Older Repost from my Reddit Account.
So, the quincunx or inconjunctionย (150ยฐ) is an aspect seldomly looked at or discussed -
Partly because it's considered a so-called minor aspect. Partly because there isn't too much free info out there and many people today and in this forum learn astrology as a hobby and not from professional courses or expensive books.
After learning about the major aspects (conjunction, sextile, square, trine, opposition) in the beginning of my studies, I found the quincunx to be one of the most important minor aspects. It plays out in natal charts, synastry and by transit, and can be quite noticable if the orb is tight (usually 0-5 ยฐ+/-, depending on the planets involved).
This is why I felt like discussing this aspects a bit more in-depth here.
Irreconcilable differences
I feel like the nature of the quincunx is bit of a mix between the opposition and the square:
The signs involved will usually not have anything in common, which creates friction (square) and contrariety (oppositon). An inconjunction will happen between signs of utterly different nature (i.e. Aries vs. Virgo; Taurus vs. Saggitarius; Aquarius vs. Cancer).
The difference is that with the square, the signs still have the same modality (cardinal - fix - mutable), and with the opposition the signs have the same polarity (masculine (fire/air) - feminine (earth/water)) - when it comes to the inconjunction, however, there are no such shared basic traits. They want different things, they do things differently and they have a differing world view and opinion on how things are, should be and should be done. Thus, the nature of the inconjunction is one of irreconcilability.
Being blind to the other but disturbed, nevertheless
This irreconcilability, from my personal experience, plays out in a way that the planets involved just don't "manage" to create a common ground where their energies mix in a constructive way - it's either -, or. My way or the highway.
With the Moon - Saturn quincunx, for example, this could translate to at times being either extremely emotional (Moon), or extremely sober (Saturn). It's hard for you to have an inner "parent" (Saturn) who gives you stability and a rational approach when you feel emotionally lost (Moon). The way your Saturn works just doesn't help your Moon in any way and will, most likely, put even more pressure on it.
On the other hand, when you are "using" your Saturn your Moon's neediness might get in the way of your accomplishments and work ethics (Saturn). Or, you being logical, strucured and accomplishing things, you may sometimes forget your or other people's emotions.
In general, your inner Saturn has a hard time understanding and nurtuting your Moon's emotional needs and might even damage your Moon's sensitivity while your Moon doesn't really help out your Saturn either. It will be emotionally overwhelming, getting in it's way instead of fusing with Saturn's energy in a helpful manner.
Basically, the planets involved will be getting in each other's way but be unable to cooperate.
Issues with Timing, Synchronicity and Approach
In a relationship, when two planets are in quincunx (let's use two Marses here), you will most likely have active Mars energy at different times. So, when one feels energized and ready to go (Mars), the other person might not feel up to the mood. They may even feel stressed and over-whelmed by the other person's active energy. Then, another time, the same thing happens - just the other way around. You just don't seem to have the same "timing".
This can also partly be explained by experiencing the same transits at the same time but of a very different nature (for instance, one being trined by a transit planet while the other one is being squared).
Also, planets in quincunx to each other have completely different approaches that work for them. Virgo needs attention to detail, structure, diligence and moral integrity to succeed while Aquarius (quincunx sign) needs open-mindedness, the breaking of tradition and freedom. Aries (the other quincunx sign) works best when itโs instinctual, fast and unapologetic. They basically cramp each otherโs style.
Overcoming Adversity and Potential for Learning and Growth
In all fairness, anything can be "overcome". I did focus on the negatives of the quincunx in this article. By no means I would say that this is all there is to it. There is learning and growth potential. There is potential for learning acceptance ("agree to disagree"). And/ or even learning from the other, after all.
And taking up the Virgo-Aqua-Aries example, you can still find a bit of a common ground. All of those signs harbor a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. You can find this with every quincunx dynamic. Even if you have to become creative and bend over backwards, every sign will eventually have a common denominator, however small or unlikely it may be.
Also, the quincunx signs are basically able to present each other's shadows (similar to how the sister signs (oppositions) work. Virgo lacks Ariesโ spontaniety and natural self-confidence. Aries lacks Virgoโsย patience and consideration. Aquarius can learn a great deal from Virgoโs persistence and sensibility while a more Aquarian approach would help Virgo not to get stuck in a rut or lost in pedantry.
Even if the signs aren't "meant to meet", it's never impossible to learn from each other and to honor everyone's uniqueness and talents, in order to honor every piece that makes up the divine whole that is the zodiac and thus, the whole and perfect Universe.
Do you have Quincunxes and how do feel about them?
I might do another post, explaining the "irreconcilable difference" betweeen the quincunx signs (including all 12 signs and not just a few examples) as well as their hidden common denominator.
