The hard aspects of astrology are often maligned as negative energies that should be avoided. However, there are benefits to hard aspects that go largely unnoticed. Difficult aspects make us feel uncomfortable so that we are motivated to notice and address our issues.
The benefic aspects like the trine and sextile do not do this because they represent harmonious energies between planetary bodies. Oftentimes, when things are going great for us we are not as motivated to reflect on our circumstances as to when we are experiencing turmoil. Hard aspects don’t have to be a sore thumb when we learn why we have these aspects and how to make the most of them.
Challenging Astrological Aspects
The three most important and common hard aspects are squares, oppositions, and conjunctions. Square energies between planets can be difficult to integrate and utilize positively because it seems like no matter what the holder of this energy does, they are always running into an issue…hence the square. For example, an individual with Moon square Saturn often finds that there is never enough nurturing and caring, but at the same time, the person has the expectation that they will be abandoned or that no one will care for them. Thus, they end up creating situations where there is always a lack even though they want to feel loved.
The opposition is akin to two planets playing ping pong with energy. The individual with oppositions will often meet people and circumstances that they feel are against them. In some ways, this is a manifestation of the turmoil within. Projection is also big with oppositions. For example, an individual with Venus opposite Pluto may feel as if there is always some sort of manipulation and/or power plays when dealing with partners. While this is very likely the case, it is also quite possible that the holder of the natal Venus opposite Pluto also engages in the same behavior. Oppositions are tricky because of the back and forth energies. So, the individual with oppositions must be conscious of when they are participating in this pattern and choose not to engage.
The conjunction fuses two planetary energies together. An example of this is Jupiter in Aquarius conjunct Saturn in Aquarius. Conjunctions amplify the energy of the sign. How the holder of a conjunction experiences this energy depends on how it is used. Again, referring to Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, together Aquarian energy can be used to successfully create dynamic social reforms with a solid foundation and longevity. Similarly, this conjunction can also result in the formation of erratic fringe groups that are able to make a solid, formidable impression. These are the same energies in conjunction, but the uses of the energy are different. It is advantageous for people to realize the importance of realigning the conjunction so that it produces beneficial effects.
Why People Dislike Hard Astro Aspects
So, if hard aspects are beneficial, why do people cringe when they find out about these energies? One of the main reasons is because people don’t want to have to deal with what’s hard. A hard aspect is just that, and we have the autonomy to decide how we will handle this energy. Bad feelings have a way of making us take notice. Someone with their Uranus square the Moon may get tired of staying in any one place for a length of time, but then long for comfort and security…the very thing that the individual runs away from.
Hard aspects allow us to experience the pain, insecurities, loneliness, and fear so that we are motivated to seek resolution. People view the hard aspects as the perpetrator of all their less than stellar experiences. However, this is not the case, because ultimately we have to control how we respond to energy.
If we have heavy Pluto aspects, issues of power, control, manipulation are up for analysis and understanding.
Those with heavy Saturn aspects may feel burdened, somber, depressed, cynical, and pessimistic.
Complicated Venus energy can produce issues with low self-esteem and relationship and money problems.
As much as we may want to ignore and harp on hard aspects, they are there to help us grow and evolve.
Embracing Challenging Natal Aspects
There is the old saying that what we resist will persist. This is the case for hard aspects…especially those with a Saturn connection. When we are constantly having the same negative experiences, it is time to look at ourselves. The squares, oppositions, and conjunctions make things hard so that we can acknowledge the discomfort and seek resolution. If everything were okay, our squares wouldn’t be squares. They would be trines and sextiles.
Look at it this way. The hard aspects help us develop character by making it necessary to experience something other than what we want in order to heal and transmute the hard energy into positivity. Yes, it is possible to have Venus square Saturn natally and grow to become the person that has self-love after living years disliking themselves. It is possible to hold the energy of Mercury opposite Neptune and evolve into a person that learns through discernment to look past what is seen into who people truly are to avoid being deceived by the self and other people.
Ultimately, choosing to embrace challenging aspects holds us accountable for understanding why we are experiencing energies in a particular way and taking responsibility for reaching a place where the hard aspect is no longer a hindrance but a continual, valuable lesson.
