by Unity and its image
The number 2, the foundation of the astrological aspect of opposition, is the expression of Unity that is recognised only through its mirroring, acquiring the awareness of being through its image. With the splitting of unity, the manifestation begins and, consequently, the space-time categories that allow its expression and bring about the detachment of the creature from the creator. That means that to recover the distance and the fracture that has arisen, the intervention of a dynamic factor is now necessary, a communicative and relational current that keeps contact between the two aspects of a single reality.
Descending from the metaphysical plane to the zodiacal figure, we observe what happens when a longitudinal distance of 180 ° separates two planets. For our exposition, we can consider a planet as a monad, an expression of a power which in the human being reveals itself as a psychic instance, as the manifestation of a single vital or soul process. Now, in the organic totality of the horoscopic picture, two planets in the aspect of opposition represent the maximum tension – or distance – that can be created between their dynamics. That means their relationship becomes a comparison between functions that must find a balance point, being part of a whole. The implication at the level of the individual psyche is that this relationship must be worked out so that we can reconcile it in the original unity.
Problems arise in the phase that precedes recognition, when the only possible solution to the lack of integration is refusal, flight or, on the contrary, struggle, both expressions of a failure to fulfil. But the alienating nature of the opposition is also its strong point because it allows those unresolved factors to get involved and carry out a recovery operation necessary to avoid the fragmentation of the psyche.
Although the aspect is given a critical connotation, this is not always the case. As we have noted for the conjunction, many factors influence the results of the opposition; the nature of the planets at stake is decisive, as is their dignity and debility in the zodiac signs that host them. The individual evolutionary impulse then establishes whether the confrontation between the parties occurs with the concurrence of objective circumstances – generally critical – or through an interior transformation, equally demanding but which does not require an external event. In some cases, integrating an opposition presents fewer problems than the conjunction. Here the ‘enemy’ is known, and we can face it in the open field, while with the conjunction, we are dealing with dynamics on which it is difficult to concentrate due to the extreme mutual proximity and lack of perspective.
We can also see the complementarity of the aspect in the interaction between the Elements of the affected signs. When Earth and Water are in harmony, they unite to form the fertile substrate that supports strong growth, while Fire and Air represent the vital spark and the combustion agent that fuels it. But an excess of Water submerges the Earth, and a lot of Earth causes dryness; too much Fire consumes the Air, and too much Air extinguishes Fire.
Implementing the recognition of the opposite polarities is difficult because the opposition is initially intended as something we must replenish at the cost of sacrifices and renunciations. For example, let’s take the aspect of Venus-Saturn, which appears difficult to reconcile in the imagination. As we have already noted elsewhere, Venus is the planet of seduction, attraction and balance of vital and social forms. Saturn expresses the principle of necessity inherent in the human condition, which on the one hand, guarantees stability and, on the other hand, is often experienced as tyranny, as proof that life requires. In their opposition, we are initially faced with a limit imposed on the expressive potentials of a relationship, artistic or vital aspiration; on the contrary, a Saturnine individual could interpret their Venusian side as a distraction that encourages them to deviate from a well-defined and rational path.
But the way of conciliation tells us that if a Venusian accepts the Saturnine scheme and structure, these become support that allows them to expand their affectivity fruitfully, just as the pole supports the branch of the vine. Relationships can become long-lasting, and an artist will become aware of the need to refine their creative streak with study and practice. And vice versa, the Saturn type will see in Venus the fruit of their commitment and sacrifices, avoiding the risk of getting lost in sterile dogmatisms that have nothing vital.
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