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 ifthey 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.

Cancer/Libra
Cancer loves how well Aries can handle things that need quick attention—the Ram never seems flustered—and also how this fire sign does it all with courage and confidence, qualities that the Crab can't often muster when the going gets tough and the sky is falling. Still, Cancer now looks toward Libra and anticipates a much more pleasant relationship (the frustrated Ram called it quits, anyway, and took off). After all, Libra—associated with peace-loving Venus—oozes obvious charm. The Crab also likes hearing that everyone else gets along with friendly, accommodating Libra.

Yet the hard truth is that air—a lover ofclarity and verbal directness —doesn't understand the cloudy underworld of less-articulate water very well. Water's raw, instinctual feelings, in turn, don't want to be met with logical air's accustomed intellectual detachment, since this unsympathetically smacks of indifference. "Understand me deeply," pleads water, "Don't just observe me from a distance and take mental notes on my reactions. Feel my pain!"

Well, at least Libra is one air sign that likes to get more intimately involved. Still, the Crab can feel it when the Balancer is miles away in its head, even when it's smiling and acting as cordial as can be. Cancer has a knack for knowing when people are not "there" in the emotional moment. It hates cool responses, yet often misreads them.

Libra is willing to bend over backwards to meet the varying needs of each sign, up to a point. Remember, it expects others to reciprocate, and will use its cooperative nature to test people out: "Are they going to be fair with me, or are they users?" Libra, sensitive to being manipulated, is also learning how to do just that in its partnerships (and it could be argued that Libra taught Scorpio every trick it knows regarding how to handle relationships).

This sign thus doesn't much like it when Cancer uses its whiny emotionality—its cranky side—to get its way, plus the Crab can resort to pouting and to pulling little guilt trips on others when it's feeling insecure or hurt. Libra, being more detached, is able to pull back calmly and reflect, "You know, you did that very same thing to me last week. But did I make an issue of it? Did I try to attack you and make you feel bad? No, I handled it all rather maturely." When Libra tries to get back at Cancer—and here the Balancer is great at turning the tables —it uses much finesse in its counterattack and ends up coming off as smooth as butter!

Cancer, at times,seems as helpless as a baby—but that could be a ploy to get attention. However, Libra—although not parental in nature —does seem to enjoy being a helpmate. It can be an understanding companion, willing to listen to others and offer advice. If we have these two signs emphasized in our chart, we probably have a calm, maternal ability to help others clarify their needs and thereby gain a welcome perspective concerning their pressing life issues (both signs show concern for others undergoing stress—both act as tension relievers).

We apparently have counseling skills (or at least the temperament for being a sounding board for people). But, when put upon by chronically needy types,we may have a hard time saying, "No, I'm not interested in helping you. Find someone else,and leave me alone!" It would be quite a breakthrough in consciousness if Cancer/Libra types could actually say these words and mean them.

Kindness is a common denominator. Both signs show consideration for others. Still, Cancer does mother people a bit too much for Libra's taste, and Libra presents a polished, perfect image to others that Cancer knows in its gut is artificial at times. Still, this combo can work out fine if we learn when to give others the breathing space they need (Cancer's lesson), but also when to enjoy quiet, in-depth contact without always having to take sides in interpersonal matters (Libra's lesson), especially when such "discussions" become outright debates that only ruffle emotional feathers—ours or another's. Still, both signs try to maintain peace when possible.

Cancer/Libra Astro-lebrities
Arthur Ashe, tennis pro: (Sun in Cancer, Moon in Libra)
Janet Leigh, actress: (Sun in Cancer, Moon in Libra)
Sylvester Stallone, actor: (Sun in Cancer, Moon in Libra)
Eleanor Roosevelt, humanitarian: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Cancer)
Paul Simon, musician: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Cancer)
Mira Sorvino, actress: (Sun in Libra, Moon in Cancer)

Excerpted from All Around the Zodiac, by Bil Tierney