As I mentioned in an earlier post, I too have an abundance of square aspects in my natal chart; indeed, my natal chart is essentially one big square between the four planets in my Aries stellium (Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Venus) and the three planets in my generational Capricorn stellium (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). I have not bothered to count them individually because I am certain the number would make me cry.
My experience is but one of many, but I wish to share some personal anecdotes because I hope others may learn from them or at least receive reassurance that they are not alone. I believe I've read in one of my astrology books that square aspects may be more difficult than oppositions essentially because they operate within the individual. (I'll have to find the exact quote.) Now, I don't wish to engage anyone in a tit-for-tat argument over why this may or may not be so; personally, I detest such comparisons between natal charts in which one individual seeks to emerge the "victor," claiming to possess the more difficult chart. Both aspects have their inherent difficulties. I believe this statement simply suggests that the nature of the square aspect is more difficult to identify than the nature of the opposition because it tends not to manifest obviously in the outer world. Additionally, one cannot pin the blame for one's difficulties on another person as easily with the square aspect because it does not tend to manifest through others.
Therefore, in my experience, the square aspect is about coming to terms with one's own complexity. We all have these disparate forces inside of us, which cause us to think or act in apparently contradictory ways. I believe this is represented well by the different, often contradictory interpretations one may receive from the interpretations of individual planetary placements and aspects. Yet this also is represented clearly by the square aspect, especially if the planets involved are clearly of different natures (ex. Sun/Mars and Saturn). Two very different forces battle for supremacy inside of you, although ultimately, they must learn to work together. One planet--usually the stronger, more dominant planet--may prohibit the expression of the other or cause the weaker planet to act in some peculiar ways which seem contrary to the nature of the planet or the sign in which the planet is located. To use my own natal chart as an example, I have a first house Aries stellium which is impulsive and positive and energetic--yet my Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Capricorn squares my Sun/Venus/Mercury conjunction in Aries, which tempers some of the stellium's impulsivity and positivity. I've fought with these contrary influences throughout my life, and although it's been difficult, I believe the struggles ultimately have made me a stronger person. Yet I still fight myself, undermine my efforts towards success. On occasion, it would not be exaggeration to state that I despise myself, that I seek my own destruction. Yet this is necessary, for ultimately I seek the destruction of the ego, which has crystallized over many lifetimes. Only through the painful purification process may I be free.
I hope someone is able to make sense out of my ramblings.
Arian Maverick