The allowable degree of distance from an exact aspect for it to still be considered active. Tighter orbs mean stronger influence.
An orb is the margin of error allowed when measuring aspects. A conjunction is exact at 0 degrees, but an orb of 8 degrees means planets within 0-8 degrees of each other still form a conjunction. Wider orbs indicate weaker aspects; tighter orbs indicate stronger ones. Luminaries (Sun and Moon) traditionally receive wider orbs than outer planets. Different astrologers use different orb systems, but the principle remains: the closer to exact, the more powerful the aspect.
TriAstra uses graduated orb tables with tighter orbs for outer planets and wider orbs for luminaries, weighting aspect strength by proximity to exactitude.
Aspects with tight orbs in your chart are the strongest influences—nearly exact aspects dominate your experience. Wider-orb aspects provide background coloring rather than foreground themes.
Understanding Aspect Orb is just the beginning. See how it manifests in your unique birth chart with TriAstra's triple-system analysis.
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