The power of unity

Italian version


The conjunction aspect expresses the fusion of two or more planetary dynamics into a single core. The number 1, to which the aspect is associated, similarly refers to non-differentiation, to the unconscious union between the planets’ natures – a union not known because it is lived natively, spontaneously, without any intervention by the waking activity. The distinction between the planets involved tends to weaken up to integration, in the case of an exact aspect. It is the beginning of a new psychic constellation, where the single functions work in unison.

However, the interpretation must consider other factors: the House and the zodiac sign in which the aspect is formed, the concurrent aspects, the planetary dignity and debility and above all, the nature of the planets involved. Venus-Jupiter conjunction in the Second House in an Earth sign such as Taurus represents a balanced and exponential use of material resources, economic satisfaction, fertility and the like. On the contrary, Mars and Saturn in the Twelfth House in the Water sign of Scorpio tend to provide a different interpretation, underlining the impulse to the sometimes-violent disintegration of existential rhythms, the propensity to postpone commitments, to make uncomfortable situations chronic and so on.

Transpersonal astrology considers the evolutionary path expressed by astral configurations. Therefore, we cannot say that one aspect is more positive or harmful than another; both reflect a psychic knot that we must somehow address and resolve to pave the way for higher stages of integration. Venus-Jupiter conjunction in our previous example looks promising from the point of view of destiny. Still, it emphasises a hedonistic trait that does not intend to renounce earthly comforts in the name of a path made instead of sacrifices. Conversely, we risk succumbing to existential tests with the Mars-Saturn aspect unless we radically overhaul our life patterns.

The astrological tradition insists on the importance of planetary affinities in the conjunction aspects. The conjunctions of the Sun are considered harmonic with Jupiter, Venus and Mercury (the latter with reserve), disharmonious with Saturn, Mars and Uranus and doubtful with the Moon and Neptune; the same considerations apply to the Moon. The conjunctions of Saturn, Mars and Uranus are generally disharmonious, apart from, in some cases, those of Mars-Jupiter and Saturn-Jupiter (if they refer to personalities of tangible social impact). The Venus-Jupiter conjunction is harmonic except in the case of complementary negative aspects with the so-called malefic planets (Mars-Saturn-Uranus and possibly Pluto). Neptune creates an amplification effect that makes the aspect permeable to both harmonic and disharmonious influences. These assessments are valid for judicial use of astrology, but they also offer food for thought in transpersonal models.

It may seem contradictory to argue that conjunction originates tricky combinations, despite the meaning of integration offered by its symbolism. Yet it is one thing to study the aspect in its metaphysical essence; it is quite another to see it at work in the human dimension. In this case, the individual’s ability to interact with the psychic node represented by the conjunction is closely related to the native or acquired attitude of knowing how to reconcile planetary potentials that have distinct characteristics; in a word, seeing unity in diversity. If not, the aspect can function as a forced coexistence, internal conflict or dissociation.


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