Frank Clifford’s work
Note from the editor: This essay was originally published in The Mountain Astrologer, and it has been condensed from sections of the author’s book, Getting to the Heart of Your Chart: Playing Astrological Detective, Flare Publications, 2012.
When (at least) two planets in opposition (180) both square a third planet, a t-square is formed (90). This third planet, sometimes called as the focal planet or apex, is located near the opposition’s midway. All three “legs” should be at a reasonable distance of one another (8). Planets that form this pattern are thought to be present in about 40% of all charts.
In This Article...
Importance
Astrological aspects reveal a conversation between planetary principles/energies in general, but the t-square configuration is a dynamic pattern that links and interlocks these energies. It usually takes center stage in a horoscope and can be observed in the central “scripts”the significant life events, problems, and themes.
A t-square by definition connects at least three houses in the horoscope, and when we consider each leg’s rulership over additional houses, this structure can connect many more.
Where to Start: The Aspects
Professional and student astrologers alike may find it difficult to decipher the potential meaning of a t-square. (1) Before studying a specific t-square, we must consider the pattern’s actual components: the opposition and the square.
The opposition’s confrontational or divisive nature necessitates awareness and balance of the planets involved. Ideally, these opposing elements can be brought together, or at the very least, a truce can be reached. An opposition shows fundamental interpersonal patterns and themes, and it’s undeniable that we like to focus on the “nicer” of the two planets while projecting the “difficult” one onto others. An opposition (e.g., LeoAquarius) entails a polarity unless it is dissociation (out of sign), and it’s crucial to understand how these signs interact.
In astrology, what does the T-square signify?
If you’re new to astrology, you’re definitely familiar with the fundamentals like the zodiac signs, the 12 houses, the planets, and the aspects. When it comes to aspects, though, things can get a lot more intricate than a simple conjunction, square, trine, or opposition. Indeed, some planetary aspects involve three (or more) planets at the same time. When a multi-planetary aspect occurs, it indicates that something significant is happening in the sky. If you’ve ever wondered what a T-Square is, you’re about to discover about one of astrology’s most amazing phenomena.
A T-Square is formed when two planets are in opposition to each other (or sit 180 degrees apart from each other). Then a third planet appears, forming a 90-degree square with both of these worlds, igniting a great conflict between the three. If you look at an astrological chart with this combative aspect, you’ll see that it looks like a T when it happens, thus the name.
The opposition and the square are two features having a lot of forceful and clashing energy in them. However, when these elements are combined to form a T-Square, the intensity is amplified significantly. And, if we’re being theatrical, a T-Square can be compared to a cosmic conflict. Which planet will emerge victorious? Only time will tell if this is true.
When a T-Square occurs, though, there are still a lot of amazing things that can happen. If you have a T-Square in your horoscope, it signifies you were born with an unlimited supply of power. What you should know is this:
In astrology, what does the T-square mean?
If you’re new to astrology, you’re definitely familiar with the fundamentals, such as the zodiac signs, 12 houses, planets, and aspects. However, aspects can be far more sophisticated than a simple conjunction, square, trine, or opposition. Indeed, some planetary aspects involve three (or more) planets at once. When there is a multi-planetary aspect, it signifies that something big is going on in the sky. If you’ve ever wondered what a T-Square is, you’re in for a treat.
A T-Square occurs when two planets are in opposition to one another (or sit 180 degrees apart from each other). Then a third planet appears, forming a 90-degree square with both of these worlds, igniting a tremendous war between the three. When this combative aspect is present in an astrological chart, it appears as a T, therefore the name.
Both the opposition and the square have a lot of fierce and conflicting energy in them. When these elements are combined to make a T-Square, however, the intensity is amplified. A T-Square can also be thought of as a cosmic conflict, if we’re being theatrical. Who will be the victorious planet? Time will tell if this is the case.
When a T-Square occurs, though, there are still a plethora of amazing things that can occur. If your birth chart has a T-Square, it signifies you were born with an infinite supply of strength. You should be aware of the following:
In astrology, what is a square?
Uh-oh! It’s a tug-of-war extravaganza when two planets are square. Prepare for a showdown or a battle of wills, when both sides dig in their heels and refuse to compromise. To alleviate the square’s stress, however, each side must give a little and meet in the middle. The (cosmic) conflict continues with obstinacy!
When two planets are 90 degrees apart, they form a square. They are both born under the same astrological sign “Only the quality (cardinal, changeable, or fixed) matters.
Assume Jupiter was in analytical, micromanaging Virgo, producing a square to love-planet Venus in adventurous, throw caution to the wind Sagittarius. On the one hand, owing to Jupiter in Virgo, your controlling instincts may be out of control, as you overanalyze every word your sweetheart says or obsess over a play-by-play of your last date. However, Venus in Sagittarius tempts you to ignore all the red flags and rush straight to the Elvis chapel in Las Vegas to marry someone you’ve never met.
We can drive ourselves into a tizzy during squares, vacillating between outrageous extremes. Squares are not the best time to make important decisions, however they do occur occasionally “A square’s breaking point energy compels a shift. The ideal way to use a square is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages, to bring all of the conflicts out on the table, to negotiate, and to COMPROMISE.
