Astrology is all about angles and connections between planets, but how precise do these need to be? That’s where orbs come in! If you’ve ever wondered how much wiggle room an aspect has, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down step by step. 👇
🌀 What is an Orb?
An orb is the allowable margin for an aspect to still be considered active. In other words, it’s the leeway astrologers give to planetary angles before deciding if they “count.”
For example:
- A trine is exactly 120° apart, but with an orb of 5–8°, it can still have an effect even at 112° or 127°.
Think of it like a spotlight: the strongest effect is at the exact angle, but there’s still some glow around it. 🌟
🤔 Why Do Orbs Matter?
Orbs decide how strong an aspect is. The tighter the orb, the more powerful the energy.
| Orb Size | Effect Strength |
|---|---|
| 0–3° | Super strong! 🚀 |
| 4–6° | Noticeable and significant |
| 7–10°+ | Weaker but may still have an effect |
A conjunction at 0° is like two people standing shoulder to shoulder—their energy blends completely. A 10° conjunction is like they’re across the room, still aware of each other but not as intense.
📏 Standard Aspect Orbs
Each aspect in astrology has a different level of influence, and the orb determines how far from exact it can be while still having an effect. The most commonly used orbs for different aspects are listed below:
| Aspect Type | Orb Range |
| Conjunction (0°) | 8° |
| Square (90°) | 8° |
| Trine (120°) | 8° |
| Opposition (180°) | 8° |
| Sextile (60°) | 4° |
| Semi-sextile (30°) | 2° |
| Quincunx (150°) | 2° |
| Semi-square (45°) | 2° |
| Sesquiquadrate (135°) | 2° |
| Quintile (72°) | 2° |
| Bi-quintile (144°) | 2° |
🌍 Orbs for Declination Aspects
Declination aspects, such as parallel and contraparallel, occur when planets share the same or opposite declination in the sky. These aspects function similarly to conjunctions and oppositions, but with a much tighter orb:
| Aspect Type | Orb Range |
| Parallel | 1° |
| Contraparallel | 1° |
🔭 How Big Should Orbs Be?
There’s no single answer—different astrologers use different ranges! But here are general guidelines:
Tighter Orbs for Personal Planets 🌞🌙
(Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars)
| Aspect Type | Orb Range |
| Conjunctions & Oppositions | 8–10° |
| Trines & Squares | 5–8° |
| Sextiles | 3–5° |
Wider Orbs for Luminaries 🌞🌙
(Sun & Moon are extra powerful!)
| Aspect Type | Orb Range |
| Conjunctions & Oppositions | 10–12° |
| Trines & Squares | 6–10° |
| Sextiles | 4–6° |
Smaller Orbs for Outer Planets & Minor Aspects 🪐
(Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and aspects like quincunx)
| Aspect Type | Orb Range |
| Conjunctions & Oppositions | 5–8° |
| Trines & Squares | 3–6° |
| Sextiles & Minor Aspects | 1–3° |
Some astrologers use super tight orbs (3–5° max), while others allow up to 10° or more, especially for the Sun & Moon.
🕰️ Forecasting Aspect Orbs
When forecasting with transits and secondary progressions, astrologers use much smaller orbs than in a natal chart. This helps pinpoint significant planetary influences with precision:
| Type | Orb Range |
| Transits & Secondary Progressions | 1° applying and separating |
| Advanced Techniques | 30′ coming and going |
🧐 Do Different Chart Types Use Different Orbs?
Yes! Orbs aren’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Different types of astrology charts use different orb ranges based on how permanent or temporary the influence is. Here’s a general guide:
Yes! Orbs can vary depending on whether you’re looking at a natal chart, a transit, or synastry (relationship compatibility).
| Chart Type | Typical Orb Range |
| Natal Chart | 6–10° for major aspects, 1–3° for minor aspects |
| Transits | Tighter, usually 1–5° |
| Synastry (Relationships) | 5–8° for major aspects, 1–3° for minor aspects |
In transits, planets are moving quickly, so astrologers focus on exact aspects with small orbs (1–2° for outer planets, up to 5° for luminaries). In synastry, orbs can be a bit wider since long-term connections allow for a broader influence.
🤷♀️ Does a Wide Orb Still Work?
It depends! Tighter orbs create stronger, clearer effects. Wider orbs may still work, but they blend into the background.
✨ Rule of thumb → If you feel the aspect, it matters! Astrology isn’t just about numbers—it’s about energy.
✅ Keep It Simple!
- Tighter orbs = stronger effect
- Sun & Moon get wider orbs
- Smaller orbs for outer planets & minor aspects
- If you feel it, it counts!
Now you know everything you need about orbs in astrology! Ready to take it further? You can explore traditional vs. modern orb rules, or how orbs change depending on planetary strength and house placements. But for now, you’ve got the essentials covered! 🎉
Before You Go:
- Learn more about love and synastry aspects
- Want to learn astrology faster? Get my Astrology Cheat Sheet (Etsy shop), a concise 7-page printable guide covering all the essential information.
- Custom reports: Order your personal birth chart report or personal transit calendar in my Etsy shop.