A quincunx, also known as an inconjunct, happens when two planets are 150 degrees apart, or five signs apart in the zodiac. The simplest technique to figure out which signs are quincunx is to determine your opposite zodiac sign and then look at the two signs that are adjacent to it. Libra, for example, is the opposite sign of Aries on the zodiac wheel. So, in your birth chart, whatever planets are in Aries can be quincunx to whatever planets are in Virgo (the sign preceding Libra) or Scorpio (the sign after Libra).
In This Article...
What is the significance of a quincunx?
A 150-degree angle between two planets. The quincunx is regarded as one of the most significant minor features. It works with orbs up to three degrees in diameter. Even astrologers who don’t generally work with minor aspects frequently incorporate quincunx aspects in their analyses.
The quincunx is neither a harmonic nor a tension-producing aspect. It suggests a difficult-to-realize potential. Unlike the square or opposition, it usually does not feel like a substantial source of tension or action.
Is quincunx synonymous with quintile?
Steven examines the Quincunx and Quintile relationships. These two characteristics, which are sometimes disregarded in favor of the “major”aspects, are definitely worth investigating, as you will discover.
The prefix “quin” denotes a five-digit number. When you divide astrology’s cozy base-twelve system into five parts, strange, bizarre things start to happen. Although there are some similarities between the powerful Quincunx aspect of 150 and the delicate, creative weirdness of the Quintile, which is one-fifth of the circle, or 72, it’s vital to distinguish between them and not be mislead by their similar pronunciations. They work in quite diverse ways and are linked to different integrative processes in the human mind. Here, Steven delves into some of those connections.
Listen to a sample of this recording:
How to find the Quincunx/Inconjunct in a chart:
Examine the planets in this diagram:
It’s worth noting that the Moon and Venus form a quincunx. The Moon is in Pisces at 28 degrees and 25 minutes:
Venus is at 27 degrees and 41 minutes in the zodiac sign of Leo:
The Moon would be at 28 degrees 25 minutes of Leo if you added 150 degrees, or 5 signs, to it. The quincunx, which is within orb, is 44 minutes (less than one degree) away from Venus.
Jupiter would not fall within orb at 24 degrees and 21 minutes of Leo, hence the Moon and Jupiter would not be considered quincunx.
What does it feel like to be a quincunx?
When one of the planets or points engaged in an opposition is expressed, the other feels “left out.” Nonetheless, there are possibilities to strike a balance. It can be difficult to integrate the energies of the planets involved in the quincunx as well. The difference is that there is a perception that the two can’t be combined, which is where compartmentalization comes in. The planets’ descriptions of many aspects of life tend to conflict with one another1/2not as overtly as a square or opposition, but the individual divides them either consciously or unconsciously. This is why the quincunx is connected with adjustment. 1/2Both planets/points represent diverse requirements and areas of life, and sorting them into different compartments can take a lot of energy!
A couple of examples will help to clarify the concept. With a Moon-Venus quincunx, it’s tough to reconcile our emotions (Moon) and our values/love nature (Venus). We feel compelled to divide our Moon’s (by sign, house, and aspect) and Venus’s (by sign, house, and aspect) demands (by sign, house, and aspect). This will manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the person involved and what the Moon and Venus symbolize in the chart, based on their positions and the houses they rule.
A man with Venus quincunx Mars is another example. His Venus is in Cancer and his Mars is in Sagittarius in this scenario. Because of the quincunx’s added energies, the disparities between the signs’ needs are highlighted. (There isn’t a vital relationship developed between the energies of the planets if a quincunx isn’t formed between these planets and he just has Venus in Cancer and Mars in Sagittarius.) In romantic and partnership situations, his desires for nurturing, connection, and warmth are at variance with his sexual and forceful needs. If we break this down to its most fundamental components, associating Venus with love/partnership and Mars with sex, we might discover that this man will compartmentalize these two wants rather than striving to blend them. Perhaps he will keep a romantic relationship (such as a marriage) but seek out other outlets for his sexual demands, like as affairs, in which he can express his more fiery, autonomous sexual nature, which appears to be at odds with his desire for stability, romance, and sensitivity in love. He feels compelled to divide the two energies since he doesn’t see a natural way to blend them. As in the last scenario, he may feel compelled to do so for whatever reason. Perhaps he fears that his sexual drive will interfere with his partnership’s harmony (Venus) or family aspirations (Cancer).
The bottom line with the quincunx, I’ve discovered, is that the “owner” interprets the energies of the two planets as very different and has difficulties addressing the diverse wants at the same time. Changes that can be demanding on energy are seen as necessary and accepted as a fact of life. From the outside, we could be perplexed as to why the individual cannot meet all of their wants at the same time. Often, the individual has no understanding why this isn’t possible, and may blame the problem on life circumstances or others.
Quincunxes have been linked by certain astrologers to health issues. This makes sense, because when an individual strives to compartmentalize the planets and points involved in a quincunx, there is a lot of wasted energy involved, in my opinion. Guilt and a sense of failure are common side effects of the quincunx, and these can exacerbate health issues.
Quincunxes reveal areas of vulnerability, such as low self-esteem, that others can exploit. By refusing to embrace the aspects of life indicated by the planets in quincunx, the individual exposes himself or herself to being exploited. Quincunxes indicate a possible area of inferiority complex. We have a hard time integrating these energies into our personalities, to the point where neither of them makes us happy. Feeding one planet’s needs is not the same as feeding the energies of another planet. The upshot is frequently a hazy sense of shame, which can erode confidence in both energies.
Knowledge and integration are the keys to dealing with quincunxes. Before integration to take place, it is necessary to recognize that the disagreement is rooted in the personality. Quincunxes can make us feel as if external circumstances or persons are forcing us to compartmentalize, divert, or segregate the energies of the planets involved. We need to recognize that we are the ones who are compartmentalizing. These requirements are particularly difficult to meet because they are not as obvious as elements such as the square or opposition, and the form of the quincunx itself is tricky.
In a composite chart, look for quincunxes to see which basic energy of the connection the couple will naturally compartmentalize. Unless the planets involved in a quincunx in the composite chart are intentionally focused on, they can be a cause of relationship weakness.
What does a quincunx’s orb look like?
A Quincunx, Quinduodecile, or Inconjunct is a 150-degree angle, or 5/12 of the 360-degree ecliptic. An orb of 3.5 is permissible depending on the planets involved. The bottom radii of a hexagon are 1/2 a Sextile (60) less than a semicircle, and the internal angles are 60.
The planets, Signs, and Houses involved in a Quincunx can all be used to interpret it. It’s possible that different aspects of your life that aren’t often in contact will come together. Planets in various house quadrants may be far distant. Clarity may show what was previously unseen with an adjustment in viewpoint. If a third planet triangulates a Qunicunx in a crucial aspect, the result might be dramatic.
Keywords for Quincunx include karma, mystery, unpredictability, imbalance, surrealism, resourcefulness, creativity, and wit.
Why do Libra and Pisces have so much in common?
Libra and Pisces are both altruistic signs who delight in delighting their mates in bed. They’ll gladly take the time to get to know each other’s preferences. They need a “exciting aesthetic component to their sex life,” Jewel explains, because they both have a deep love of beauty. These two will enjoy dressing up for one other, wearing sultry lingerie, and creating the perfect romantic atmosphere with candles and flowers.