Trine
The trine is the astrological aspect of 120°: two planets located in signs of the same element. It generates easy fluidity, natural talents and opportunities without friction. It is the most harmonic aspect of the zodiac, although its very ease can become passivity if not consciously seized.
Origin and technique
The trine is one of the five major aspects codified by Ptolemy. Geometrically, it divides the zodiacal circle into three equal parts: hence its name (from the Greek trigonon, "triangle"). Its orb is generally ±6 to ±8 degrees. Signs in trine share an element: Aries-Leo-Sagittarius form the "Fire trine"; Taurus-Virgo-Capricorn the Earth one; Gemini-Libra-Aquarius the Air one; Cancer-Scorpio-Pisces the Water one.
The trine is the most fluid and favourable aspect. When two planets are in trine, their psychic functions dialogue effortlessly: talent is natural, help arrives unsought, life offers. The "grand trine" is a configuration with three planets forming an equilateral triangle (all three in trine to each other): it gives an especially fortunate area of life, but also with risk of complacency.
How it manifests
A person with Sun-Jupiter trine has natural optimism, luck, ability for expansive leadership. Moon-Venus trine: emotionally harmonious, attractive, fluid social life. Mars-Mercury trine: thought and action coordinated, ability to communicate with energy. Saturn-Pluto trine: deep inner strength, ability to transform the difficult with discipline.
The trine's trap: what comes easy tends not to be valued. A person with important trines in an area of life (say, musical talent) may not develop that gift if they do not find inner motivation. That is why classical astrology considers that a chart without some friction is a chart without engine. Trines are gifts; squares are engines.
Also known as
- Aspect of 120°
- Trigonum (Latin)
- Trine
- Astrological triangle