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.

Leo/Scorpio Watery Scorpio—with its famous intensity—heats up the Lion's passion, but often in temperamental ways. Leo's already a dramatic sign, one that paints its life in vivid colors. Scorpio throws in extra-emotional fervor and a measure of inner turmoil, and the results of such a fire-water mix can be explosive at times.

It's probably no mystery why the Lion isn't all that cozy around the Scorpion. Leo prefers signs that are upfront and have nothing to hide—especially those signs that are entertaining, as well. Scorpio won't display its feelings easily and acts like it has plenty to conceal. It also won't go out of its way to please or amuse anyone. Leo is afraid that Scorpio makes life all too complicated, thus taking much of the spontaneous joy out of it. The Scorpion is not playful in the carefree manner that Leo can be.

Being fixed signs, expect stubborn feelings to linger, especially when both are upset. These two won't let things slide if they feel they've been offended—both have issues with pride to work out. Whatever bothers them is not something that they'll quickly shake off, probably because emotional detachment is not one of their stronger features. There's nothing cool-headed about them, although Scorpio can at times appear aloof and distant, while Leo can seem invulnerable and is not easily shaken. Both show strength and determination on the surface. Yet internally, it's a different story, as each is plagued by less-obvious insecurities. Leo and Scorpio also have a distaste for any weaknesses they find in themselves, failings that the outer world will rarely get to see.

Deep in Scorpio's psyche is the realization that the ego needs to transform itself periodically. Leo's ego pretty much hogs the stage when it can. Scorpio finds that troublesome and wants Leo to do a little honest, inner digging to uncover why it demands so much personal attention and adoration. Always upbeat about itself, the Lion doesn't feel it needs such psychoanalysis and doesn't like being investigated. "I've got nothing to hide. What you see is what you get." Leo then adds, "I'm not a twisted introvert who always tries to read into things."

The Lion does think that the suspicious Scorpion sees life too darkly. Of course, Scorpio is unconvinced that Leo's trusting, unguarded approach to the world is wise—it seems naive and too idealistic. "People are tricky and you gotta watch them like a hawk," warns Scorpio.

Those of us with these signs emphasized in our chart will need to ease up on any Scorpio paranoia we may have regarding what people can potentially do to hurt us, since Leo seems to bring out its best when it feels admired and loved, not despised or victimized. Noble-hearted Leo doesn't understand treachery at all, and therefore doesn't even think about betrayal. But Scorpio knows that everyone has a dark side, and thus this sign is wary about opening up fully to anybody. It needs to partake of the almost childlike hope Leo has about how glorious life's adventure can be: "Come out from underneath that rock, Scorpio, and feel the bright sun lovingly warm your body. Enjoy life to the fullest and anticipate its bounty." Perhaps Scorpio will ponder all this, but it still advises, "Learn to read people better than you do, Leo. You expect too much, yet not everyone wants to keep you happily on your throne, especially when you come on so strong and try to exclusively run the show!"

Actually, these signs—when working well together—often display a gusto for full-bodied living. There's nothing mild-mannered or lukewarm about them. They can be extremely focused in their creative pursuits, and very autonomous in how they operate—no interference from anyone, please! If not careful, they can abuse power and control in ways that others find quite heavy-handed. When joining forces, these two need to learn how to just let things flow.

Leo/Scorpio Astro-lebrities
Ben Affleck, actor: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Scorpio)
Kathie Lee Gifford, television celebrity: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Scorpio)
Alfred Hitchcock, director: (Sun in Leo, Moon in Scorpio)
Julia Roberts, actress: (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Leo)
Larry Flynt, publisher: (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Leo)
Whoopi Goldberg, actress: (Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Leo)

Excerpted from All Around the Zodiac, by Bil Tierney