Are Squares Always Bad for Progress?

A reader recently asked: If squares are defined by friction and tension, why should we view them as anything other than bad luck or cosmic roadblocks? It is a common misconception that in astrology, an easy aspect is 'good' and a hard aspect is 'bad.' In reality, a square—the 90-degree aspect between two planets—is the primary engine of human growth. Without the pressure of the square, most of us would never find the motivation to change our habits, leave stagnating situations, or develop new skills. Consider today’s sky: we have multiple T-squares involving the Moon, the Sun, Saturn, and Mercury. Yes, this creates a feeling of being pulled in several directions at once, but that is exactly the point. When we see a T-square, which consists of two planets in opposition and a third planet squaring both, we are looking at a configuration of high tension that demands a resolution. The apex planet—in this case, the Moon—becomes the focal point for all that redirected energy. It is an invitation to be creative. If life were all trines and sextiles, we would certainly be comfortable, but we would also be static. The square is the call to action that forces us to reconcile two opposing parts of our psyche, such as the Sun’s need for self-expression and Saturn’s need for discipline. So, rather than seeing these squares as negative, look at them as the 'how' of your evolution. Today’s friction is providing you with the specific data points you need to adjust your course. If you are feeling the pressure of the Mercury-Mars-Pluto square, don't ask 'Why is this happening to me?' but rather 'What is this situation forcing me to acknowledge about my own communication style?' Use the energy to synthesize a new approach. If you find yourself in a bind, look for the 'empty leg' of the T-square—the sign and house directly opposite the apex planet. In today’s case, that is the house opposite the Moon. Leaning into the themes of that area of your chart is often the key to resolving the tension in the rest of your life.