Signs that Square: Libra and Capricorn

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 if they 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.

Libra/Capricorn
Sometimes Libra inwardly criticizes Cancer for being too spineless and intimidated to stand up for its rights, or too indirect or emotional to plead its case effectively. It's true that a whimpering Crab, low in self-esteem, can let itself be treated like a doormat, if that ensures it will at least never be abandoned. If emotionally messed up enough, Cancer types can cling to unhealthy attachments. Yet Libra despises that sort of insecurity and will assertively bolt out of any bad union, once it's had enough (although deciding when to leave can be tricky).

At least with Capricorn, Libra senses it's dealing with a more self-motivated, poised, and proficient sign who's ready to grab for some power in society. Although Libra is less ambitious about climbing to the top, it is as appearance-conscious as the Goat. Both signs want to make good first impressions, and that means abiding by certain social formalities. Look good and you will be treated well, is their philosophy. Obviously, they can make the mistake of thinking that a sophisticated air is most important to achieving worldly success.

Traditional astrology considered Saturn to be "exalted"—doing its best—in Libra (although Venus in Capricorn gets mixed reviews). Libra is as interested as Capricorn in laying down the law. The Balancer is not afraid to evaluate both sides of a dilemma objectively and impartially, and then pass judgment (as it attempts to balance the scales of justice). It does this with an almost eerie coolness that is devoid ofemotional bias. Libra is very focused on the consequences for the actions of those who break the rules. Capricorn takes on the role of judge, the one who enforces the law and doles out the punishment. This is all done with a sense of solemn duty, not vengeance (after all, the Goat has a society to run and simply needs to impose regulations, now and then). Thus, together, these signs are all about doing the right thing in the eyes of the social system.

By behaving according to the expectations of others, Libra and Capricorn run the risk of being insincere at times (perhaps they seek approval too much and will only act in ways that are acceptable to others). They are more careful not to make waves unnecessarily by showing what they really feel deep inside. Here's a case where their fears of public judgment override any impulse to reveal their real selves, and this can be problematic (setting them up later for an "identity" crisis whereby, after a point, they hardly know what they are all about).

Actually, Libra tends to mirror others better than does Capricorn, and is less rigidly locked in by any limited persona. Still, if we have these signs emphasized in our chart, we'll have to make sure we don't show others only what they want to see. Although this may make us popular, and help us achieve great heights in a worldly sense, we risk losing touch with our true selves.

One benefit of learning the rules of society's game is the cultivation of a sophisticated demeanor. Both signs can be classy and urbane, although Libra perhaps is like this for more aesthetic reasons. They each recoil in distaste at coarse, boorish behavior (and note how Libran etiquette books are loaded with Capricornian do's and dont's). Both are obviously supporters of appropriate behavior. Civility means a lot to them and rudeness is seldom tolerated.

However, Libra is better at understanding why some people act as badly as they do, while Capricorn just thinks all inexcusable behavior needs to be curbed (here's where air has an advantage over earth when it comes to having a broader perspective on things). Libra at times will bend the rules to allow for other people's errors in judgment, much more so than the hard-nosed Goat. It's better at putting itself in another's shoes and figuring out human motives.

We who have this Libra/Capricorn combo are social creatures who are out to impress others with how decent and responsible we really are (not that there's anything wrong with that). We're willing to toe the line if doing so proves personally advantageous in the long run (although our critics would call us opportunistic). We can kiss up to authority when it benefits us. Yet, at all times, we'll need to make sure we continue to nurture those internal qualities that genuinely make us who we are—not the glossy package we carefully present to the world.

Libra/Capricorn Astro-lebrities
Matt Damon, actor: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Capricorn)
Susan Sarandon, actress: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Capricorn)
Johnny Carson, television personality: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Capricorn)
Dyan Cannon, actress: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Libra)
Nicolas Cage, actor: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Libra)
Joan of Arc, saint: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Libra)

From All Around the Zodiac, by Bil Tierney