Quincunx (Inconjunct): Definition, Symbol, Meaning

April 21, 2022

A quincunx is a 150° angle (within an 8° orb) between zodiac signs that are five signs apart. Learn what it means in the natal chart and synastry. While it’s one of the lesser-known aspects in astrology, it still carries significance in our lives. 

Definition 

A quincunx aspect, also known as an inconjunct, occurs when two planets are 150° degrees apart from each other. If that math is all intimating for you, just think of it as two planets being five zodiac signs apart. So, if the sun is in Virgo (6th House) and the moon is in Aries (1st House), they form a quincunx since they are five Houses apart. 

Here is a handy guide to help you out: 

Signs in quincunx 

  • Aries: Virgo, Scorpio
  • Taurus: LibraSagittarius
  • Gemini: Scorpio, Capricorn
  • Cancer: Sagittarius, Aquarius
  • Leo: Capricorn, Pisces
  • Virgo: Aquarius, Aries 
  • Libra: Pisces, Taurus 
  • Scorpio: Aries, Gemini
  • Sagittarius: Taurus, Cancer
  • Capricorn: Gemini. Leo
  • Aquarius: Cancer, Virgo 
  • Pisces: Leo, Libra 

Symbol

The quincunx symbol has one horizontal line, with an upside-down “V” coming from the bottom of it. In general, it looks similar to a coffee table. 

Meaning

In astrology, an inconjunct is considered a “hard aspect,” as the two zodiac signs do not get along with each other. When two transiting planets form an inconjunct, both planets are not only in different elements, but they are also in two different modalities. So, when these signs get together, they just can’t understand each other and need some time to adjust. 

This doesn’t just depend on the zodiac signs involved. It also depends on the planets involved as well! For example, if transiting Venus (planet of love) forms a quincunx with Mars (planet of passion), we may have a difficult time in our romantic lives. If the moon (planet of emotions) forms a quincunx with Saturn (planet of structure), we may have to adjust our emotional boundaries.

During periods where quincunxes are involved, we’ll be asked to recognize the things that don’t come naturally to us and make some adjustments. Some keywords here might be: challenges, redirection, revisit, and making changes.  

Natal Chart

Having a quincunx or multiple quincunxes in your natal chart is like holding two incompatible truths at the same time. If fact, you may feel like key parts of your personality are contradictions. For example, if your sun is in Gemini and your moon is in Scorpio, you may think you’re so “go with the flow,” and yet, you feel everything so deeply. You may feel both open and private at the same time. 

By understanding the inconjunctions in your natal chart, you can start making peace with contradicting personality traits. Remember, you can hold multiple truths within you—even if they don’t always make sense. 

Synastry

When a quincunx shows up in a synastry or relationship reading, this can make for a tense or difficult relationship—especially if there are numerous inconjunctions going on. 

A quincunx in a relationship reading means that you’ll have trouble finding common ground in these specified areas. You may find that most of your conflicts come from this area. If you have many quincunxes, it could be difficult to create a positive connection because you just can’t seem to agree on anything! For example, a quincunx between the moon sign in one partner and the rising sign of the other can indicate issues with love languages. The moon sign person may never feel emotionally validated by the rising sign person’s way of giving love. 

To be clear: Any relationship can work if you put in the time and effort to see each other’s differences. In order to make this particular relationship work, you may have to make adjustments or try to be more open-minded. The other person sees the world so differently from you do!

FAQs

Is quincunx a hard aspect?

A “hard aspect” means that the two placements involved have a tense or obstructive relationship with one another. When people think of hard aspects, they usually think of squares or oppositions.

Similar to squares and oppositions, quincunx is definitely a hard aspect as well. And this is because of the distance between the two signs. They have almost nothing in common, so it’s hard to find common ground. 

What signs square Aquarius?

Aquarius makes a square with both Taurus and Scorpio—as they are within the same modality, but in unfavorable elements. 

Are trines good in Astrology?

Yes! Trines are soft or positive aspects. They represent an uplifting or supportive vibe between the two placements involved. Trines bring success, prosperity, and good vibes and even revels our talents there. Overall, they are very good!

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