Not everyone struggles with their t-square. According to Tracy Marks, author of An Astrological Guide to Managing your T-Square, there are quite a few determining factors, which can land them in one of four categories: Very Strong, Strong, Moderate, and Weak.
- Orb– the tigher the orbs between the three planets, the stronger the t-square
- Conjunction– if there’s a conjunction on one side of the opposition, that will increase the imbalance and strengthen the t-square
- Midpoint– if the opposing planets are not exactly opposite each other (ie. looser), the closer the apex planet is to their midpoint increases the strength of the t-square. This can also work another way: let’s say one of the opposing planets and the apex planet are an exact square. Then the other opposing end has two planets, and their midpoint is similar to the degree of the other two points in the t-square, that strengthens the t-square.
- Conjunction at the apex– even if the opposition planets are a bit further away from an exact opposition, the plurality of planets at the apex strengthens the t-square.
- Empty Space– there is a planet not quite opposite the apex planet, but it’s too weak of an orb to be considered a grand cross. She calls this a weak t-square and a weak grand cross.
- Different sign– when the apex planet is in a different element than the opposition planets, the t-square is weakened
- AC and DC– the opposition squares the AC and DC. She calls this a very weak t-square.
I will add my own:
- When the North Node is conjunct the apex planet, the t-square is strengthened
- When planets at either end of the opposition are exalted, that may alter one’s experience with the t-square (hit me up if this is you and can talk about your t-square experience.)
- When Saturn or Pluto are transiting, squaring or opposing your apex planet, or the house that it rules, that will increase the apex planet’s meddling.
Do you have a weak or strong t-square? What is your experience with it? Do you have any other factors that might strengthen or weaken it? Post your story in the comments, or write to me, I’d be happy to talk to you. (I am looking to talk to people about their t-squares!)