Conjunctions are one of the 5 major Ptolemaic aspects in astrology. Aspects are the geometrical relationship between the planets and zodiac signs in a horoscope.
This aspects involves the union of two or more planets and/or luminaries that can and may differ in zodiacal degrees and potentially zodiac sign. These planets come together joining their energetic forces, while also bringing the qualities of the houses they rule. Whether this is "good" or "bad" depends on the planets that have joined, whether malefic or benefic (Braha, 40), and the signs they have joined in, which determine the planets' dignity and debilities.
This aspect is symbolically represented as the following glyph:
This aspect is also predominantly represented as the 0˚ aspect, where there is a 0˚ difference between two or more planets in the horoscope.
Robert Hand states, "the conjunction has a dynamic quality. It tends to signify patterns of action rather than passive states of beings" (Hand, 121). While T.G. Old states,
The conjunction is the aspect that holds the greatest predictive potency. (Old, 42)
Perfect Conjunctions
When there is 0˚ of separation, this refers specifically to a "perfect conjunction".
In the example chart above, the luminary Sun and planet Mercury conjoins at 12˚ in the zodiac sign of Aries. Mercury brings its energies from the 1st and 4th houses, while the Sun's energies come from the 3rd house.
In this particular chart, the Sun is very strong as it is exalted in the sign of Aries, helping the Sun to exude more of its natural energies in this chart.
Major Conjunctions
A major conjunction occurs when two or more planets occupy the same zodiac sign and the same decan within that zodiac sign, thus disposited by the same decan ruler. This means that there is typically a range of difference of 1–10˚ between the planets.
Minor Conjunctions
A minor conjunction occurs when two or more planets occupy the same zodiac sign, but occupy different decans of that zodiac sign. This means that there is a range of difference of 10–30˚ between the planets. As an example, Jupiter could be in the Neptune decan of Pisces, while the Moon could be in the Moon decan of Pisces.
There can be in-sign conjunctions, as well as, out of sign conjunctions. We should consider the strength of an in-sign conjunction based on the proximity of the two planets in question.
I don’t go based off of orbs because even if I used a two degree orb, there are circumstances where, for example, the Sun is placed at 29˚ of Leo and the moon is placed at 2˚ of Virgo. They have a 3˚ orb, but they are applying two different energies, so they aren’t conjoining their powers in the same sign.
Sources
- Braha, James. How to Be a Great Astrologer: The Planetary Aspects Explained. Hermetician Press, 1992.
- Hand, Robert. Horoscope Symbols. Whitford Press, 1981.
- Old, T.G. Terminal Iatromathematics: The Astrological Study of Human Lifespan. Consider Publishing, 2018.
