Conjunction

The single most powerful aspect that can exist between two planets or points on a chart is the Conjunction. This is the only aspect that can actually fundamentally change a planet at an energetic level. All other aspects function as a conversation between the two points involved, but the conjunction actually blends their energies. Confused? Here is one example:

What would it look like if someone's Sun took on the dreamy, mysterious, and foggy qualities of Neptune? This person's ego, purpose, and sense of self would actually be softened and clouded. It would be either very challenging or next to impossible for this native to see themselves clearly. Looking in the mirror would be like looking into a foggy room all the time. This may seem like a strange energetic expression for the bright, cheery, and creative Sun, but when the most important luminary is conjunct Neptune you end up with an individual who embodies dreamlike and very spiritual qualities on a fundamental level. This person may have psychic gifts and see far beyond the daily ins and outs of what most humans see.

A Fusion of Energies

A Conjunction is by its nature a very powerful aspect because one planet adapts to the energy of the other in such a permanent way that it eventually almost can't function without the energy of the other. This symbiotic relationship can be both a gift and a serious challenge. Just how well these conjunctions work is completely dependent on the planets involved, as well as the sign and house where the Conjunction takes place. Some Conjunctions, like Mars and Jupiter, or the Moon and Venus, tend to bestow a lot of positive qualities as these energies are harmonious. One planet can enhance the other. However, when you mix the forward nature of Mars and fuse it with the cautious power of Saturn, it can create a very confused individual. It isn't fun to be constantly starting and stopping in life.

The above write-up describing this mixing of energies might sound a bit unnerving. You might be thinking, "do I have a Conjunction? That sounds a little scary!" Well, you probably do. They are very common and occur all the time in both birth charts and transits. However, a conjunction is considered a neutral aspect in Astrology as there are advantages and disadvantages to mixing the energies of planets. Conjunctions are nothing to fear!

How Conjunctions Work

This aspect works best when the two planets involved are in the same sign, and generally within a 10-degree orb or less. If the orb is larger than about 10 degrees but two planets are still in the same sign then their energies still work independently and it is no longer considered a Conjunction.

If one planet is at the end of one sign and another is at the beginning of the next, then the power of the Conjunction is greatly reduced. Some astrologers, myself included, do not tend to read such Conjunctions at all unless they are within a degree or two of one another. This is because the energies coming from each sign point in such different directions that it is much more difficult for each planet involved in the conjunction to work together. This effect is said to create a mild tension in the individual with such an aspect, if anything.