Orb

An orb is the allowed distance from an exact aspect. The smaller the orb, the more exact and usually more noticeable the aspect.

How to read it in a chart

An orb shows how close an aspect is to exact. The smaller the distance between the perfect angle and the actual planetary positions, the more clearly the aspect tends to speak. A conjunction with a one-degree orb is usually more prominent than the same conjunction with an eight-degree orb.

Orb depends on the planets and aspect type. The Sun and Moon often allow wider orbs; minor aspects usually need tighter ones. In forecasting, exactness matters strongly: the closer the transit is to exact, the closer the theme is to its peak.

Common mistake

Do not treat every aspect within the allowed range as equally strong. A wide aspect may be background, while an exact aspect can become central. But exactness still needs context: planets, houses, and repeated themes matter.

A useful question is: does this aspect really hold the chart together, or did I include it only because the software listed it?