Astrology is the study of the relationships of the planets and the signs of the zodiac, and how this manifests in human psychology and all aspects of life.
This article is a brief synthesis about the polarized energy in the zodiacal signs and their associated planet.
Within the wheel of the zodiac there are six polarities composed of each astrology sign and its opposite sign, representing two sides of a particular theme or archetype. Studying the polarities gives us insight into these universal themes and the reconciliation of opposites.
Planetary Polarities
In the Thema Mundi there are five planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and the two luminaries: the Sun and Moon.
A sign ruled by Mars is always opposite a sign ruled by Venus.
A sign ruled by Mercury is always opposite a sign ruled by Jupiter.
A sign ruled by a luminary is always opposite a sign ruled by Saturn.
Mars and Venus
The planet Mars embodies strength, drive, courage, and a force that in excess can be aggressive, overly ambitious, competitive and violent. Mars is balanced by the energy of the planet Venus which is harmonious, beautiful, accommodating, and always seeks balance by seeing both sides. Venusian energy in excess can be lazy, indulgent, and over-accommoding, and is balanced by Martian decisiveness and drive.
Mercury and Jupiter
The planet Mercury is related with mental processes, new ideas, curiosity, and logic. The planet Jupiter is about expanding horizons both mentally and physically. Jupiter is magnanimous and yearns to explore to find the greater truths, but it can also be grandiose and dogmatic. Mercury needs Jupiterian wisdom and guidance. Jupiter needs Mercurial flexibility and lightness of thought.
The Sun/Moon and Saturn
The Sun and Moon are the lights of life, called the luminaries in astrology, whose rhythms create our seasons on Earth. The Sun is sustaining light that makes all things grow and thrive. The Moon is the satellite of our Earth and governs the tides and the rhythmic growth of all living things. Saturn is related with time and death and confronting the limits of material reality. The luminaries bring life and growth, while Saturn has a refining effect that prunes away unchecked or excessive growth.
Zodiacal Sign Polarities
Aries (Mars) and Libra (Venus)
Aries is a fire sign and is driven, forthright, selfish and courageous.
Libra is an air sign and is diplomatic, harmonious and accommodating. The key to transforming Aries’ selfishness is to learn from Libra how to see other’s point of view. Libra can learn courage and fortitude from Aries.
This polarity is the fundamental one in life: relating with self and others. The virtue for these signs is loving the essence of ourselves and others.
Taurus (Venus) and Scorpio (Mars)
Taurus is an earth sign, practical, sensual, sees things at face-value, and is oriented toward material security.
Scorpio is a water sign attuned to emotional intensity and depth, and innately attuned to the hidden aspects of life, sexuality, and death.
The Taurus/Scorpio polarity is about the wise use of resources and power, whether material or spiritual.
Gemini (Mercury) and Sagittarius (Jupiter)
Gemini is an air sign, quick-witted and versatile.
Sagittarius is fiery and oriented to discover universal truths through expanding horizons. Sagittarius is like a politician who wants to make great changes through an expanded worldview, and Gemini is like a journalist, pressing for exact answers and investigating both sides of an issue. The virtue for these signs is the ability to have conscious discourse and the free dissemination of God’s wisdom.
Cancer (The Moon) and Capricorn (Saturn)
Cancer is a watery sign ruled by the Moon and governs all the processes of life and growth,
Capricorn is an earth sign ruled by Saturn and is intimately related with the processes of death.
The Cancer/Capricorn polarity reconciles growth, reproduction and family with the reality of time and death. The virtue is developing a conscious tradition not based on attachments to the past.
Leo (The Sun) and Aquarius (Saturn)
Leo is the sign of the Lion, the King, ruled by the Sun.
Aquarius is the humanist, the democrat, ruled by Saturn and Uranus.
The Leo/Aquarius polarity is about obeying the will of the Inner God, and also seeing God in every human.
Virgo (Mercury) and Pisces (Jupiter)
Virgo is an earth sign ruled by versatile Mercury.
Pisces is a water sign ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, god of the Oceans.
The Virgo/Pisces polarity is fundamentally about service and sacrifice. The virtue is service and sacrifice of the lower nature, for love of humanity.