The conjunction is a major astrological aspect formed when two planets occupy the same degree of the zodiac, creating a 0° angle. Its nature is neutral: it does not produce a harmonious or tense effect on its own, but amplifies and blends the principles of the two planets involved. The quality of this fusion depends above all on the nature of each planet and the overall context of the birth chart. It is one of the most powerful and structuring aspects you will encounter in a reading.
The conjunction corresponds to a division of the zodiac circle by one (360 divided by 1), giving a 0° angle. Two planets in conjunction occupy the same point in the sky: they overlap, their energies merge, and form a single impulse. This is neither a tension nor a flow, it is a fusion. The nature of this aspect is described as neutral because everything depends on the planets involved: a conjunction between two so-called benefic planets produces a positive amplification, while a conjunction involving planets of a more challenging nature concentrates and intensifies their difficulties.
What the conjunction produces above all is a concentration of energy at a single point in the chart. The two planetary functions cease to act separately: they interpenetrate, mutually reinforce each other, and tend to operate as a single entity. The area of life corresponding to this zone of the chart becomes a particularly charged focal point of expression.
To read a conjunction, start by identifying the two planetary principles at play, then ask yourself what happens when these two functions become one. Take the example of the Sun in conjunction with the Moon: the Sun carries the principle of consciousness, assertion, and will, while the Moon represents the emotional world, instinct, and the need for security. In conjunction, these two dynamics merge: the person tends to want what they feel and to feel what they want, which can produce a strong inner coherence or, depending on the rest of the chart, a difficulty in distinguishing their deep needs from their conscious ambitions.
The key to reading remains the same regardless of the pair of planets: do not read each planet separately, but ask yourself how their functions feed, color, and amplify each other. The house and sign where the conjunction is found then specify the concrete field of expression of this fusion in the native's life.
The orb refers to the degree of tolerance allowed between two planets for an aspect to be recognized. The conjunction, as a major aspect, allows a wide orb: up to approximately 8° depending on the school of thought, meaning that two planets separated by less than 8° are considered to be in conjunction, even if they do not share the exact same degree. This tolerance is specific to major aspects, as minor aspects generally only allow an orb of 2° to 3°.
The tighter the orb, the more intense the conjunction. A conjunction within 1° or 2° is particularly concentrated, almost completely fusional, and its influence in the chart will be very pronounced. As the gap increases toward 7° or 8°, the aspect remains active but its energy is less condensed. The tolerated orb also varies depending on the planets involved: the Sun and the Moon, luminaries with wide-reaching effects, generally allow a larger orb than a planet such as Mercury or Venus.
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