chart – Stargazer

Quincunx is such a funny word to me. In Astrology, it’s an aspect formed when pieces are at a 150 degree angle with one another. I use an orb of 3 degrees, so that’s an angle of 147-153 degrees. Inconjunct is also used for this and means the same thing. I consistently use quincunx though, partly because it just sounds odd and also because (for me) the unusualness of the word conveys some of the unusualness of the aspect itself.

In karmic astrology, a quincunx is referred to as the karmic neutralizer. Experiences in other life times have caused the person to learn to shut down parts of themselves. The pieces tend to neutralize each other, so that when one of them is receiving focus, the other tends to shut down.

Let’s look at moon quincunx mars. The moon is emotions, nurturance, food, family and mars is physicality, sexuality, ambitions, drive. People with this aspect are likely to struggle with balancing getting emotional needs met and pursuing ambitions. It can be hard to develop a sexual relationship that is nurturing and emotionally rewarding. They often eat in ways that are not healthy for their bodies. When one of these energies is getting their attention, the other energy is shut down and it’s hard to integrate the two.

All is not lost with a quincunx. When one shows up in a natal chart, think of it as a flashing red light. There are many life lessons connected to it, and understanding it will lead to huge growth. It’s almost like a call for help, trying to grab your attention. The signs and houses can be very insightful in helping you to understand both your karmic history getting you to this point (signs) and the current life focus (houses) that needs your attention.

I don’t believe your natal chart determines the life you will live. It’s a painting of your karmic past and reveals the bags you packed when you came into this life. Those bags contain experiences and beliefs that show up as talents, challenges and lessons. If you have a quincunx, get honest with yourself about it and face what it’s telling you. Even if you do see that you are shutting down, denying or compartmentalizing parts of your life you can grow and change.

However you have come to view your life, you can learn to see it differently.

There are several major aspects, or angles, that astrologers look at in a chart. One of them is called a square. A square is formed when the pieces are at a 90 degree angle with each other. I use a 7 degree orb for a square, so that means 90 degrees plus or minus 7.

Squares are dynamic aspects and can provide insight into lessons, talents and challenges in our lives. Usually squares are described as a source of tension or conflict. This can be true, but they are so much more than that. Squares can not only help you understand inner conflicts and how you may be at odds with yourself, but they can also show some of the ways you are energized. They can provide insight into some of your strengths and talents.

Squares are called the forced awareness, because each piece forces an awareness of the other. Depending on the pieces involved, as well as the rest of the chart, the square can be expressed in a variety of ways. The key is that the energies ignite each other. The more you can face and deal authentically with the other energy, the less conflict you will experience with it and the more the energies work together in a productive way.

Mars square Pluto is ambitious, competitive, and energetic. The physical energy and drive of Mars forces an awareness of the will and power of Pluto. This dynamic can show up in predatory behavior, people willing to do anything to get what they want. It can also show up in advocates, people that are willing to fight for others, especially those they believe have been victimized.

Some energies function better than others in a square, and some combinations seem more workable. Looking at all the pieces, aspects, degrees and houses can give further insight. For example, someone that also has Moon trine Jupiter is likely to have a strong sense of ethics and desire for justice and be the advocate. The houses the planets are in can show the areas where the conflicts are more likely to play out. Someone with a lot of squares tends to believe that life is hard, and to be competitive in general. Someone without any squares may have trouble handling conflict. The chart must always be looked at as a whole to fully understand the significance of any single component.

Aspects provide great insight into how the energies interact within you and show beliefs that have been built in past lives. While squares can show you some of your inner struggles, they can also draw your attention to great opportunities for growth. Nothing in your chart dooms you to be a certain way or have a certain kind of life. The natal chart shows what you bring into this life and it is up to you to enhance or transform what you bring with you.

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” -Rumi

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