the-astrology-book

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T
T SQUARE
Three or more planets that together form a configuration of a “T”—two directly opposite
each other and a third at right angles to each of the opposed planets—in a horoscope
are referred to as a T square. To qualify as a T square, the planets directly across
the chart from each other must be involved in an opposition (180° aspect) and the
third planet must make a square (an aspect of 90°) to the first two. Because astrological
signs at 90° angles to each other belong to the same quality (cardinal, mutable, or
fixed), T squares tend to involve planets in three signs of one quality. Thus, T squares
can be classified as cardinal T squares, mutable T squares, or fixed T squares (T squares
that involve planets in signs of different qualities are referred to as mixed T squares).
Because all the aspects contained in a T square are hard aspects, an individual
with such a configuration in her or his natal chart is presented with more challenges
than the average person. At the same time, a T square is a powerfully dynamic configuration
(it is considered to be the most dynamic of all configurations, particularly
when the constituent planets are in cardinal signs). Once the challenges proffered by
a T square have been adequately met, the individual has tremendous personal power.
In certain ways, a T square is like a grand cross (a configuration with four planets
in all four corners of a chart) minus one of its “legs.” Like a table with only three
legs, the T square tends to draw attention to the house where a fourth leg would be
required in order to produce a stable table. Imagine, for example, a natal chart in
which the three component planets of a T square are in the second, eleventh, and
eighth houses. One’s attention is thus drawn to the fifth house. This indicates that if
natives with this particular T square invested their energy in one or more of the matters
associated with this house—children, creations, self-expression, entertainment,
and so forth—their lives should become more stable. Simultaneously, this configura-
THE ASTROLOGY BOOK
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