Aspect Theory in QZSY (七政四餘相位理論)
Aspects in QZSY describe the angular relationships between planets as measured along the ecliptic. When two planets form a specific geometric angle, they interact — their energies combine, reinforce, or conflict. QZSY aspect theory shares structural similarities with Western and Vedic aspect theory but is interpreted through the distinctly Chinese lens of Five Element interactions.
The Five Major Aspects
| Aspect | Chinese | Angle | Nature | Orb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | 合 (He) | 0° | Fusion — energies merge, intensify | ±8° |
| Sextile | 六合 (Liu He) | 60° | Gentle harmony — cooperative, opportunity | ±5° |
| Square | 刑 (Xing) | 90° | Tension — friction, challenge, forced growth | ±7° |
| Trine | 三合 (San He) | 120° | Strong harmony — flow, talent, ease | ±8° |
| Opposition | 衝 (Chong) | 180° | Polarity — confrontation, awareness, balance | ±8° |
Five Element Filtering
The most distinctive feature of QZSY aspect theory is that aspects are interpreted through the Five Element lens rather than purely geometrically. In Western astrology, a trine is always harmonious regardless of which planets are involved. In QZSY, the elemental relationship between the two planets modifies the aspect's quality:
- Generating trine (生 + 三合): The most auspicious combination. Example: Jupiter (Wood) trine Sun (Fire) — Wood produces Fire, and the geometric harmony reinforces the elemental support. Doubly beneficial.
- Overcoming trine (剋 + 三合): The geometric harmony softens the elemental conflict, but tension remains. Example: Saturn (Earth) trine Mercury (Water) — Earth dams Water, but the trine allows this control to manifest as constructive discipline rather than suppression.
- Generating square (生 + 刑): The elemental support mitigates the geometric tension. Growth occurs through challenge, but resources are available. Example: Moon (Water) square Jupiter (Wood) — Water produces Wood, so the emotional tension feeds expansion.
- Overcoming square (剋 + 刑): The most challenging combination. Both geometry and element conflict. Example: Mars (Fire) square Venus (Metal) — Fire melts Metal, and the square adds friction. Passionate conflict in relationships.
Applying vs Separating Aspects
An applying aspect (入相) occurs when the faster planet is moving toward the exact angle with the slower planet — the influence is building and has not yet peaked. A separating aspect (離相) occurs when the faster planet has passed the exact angle and is moving away — the influence is waning. Applying aspects are considered stronger and more consequential for timing purposes, as they represent energies that are converging rather than dissipating.
Comparison with BaZi Branch Interactions
The Chinese terms used for QZSY aspects — 合 (He), 衝 (Chong), 刑 (Xing), 三合 (San He), 六合 (Liu He) — are identical to the Earthly Branch interaction terms in BaZi. This is not coincidental: both systems draw from the same cosmological vocabulary. However, in BaZi these interactions occur between Branches in the four pillars, while in QZSY they describe geometric relationships between actual celestial bodies. The shared terminology facilitates cross-system analysis for practitioners versed in both methods.