The quincunx aspect, known as the inconjunct, is an angle of 150° formed between any two planets or key points in the birth chart. In astrology, the meaning of the inconjunct aspect is elusive yet no less profound in its effect, revealed primarily in long-term patterns of compulsive actions, as opposed to parts of ourselves we’re able to acknowledge in our conscious thoughts.
One reason this aspect is often neglected in birth chart interpretation is that the behavioral patterns this angle represents are relatively subconscious and, as a result, well, not so easy to describe, let alone pinpoint, acknowledge and confront.
The inconjunct is not brought to our attention through overt conflict, as in the case of the square or opposition aspects, both of which force the issue of change through confrontation with an external obstacle, but via a much subtler feeling of friction stemming from prolonged passivity.
That said, inconjunct aspects have a powerful influence in defining an individual’s potential: it’s the slow-growing resentment we feel when we cater constantly to the needs of others while inadvertently ignoring our own in the process—the kind of resentment that builds over time, only to be acknowledged in retrospect, as is often the case with combinations like Moon inconjunct Venus or Venus inconjunct Saturn, for example.
The Inconjunct: Driven by Compulsivity
At its core, the inconjunct aspect symbolizes a relationship between two planets characterized by what can only be called a potent feeling of “itchiness”—a sense of inner discord, discomfort or discontent so persistent that it drives the person to compulsive action in the areas of life indicated by the planets, signs and houses involved.
The compulsive nature of the inconjunct aspect is in many ways its defining feature: like a scar that you know will never go away yet can’t stop yourself from rubbing lotion on; a sunburn that’s already faded that you suddenly realize you’ve been slathering aloe on every day for weeks—the behaviors that we do compulsively in response to an unconscious feeling of guilt or irritation.
One reason the inconjunct aspect remains out of our consciousness for so long is because this aspect always involves planets placed in signs that are of both different element and mode—signs that (ostensibly at least) have little to nothing in common.
Take Gemini and Capricorn: Gemini is Mutable Air, while Capricorn is Cardinal Earth. Gemini is changeable, adaptable and communicative; Capricorn is stable, stubborn and silent. Because it’s so challenging for planets in these signs to relate to one another, the effect is that it places both planetary energies in a taut, stiff relationship to one another—like two co-workers who are forced to work together on a project yet have two totally different ideas on how to approach it and have to find a way to compromise.
For example, say you have a birth chart with the Moon in Gemini at a tight inconjunct to Venus in Capricorn. In life, the individual will have to grapple with the challenge of integrating their need to keep things “light” in their emotional lives (Gemini Moon), while at the same time finding a way to acknowledge their tendency to attract/value (and be attracted to) more “serious” types (Venus in Capricorn) when it comes to relationships.
This begs the question: Is it possible to keep it light yet still be serious when it comes to our emotions? And if so, how does this impact our relationships and the types of people we attract?
The Inconjunct: Self-Transformation via Acts of Service
The inconjunct is ultimately an aspect of self-sacrifice, as it represents an attempt to free the self from cumbersome feelings of subconscious guilt by performing services for others. This is the one thing that all inconjunct aspects have in common: the persistent feeling of guilt that underlies the uneasiness of the pressure to perform and, in doing so, sacrifice one’s personal needs and desires.
The keynote of the inconjunct aspect is transformation through acts of service. Yet, as Astrologer Steven Arroyo notes: “Dealing with this aspect effectively requires discrimination in subtly adjusting one’s approach to those areas of life rather than trying to force a solution” (Arroyo, Chart Interpretation Handbook, pp. 138-139). Any inconjunct aspect in the birth chart requires awareness and discrimination when it comes to where the person directs their energy.
Otherwise, the inconjunct produces such restless energy that, unless channelled into structured activities that help the individual evolve on a personal level, the person will become enslaved in their compulsive fulfillment of obligations to others such that they ultimately exhaust themselves.
Take the example of Mars in Aries inconjunct (quincunx) Mercury in Virgo. Mars in Aries has a fiery, impulsive, headstrong approach to life, following its gut instinct in its quest to get to the top of their chosen field. Mercury in Virgo, on the other hand, is like a shy Librarian in comparison, working just as hard, but preferring to go about their business quietly and, if possible, behind the scenes.
The question, then: How to integrate the unconscious need to be both Master (Aries) and Slave (Virgo)? The Aries-Virgo inconjunct is a competitive combination, to be sure; but their approaches to how they reach their goals couldn’t be more different.
Like ships passing in the night, Virgo is naturally inclined to take on roles in which they’re constantly in service to others, often neglecting (or failing to communicate) what their personal needs are in the process. Aries, on the other hand, is naturally inclined to act in the role of Boss.
How able a person is to integrate these competing instincts into their life will depend on how aware they are of their need to adjust—to find areas of life where they can find a middle ground between the role of Master v. Slave, for instance, in order to cope with such wildly opposing needs.
