by Robert Wilkinson
It seems some people don’t understand how great a T-square is.
It may be useful to see harmonious aspects as times of building and stabilizing, and frictional aspects as times when a challenge makes it clear what’s working and what isn’t. While a square and/or opposition may bring tension, that tension is exactly what we use to show what we know, correcting what needs correcting and utilizing what is solid.
Natal oppositions bring awareness, whether through polarity, challenge, opposition, or seeing something externalize. Natal squares show where various parts of us are in friction with other parts of us until we tame those planets so they express what we choose to express, acting thoughtfully and consciously rather than angrily, defensively, or in conflicted ways. Once we learn how to deal with natal planets in square, then they become points of integration and the release of productive energies built through other aspects to each planet in square.
I consider the opposition the most favorable aspect, because by confronting the "tension of opposites" we learn to see many sides of any given polarity. Since all signs externalize through their opposite signs, we can easily see whether our planets are functioning in healthy ways by noting how we handle an opposition. It’s a strength to be able to see many facets of any polarized situation, since by demonstrating our ability to use the tension productively we become “the corrective force of Nature Herself” in those situations, bringing harmony out of friction and order out of chaos.
All T-squares are created by one opposition with a third planet in square to the planets in opposition. The opposition is where we can find greater awareness of the whole of the axis of those signs. The third planet is in conflict with the two in opposition, generating a void opposite to itself which represents both the problem and the solution to that problem. By understanding how to use the planet in square to both as a braking action and/or a means to release and resolve the “tension of opposites,” we naturally express the healthy qualities of the void created by the T-square. In other words, we use the virtues of that sign to correct whatever needs correcting.
Here I’ll note that any planets we have in square or opposition will at various points in time create T-squares due to progressions and transits opposing the planets in square, or squaring the planets in opposition. Natal planets are internal inherent tendencies which are modified over time and experience by progressions and transits. There are times when our progressions create T-squares, showing those points where parts of us are turning a corner relative to those planets they square or oppose.
These are periods of disintegration and reintegration, either breaking down and breaking through old patterns and taking command of our responses rather than express dysfunctional traits, or using the points of tension and challenge to pull everything together to make it all work together rather than stay in tension or stay broken until the next challenge. Natal squares and oppositions creating T-squares by progression are entirely an internal affair, while T-squares involving our natal planets made by transit are circumstantial, showing situations which challenge us to integrate something in our basic nature.
Then there are T-squares created by transiting planets to other transiting planets. These show general conditions, and cannot be taken personally. These are global patterns which work out personally in the houses in which the squares and oppositions fall, including the void. Since the planets are already in a continuum of function, if we're doing okay with how we're "being our planets" (as outlined in Saturn: Spiritual Master, Spiritual Friend), then a square is useful for getting things done, or they may even pass without disruption. And even if there is a disruption, it's the perfect time to practice our integration skills!
Due to the off-again, on-again Saturn square Uranus all year, we’re all getting a Master Class on learning how to integrate these powerful conflicted energies. I gave you some solutions and suggestions about dealing with this constant tension in the recent article Saturn Square Uranus in 2021 – Seeing What’s Important, Disregarding the Rest. This square is turned into a T-square twice a month by the Moon when it opposes Saturn and Uranus, and in July and August transits through Leo will create a need for good Scorpio responses, giving us a dress rehearsal for October and November T-squares from Scorpio transits generating a need for good Leo responses.
So use oppositions to find greater awareness, and use life’s frictional moments to practice skillful self-discipline so your Higher Self can shine the light of high realization through a more perfectly integrated personality. At some point, by consistently responding productively to stress and friction, you will find peace “doing your Being,” since you will not have generated any negative personal karma while creating positive responses to difficult circumstances. Having achieved that “productive default,” you’ll find you can breathe easier as you move through life’s challenges and changes.
Copyright © 2021 Robert Wilkinson
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