Shadow Traits of Personalities on Each Axis | Mystic Sage

On the astrological wheel, which contains the 12 zodiac signs/houses, there exists six axes. Every axis includes two opposing signs, each bearing the…

On the astrological wheel, which contains the 12 zodiac signs/houses, there exists six axes. Every axis includes two opposing signs, each bearing the same energy type, either positive denoting masculine traits, or negative indicating feminine ones. This pattern rotates from masculine to feminine around the wheel. 'Oppositions' in astrology refer to occurrences between two celestial bodies or points within an axis, and denote a special 'tug and pull' sensation. Although considered 'harsh' aspects (which are more dynamic and promote growth), oppositions differ from squares in that they involve zodiac signs of the same energy type (either masculine or feminine). Squares, on the other hand, involve two contrasting energies and can thus lead to more frustration.

The following is a brief overview of how certain "shadow traits", a term often discussed throughout Jungian psychological theory, can manifest amongst signs sharing the same axis on the astrological wheel. In looking at the polarities and characteristics of the signs, we might explore some possible negative or challenging expressions that could relate to these pairs:

1. Aries/Libra: Selfishess Cloaked as Victimhood

The Aries and Libra axis encapsulates the interplay of individuality and external world engagement. It revolves around the founding aspect and devotion. It probes the questions: How do I shape my identity, and how do I enable my sense of self to blend with another through commitment? Understanding this axis can shed light on the tendency to project a disorganized self onto relationships or the failure to employ compromise.

Aries, as a fire sign, can sometimes express selfishness and impatience when focused solely on their own desires. Libra, as an air sign, can sometimes struggle with indecisiveness and a tendency to please others at the expense of their own needs. The shadow trait, thus, shared amongst the two of them can be described as "selfishness cloaked as victimhood," corresponding to a potential negative expression of this axis—an Aries who uses their assertiveness to play the victim and demand their way, or a Libra who manipulates others by portraying themselves as victims.

2. Taurus/Scorpio: Cruelty Justified as Self-Protection

The Taurus-Scorpio axis embodies the grounding and tranquility that come from 'satisfied needs', leading to a feeling of security. It's a foundational principle based on one's beliefs about worth and safety. Understanding this axis includes acknowledging life's evolving seasons and the death and destruction that stimulate new growth. It's about fostering new development without the apprehension connected with death and destruction.

Taurus, as an earth sign, can sometimes exhibit possessiveness and stubbornness when it comes to protecting their stability and resources. Scorpio, as a water sign, can sometimes express intensity and power-seeking behavior when they feel threatened. The shadow trait here: "cruelty justified as self-protection," could potentially manifest as a Taurus who becomes ruthless and unyielding in the face of perceived threats, or a Scorpio who justifies their manipulative or vengeful actions as necessary for self-defense.

3. Gemini/Sagittarius: Selfish Manipulation Cloaked as Reasoning

The Gemini-Sagittarius axis involves intellectual engagement with the world and cognitive expansion. It is anchored in 'the principle' and our personal perspective through which we interpret and react to our surroundings. The axis questions whether perception is solely based on experience and judgment or if there's a spectrum of morality and discernment that contributes to diverse outcomes. Recognition of this axis enables us to perceive the splintering of the mind.

Gemini, as an air sign, can sometimes exhibit manipulative behavior and a tendency to use their intelligence for personal gain. Sagittarius, as a fire sign, can sometimes express a lack of empathy and tact when pursuing their own truth and freedom. The shadow trait they share, as utilizing "selfish manipulation cloaked as reasoning," could potentially correspond to a negative expression of this axis—a Gemini who uses their communication skills to manipulate and deceive, or a Sagittarius who rationalizes their selfish actions by presenting them as logical choices.

4. Cancer/Capricorn: Immorality Warped into Justice

This axis is about nurturing from within both emotionally and physically. It's anchored in the inner parental guide, mothering through self-affection and comfort, and fathering through self-control and order. Recognition of this axis involves navigating between the internal and external worlds, striving to find equilibrium between intellect and emotions.

Cancer, a water sign, can sometimes exhibit emotional manipulation and overprotectiveness when it comes to their loved ones. Capricorn, an earth sign, can sometimes express a rigid adherence to rules and a lack of emotional sensitivity. The shadow trait of "immorality warped into justice," could potentially manifest as a Cancer who justifies their unethical behavior as necessary to protect their loved ones, or a Capricorn who becomes so focused on achieving their goals that they disregard the emotional needs of others and justify it as being morally upright.

5. Leo/Aquarius: Self-Righteousness Cloaked as Rebellion

Expression for uniqueness versus expression for connection. Founding principle, power of the individual. The individual in relation to creative conception unlimited by another and the valued individual in reference to a group. Awareness regarding this axis is the individuals place in the collective and the collectives place in the individual.

Leo, a fire sign, can sometimes exhibit arrogance and a need for constant attention and approval. Aquarius, an air sign, can sometimes express detachment and a struggle with intimacy and emotional connection. The shadow trait they share, of "self-righteousness cloaked as rebellion," could correspond to a negative expression of this axis—a Leo who uses their self-confidence and need for attention to dominate and belittle others, or an Aquarius who justifies their aloofness and resistance to emotional connections by presenting it as a defiance against societal norms.

6. Virgo/Pisces: Victimhood Disguised as Sacrifice

Divergence between consciousness and unconsciousness, the physical being and the nonphysical being. Founding principle, perceived boundary. The ability to analyze what is tangible and real to existence but also perceive the great beyond that cannot be measured. Awareness regarding this axis is the human desire to control an environment when unseen forces only allow so much permeability if an environment is only perceived as finite.

Virgo, as an earth sign, can sometimes exhibit perfectionism and a critical nature, both towards themselves and others. Pisces, as a water sign, can sometimes express escapism and a tendency towards self-pity and martyrdom. The shadow trait here, "victimhood disguised as sacrifice," manifests as a Virgo who constantly nitpicks and criticizes others while presenting themselves as martyrs for their own sacrifices, or a Pisces who uses their vulnerabilities and struggles to portray themselves as victims in order to manipulate and gain sympathy from others.

This post was made possible by the inspiration and constant enlightenment provided by astrologer, reiki practitioner, recording artist and Superpower,. Ayoka , @MysticxLipstick

Art/Photo Credit: LoveByLuna , Instagram