In astrology, the planets in zodiac signs often have expressions that are altered by the planetary aspects in a natal chart. Depending on which planet (sun, moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, N/S Nodes) this will determine the areas of life that is reflecting the planetary aspects and how the native's planetary energies will be expressed. The signs also serve to give distinction to the planets as they are aspecting. I will use a few examples to describe each scenerio.

 

In the case of a trine, the native usually has harmonious energies at work when this happens because of the similarities that the planets seem to have. (These planets are usually positioned within signs of the same element). An example would be a person with Sun in Taurus with this position trine Mars in Capricorn. This will reflect the kind of person that is proud and assertive (sun trine Mars) in a practical and cool manner (Taurus/Capricorn).

Note: When a planet is in a cardinal sign trine a planet in a fixed sign usually the native is a determined go-getter.  When a planet is in a cardinal sign and it is trine a planet in a mutable sign, the native will be both initiating and adaptable in their expression of both planets. Finally, when a native has a planet in a fixed sign trine a planet in a mutable sign, the native is more moderate and easy to get a long with.

 

Or imagine if this was a sextile. Sun in Taurus sextile Mars in Cancer reflects a person who is both sentimental and yet stable, giving the native an almost balanced viewpoint. The sun, which is a planet of ego, is in Taurus giving the native a very stable and determined will, yet the mars is in Cancer giving them energy that moves with their emotions. Therefore, they have the will to be stable and they will be motivated by their sentiments to do whatever it is they wish to do. This is an energy that is perfectly capable of showing care, and yet still remaing practical. When a planet that is in a cardinal sign is sextile a mutable sign, the native is flexible  yet initiating.  If the planet in a cardinal sign is sextile planet in a fixed sign, the native will be capable of starting new things, yet they are also capable of maintaining stability. If a planet in fixed sign is sextile a planet in a mutable sign, the native will be capable of being adaptable, yet also firm and stable.  These natives are excellent at the art of balance in their lives.

 

And of course, If this were to be a conjunct planetary aspect with sun in Taurus conjunct Mars in Taurus, it would reflect a highly determined and yet stubborn individual. They would not be able to accept change as gracefully as others...not without a fight. This is reflecting the sun in Taurus energy merging with the fighting Mars in Taurus energy. Yet, remember...both are in Taurus. Therefore, this aspect would be expressed a little different from a person who has sun in Aries conjunct Mars in Aries, where the native will be more competitive and impulsive, yet assertive. Either way, the natives may not know the difference between the sun and mars, often equating their fighting spirit with their pride.

 

Now if there were negative aspects to these planets, how would that affect the signs expression, and vice versa?

 

First, let us examine an opposition. If the native has sun in Taurus opposition moon in Scorpio, then the native will become torn between their will for stability, yet their inner emotional need for deep experiences.  When there is an opposition (unlike with conjunct) the energies of these planets  become different in the mind of the native. The will does not seem to reflect the inner insecurities. What becomes necessary for these individuals is to find "common ground" between these two energies, and work on "marrying" the two so that they will work.  Often times relationships with others will help these natives to understand the inner conflict within.  If a planet that is in a fire sign is opposition a planet in an air sign (or vice versa), the natives usually have issues with desiring independence yet they also desire to be around others.  If a planet in an earth sign is opposition a planet in a water sign (or vice versa), the natives have issues with desiring emotional connection yet they also have a need for physical satisfaction.  

 

However, if we were to look at a square aspect with Sun in Taurus square moon in Leo, the nature of the struggle would be slightly different. The sun's will is to have stability...the emotional need is admiration, attention, and drama.  Therefore, their emotional needs seems to be in direct conflict with their will, causing much stress inside the individual. They may never feel as if they get what they want out of life, or they're not sure if what they want is really want they truly want. (With Leo being ruled by the sun, and the sun being situated in Taurus this may also cause the native to feel awkward when expressing these energies).  

Note: When a planet is in a water sign and it is square a planet in a fire sign, the native will be passionate and creative.  They may need to curve their impulses as their emotions run their life.  If a planet is in a fire sign and it is square a planet in an earth sign, the native will be ambitious but they may be more stubborn and hot-headed. Bossiness may also be an issue. If a planet in an earth sign is square a planet in an air sign, then the native will be logical and practical, but the native may be rigid and aloof. Getting in tune with their emotional side may be of benefit to them. If a planet is in an air sign and it is square a planet in a water sign, the native will be quite adaptable, but they may be unrealistic and flighty.  They must find a way to see life more realistically.

 

Finally, In the case with an inconjunct, if the sun in Taurus were to be inconjunct a Saturn in Gemini for example, then the native will feel the will for physical stability does not seem to benefit the need for mental order, and in some cases these needs are in the way of each other to the point the native seems to get only one of those needs met, but not the other. The native constantly has to sacrifice one need for the other in order to live a more fulfilling life.  These energies are impossible to use together, so it is best to find time to use both energies separately.  When a planet in a fire sign is inconjunct a planet in an earth sign this will reflect natives that constantly need to sacrifice their need for action for the sake of stability (and vice versa). When a planet in an air sign is inconjunct a planet in a water sign this will reflect natives that constantly need to sacrifice their need for emotional connection in order to have more mental interactions.

 

 

With each planet they are all positioned in a sign, reflecting the nature of that planet. This gives the planets individuality from one another. To understand what each planet and sign represents here is the list below.

 

Each planet has its own representation in astrology.

Sun--planet of ego 

Moon--planet of emotions

Mercury--planet of the mind and communication

Venus--planet of love and beauty

Mars--planet of energy and sexuality

Jupiter--planet of chance and luck

Saturn--planet of boundaries and order

Uranus--planet of revolution and innovation

Neptune--planet of imagination and vulnerability

Pluto--power and transformation

Lunar Nodes--Karmic Destiny and life lessons

 

Each sign in the zodiac also has its own representation in astrology.

Aries--The sign of courage, initiation, leadership, yet impulsivity, competitiveness and selfishness

Taurus--The sign of stability, peace, and pleasure, yet laziness, stubborness, and greediness

Gemini--The sign of adaptability, communication, and curiosity, yet flightiness, duality, and changeability

Cancer--The sign of care, protection, sentimentality, yet emotion, dependency, and attachment

Leo--The sign of will, dignity, and creativity, yet pride, drama, and attention

Virgo--The sign of discernment, self-service, and purity, yet criticism, perfectionism, and fastidiousness

Libra--The sign of harmony, sociability, and cooperation, yet indecision, judgment, and co-dependency

Scorpio--The sign of depth, passion, and transformation, yet extremities, darkness, and obsession

Sagittarius--The sign of optimism, philosophy, and broadness, yet bigotry, distance, and exaggeration

Capricorn--The sign of ambition, focus, and organization, yet rigidity, reservations, and pessimism

Aquarius--The sign of originality, innovation, and humanitarianism, yet rebellion, deviantion, and detachment

Pisces--The sign of creativity, imagination, and compassion, yet sensitivity, fluidity, and naivety. 

 

Note: While many astrologers do not use signs in a Synastry chart (compatibility chart), the signs can give more incite into the nature of an aspect in a compatibility chart.