. A separating aspect has passed exact — the faster planet is moving away. Applying aspects are generally considered stronger and more future-focused.