Orbe

An orb is the range of degrees within which an aspect is considered active. For example, a conjunction has an orb of about 8-10°, meaning two planets within 8-10° of each other are considered conjunct. Tighter orbs (closer to exact) create stronger, more noticeable effects. Different astrologers use different orb sizes, and luminaries (Sun and Moon) are typically given wider orbs than outer planets.

In practice, an exact conjunction (0° orb) between Venus and Mars creates an unmistakable magnetism and passionate nature, while the same conjunction at 9° orb is felt as a softer background influence. Most professional astrologers use roughly 8-10° for conjunctions and oppositions involving the Sun or Moon, 6-8° for squares and trines, and 3-4° for sextiles. Minor aspects like the quincunx (150°) and semi-sextile (30°) typically receive only 2-3° orbs. A common misconception is that there is one 'correct' set of orbs. Different traditions (Hellenistic, Medieval, modern psychological) use very different orb standards, and some systems use sign-based aspects rather than degree-based orbs entirely. Understanding orbs matters for chart interpretation because they determine which aspects are active in your chart. Using too-wide orbs clutters the reading with weak influences, while too-narrow orbs may miss meaningful connections. Learning to prioritize tight-orb aspects over wide ones is a fundamental skill in becoming a competent chart reader.