In astrology, the square aspect is the division of the 360 degree circle by 4. This yields a relationship in which planets are in a right angle, 90 degree aspect to each other. The square aspect can produce an experience that feels like we want to bash our heads against a wall because two points of symbolism in the chart are seemingly at odds with each other. However, over time we learn that we can work productively with our square aspects. The tension they produce never goes away, but wielding that tension in a way that serves us is something we can get better at doing over time.
The following quotation illustrates the feeling and experience of the square aspect in lucid terms. A look with the symbolic eye will show how this piece of writing could lead to a deeper understanding of an astrological principle. This is from “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” written by Martin Luther King Jr.
You may well ask: “Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word “tension.” I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Pisces
Transiting Mercury, separating from Chiron, is currently conjunct MLK’s Moon at 19 degrees Pisces, so this message is appropriately coming through the body of his vision. Just another one of the ways astrology is fantastically synchronous. Seeing these reflections in the heavens and among varying disciplines requires looking carefully with the symbolic eye.
Lots of love,
Ichrak
image: Round hole in a square peg by rgieseking
