Astrology goes beyond zodiac signs and constellations—it also tracks how planets interact with each other in the sky. These form aspects, which are angles created between two or more planets. A Trine, specifically, is an aspect formed when planets are three signs, or 120 degrees, apart. In the sky, the twelve constellations that make up the zodiac wheel are divided into equal parts of 30 degrees; if a planet is positioned in Capricorn and another in Taurus, these planets have formed a Trine, with Aquarius, Pisces and Aries in between them.

   Trines are usually formed between signs that are of the same element (in the example above, Capricorn and Taurus are both Earth signs), and are usually portrayed through the blue lines in a birth chart. This is in contrast to the red lines that tend to depict “harsh” aspects such as squares; trines are considered harmonious aspects.

   Trines reveal areas of natural skill and even luck on one’s life path. These are things that will naturally come to someone without any further change on their part. The hosting houses show what part of a person’s life will come with this natural grace. Using the example of Capricorn and Taurus, suppose Taurus falls in the second house, and Capricorn in the tenth. The second house focuses on values, material and tangible or not; the tenth house hones in on a person’s social status. Perhaps a Trine of this kind could indicate some sort of fame and material possession.

   A Grand Trine occurs when three planets are of equal distance from each other, creating an equilateral triangle in a birth chart. The three planets are usually, if not always, going to be in signs of the same element. Similar to a Trine, this aspect shows an area of harmony and natural grace. However, it can be so harmonious that it prevents people from taking necessary action as they expect everything to come to them. From that point of view, this aspect can be seen as harsher.

   People with a Grand Trine in the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are described as being active and bold, with passionate creativity and enthusiasm. A Grand Trine in Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) signifies wisdom and artistry. Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Grand Trines are ambitious thinkers with great curiosity. Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) Grand Trines have strong emotions and a desire for intimacy and deep reflection.

   Another harmonious aspect is a Sextile, formed when two planets are two signs, or 60 degrees, apart. The Sextile is similar to the Trine in the way that they both show areas of ease in a person’s life, however, a Sextile is not as powerful as a Trine. A Sextile requires work to reap the benefits, where a Trine generally shows something that will come naturally to someone. The two planets that form a Sextile have cooperative energy between each other.

   Trines and Sextiles in a birth chart indicate areas of ease, with cooperating planets forming harmonious energy. However, it is important that astrology is a way of analyzing a person, and it cannot bring magical things into one’s life. In order to reap the benefits of harmonious aspects, work is still necessary.