Speaker’s Report - November 2022

The Natal Opposition - Straddling the Cosmic See-Saw - Marc Laurenson

In November 2022, AANSW was very fortunate to have the brilliant Astrologer, Speaker and FAA certified Astrology teacher; Marc Laurenson present in person and online to a packed room for the monthly astrology AANSW meeting. Marc has been very busy producing a wonderful online teaching and learning resource as the Principal of Sydney Astrology School as well as contributing to and speaking at high profile astrological events including the Annual FAA conference, ISAR conference in Colorado, USA, Organisation of Professional Astrologers (OPA), Synchronicity University and  Breaking Down The Borders conference. AANSW is extremely lucky to have such a passionate, accomplished and experienced astrology teacher and speaker as Marc Laurenson to contribute to the annual program of speakers and Marc’s presentation examining and exploring the fundamental astrological aspect of the Natal Opposition provided a fascinating and informative approach to understanding and integrating this dramatic natal challenge as the aspect exists within the natal chart.

The title of Marc’s presentation; “The Natal Opposition – Straddling the Cosmic See-Saw” provides a glimpse as to the approach and effect of the natal opposition aspect as it manifests for the individual within one’s own natal chart and how one should approach the presence of this natal aspect, which is traditionally seen as a challenging and tension producing aspect. The visual stimulus through the analogy of the “See-Saw” evokes ideas for the viewer that as one side (or planet) “goes up”, then the opposite or opposing planet in turn “goes-down” and vice versa. The challenge lies for the native in finding balance between the planets and avoiding being stuck at one side of the see-saw and not correctly or efficiently integrating the opposing planet’s energies and messages.

Marc has chosen to speak of the natal opposition given that the natal opposition is a very common aspect – the vast majority of the audience was aware of the fact that their own natal chart contained the opposition aspect with Marc himself professing to having at least two natal oppositions and a further opposition when you include the angles such as Ascendant and Mid-heaven. Being born on the full moon will see the Sun and Moon directly opposite each other and will lead to ups and downs to do with the balance and integration of one’s life force and ego (Sun) and their emotional nature and feelings (Moon) which at times seem to be at odds to each other and opposing a balanced and harmonious integration. Marc reiterated the fact that although certain aspects such as the natal opposition are found to be challenging to integrate and master for the individual, all natal aspects are working “for” the native and if the aspect is challenging, it is trying to teach us something and with the natal opposition, the energy and teaching for the individual’s development includes the “balancing” act of the natal see-saw.

When approaching the natal chart, it may be seen that around the wheel and chart we see both signs and houses opposing each other before any of the natal planets or planetary bodies are even examined. These two signs and houses for example Cancer in the 2nd House opposite Capricorn in the 8th house are opposing energies on regards to certain aspects of the native’s natal chart and hence life. Both sides of the opposition have something to offer and “help” each other in the function of the aspect through their opposite signs and opposite houses, despite being in stark contrast to each other. The astrologer Parampara Hughes would illustrate the feeling of the opposition as a tug-of-war feeling of two energies, planets or directions wanting their own way. The “tug-of-war” feeling of the opposition illustrates 2 parts or facets of an individual’s personality or nature with each facet wanting their own way and through the over emphasis of one of these sides of the opposition, the native’s life may become out-of-whack as one of these elements is prioritised over the other. This opposed tug-of-war feeling may play out early in life.

A poorly integrated opposition may play out through character expressions including; dysfunction, inactivity (where one side of the opposition does nothing), extremity, fluctuation, projection internalisation. One side of the opposition may block or stalemate between the 2 planets and the saying or feeling that “one planet is good, one planet is bad” particularly with a “harder” planet opposite a “softer” planet – the “softer” planet will be victimised and the native may start “blaming” planets for their problems and the dichotomy of “good” versus “bad” can play out. Planets opposing each other in the natal chart can therefore stay at war with each for as long as they want to – indeed a lifetime if not properly integrated. Opposing planets need to make “friends” with each other to work together and create harmony and balance. Realising that both opposing planets in an opposition can each offer something special and important in one’s life is the first step in the right direction to finding balance and harmony.

