Square-Conjunction Integration Theory
This post is about a theory I came up with in regards to two specific aspects: the square and the conjunction. I have always been obsessed with trying to understand the square aspect between certain planets/luminaries (like my Sun-Pluto square, or my Pluto-Ascendant square) and how they manifest in life. I came up with this theory by viewing astrology solely through a psychological and communicative perspective. I hope you all enjoy it!
The square-conjunction integration theory is a theory that focuses on developing personal growth and fulfillment by analyzing and embodying the conjunction where one has the square aspects. In theory, this is to help "heal" the square's intensity. I will be discussing aspects using communication theory as an analogy, and provide some examples of how this is demonstrated.
In order to understand the foundation of the theory, you need to understand the definition of aspects. For this I will be using communication theory--which describes the transmission of communication phenomena from the sender to the receiver. Communication like aspects, can be easy and mutual, having little to no noise/filters. On the other hand, challenging communication is more likely to be filled with more filters/noise, ultimately distorting the communication between the sender and the receiver.
To clarify even further, "filters" are something that can ultimately distort or modify the communication phenomena that can potentially prevent it from being received properly. Filters can be certain mindsets, beliefs, values, etc. It is a part of one's perspective towards the world. Noise, on the other hand is similar to filters, but this is more of a barrier to the communication phemonena. Unlike filters, noise can be more tangible such as technology, sounds, even filters can actually fall under noise. Overall, the purpose is to interfere with the message that is being received.
Easy aspects, like the trine and the sextile are aspects that "communicate" easily. They are often the same element (trine) or a complimentary element (sextile) that gives way to establish some sort of common ground together. Challenging aspects, like the square, opposition, and sometimes the conjunction can either be fundamentally different in nature (square) or just the opposite, having what the other sign lack (opposition). Sometimes, the planets can fuse together creating an intense yet controlled expression of the energy (conjunction). You can consider the conjunction to be more of a neutral aspect since it can be more easier or challenging depending on the planets/points involved. All the conjunction symbolizes is a controlled intensity.
Now that we have went over a brief definition of the aspects and how to best describe them, it's time to apply the theory! Next will be an overview of what this looks like, including some examples then I'll conclude and want to take this time to thank you all for reading this and being open to it!
Now, with this theory, the intention is to "heal" the square's intensity by consolidating it and redirecting it in a way that integrates the energy, rather than letting it leak out sideways or just letting it run rampant to the point it becomes (self) destructive. This will most likely have to do with sitting down with yourself, or with a trusted friend, family member, etc. to help identify where there can be intense expressions in life, and how to consolidate that intensity so that it can manifest as a more integrated aspect of oneself. This may include asking yourself questions like "why do I let this issue/circumstance/person/thing keep having power over me?" "Why does it/they keep triggering me?" "How do *I* feel/think/know/intuit about this person/place/or thing?"
These may seem easy to answer but they require deep self-analysis and once you find the point that can trigger that intensity, analyze the pattern, you can start over and change with what you know now.
So, to include examples let's take the sun-mars aspects. A square versus the conjunction. (Note: as someone who has the natal conjunction...it is expected to get a lot of side-eye or people questioning you because of how headstrong you are. That's normal. Always listen to your gut because you yourself know best.)
Someone who has the Mars-Sun square, can be more selfish in nature, impatient, and is more conflict-prone. There's a clash with one's ego and how they take action, because that's two fundamentally different sides to them. For example, someone with a Sagittarius Sun with a Virgo Mars may be intense because underdeveloped, they don't take *intentional action*. Or someone with a Gemini Sun with a Pisces Mars can also be intense because they can spiral, and their emotions may even consume them, thus perpetuating the spiral even worse. They can also be prone to overthinking as well. Someone with the Sun-Mars conjunction would work in tandem with their Mars sign. Since it's part of their sun sign, they will *embody* their Mars. This type of person is naturally headstrong, like the square, but is more intentional or direct with their choices, and often doesn't let anything stop them from fully embodying their desires. The square between the Sun and the Mars can be seen as two people trying to get their points across to one another but neither is listening to what they're saying because they both think they're right. The conjunction is two people willing to work together for the greater good, and is very intentional about how to proceed, ensuring that everyone gets their fair share of responsibilities.
