In a general sense the term 'separating' is applied to any
planet moving away from the conjunction or aspect of another. In strict
terminology, a planet is said to be 'separating' from another when the planets
are within orb of aspect and moving away from perfection (exactness).
Planetary motion must be considered, for if a planet is
retrograde an aspect that appears to be separating from exactness may in fact
be applying, and if a planet is about to turn retrograde an aspect that is
currently in a state of separation may once again perfect.