Since the Fall of 2008, the planets in our solar system have been slowly moving to create a rare and unique planetary pattern, called the Grand Cross.
A cross is created when four planets are connected as follows: two planets are in opposition to one another, and are then connected at 90 degree angles to two more planets (also in opposition to one another). See diagram opposite.
This configuration brings conflicting energies into our awareness, thereby motivating growth. There is also a tendency for the opposing energies to become polarized, creating a stalemate situation.
The opposition connections create a tension where the two opposing planets see each other across the circle, yet must learn to understand and talk to one another in order to get along. Eventually, there is a meeting in the middle, a balance point, where the energies from both planets are equally utilized, similar to learning two new talents at once.
We spend time learning one talent, and then take a break from it in order to learn the other talent. Soon we have mastered both talents and are able to use them almost at the same time, creating a unique mix of talents that reflect, in turn, how unique we are as persons. Most everyone born has at least one opposition; they make us grow and expand ourselves. Otherwise we'd be lazy and ineffectual, or at least breezing through life without looking deeply at ourselves.
The squares create another tension. Visualize four people sitting at a table, each pair sitting in opposition to one another, yet at the same time sitting at 90 degrees to each other. They must move their bodies, making an adjustment, in order to face and interact with the people on their left and right.
There is a change of focus and mindset in a square, a restlessness of sorts, requiring us to take in new information that we didn't know we needed when we began. Sometimes we aren't really willing to do so; therefore the interaction is not always smooth or fulfilling. The squares usually connect conflicting elements, such as water and fire or earth and air. Each must figure out a way to connect with the other, find common ground so to speak.
I have this rare configuration in my own birth chart (see chart opposite), connecting four planets (my Moon, Venus, Neptune and Jupiter, and Uranus) in Fixed signs, making it a Fixed Grand Cross. The Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius) reflect concentrated energy, paying attention to details and being able to complete a lot of work. They are concerned about values and are associated with repetition.However, this fixed energy can get in the way, where fear of change, staying in a rut, and being stubborn can slow down the onward self-awareness process. Initiative and confidence have been drained at an early age, therefore a rebuilding and developing flexibility has been required through life experiences in order to achieve much of anything. The Grand Cross pattern itself creates a determined, dynamic and forceful personality with a strong sense of purpose or destiny.
The current slow creation of the coming Cardinal Grand Cross involves four planets (Uranus and Jupiter, the Moon's South Node, Mars and Saturn, and lastly, Pluto and the Moon's North Node) that will be in the Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, respectively, in the summer of 2010.
The Cardinal signs align with the four angles of the natural wheel of the Zodiac, (see below) where Aries sits on the left of the circle (the Ascendant or Rising Sign), Cancer sits at the bottom (the I.C. or Imem Coeli or Underworld), Libra sits on the right (the Descendent) and lastly, Capricorn sits at the top (the M.C. or Medium Coeli or the Midheaven). These cusp points also coincide with the cardinal points of the ecliptic: the two Equinoxes and the two Solstices.
The Cardinal signs signal the beginning of each new season, the Spring Equinox (Aries), the Summer Solstice (Cancer), the Fall Equionox (Libra) and the Winter Solstice (Capricorn). Therefore the energy is characterized as being outgoing, taking the initiative, and active. Negatively, the energy can be associated with a lack of staying power.
A Cardinal Grand Cross pattern is somewhat inhibiting where the planets will want to release their outgoing energy, yet are prevented from doing so. The lack of self-confidence will need to be overcome, proving their strength, and if successful in doing so, will manage to achieve quite a lot in the end. Yet it will be a long process to do so.
The Fall of 2008 saw the first phase of the coming Cardinal Grand Cross, where global economics took a dive and a new "President of Hope" was elected in the US. Most of us have been affected by these two events. With Pluto entering Capricorn as of November 28th, 2008, we have also seen integrity issues of world leaders, our own Federal Government leaders, as well as local governments, ponzi schemes unveiled and corporate CEO accountability. Pluto will be in Capricorn until January 21, 2024. Expect more scandals and unearthing of that which has been hidden from view for decades. Issues of integrity re: our governments, and all the traditional institutions (education, law, medicine, science) will be transformed by 2024. What is now will be forever changed.