One way to do this is to embody and embrace your Mars. Cultivate more Martian energy in your life, and learn it. You may be a Gemini Sun with a Pisces Mars. You may prefer to reside within the mental plane rather than letting your emotions guide or direct your actions. But it's very important that you listen to your emotions, as that is what helps you become more whole and integrated. Start looking into certain hobbies and outlets that a Pisces Mars typically involves themselves in. That will help you learn how to become more decisive, because you're getting more than one version of feedback. And someone who is both intelligent AND intuitive? A dangerously good combo.
Another example would be...one having the Mars square Pluto aspect. This aspect, is very powerful and intense, just like the conjunction version. The only difference is that with the square, the person may be more conflict-prone, and have a strong need for control. However, that need can also lead to power struggles and even internal tension and conflict. Their will (Mars) and their ability to transform (Pluto) are not working in tandem. There's a lot and I mean a LOT of personal power available to the native...it just is typically accessed through conflict-prone strategies and crises (mainly external).
With the conjunction, this power is more internal. The healed version of the square would require the native to mature their need for control into the conjunction's obsessive drive towards their desires, rather than trying to control their circumstances which can lead to power struggles. The secret here (and taking my own advice at this point since I have the square aspect lmaoo) would be to be flexible as possible with the circumstances, but navigate it in a sense that you still have enough to achieve your goals. There's a level of surrender when it comes to the conjunction because of how internal and obsessive the drive is. If one wants to improve, they must channel this and be mindful of their habits, mindsets, etc. and maybe be willing to give it up in order to succeed in achieving their goals. It's not an easy feat.
Another example I would like to provide, would be the Sun-Pluto square. Having this aspect indicates that the native as a survival-based ego. It's intense, magnetic, but also intimidating to those who don't have any Sun-Pluto aspects. People with the square often perceive Pluto as an external limitation, rather than taking full ownership of their Pluto. This can cause the native to often question why something is happening to them, why they feel so misunderstood, why they feel powerless. It's like there's an internal split that makes the native vacillate between their identity and their Plutonian side.
A humbling moment for me: but having a 10H Pluto means that I have a vision to be at the top, however that may be. And with my natal square to my Virgo Sun in the 7H of partnerships and relationships, in order to get there, I would probably have to sacrifice relationships. I have noticed how that was always a consistent pattern in my life: being present for others (Virgo 7H) until they either resent me or I am fatigued, then I just cut it off (10H Pluto) and somehow life...upgrades.
In order to heal this square, it's important for the native to own their Pluto. Someone with a Sun-Pluto conjunction will not ask why they're feeling so powerless/misunderstood/outsource their power to their circumstances. They will direct that intensity towards something that is meaningful for them. This can look like owning your presence before others have a chance to define it. People are always going to judge and critique, but do they actually understand who you are? Have they actually learned how to learn you? Or are they just projecting? People with the conjunction also have learned selective disclosure. Not reactive withdrawal, or overexposing, but selectively giving out information about yourself. The key to shifting into the conjunction's embodiment is to really identify where the internal split is and see which planet/luminary is getting more....acknowledgement. If it's Pluto, then you may need to analyze where you're becoming too controlling and maybe soften the intensity behind it. If it's Sun, then maybe where are you overidentifying with parts of your identity that may need to be transformed or reigned in more tightly?
That concludes my theory! I hope you all enjoyed reading this! I genuinely thought of this out of nowhere and I am giving a shoutout to my 12H Pluto transit for helping me find the system and pattern behind this theory (very Aquarian in nature lmao).
This theory is all about embodying the conjunction aspect's qualities of whichever square aspects one has, and that can lead to more fulfillment and purpose in one's life as it creates a more integrated and cohesive personality.
