How is the quincunx angle of 150 degrees derived?

150 degrees is derived from dividing the circle into 5 parts and taking an odd multiple. Aspects are ratios of the circle rather than arbitrary distances, which is why the minor set is small: the minor aspects come from the simplest divisions, and each further subdivision produces a narrower, more contested aspect.

What orb should a quincunx use?

This site uses 3 degrees by default for the quincunx. Orb is a convention, not a measured quantity: there is no agreed value, practitioners commonly tighten orbs for minor aspects and for slow-moving bodies, and some assign orb to the planets involved rather than to the aspect. Widen the orb and more aspects appear; narrow it and the same chart looks sparse. Any aspect list is therefore only comparable to another when both state the orb used.

Is the quincunx a good or bad aspect?

Classical sources class the quincunx as challenging. That describes friction between the two bodies, not a verdict: tense aspects are where most sources locate motivation and development, and a chart with none is not a better chart.

Quincunx

150°·challenging·minor·default orb ±3°

Classical source

Inconjunct (150°). Classical sources treat it as awkward - signs share no element, modality, or polarity. Five signs apart.

Modern Western reading

Modern reading: ongoing adjustment between mismatched principles. Requires conscious bridging.

Quincunx between two planets

Cited reference for this aspect between each pair of planets. Inner-planet pairs only list aspects their orbits can actually form.

Other aspects

Questions

What is a quincunx in astrology?: A minor aspect of 150 degrees. Inconjunct (150°). Classical sources treat it as awkward - signs share no element, modality, or polarity. Five signs apart. Modern reading: ongoing adjustment between mismatched principles. Requires conscious bridging.
How is the quincunx angle of 150 degrees derived?: 150 degrees is derived from dividing the circle into 5 parts and taking an odd multiple. Aspects are ratios of the circle rather than arbitrary distances, which is why the minor set is small: the minor aspects come from the simplest divisions, and each further subdivision produces a narrower, more contested aspect.
What orb should a quincunx use?: This site uses 3 degrees by default for the quincunx. Orb is a convention, not a measured quantity: there is no agreed value, practitioners commonly tighten orbs for minor aspects and for slow-moving bodies, and some assign orb to the planets involved rather than to the aspect. Widen the orb and more aspects appear; narrow it and the same chart looks sparse. Any aspect list is therefore only comparable to another when both state the orb used.
Is the quincunx a good or bad aspect?: Classical sources class the quincunx as challenging. That describes friction between the two bodies, not a verdict: tense aspects are where most sources locate motivation and development, and a chart with none is not a better chart.

Reference, not advice

This is cultural and astronomical reference, not personal prediction or advice.

Aspect classifications follow classical Western convention. Different traditions assign slightly different orb budgets - the values shown are conservative defaults used throughout this site.

Sources

Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos

Last reviewed 2026-05-28.