Sextile
The sextile is the astrological aspect of 60°: two planets located at that angular distance. It generates opportunities, favourable connections and possibilities — but requires active action to materialise. It is the aspect of "talent that asks for cultivation".
Origin and technique
The sextile is one of the five major aspects codified by Ptolemy. Geometrically, it divides the zodiacal circle into six equal parts (hence the name, from the Latin sextus, "sixth"). Its orb is generally ±4 to ±6 degrees. Signs in sextile belong to the same gender (yang/yin) but to different and complementary elements: Aries-Gemini (Fire-Air), Taurus-Cancer (Earth-Water), Gemini-Leo (Air-Fire), etc.
Unlike the trine (total and automatic fluidity) and the square (friction that forces), the sextile is latent opportunity: the possibilities exist, but the person must act to activate them. If seized, it gives very good results. If ignored, it simply passes by. That is why many astrologers call it "the aspect of rewarded effort".
How it manifests
A person with Mercury-Venus sextile has natural ability to combine communication and charm: if they cultivate it, they will be a good communicator, writer, mediator. If they do not cultivate it, they will simply have pleasant friends. Sun-Mars sextile: vitality available for action if invested in it. Jupiter-Saturn sextile: balance between expansion and discipline if managed well.
In transits, active sextiles over your chart mark periods of opportunity: favourable things are at your disposal, but you have to make a move. Classical astrology recommends taking advantage of sextiles to start what would be difficult at another time: ask for a loan, declare yourself, attend an interview, move a project.
Also known as
- Aspect of 60°
- Sextilis (Latin)
- Sextile