This Fall begins the second phase of more global and personal change. From October 30th to early December, Saturn begins its journey into Libra, squaring off to Pluto now in Capricorn. What will this mean for us? Saturn will slow down any positive forward progress, as if confronted by brick walls. Usually Saturn in Libra means a natural sense of justice, showing sympathy and understanding of other people. There will be more tact and diplomacy, being impartial, flexible and the need to see fair play. However, squaring off to Pluto means uncovering intolerance towards partners or colleagues, as well as power and control struggles.
Look to your charts to see where Libra and Capricorn are; this will tell you what Houses of Life Experience will be highlighted in your life. For me this will be my 2nd House of personal resources, self-worth and self-esteem, squaring off with my 5th House of creativity, play, fun, romance and children.
We cannot push forward that which is not ready to move, therefore why waste time and emotional or physical energies? There will be blockages, hence delays, and there is always a reason and a grand plan for it all. We will only know the why of it later on, after this phase has passed. Hence patience and flexibility will be required, in huge doses.
Special care must be taken health-wise prior to, during and for a few weeks thereafter as Saturn can cause some kind of limiting pain or uncharacteristic constipation. Now I understand why I managed to create a sprained right ankle for myself the last week of October! I am supposed to take stock of where I am at, decide where I really want to head, and then make slow and steady plans of moving ahead when the time is right. This could mean a detour or two from my existing plans. Hence the need for patience and flexibility!
We can feel frustrated from time to time due to the delays and inaction. We need to take a fallback position where other interests and hobbies can keep us occupied until the way is made clear for us. Forcing the issues will only garner a waste of time and further energies, as well as hampering our immune systems even more, and psychological well being.
Mercury, the planet of communication, reasoning and learning, will be heading into Retrograde again beginning December 26th and going Direct January 15, 2010. Expect the the unexpected, tune in creatively and intuitively, and be patient and flexible while technology and all things communication seem to not operate as planned or as per usual. A good time to take advantage of Boxing Day's original theme of boxing up and clearing out all the mess from Christmas - organize those closets and drawers and cupboards while working off the holiday cheer!
January 13 to February 15, 2010 is another round of Saturn squaring off to Pluto, however this is in Retrograde motion, therefore the energies will be directed inward, so no forward action will be available during this time.
June 25 to August 5, 2010 is when Pluto, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars finally create their Grand Cross pattern, all aligning at the beginning degrees of the four Cardinal signs! This will indeed be a time of intense and dramatic change worldwide. Look to your own natal chart Houses of Life Experience to see where the signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will be dancing and making changes in your life. Cancer and Aries in my chart are in the 11th and 8th Houses of Life Experience. This means my Future Self and the friends and allies I want to bring along with me (11th House), and my Joint Resources, sexuality and psychological self (8th House) will be at play, squaring off with Capricorn and Libra, respectively.
Finally, November 1 to December 26, 2010 is round two of the Grand Cross Pattern, adding in the Moon's Nodes to the mix. The bottom line: be as positive and loving as you can every day; be patient with yourself and others; be pro-active and take responsibility for your own stuff, rather than blaming others (i.e. the governments, doctors or lawyers).
It is a time to reinvent ourselves into a new form and way of being. Both Neptune and Uranus have been traveling in each others signs (Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces) paving the way for all of us to open our minds and hearts to our Spiritual selves, incorporating that part of ourselves consciously into the everyday of our lives for the past 7-10 years. Notice the change in consciousness globally: the spiritual movies, TV shows, books, workshops, even people using crystals and aromatherapy in the workplace to reduce stress. None of which existed 10 years prior!
The Cardinal Grand Cross portends a time of living our spirit, consciously, with intent, for now on. What side of the Integrity Fence (Capricorn) do you reside on? How well are you living your life Independent of others expectations (Aries)? How much Nurturing (Cancer) are you allowing for yourself, first, then others? Is Equality and for the Good of All (Libra) working in all of your relationships?
We live in interesting and challenging times! Are you ready for it?
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