I’m trying to write a script for a video about T-squares to record this weekend, and I’m stuck bouncing back and forth between the three planets that form my own t-square, which is a bit meta, but I want to get to the bottom of it. Being off for Christmas, I have these expectations that I’ll be productive this week, and not having my usual routine to lean on, I’m pinging hopelessly back and forth between my t-square planets, Neptune, Saturn, and Mars, and as Tracy Marks say, it’s just leaking a lot of energy:
A t-square is an imbalanced but dynamic configuration. The two squares, which both involve the focal planet, create frustration and tension which interfere with the natural, constructive expression of the planet according to the sign and house in which it is positioned. This planet seems to be pulled in two different directions by the opposition. Because the opposing planets and their signs and house are unintegrated and out of balance, they are in conflict, and their conflict increases the pressure experienced at the focal planet. The attempts of the focal planet to cope with this pressure, to regain its balance and to express itself freely usually results in a powerful release of energy (often expressed in a compulsive, wasteful or extreme manner) and a call to action….
…A person with a t-square frequently wastes considerable energy overemphasizing the focal planet without giving due consideration to other sides of his or her personality.
Marks, Tracy, Managing your T-Square, pg. 9 and 13.
I’m trying to write about my third strategy for dealing with the t-square, but it’s the hardest one. The strategy is to notice our beliefs about the apex planet and look for 1) projection of that planet’s qualities onto outside reality or people, and 2) how can we integrate those qualities what we’re projecting, although because I believe the apex planet can represent very threatening things to us, we need to gently tease apart what’s true and false about it, and deal with manifestations that aren’t directly related to who or what scares us about it. If we could see the apex planet as a person, what would they look like, and what would they be telling you? I decided to do up a worksheet for people who want to do this exercise with me. I’m attaching it to this post.