If your birth chart contains squares, it will show contradictory aspects of your personality that will require self-reflection, discipline, and personal growth effort to overcome. Your natal chart squares also reveal areas of your life where you may struggle to find equilibrium.
A T-Square is formed when three planets create a square. A Grand Cross or Grand Square occurs when four planets make a square (a rare occurrence).
In astrology, how uncommon is a Yod?
An inconjunct/quincunx aspect is difficult to interpret in any chart because the zodiac signs involved speak different languages based on element, modality, and polarity. As a result, they necessitate flexibility, such as sharing a room with someone who has fundamentally different values, political leanings, and habits than you.
Because a Yod entails three or more planets, the potentially chaotic effect is amplified, necessitating dexterity to navigate.
The natural propensity of planets in aspect is to seek a point of compromise and balance. The 150-degree quincunx component of the Yod’s problem is that it unites zodiac signs that have no common basis. As a result, there is no point of equilibrium, resulting in a frustrating dynamic that stymies development or makes the person feel as though every decision they make is accompanied with a cost.
The Yod is also said to represent “a crisis of timing.” Because the three zodiac signs involved speak various languages, when a Yod is engaged, the person can respond to a challenge in a variety of ways. To resolve the conflict, one of the two planets must act in a way that is counterintuitive to the sign’s nature.
What is T Square’s purpose?
in the drafting On the drawing board, a T-shaped tool known as a T square is utilized to establish a horizontal reference. The T square, triangle, protractor, and compass are the most well-known; the parallel straightedge is an alternative to the T square.
What does T Square resemble?
T-squares can also be used to cut and measure drywall. Drywall T-squares are normally composed of aluminum and have a tongue length of 48 inches (1,200 mm).
T-square fences are commonly found on higher-end table saws. Unlike standard fences, which clamp to both the front and back of the table, these table saw fences are simply attached to a rail on the front side of the table.
The long shaft, known as the “blade,” and the short shaft, known as the “stock” or “head,” make up a T-square. To generate smooth, straight lines, the T-square normally has a translucent plastic edge that should be free of nicks and cracks. Without a ruler, a T-square can be used to create horizontal and vertical lines.
In astrology, are squares beneficial?
Prepare for a little cosmic drama, because a square aspect, like the shape itself, is full of harsh edges and sharp corners, so proceed with caution. “A square is a powerful characteristic that frequently drives action,” Stardust explains. “Squares, contrary to popular belief, are not always negative. They just demonstrate that effort will be required to get the desired result.”
A square, one of the most difficult aspects at 90, is bound to cause tension between the energies of the planets concerned. However, a little tension might be beneficial at times. This feature just highlights a difficult scenario that may be remedied with compromise and effort. The square aspect can be an opportunity to discover a solution to a problem by putting in the effort and overcoming the inclination to be stubborn, even if it’s difficult to do so.
Which astrological combination is the best?
When the planets Jupiter and Saturn come closest together in the sky, it is called a grand conjunction. When Jupiter “overtakes” Saturn in its orbit, a great conjunction occurs once every 20 years. They’re called “great” because they’re the rarest of all the planet-planet conjunctions visible to the human eye (i.e. excluding Uranus and Neptune).
The distance between the planets varies depending on the conjunction, although most are between 0.5 and 1.3 degrees (30 to 78 arcminutes, or 1 to 2.5 times the width of a full moon). Very close conjunctions are far less often (though the greatest separation of 1.3 is still close by inner planet standards): separations of fewer than 10 arcminutes have only occurred four times since 1200, the most recent in 2020.
In astrology, what are strong aspects?
An angle of about () 010 is called a Conjunction (abbreviated as “Con”). A Conjunction is typically defined as an orb of ten. When neither the Sun nor the Moon are present, some astrologers consider an orb of 8 to be the maximum.
The importance of conjunctions in a horoscope chart cannot be overstated. Because the effects of the planets involved are mutually intensified, they are believed to be the most potent characteristics.
A Conjunction can be good or harmful depending on the planets involved. The Sun, Venus, and/or Jupiter, as well as any of the three potential combinations, can form highly favorable Conjunctions. The Moon, Mars, and/or Saturn, as well as any of the three potential combinations, can form highly unfavorable Conjunctions.
On November 910, 1970, the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter were in a 3-way favorable Conjunction for the first time. On March 10 of that year, the Moon, Mars, and Saturn were in a 3-way negative Conjunction.
If one of the two planets participating in a Conjunction is already under strain from one or more hard aspects with one or more other planets, the added presence of a Conjunction will amplify that hard aspect’s tension.
The Conjunction is especially strong if a planet is in close proximity to the Sun (within 17 minutes of arc or only approximately 0.28). Cazimi, an old astrological phrase meaning “in the heart,” is thought to be the planet (of the Sun). “Venus Cazimi,” for example, denotes Venus’s conjunction with the Sun with an orb of less than 0.28.
The specific orb limit for a planet that is reasonably close to the Sun may vary depending on the planet. It’s rumored to be combustible.
The Sun and Moon have a Conjunction every month of the year during the New Moon.