The Misunderstood Inconjunct

The inconjunct, or quincunx aspect, besides being one of the more difficult to pronounce, is probably the most under-rated and misunderstood aspects by students of astrology. Traditional interpretation has attached a strongly negative connotation to this aspect. Some astrologers of the past have even labeled the inconjunct the "aspect of death." Granted, it is a hard aspect to contend with, but growth and awareness can be the eventual outcome of the struggles and challenges it creates.

What makes the inconjunct such a difficult aspect is the angle it creates. It is a 150 degree aspect. That puts it directly between the 130 degree trine and the 180 degree opposition. The energies of the planets connected with this aspect are neither flowing harmoniously nor involved in a direct head on resistance.

The inconjunct is associated with the relationship between the sign of Aries, and the signs of Virgo and Scorpio respectively. In one case the fiery energy of Aries is now forced to contend with the practical and down-to-earth Virgo, and in the other it must deal with the watery, deep, emotional sign of Scorpio. In both instances we have signs that are incompatible by element and well as unlike in quality. Fire is coupled with earth and water and cardinal is now forced to work with mutable and fixed. Here there is no common ground whatsoever. A major adjustment in ones thinking and a complete reorganization of thought and deed is required to act constructively with this aspect. The energy (Aries) must structure itself and be cleansed through service to others (Virgo) or evolve on a much higher level of spiritual reform (Scorpio).

When one planet inconjuncts another in the natal chart the houses the planets are in and the houses the planets rule will describe the areas of life that will be affected by the aspect. The signs the planets are in will show those underlying influences behind the energies of the planets involved. The important thing to remember is that the inconjunct is an aspect of adjustment. It forces one to make changes before they can move ahead in their lives.

As an example, let's take a person has a natal planet in Aries, inconjunct a natal planet in Virgo. Here there could be a considerable amount of strain on the nervous system. This well may affect the health of the native and may manifest itself through an ulcer or other gastronomic disorders. The native may exhibit a tendency to be too critical of others (especially co-workers), and must learn to cultivate a more patient attitude towards them. Those who are close to the person may find them to be too rebellious and irritating. All activities of the individual will probably need to be moderated before physical illness can develop.

If the native should happen to have a planet in Gemini inconjunct a planet in Capricorn, there can be a serious outlook that can boarder on chronic depression. The areas that are governed by the planets in question will be the basis for the individual’s depression. There is also a tendency to get into a rut of everyday routine existence. This is very evident in regards to professional activities. There can also be the tendency to get into a rut in day to day existence. Any kind of papers or documents relating to the individuals vocation should warrant special attention. The care of an elderly or sick sibling could place a restrictive burden on the individual.

If a person should have a planet in Leo inconjunct a planet in Pisces they may well be the victim of deception and deceit in romantic ventures. The individual may have an inclination to over dramatize affairs of the heart, and even seek out the exciting danger of clandestine interludes. Children could be a source of hidden loss or sorrow. The native should be on guard for indulgence in alcohol and other additive drugs. This could have an adverse effect on the person’s health.

In some charts there are two planets that are in sextile aspect to each other, and both inconjunct a common third planet. An example of this would be if the person has their Sun in Taurus and their Mars in Cancer sextiling each other with both planets inconjuncting the Moon in Sagittarius. This configuration is known as a yod.

Inconjuncts always require that a particular adjustment be made. Many times this adjustment is a difficult one to make. In the case of the yod, the two planets sextiling one another will help each other make the adjustments. In every yod the one planet receiving the two inconjuncts become the focal point of the configuration. The desire to make the required to make the required changes will come from the focal planet, and the opportunity to carry out that desire will then be manifested through the two planets in sextile aspect.

If an individual has the inconjunct aspect represented in their natal chart, and is a highly developed kind of person, they can make the aspect work for them and reap the benefits of growth it produces. On the other hand, if a person is completely anchored to the mundane affairs of life, the inconjunct can be devastating aspects whose disruptive action has no constructive significance in their life.