What is a Grand Trine in Astrology?

In astrology, aspects are the angles that form between the different elements of the chart. There are five major aspects including a trine, which occurs when planets are 120°, or three signs, apart. Trines are a supportive aspect. The energy flows easily between the two planets involved in a trine. If a trine is a good thing in astrology, a grand trine is great!

The other major aspects besides trines are:

• Squares
• Oppositions
• Conjunctions
• Sextiles

Technically a grand trine is an aspect figure. These are compound aspects that create a special shape in the chart. In this case, the shape is a triangle. Other aspect figures include:

• T-Square
• Grand Cross/Grand Square
• Grand Sextile
• Mystic Rectangle
• Kite
• Finger of God/Yod

What is a Grand Trine in Astrology?

In astrology, a grand trine occurs when two planets are trine to the same one forming a supportive triangle in the center of the chart. The planets are generally equidistant from each other, with small variations of up to 10° off allowed to still count as a grand trine. This forms an equilateral triangle.

The closer this aspect is to being exact, the stronger it will be. The more off it is from each planet being exactly 120° away from the other one and the more off it is from being a true equilateral triangle, the weaker it will be.

Grand Trines and The Elements

All of the planets in this triangular aspect are typically in the same element, which is the primary quality that makes general trines supportive. In a regular trine, both planets are also in the same element. If any kind of trine is weak, meaning it is closer to the 10° limit, there’s a chance one or more of the elements could be in a different element.

In Western astrology, there are four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each element contains three different signs. Each element has different characteristics.

• Fire signs are…fiery! They are passionate and can be a little hot-headed at times. Anger can be an issue with fire signs. The are generally very action-oriented and tend to have more adventure than other people.
• Earth signs are more calm than fire signs. They are often associated with health, abundance, gardening, and hard work. They are generally stable and love commitment and comfort.
• Air signs are up in the clouds. They are also quite adventurous and are usually quite compatible with fire signs. They are chatty and love ideas. They may change their mind frequently, leading people to believe they are flaky, but they’re actually just thinking very quickly.
• Water signs are deep and emotional. They also love commitment and have a deep intuition. They seem almost psychic half the time. They are not often as adventurous and love to be at home because they need a quiet solo space to fully recharge.

Here are the different types of grand trines based on the elements:

What Does a Grand Trine Mean in Astrology?

So, now you know what this aspect figure is, but what does it mean? In general, grand trines are super supportive elements in your astrology chart. The energy flows smoothly between all elements involved. However, it depends on which astrological elements. For example, if your grand trine includes a more challenging element, like Chiron or Pluto, then it could be a slightly more complicated placement.

Are there any downsides to this aspect figure? Well, if things come easily to you, you might give up easily if there ever comes a time that you have to struggle. But for the most part, grand trines are a really positive and helpful element to see in a chart.

How exactly a grand trine will show up for you depends on which planets are involved and which houses and signs these planets fall into. For example, let’s say someone has an Earth grand trine involving their Sun, Uranus, and Mars. That would mean that their essential being (Sun) is flowing easily with their relationship to radical change (Uranus) and their passion and doingness in the world (Mars). With this all happening in an Earth sign, they would likely find it easy to implement their radical and forward-thinking ideas. Depending on the house placements, this could mean they are very successful at their chosen profession, or have a lot of luck in a hobby.

How To Tell If You Have a Grand Trine in Your Natal Chart

To find out if you have a grand trine in your natal astrology chart, you can consult a professional astrologer.

You can also use one of many apps and websites to get your natal astrology chart. These services often explain some of the aspects in your chart. There is often a circle in the middle of the chart containing lines that connect the different planets showing the different aspects between the planets. When you see a large equilateral triangle there, that represents a grand trine. The following apps and websites show aspect figures in natal astrology charts:

• Time Passages
• Cafe Astrology
• Astro Seek
• Astrodienst

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