The Inconjunct, also known as the Quincunx, is not a minor aspect—neither in natal charts nor in synastry. It can significantly impact how two people relate to each other. This aspect occurs when two planets are 150 degrees apart, placing them five signs away. Because they belong to different elements (Fire, Air, Water, Earth) and modalities (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable), there is no natural affinity between them.
The planets and points involved are inherently incompatible. While the energies attempt to work together, their fundamental differences often lead to misunderstandings and a persistent sense of imbalance. Yet, this aspect fosters a bond and communication, requiring constant adjustment to maintain harmony.
The Inconjunct creates an interesting challenge of integration. Unlike the overt tension of squares or oppositions, this aspect generates a subtle sense of unfamiliarity, like two musical instruments playing in different genres. While both can make beautiful music, they require conscious effort to harmonize. The inconjunct manifests as a gentle but persistent need for adjustment in the area related to the planets and houses involved.
Presence in Long-Term Relationships
In my experience analyzing the charts of enduring relationships, the inconjunct aspect is a recurring theme. Personally, I find that every significant, long-term connection in my life—whether a friendship or a romantic relationship—features at least one inconjunct involving a personal planet, often the Sun. This aspect’s persistent presence seems to sustain interest and growth over time. The inconjunct’s steady, continuous demand for adjustment brings depth and meaning, almost as if it holds lessons that are worth investing in for love. And, of course, these charts are also rich in compatible aspects. This dynamic may well be a key factor in why some relationships endure through the years.
Lessons to Work Through
In astrology, a quincunx (or inconjunct) aspect occurs when two planets are roughly 150 degrees apart, often described as having a "6-8 relationship." This is because planets in a quincunx aspect are positioned six signs away in one direction and eight signs away in the other. This relationship mirrors the connection between the 6th house (Virgo) and the 8th house (Scorpio), highlighting themes of adjustments and transformation. It emphasizes the need to balance practicality with depth as individuals navigate the complexities of daily routines and deeper emotional connections.
This may be why this aspect is seen as "karmic," symbolizing lessons for partners to work through over time. There’s often a deeper reason for their connection, one that pushes both to grow. While squares push for resolution and oppositions demand compromise, the quincunx leaves room for ambiguity, making it tricky to pinpoint the exact source of disconnect. Yet, it’s these ongoing differences that make the quincunx so fascinating.
Planets Inconjunct in Synastry
When personal planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars—are involved in an inconjunct aspect, the impact becomes especially noticeable in daily life. These mismatches often require ongoing adjustments, with each partner adapting to their differences to find harmony.
When the Moon is involved, the inconjunct aspect can heighten emotional dynamics and make adjustments in the relationship feel even more essential.
Here are some examples:
Moon-Venus Inconjunct:
Moon in Scorpio inconjunct Venus in Gemini creates a unique balance between deep emotional needs and a lighthearted approach to affection. The Moon person’s intensity may feel overwhelming to Venus, while Venus’s lightness could feel insufficient for the Moon, leading to continuous emotional adjustments. Lifestyle preferences may differ as well—one partner might be vegan while the other craves steak, or one loves heavy metal while the other is a classical pianist. These contrasting tastes highlight the ongoing adjustments necessary for harmony.
Moon-Mercury Inconjunct:
In this dynamic, emotional needs and intellectual communication don’t naturally sync up, leading to frequent misunderstandings or difficulty expressing feelings. Partners may struggle to convey emotions, even when genuine, requiring ongoing effort to align emotional and intellectual styles.
Venus-Mars Inconjunct:
Here, mismatched desires or timing issues can create friction in romantic expression. For instance, one partner may feel ready for intimacy while the other is focused elsewhere, or affection is expressed when the other isn’t receptive. This misalignment can be especially challenging unless other aspects enhance attraction and compatibility.
Inconjuncts between personal and outer planets, like Venus and Pluto, tend to reveal themselves as the relationship evolves.
Venus-Pluto Inconjunct:
When Pluto experiences deep, transformative emotions or craves intensity, Venus may struggle to respond in the way Pluto needs. Despite genuine care, Venus’s peaceful expression of affection doesn’t meet Pluto’s desire for emotional depth, leaving both feeling out of sync and frustrated. However, every Venus-Pluto aspect brings a charged, powerful dynamic.
Complementary Dynamics
Sometimes, inconjunct combinations create particularly fascinating dynamics, especially when the Sun is involved. I’ve actually seen several couples with their Suns inconjunct, and despite the differences, they make it work. Personally, I’m a Pisces, and I’ve always liked Leo Suns. It’s probably due to my Aquarius Mars and Sagittarius Moon, but my two longest relationships were with Leo Suns. In fact, I was married to a Leo where our Suns were exactly inconjunct. When we got together, we weren’t expected as a couple—some were surprised—but we were in love. When we separated, it was for far more serious reasons.
Pisces' natural empathy and adaptability create space for Leo’s expressive nature. Leo’s warmth and creativity naturally inspire and support Pisces' dreams, while Pisces intuitively understands Leo’s emotional depths. Despite their differences, this pairing can create a complementary, comforting dynamic through mutual admiration and understanding.
Another example would be Aries-Virgo: Aries' initiative naturally complements Virgo's precision. Virgo helps refine Aries' bold ideas, while Aries inspires Virgo to take action. Their dynamic is particularly interesting as Aries represents the child of the Zodiac, while Virgo embodies the caretaker. Their different approaches create a dynamic balance, and while adjustments are needed, their combination can lead to an effective partnership.
Working Together
When interpreting a chart, remember never to focus on just one aspect—always relate it to the chart as a whole. In my experience, when a prominent inconjunct appears, it signifies a bigger theme in the relationship. Nevertheless, no aspect dooms a relationship. The inconjunct, while disharmonic, points to areas where ongoing adjustments will be required. But most relationships require constant work, and this is just one form of it.
When other compatible aspects and placements harmonize the chart, managing inconjunct aspects can lead to a cohesive and fulfilling relationship, as it challenges partners to understand each other’s unique perspectives. This dynamic can even create a lasting, deep fascination between them.
However, if numerous inconjuncts appear in a chart without supportive compatible aspects, it may signal a fundamental incompatibility. In such cases, it’s okay to acknowledge that the relationship might not be the right fit.
**P.S.** Writing this wasn’t easy for me—I’m not a native English speaker. Still, I gave it my best shot and hope it brings some clarity. I’ll likely revisit and refine this explanation in the future. Thanks for being a reader on my blog! <3
