What does trine mean?
Trine is an astrological term for an aspect in which two planets, luminaries, or other significant points are about 120 degrees apart. Astrologers traditionally regard a trine as a harmonious influence because it permits easy movement or cooperation between the bodies involved, often being associated with qualities such as talent, confidence, and favorable circumstances. The word can also be used in older astrological language for one of the three elemental groups of zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius form the trine of fire, Taurus, Gemini, and Virgo the trine of earth, and Cancer, Libra, and Scorpio the trine of water. This older sense is uncommon today. Although trine now has little use outside astrology and informal discussions of horoscope charts, its name reflects its Latin ancestry: it comes from a word meaning “threefold.” A trine should not be confused with a conjunction or square merely because all are named astrological aspects; each represents a different angular relationship.
nounAn astrological aspect in which two celestial bodies are approximately 120 degrees apart, traditionally regarded as harmonious and favorable. In older usage, a trine can also mean a group of three zodiac signs associated with the same element.
- An astrological aspect in which two celestial bodies are approximately 120 degrees apart, traditionally regarded as harmonious and favorable.
- In older or traditional usage, a group of three zodiac signs associated with the same element.
"Venus formed a trine with Mars, which the astrologer considered a favorable influence."
"The Moon and Saturn were in trine in her chart, indicating emotional stability and patience."
"In traditional astrology, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius form the trine of fire."
The standard plural is trines, used when referring to multiple trine aspects.
"The chart contained several trines that linked its principal planets."
Astrology's famously auspicious 120-degree angle comes from the Latin for “threefold.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trine come from?
Trine entered English through French from Latin trinus, meaning “threefold” or “consisting of three.” The Latin word is associated with the same tri- root seen in trio, triple, and trinity. Its earliest astrological use referred to a grouping of three zodiac signs before the term became established for the 120-degree aspect between celestial bodies.
Related word forms
How trine is actually used
A specialized term used chiefly in astrology and horoscope interpretation. The sense referring to a group of three zodiac signs is now largely literary or archaic; modern usage generally denotes the favorable astrological aspect.