Polarity permeates every form of astrology- from different branches such as Chinese and Vedic, to the specifics of each craft. In western astrology, we see polarity in a few different ways, from the planets to the signs themselves. In this article I attempt to lay down a foundation of how polarity functions in astrology, as a spectrum.

I try to keep it simplified so that you may explore what polarity means to you and how it functions in your chart.

In the zodiac signs

Each sign has a complete opposite. Please note, these are basic definitions.

Aries is opposite Libra. The first sign represent the self, passion, and drive. The latter representing harmony, balance, and peace between others.

Taurus is opposite Scorpio. Taurus sees the good in life, while Scorpio sees what needs to be fixed. But we can’t see the good without the bad.

Gemini is opposite Sagittarius. Gemini represents the ideas and communication with other people. Sagittarius represents our beliefs.

Cancer is opposite Capricorn. The home and vulnerability is represented in Cancer, while our rigid exterior is represented in Capricorn, as is the working world.

Leo is opposite Aquarius. Leo represents the self and self expression, while Aquarius represents society as a whole. We would not have one without the other.

Virgo is opposite Pisces. Virgo being the healer of the body, and Pisces being a healer of the soul.

It is important to note that the water element will always be opposite the earth element. The fire element will always be opposite the air element. So instead of thinking as each sign as simple opposites, I would like for you to imagine them as opposite ends of the spectrum. For example, Scorpio and Taurus polarity would be the spectrum of beauty, as well as security. Cancer is the self at home, our emotional vulnerability. While Capricorn, it’s opposite, is how we might present ourselves to the public, putting on a hard exterior. They are two ends of the same spectrum.

In the houses

The first house is opposite the seventh house. The first house is the house of self, also largely containing the Ascendant in many house systems. The seventh house is the house of partnerships- this could be relationships or financial partnerships. It also houses the Descendant.

The second house is opposite the eighth house. The second house of income, values is opposite the house of inheritance, death, debt, taxes, societal values, taboo, and other people’s money.

The third house is opposite the ninth house. The third house represents elementary education, communication, and short distance travel. The ninth house represents religion, high education, and foreign, long term travel.

The fourth house is opposite the tenth house. The fourth house representing where you feel at home, and the tenth house putting you out into the public sphere. Both deal with themes of belonging.

The fifth house is opposite the eleventh house. The fifth house deals with fun and gambling, while the eleventh deals with our higher goals and pursuits, even as a group.

The sixth house is opposite the twelfth house. The service of the sixth house is in stark contrast to the matyrdom of the twelfth. Loss is prevalent in the twelfth house, while the sixth house actively builds towards goals and active pursuits.

In the planets

Polarity between the planets is tricky. For example, Venus would represent love and money, yes, but is also one of the first planets we would look towards for heartbreak and financial loss. That is how polarity shows up in the planets. Mercury is communication, yes, but can also represent delays in communication at times. Saturn is often thought of as slow, but a Saturn transit could be building for years. So when something finally happens, it feels swift and sudden. For slower planets, like Saturn, it is important to look at the return.

That’s all for now! Thank you so much for reading. If this helped you understand polarity in astrology, sign up for the newsletter to get updates.

Best wishes,

Abby