The Inconjunct + Awkwardness
Astrologer Sue Tompkins highlights the fact that not only is the inconjunct an aspect of discomfort, but implies a certain awkwardness or clumsiness in the way the two planets interact. Consequently, actions involving the two planets will often have the feeling of a planet in its detriment in a Mutable sign, such as Jupiter in Virgo—constantly running around taking care of details, only to realize over time that they’ve lost sight of the Forest for the Trees.
Take the example of the Sun in Cancer inconjunct the Moon in Aquarius. The Cancer Sun is generally timid and shy at first, yet theatrical and deep in its expression of emotion; the Aquarius Moon, on the other hand, is known for its detachment, goofiness and love of so-called “weird” expressions of emotion.Fitting these pieces together may make the person with this aspect in their birth chart come off as awkward yet endearing, cold one minute and hot the next.
Integrating their sense of inner detachment and need for humor when it comes to emotions with their outer sensitivity to them will likely be more of a challenge for others to understand than for the person themselves, who may not be aware of how confusing they can seem to others until they enter a relationship, for instance.
The Inconjunct and Physical Health
Classical interpretations of the Quincunx aspect associate this aspect with illness, as many health problems are a direct consequence of life circumstances that continually produce stress, whether mentally, physically or both. If you think about it, it makes sense: if you’re in a job in which you constantly feel irritated or which causes you undue stress, then the body slowly weakens over time, producing physical weakness, fatigue, depression or other systemic health conditions.
So, if you have a birth chart filled with inconjunct aspects, what better way to channel your feelings of pressure to be of service without compromising your personal needs entirely to meet those of others than to make a Career of it?
Point being: if such pressure is not channeled appropriately, guilt may get the best of you, landing you in situations in which you feel unappreciated or resentful, if not driven to the point of complete exhaustion.
While such a path isn’t always linear, the inconjunct is about striking a workable balance between being of service to others, without continually folding under pressure to exert superhuman amounts of mental, physical and emotional energy (or ignoring it completely), only to end up with nothing in return.
The Inconjunct + the Importance of Give and Take
The only way to integrate the energy of the two planets and, in turn, relieve the stress and pressure of this potent aspect is to find a constructive outlet for the compulsive drive to action that serves others without draining our personal resources and skills by diving headfirst into any activity we find gratifying.
Astrologer Robert Pelletier’s description of this aspect is particularly astute in that it recognizes that in every planetary combination, actions are fueled primarily by subconscious feelings of guilt, and the relief that can (or cannot) be found when it comes to performing activities for others.
Where to draw the line when it comes to serving others at the expense of oneself is a recurring theme, as the Inconjunct symbolizes an innate potential for exploitation by others if boundaries are not explicitly acknowledged in one’s work, familial responsibilities or social obligations.
For example, in his descriptions of planetary combinations involving the Inconjunct, Pelletier wisely cites the need for the individual to become independent or break free of over-committing oneself to doing things for others that they can readily do themselves—or from those that lead us to spread ourselves too thin, ultimately leading to feelings of frustration or exhaustion.
Given the restless need to be “of service” in some capacity, it’s not surprising, then, that Inconjuncts are often prominent in the charts of doctors, therapists and in practitioners of alternative medicine. Whether the specific profession is vastly lucrative financially, all imply some exchange of money for services—a fact that alleviates the stress and resultant feeling of emptiness (or even bitterness) that acting in constant service to others leaves in its wake.
Example Chart: Elizabeth Warren
In Elizabeth Warren’s birth chart, her natal Sun-Uranus in Cancer is inconjunct both her Jupiter in Aquarius and her natal Saturn in Virgo, indicating an obsessive-compulsive drive to formulate concrete plans and take concrete actions that work to integrate practical solutions (Sun-Saturn) and idealistic goals (Sun-Jupiter) in service of the public (Sun-Uranus).
This is the exact definition of the Quincunx, which Warren personifies in her work in Politics, much of which focuses on economic advocacy and public service.
If we isolate each quincunx individually, her Sun-Uranus in Cancer inconjunct her Jupiter in Aquarius is itching to explore new horizons, find new, imaginative solutions to the practical problems of society that will create a better future for all.
In contrast, her Sun-Uranus in Cancer inconjunct her Saturn in Virgo symbolizes an innately constrictive energy that compels her to focus compulsively on the practicalities, details, red tape and bureaucracy involved.
As such, she’s compulsively yet unconsciously driven to integrate the conflicting energies of the expansiveness of Jupiter in Aquarius (idealism) with the restrictiveness of Saturn in Virgo (practicality).
By serving the public, Warren is able to achieve this goal and, in doing so, quell the “itchiness” she feels to make life better by finding practical solutions to large-scale, societal problems. This is the potential presented by her natal Yod, and speaks volumes about what someone with powerful Inconjunct aspects in their birth chart is capable of accomplishing (hint: a LOT).