The nature of the placement of oppositions means that the opposing signs and planets will always be in the same Mode, this is the same case for planets that are aspecting each other by square at 90 degrees. So there will Cardinal, mutable and fixed mode oppositions. Fixed modes are a bit more challenging, Cardinal oppositions are seen as more “active” whereas Marc describes the mutable oppositions as a bit more “slippery” and will slip in and out of challenge between each of the opposing planets. It is interesting to note that opposing planets will both be the same gender meaning Yin and Yang planets and this reinforces the feeling that there is fundamentally some compatibility between the opposing planets. Every opposite sign has a bridge to cross and this is further energised through the placement of planets in opposition. As soon as one understands that the bridge links similar traits that are complementary to each other in the feeling that the opposing signs are the flip sides of the same coin. This differs through the greater difference felt through the square aspect where the elements are felt less harmoniously. Through examining all of the zodiac signs and their oppositions to get a feeling of how each sign may help it’s immediately opposing sign.

Aries opposite Libra –The signs can help each other, Aries can help Libra to maintain a sense of self and to avoid co-dependant relationships. Aries will also assist Libra in making decisions and to be brave in chaotic relationships. Libra can help Aries to calm down, relax and realise that relationships are not a competition or battle – to recognise that other people are in the world and that more self-learning will take place through connection to others and feeling that relationships can certainly be “win-win” – both parties can have their needs met without feeling that they have lost. Be brave enough to enjoy the challenge of experiencing real love and connection.

Taurus opposite Scorpio – this can be seen as a security bridge, where Taurus seeks to ground and stabilise the intensity of Scorpio. Taurus helps to simplify and be uncomplicated and help to find value in regenerative gifts, Scorpio being a particularly healing sign. Scorpio opposing Taurus will aid Taurus in eating up more life and less food! To know that real safety and security comes from going out on a limb and conquering the fears that keep them immobile and also investigating ways to feel safe. This in turn will support a greater feeling of self-worth.

Gemini opposite Sagittarius can be seen as the bridge of understanding, education and perception. Gemini brings Sagittarius faith in life without judgement and to practise and listen rather than just preach. Sagittarius opposing Gemini will teach the Gemini to share meaningful information rather than just “air” find faith in life without judgements, messenger of hope and promise. Study deep subjects in depth. Sagittarius reaches out to the solar system for details and info, Gemini is when the penny drops. Sag wants to be right and Gemini likes to see the info on paper.

Cancer opposite Capricorn – this represents a foundational bridge where Cancer teaches Capricorn to put heart into what they try to achieve and to become emotionally nourished. Not just representing the 4th and 10th Houses. Cancer teaches Capricorn to put heart into their achievements and to come home to themselves and find a sense of belonging in their mission in life. Capricorn teaches Cancer to stop protecting themselves and to follow their feelings towards something productive and useful, utilising their caring nature in a grounded earthly form.

Leo opposite Aquarius helps Aquarius in expressing their uniqueness as well as celebrating and creating from the unusual, radical and the abstract, realising that specialness stems from originality. Leo opposes Aquarius to step out from the crowd and not apologise for being you. Aquarius can teach Leo to find specialness as a spoke in a wheel to illuminate the wheel’s higher purpose.

Virgo Opposite Pisces assists in streamlining the dreamy nature in an organisational process helping to build parameters and give intuitive energy more direction and boundaries. Pisces brings a lighter touch to the work ethic and giving nature of Virgo through its opposition, bringing a greater spiritual sensibility and helping Virgo to see work as a job with a higher purpose. Pisces gives Virgo a break, bringing calm and release and the realisation of perfection. Virgo helps Pisces to include routines, methodology and self-development techniques around spiritual practice, meditation and healing modalities and areas of self-love that combine mind, body and spirit. Selflessness and Service – doors open once you are aware of the energies at play and the native can then make better choices. This helps the average person move on from seeing themselves as a victim. Pisces and Virgo are intended to give to others more than an importance placed on the personal ego.

Marc then looked at charts of celebrity figures that have interesting opposing planets in their natal chart. Ellen Degeneres with the Venus in Aquarius opposite Uranus in Leo, Marlon Brandon with Saturn in Scorpio opposite Mercury in Aries as well as Mars in Capricorn opposite Pluto in Cancer. Karen Carpenter with Sun in Pisces opposite Saturn in Virgo, Pluto conjunct Moon opposite Mercury conjunct Jupiter

Marc’s passion, dedication, knowledge and understanding of astrology and how it relates to the individual and the collective in their experience of life is empowering and encouraging. Marc understands and conveys wonderful astrological interpretations to the native, helping the individual to understand their current condition and position in life and how to evolve and heal towards and higher version and expression of the true self. AANSW thanks Marc very much for his dedication and passion for astrology and for being so generous with his time and energy in addressing the association and sharing the same passion and detailed understanding as he does with the very fortunate students of Sydney Astrology School.

Marc Laurenson Astrology - https://marclaurenson.com/

Sydney Astrology School - https://sydneyastrologyschool.com/