Sextile

SEK-styl

latin: Sextilis · greek: Ἑξάγωνον (Hexagonon)

Definition

A sextile is a major aspect — two planets separated by 60°, which divides the zodiac circle into sixths. It links signs of the same polarity (both masculine or both feminine) but different elements and modes. It is one of the five Ptolemaic aspects, the core set named for the astronomer Ptolemy, and counts as a 'soft' or harmonious one — though gentler than the trine.

In Tradition

Most Western astrologers read the sextile as an aspect of opportunity — and, unlike the trine, one that asks for a little effort before it pays off. It is seen as supportive and cooperative, offering a nudge rather than the effortless ease of the trine.

In Practice

A sextile in your chart points to a latent opportunity — something that turns productive once you consciously engage it. As planets move over time, a sextile marks a window where effort meets less resistance; a Jupiter sextile recurs every 11.86 / 6 ≈ 1.98 years. Two sextile planets each forming a 150° quincunx to a third planet make a Yod, with the sextile as its base. Sextile orbs run narrower than trine orbs — typically 4–6°.

Historical Origin

The sextile appears in Ptolemy's Tetrabiblos (c. 150 CE) as one of the major configurations. Hellenistic astrologers judged its effects positive but 'dim and weak' next to the trine.

Definition

In Tradition

In Practice

Historical Origin

Further Reading