The sextile occurs when two planets are 60° apart (two signs apart). It is considered a harmonious aspect, joining planets of compatible elements — fire with air, or earth with water. Unlike the trine (which is harmonious by nature, flowing without effort), the sextile represents opportunity: potential that must be actively developed to bear fruit.
The sextile is traditionally considered a benefic aspect, but a weaker one than the trine. It gives talent, opportunity, and the capacity for productive cooperation between the energies of the two planets. However, because it is an aspect of opportunity rather than flow, it requires the native to recognize and act on the opportunities it presents.
When interpreting a sextile, consider:
- The planets involved — what energies are cooperating?
- The signs involved — fire-air sextiles are active and outward-facing; earth-water sextiles are more practical and internal.
- The houses involved — in which areas of life does the opportunity express itself?