Entering and Leaving Orbs Astrology

Entering and Leaving Orbs

When looking at transits or transiting aspects (in the sky) to our natal planets, most astrologers use fairly tight orbs, often as small as one degree. And the orb used extends before and after the aspect, one degree before and another aspect. For example, if we are looking at the sextile aspect (60 degrees), with a one-degree orb, then we would be looking for an angular separation between the two planets that ranges from 59 degrees to 61 degrees.

However, astrologers have found that the effect of the aspect tends to precede the event, rather than follow it. In other words, from the orb before the aspect is exact to the point of exactness is when we most feel or experience the effect of that aspect, and not afterward. This is not always the case, but it is the general rule. The old astrological saying, “Coming events cast their shadows” is very true here. The time before an aspect, what is called the “entering orb” is considered the most important. After the aspect is exact, and what is called the “leaving orb” is not so important, and usually is not given a lot of attention by astrologers.

In the diagram, we are showing the point where the aspect is exact, and a 1-degree orb before and after that aspect. The red line shows how the importance of the aspect as it is forming or entering is much greater than the aspect after the “exact” point is reached.