An opposition is an aspect between two
planets or significant points in the Natal chart. The opposition in a Birth chart can also be
activated through transit or progression.
An opposition is defined as two planets or significant angles (the
midheaven or the ascendant) forming an angle of 180 degrees from each other. The normal orb for an opposition to be active
in a Birth chart is 8-10 degrees + or – the 180 degrees. Therefore, if a planet is 170-190 degrees
from another planet or an important angle, it is termed an opposition.
To describe an opposition you would take
into consideration the two opposing forces described by the planets/angles as
well as the house placement where the planets are located. The house placement would define the areas of
life involved.
For example, Saturn in the third house (the
house communication) would create a difficult time for the individual to
express their views--being held back. At
the opposite end of the example, if you had Pluto in the ninth house (the house
of higher learning), Pluto acts as a disruptive force and may even lead to power
struggles or ego interference. With
these opposing forces, there may be difficulties expressing oneself due to ego
interference and a challenge to take charge or outdo others. This could revert to a power struggle and
could either surface as restrictive behaviours and a feeling of being subdued
or angered when defining oneself, or pushing yourself beyond the normally
accepted lines of communication and forcing one’s opinions on others. This could also surface as schooling issues
as the ninth house deals with higher education.
In many cases, oppositions deal with open
confrontations where one’s views or beliefs are being challenged by someone
else’s opinion. This can lead to ego
interference and clinging strongly to one’s beliefs or opinions. This individual would not lend an open mind
to hear and utilize another individual’s opinion. If for example the ninth house had Mars in
opposition to Pluto in the third this could lead to arguments or even physical
exchanges during these tumultuous confrontations.
Oppositions tend to draw attention to the
opposite area of focus. An example of
this might be if the fourth and tenth houses were in opposition through planetary
links, it may surface as an issue between spending too much energy at work or
at home and one or the other not getting its needed consideration. This individual would favour the occupation
and their earnings over the needs of the home and family. Confrontations and opposing views are often
by-products of the opposition especially when a transiting planet opposes a Natal
planet.
When we learn to work with our oppositions,
we can gain strength from these opposing views and we can mold the two together
making them work as one, rather than against each other. Within the Natal chart, an opposition can
create a war within oneself that has to be worked out and rectified. Oppositions build inner strength when you
learn to deal with the difficulty and challenges associated with the house
placement and the planetary energies.
Oppositions are considered stressful
aspects and need to be approached with gentle understanding and an openness to
learn and be open to opposing views.
Much depends on the planets involved and the houses these planets are
located in the Natal chart. When viewed
with clarity, we can gain great insight from the opposition. As we mature, we will be forces to face our
oppositions and deal with them appropriately, thereby unlocking their true
potential.
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