Sextile: Planetary Aspect in Astrology

What is a sextile?

In a sextile, two planets are either in “yin” (earth or water) or “yang” (fire or air) signs.

When two planets are sextile, they are in a highly compatible position. Sextiles are not extremely strong aspects, but they bring happy vibes, friendly interactions and general good cheer.

Read more about earth, water, fire and air signs

Sextile facts

Sextile: Two signs apart
60 degrees apart
Energy: Ease, cooperation, flow

For example, love planet Venus might be in Aries (an independent fire sign), forming a sextile with change-maker Uranus in Gemini (a free-floating air sign). Couples could make positive shifts in their relationship today, giving each other a bit more breathing room. Single people might take a little risk, talking to an intriguing stranger or contacting someone online. It may not bring staggering results, but it will be fun and low-risk. The odds—and the gods—are smiling on you during a sextile!

What is the meaning of a sextile?

Their energy is compatible and not in conflict. As a result, it’s easy to resolve conflict, make changes or talk about difficult topics during a sextile, as people will be laid-back and less prone to taking things personally. This is not necessarily a day to do hard work—but if you have to, you’ll do it with pleasure, perhaps playing music, invoking a spirit of camaraderie or treating yourself to a fun Happy Hour afterward.

A sextile in your birth chart

If two planets in your birth chart are sextile, this indicates a part of your life that might be easy or generally low-stress. When three or more planets are sextile, it is a rare event called a Grand Sextile (there was an amazing one in July 2013!).

Which signs are sextile to each other?

Aries: Gemini, Aquarius
Taurus: Cancer, Pisces
Gemini: Leo, Aries
Cancer: Virgo, Taurus
Leo: Libra, Gemini
Virgo: Scorpio, Cancer
Libra: Sagittarius, Leo
Scorpio: Capricorn, Virgo
Sagittarius: Aquarius, Libra
Capricorn: Pisces, Scorpio
Aquarius: Aries, Sagittarius
Pisces: Taurus, Capricorn

Other planetary aspects in astrology

Semisextile: 1 sign apart

Square: 3 signs apart

Trine: 4 signs apart

Quincunx: 5 signs apart

Opposite: 6 signs apart

Conjunct: 2 planets in the same sign

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.