Some sign combinations that have traditionally been considered to be stress-producing: signs that square. These are the pairs that often rub each other the wrong way, until they realize that they can also produce energy-releasing sparks. Any two signs that square each other are actually dynamic duos that help us powerfully grow,once we learn how to consolidate their energies better in a self-directed manner. After all, they represent two essential parts of our developmental process,and thus they each need to be validated and supported. We shouldn't let them pull us apart or make us feel split from within.

Squaring signs must find smart ways to get along. They need to help—not thwart—each other, even though they may start out assuming that they have absolutely nothing in common. In truth, they possess valuable resources that can be shared effectively. Yet to successfully do this will prove challenging. It seems the Cosmos loves to bring together such "odd couples" in our charts, perhaps just to see what transformative potential will be actualized by such frictional stimulation.

Each sign squares two other signs of the same mode in the zodiac. Squaring signs—like signs that oppose one another—are traditionally considered to be tensional. Unfortunately, traditional astrology believes in sidestepping conflict at all cost. However, twenty-first-century astrology acknowledges that a little creative friction can become the driving force that helps us bring out our best. Still, these signs are said to work at cross-purposes and are thus assumed to be incompatible and even combative.

Naturally, then, they are primarily the signs that mass-market astrology paperbacks eagerly tell us to avoid if we wish to stay happily married. The seemingly sensible advice here, for example, would be for Taurus to stick to its own kind—Virgo or Capricorn—but never to stray, let's say, into the stranger pastures of Aquarius. Yet what if we were born with a mix of Taurus and Aquarius in our own chart? Well, we'll just have to make this combo work for us, since these energies will be part of our makeup for a whole lifetime!

Any two signs share a few things in common—yes, even Taurus and Gemini—traits that materialize once these signs are pressured to interact. Even ifthey don't share many commonalities, each sign has qualities that could benefit the other. Any two signs also have dissimilar features that require a more tolerant, cooperative spirit on our part if they are to blend well. This applies even to signs of the same element, those that naturally trine each other. The standard line is that trining signs imply nothing but harmony and mutual understanding —let's even throw in good karma from past lives.Yet, since no two signs are exactly alike, attitude adjustments will be needed (for example, we shouldn't assume that time-efficient Virgo is always thrilled by the sometimes lethargic way Taurus can waste a whole day "relaxing").

Generally speaking, squaring signs don't easily understand why the other acts the way it does—feisty Aries is baffled by Cancer's moody behavior, showy Leo can't fathom secretive Scorpio, gung-ho Sagittarius finds wishy-washy Pisces too lacking in enthusiasm, and so on. Yet a wise and perhaps mischievous Cosmos seems to draw these signs to each other, again and again, to help them iron out their differences and instead capitalize on what they can effectively combine and make work. No sign is forever to avoid—or engage in battle with—another sign, since, as said before, all twelve signs comprise the essential parts of the ideal whole. Nonetheless, it will take effort and patience to learn the secrets of healthy integration.

Taurus/Leo
While squaring cardinal signs tend to stir up action that pushes for dynamic change—and maybe head-on confrontation—squaring fixed signs resist altering themselves to accommodate one another. They don't like giving in to demands, and thus power struggles and impasses can ensue. Pressure can build. Yet the tremendous resources bottled up in these signs need purposeful release, so life brings on forceful, uncompromising conditions that make this fixed group finally bend and yield to one other. Once they willingly exchange their assets, they find it's not such a bad thing after all, and wonder why they hadn't conceded sooner. But until then, they refuse to budge, stubbornly adhering only to what they know about life, which can result in a narrow perspective based on rigid assumptions.

Taurus is a very possessive sign that enjoys holding on tightly to whatever it owns. Everything about the Bull's world is geared toward magnetizing substance of value, and then building a solid, material base ofsecurity from those resources it has attracted.This sign is very economical in how it uses its energies—it hates to see them wasted or even wrongly used.

On the other hand, optimistic Leo feels it has plenty of fiery energy to burn—and even squander—and it's not afraid to give that energy out to the world. It's interested in radiating itself to others in grand style. It won't hold itself back due to any fear of running out of fuel (Leo doesn't expect to suffer shortages in life). The Lion thus sees the Bull as a tightwad—on all levels—who's too content with living a safe but dull life. Yet Taurus faults Leo for always being willing to gamble with its future security, just to have fun expending itself colorfully in the here and now. (Remember, squaring signs can't easily figure each other out).

Still,the Bull and the Lion are very strong-willed and are not easily deterred from satisfying their desires. Like all fixed signs, they can be single-minded in their goals. They also expect to be treated well in life, and do not tolerate being deprived of whatever they want to have or wish to experience. Self-value is a Taurean issue; self-esteem is equally important to Leo. Both signs obviously want to feel good about themselves, with Leo showing a greater interest in receiving praise from others (Taurus is more self-contained and depends less on favorable reviews—if the Bull is pleased with its own efforts, that's good enough).

There is also a possible indulgent streak with this combo. Taurus likes to pamper itself with comfort and sensual pleasure, especially if it's not going to cost too much. It's an earthy sign wanting to appease its physical appetites. Leo doesn't care how much its pleasures will cost (in fact, it connotes a higher price tag with greater value). The Lion seeks the best in life that it can afford, since it thinks so highly of itself. A taste for luxury is common, something that the frugal Bull frowns on. We who have a Taurus/Leo emphasis may swing between periods of careful budgeting and wild splurging—we'll need to avoid going overboard with either tendency.

Loyalty based on enduring feelings can be evident. Both signs form strong attachments to those they trust and respect.They also wish to be seen as trustworthy and honorable in their intentions, although no sign beats Taurus for utter dependability (earth always delivers what it promises and is much more grounded than fire). Neither sign is devious or underhanded in its approach to getting what it wants.

This pairing thus implies honesty, strong integrity, and an inner strength that others can count on in times of need (although the Lion is more comfortable playing the hero role than is the Bull). A Taurus/Leo emphasis is found in the charts ofthose who take a very personal approach to living, one based on strong inner direction. There's an obstinate nature here that could perhaps use a few lessons in flexibility, as both signs won't take no for an answer. Nonetheless, there is an authentic self-expression that indicates a strong backbone and an ability to handle even arduous times with dignified self-composure.

Taurus/Leo Astro-lebrities
Queen Elizabeth II, monarch: (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Leo)
Willem de Koonig, artist: (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Leo)
Barbra Streisand, singer-actress:(Sun in Taurus, Moon in Leo)
Bill Clinton, US president: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Taurus)
Mick Jagger, rock idol: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Taurus)
Carl Jung, psychoanalyst: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Taurus)

Excerpted from All Around the Zodiac, by Bil Tierney