The T-square is an aspect pattern involving two planets in opposition that are squared by a third planet. The aspects contained in the configuration are highly energetic and conflicting. The planets usually occupy the same quadruplicity and emphasize the inherent dilemma of the Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable quality in the individual birth chart. The configuration can lead to great accomplishment when greater effort is applied to directing the planets. Some T-squares consist of more than 3 planets and the astrologer views this as a powerful feature in the horoscope.
Oppositions reflect being pulled in two directions, and with a T-square the personality is pulled in all three areas, and this planetary tension challenges one another for expression. It is believed that an individual born with such a configuration in their natal chart is presented with more challenges than the average person.
With oppositions, there is element compatibility and there can be a compromise reached if planets, signs and houses learn to adapt to one another. This is very much like a relationship between two people. The apex planet, however, is the most antagonistic in the configuration. The apex planet can often be over-emphasized in the individual’s personality by sign, but the area of life where the apex planet falls is also extremely important to consider. T-squares are great driving forces in the natal chart and create action, achievement and drive.
The T-square configuration–a chart pattern that occurs periodically for everyone by transit, progression, or chart comparison. The T-square is a combination of planets, signs, and houses that suggests a pronounced strength or emphasis, as well as imbalance and deficiency. Planetary Aspects: An Astrological Guide to Managing Your T-Square
The CARDINAL T-SQUARE (planets in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) is the most ambitious, and it is often good for these people to start their own business and to drive the energy constructively. Cardinal signs tend to initiate new activities and act immediately, and they often move towards achievement and are good at getting things started.
The FIXED T-SQUARE (planets in Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) is driven by intensity, focus and willpower. These types are less likely to give up and keep going until they reach their goal. In response to changing circumstances, fixed signs tend to persist in acting to according pre-established patterns. The fixed signs can manifest as strength and focus, but negatively, as inflexibility and stubbornness.
The MUTABLE T-SQUARE (planets in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) are more suited to the learning environment and they have great adaptability, creativity and drive to learn about their environment. Mutable signs tend to act to new situations by being flexible, but they can also be too pliable and changeable.
Although the T-square is a common configuration there are still many people who do not have one in their natal chart. However, if we have a natal opposition, a T-square can still be formed through our relationships with others. For example, if we have an opposition with our Moon in Taurus and Uranus in Scorpio, anyone with planets in Aquarius or Leo, around those degrees will form a T-square pattern to our birth planets.
The T-square planet in the relationship puts added pressure on our natal opposition, but it can also be a highly dynamic pattern in the relationship with that person. T-squares are not necessarily a bad thing, and they are extremely positive in terms of growth and self-development. Sometimes a relationship with a T-square pattern is challenging and stressful, but it depends on how we react to pressure.
Often when we have a natal T-square and someone comes along and ‘fills the empty leg’ of this chart pattern, and this is the house and sign opposite the apex planet. In this case, it would create a grand square configuration and could add greater tension. It is really worth looking through our synastry and composite charts, and noting these configurations, observing how a particular individual drives our self-development or perhaps just drives us crazy!
The same method is also used with planets in trine in our birth chart, and those with planets in the same element and around the same degree would form a Grand Trine to our horoscope, and this could bring benefits and ease into our life.