Some sign combinations that have traditionally been considered to be stress-producing: signs that square. These are the pairs that often rub each other the wrong way, until they realize that they can also produce energy-releasing sparks. Any two signs that square each other are actually dynamic duos that help us powerfully grow, once we learn how to consolidate their energies better in a self-directed manner. After all, they represent two essential parts of our developmental process,and thus they each need to be validated and supported. We shouldn't let them pull us apart or make us feel split from within.

Squaring signs must find smart ways to get along. They need to help—not thwart—each other, even though they may start out assuming that they have absolutely nothing in common. In truth, they possess valuable resources that can be shared effectively. Yet to successfully do this will prove challenging. It seems the Cosmos loves to bring together such "odd couples" in our charts, perhaps just to see what transformative potential will be actualized by such frictional stimulation.

Each sign squares two other signs of the same mode in the zodiac. Squaring signs—like signs that oppose one another—are traditionally considered to be tensional. Unfortunately, traditional astrology believes in sidestepping conflict at all cost. However, twenty-first-century astrology acknowledges that a little creative friction can become the driving force that helps us bring out our best. Still, these signs are said to work at cross-purposes and are thus assumed to be incompatible and even combative.

Naturally, then, they are primarily the signs that mass-market astrology paperbacks eagerly tell us to avoid if we wish to stay happily married. The seemingly sensible advice here, for example, would be for Taurus to stick to its own kind—Virgo or Capricorn—but never to stray, let's say, into the stranger pastures of Aquarius. Yet what if we were born with a mix of Taurus and Aquarius in our own chart? Well, we'll just have to make this combo work for us, since these energies will be part of our makeup for a whole lifetime!

Any two signs share a few things in common—yes, even Taurus and Gemini—traits that materialize once these signs are pressured to interact. Even if they don't share many commonalities, each sign has qualities that could benefit the other. Any two signs also have dissimilar features that require a more tolerant, cooperative spirit on our part if they are to blend well. This applies even to signs of the same element, those that naturally trine each other. The standard line is that trining signs imply nothing but harmony and mutual understanding —let's even throw in good karma from past lives.Yet, since no two signs are exactly alike, attitude adjustments will be needed (for example, we shouldn't assume that time-efficient Virgo is always thrilled by the sometimes lethargic way Taurus can waste a whole day "relaxing").

Generally speaking, squaring signs don't easily understand why the other acts the way it does—feisty Aries is baffled by Cancer's moody behavior, showy Leo can't fathom secretive Scorpio, gung-ho Sagittarius finds wishy-washy Pisces too lacking in enthusiasm, and so on. Yet a wise and perhaps mischievous Cosmos seems to draw these signs to each other, again and again, to help them iron out their differences and instead capitalize on what they can effectively combine and make work. No sign is forever to avoid—or engage in battle with—another sign, since, as said before, all twelve signs comprise the essential parts of the ideal whole. Nonetheless, it will take effort and patience to learn the secrets of healthy integration.

Capricorn/Aries
Capricorn doesn't care much for open opposition, but at least Libra can be very cooperative and willing to follow the Goat's lead (if the plan of action sounds smart and is well designed—something that Libra's mentally adept input helps ensure will be the case). Yet Capricorn is not so certain if it's going to have such an agreeable partnership with the Ram. Aries doesn't like being bossed around, especially by a sign that assumes it's a natural-born authority figure ("Father knows best"). This independent fire sign does not want to be parented by anybody.

Aries favors hot, impetuous action and lives in the moment. Capricorn lives in the now as well, but its moves are based on cool-headed deliberation and the ability to plan its strategy. Aries cares little about planning its activities. It hates to feel bound by inflexible timetables and organized agendas. Yet Capricorn plays by the books and is a stickler for following proper procedure, and punctually so. Rules are not made to be ignored in the Goat's world of high-pressured responsibility, since too much is at risk, with so many depending on reliable results.

Still, although the Ram seems like some brash, young upstart to the more mature, seasoned Goat, these signs share a love of dynamic challenge and forward motion. Their headstrong ambition drives them to move out into life and overcome all obstacles, except that the scope of operation for Capricorn is much larger and more consequential —one wrong move and the Goat's out of the game, whereas the Cosmos almost always allows the Ram to start all over again.

Little seems insurmountable to these two, since their will to succeed is powerful. Determination keeps them from giving up, although Capricorn is blessed with greater staying power. Like Libra, Capricorn knows about the law of cause and effect, and the penalties that await those who are less sure-footed in life. The Goat thus acts cautiously and patiently. Aries instead throws all caution to the wind and embraces risk. It defies the Fates.

If these two signs are highlighted in our chart, our strength may lie in executing action in a direct, no-nonsense manner. We don't wait around for others to get things going, not when we can independently get in the driver's seat and take offon our own. Self-reliance is strong, as well as a driving need to prove to ourselves—and to convince others —that we are capable enough to handle anything tossed our way (although Capricorn is customarily more prepared than Aries, a bigger believer in spontaneity).

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome here deals with self-discipline: Capricorn has it, while Aries hates it. If the Ram in us starts jumping into a project too soon, without a careful review of the details involved, failure may result. Capricorn teaches us to make more timely moves, based on sizing up a situation in pragmatic terms. It's then that we can succeed, slowly and steadily. A lack of patience can therefore be a major stumbling block for us.

Capricorn admires Aries' guts and its willingness to fight for what it wants. The Goat doesn't like feeling fearful, and while not a daring risk-taker, it's willing to face up to what it secretly dreads—potential rejection for not being qualified or good enough. Yet by dealing with such fears, it tests its true abilities and opens doors that lead to opportunity.

The Goat would love to use the Ram's self-assurance—and occasionally its bravado—for those times when this often-reserved earth sign needs a little fiery flair to get itself noticed. Aries doesn't perceive life as having the obstacles—those waiting to dash even the best-laid plans—that Capricorn sometimes sees everywhere. The Goat needs to infuse its life with a bit of the Ram's idealism, since pessimism and self-doubt are self-limiting ways to approach success.

In general, these two signs can be pushy when trying to attain what they want, although Capricorn can seemingly wait forever, while Aries wants it now! Self-centeredness can be strong, and emerges quickest when the Ram and the Goat feel thwarted in action enough to resort to defensive tactics.That's when they'll do whatever it takes to survive and get back on track. This combo can make us look tough on the outside—showing no vulnerabilities—but we're probably too driven to relax and enjoy life properly.Yet it can also be the signature of one whose grit and perseverance results in an uphill climb that culminates in high achievement.

Capricorn/Aries Astro-lebrities
Al Capone, gangster: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Aries)
Diane Von Furstenberg, designer: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Aries)
Albert Schweitzer, humanitarian: (Sun in Capricorn, Moon in Aries)
Sarah Jessica Parker, actress: (Sun in Aries, Moon in Capricorn)
Al Gore, politician: (Sun in Aries, Moon in Capricorn)
David Letterman, television personality: (Sun in Aries, Moon in Capricorn)

Excerpted from All Around the Zodiac, by Bil Tierney