Water and Earth, or Air and Fire, make up each side of an astrological configuration known as an opposing aspect, and both of these elements strengthen and rely on one another. Since one planet is typically “owned,” while the other is felt as an external force and reflected back through projection onto others, the individual whose horoscope includes an opposition aspect would benefit from learning more about each sign’s perspective and how that could lead to greater wholeness. A tight opposition will only escalate if the planets involved continue to bump into one another. It’s possible that one planet or sign is given more weight than the other in the individual’s psyche. As a result of this contrast, one sign may begin projecting their traits onto something or someone else, and the traits may be transferred back and forth between the individual and the projection until they fully align.
When two planets are playing a game of “opposites attract” and are 180 degrees apart in a chart, astrologers call it an opposite aspect. It’s like a cosmic game of tug-of-war between Water and Earth, or Air and Fire, and it’s a beautiful example of how even in the vastness of space, teamwork makes the dream work. If your astrological chart has an opposition aspect, it’s time to learn how to deal with both sides and find some inner peace. But don’t worry, by understanding each sign’s point of view, you can turn this celestial odd couple into a dynamic duo. Sometimes your mindscan be a little biased towards certain planets or signs, playing favourites and projecting the other out into the environment. And who knows, maybe one day the projection will come back like a boomerang and complete you.
One of the most important things to remember about opposing signs is that they are, in reality, secretly alike and complementary, which is why many astrologers consider the oppositions to be so important. The opposition can be a profound realisation and catalyst for change if the two planets can work together harmoniously. In her book Astrology: A Cosmic Science: The Classic Work on Spiritual Astrology, astrologer and educator Isabel Hickey advises her students to focus solely on the signs that are in opposition to one another. Despite being on opposite ends of the spectrum, these signs really are on the same wavelength.
According to Liz Greene’s Relating: An Astrological Guide to Living With Others on a Small Planet, it’s useful to keep in mind that the zodiac is divided into six signs, each of which represents a pair of opposites that are combined into a single basic experience or axis of energy. Although one pole of this axis is generally antagonistic to awareness, which can typically only view one object at a time, both must be integrated.
Astrologers love to dish about oppositions because they spill the tea on the signs. And here’s the best tidbit: opposing signs are like two peas in a pod, just with different flavours. When two planets get along, it’s like a cosmic love story. But when they’re at odds, it’s a chance for personal growth that’s out of this world. These signs may be polar opposites, but they’re vibin’ on the same frequency with plenty of similarities. It’s a shame that consciousness can only focus on one thing at a time, because integrating both poles of this axis is crucial. One of them can be a bit of a troublemaker, but hey, opposites attract, right? Despite being polar opposites, these signs are surprisingly in sync and have more in common than you’d think.
Let’s take a cosmic crash course on the fundamental traits of each astrological duo, shall we? It might just shed some starry-eyed wisdom on their significance. Here is Liz Greene’s take on the Opposite Signs:
The earthy, realistic individual, accepting the evidence of his senses and building stability through the simplicity of his values (Taurus) seeks to experience the subtle world of feeling which will allow him to penetrate beneath the surface of things and gain an understanding of unconscious motive (Scorpio); the intense and emotional individual, adept at seeing beneath the surface and caught up in the complexities of the underworld of feeling currents (Scorpio) seeks the peace and stability which stems from a realistic relationship stability with the world and a simplifying of values (Taurus).
The inquisitive, intellectually attuned individual, adept at recognising facts and differentiating information through categorisation (Gemini) seeks to understand the intuitive connections and associations between facts which can wield them into a meaningful whole (Sagittarius); the intuitive and broadminded individual, with a sense of the overall meaning and pattern of life (Sagittarius) seeks to understand the specific ideas and facts which will enable him to communicate his vision in understandable terms to others (Gemini).
The sensitive, fluid, responsive, instinctual, feeling orientated individual, easily influenced by others and living through them (Cancer), seeks the structure and self -substance and self-motivation which is the fruit of individual effort (Capricorn); the disciplined and self-motivated individual, capable of mastering the environment through harnessing of energy (Capricorn) seeks the warmth and security of human relationship and intimate feeling exchange (Cancer).
The creative individual, intent on developing his own uniqueness and creative power (Leo), seeks to become aware of the larger human family of which he is a part, so that he may offer his creative gifts with an objective understanding of their value to others (Aquarius); the group-conscious man, aware of the importance of the needs of others around him (Aquarius), seeks to develop a sense of his own value and creativity so that he has something of his own to offer (Leo).
The discriminating and refined individual, adept at craftsmanship and motivated by a quest for truth and purity and self-refinement (Virgo) seeks the sympathy and compassion and feeling for the unity of life which will allow him to offer his services through love rather than duty (Pisces); the compassionate and understanding and imaginative individual sensitive to the needs of others and gifted with a flow of creative ideas (Pisces) seeks to develop the discipline, skill and discrimination which will allow him to offer service in a practical and truly helpful way (Virgo).