This is article is jointly written by Camille Albrecht and Carol Ciocco.
In examining this Cardinal Cross, the first aspect we need to consider is the historic Uranus-Pluto square, which is at the heart of the Cross.
Astrologers attribute much of our current transformational times (from 2010-2015) as spin-off from these two planets as they square each other in the signs of Aries and Capricorn.
i.e. During the Time Between Eclipses, the 5th of 7 exact squares of Uranus and Pluto will perfect (i.e. will be exactly 90 degrees apart). This occurs on Monday April 21 at 2:38 pm EDT. The square will occur with Uranus at 13 degrees Aries 34 minutes, and Pluto at 13 degrees Capricorn 34 minutes (Pluto is Retrograde).
There are 7 exact squares of Uranus-Pluto between 2012- 2015. They occurred/will occur on the following dates: June 24, 2012, September 19, 2012, May 20, 2013, November 1, 2013, (current – April 21, 2014), Dec 15, 2014, March 16, 2015.
These are revolutionary energies (Uranus) in the sign of “I am” – the strive for individual expression (Aries), in developmental tension (square) with the planet that purges out poisons and strengths, can be ruthless for power and control (Pluto) in the sign of structure, government and business (Capricorn). Many of you have attended Camille’s Astrology Update Workshops over the past few years, where this square is discussed at length. Please contact Camille at [email protected] for information on The Astrology of 2014 and The New Power of Affirmations.
What makes the April 21 – 23, 2014 Uranus-Pluto square especially significant is that Mars and Jupiter jump on the wheel and create a Cross formation. Because of this, all four corners of the cross will be held by a strong presence, like four people anchoring in the corners of a tent. This Cross is formed by the signs of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn (known as the Cardinal signs). As these planets tighten into a Cross with very little wriggle room, our world as we know it will be shaken up. The exact Grand Cross does not actually begin until Mars retrogrades into 13 degrees Libra, which occurs in the early morning hours of April 22, 2014.
Here is the timing of the unfolding of the Cross, as it clicks into place from April 20 to April 24 (some of these probably have already happened, depending on when you read this):
In a nutshell, this Cross exaggerates energies; it expands emotions and reactions of all kinds. You may feel more irritable, have less patience, be increasingly prone to anger and annoyance. Now, this energy has been building on and off all year. Even our weather was exaggerated in expression this year! And, you may find yourself and others have felt out of sorts over the past month or so.
Be careful driving and when working with any sharp instruments or machinery. This energy can cause carelessness. Slow down! Take it easy!
Choose to respond, rather than react. What I mean by this is emotions will be running high and folks are likely to react emotionally. You can stop yourself, gain self control and choose to respond with thought. Thought always is behind an emotion. So, to change your emotions, change your thoughts. Choose how you want to respond to something rather than simply react to it. And remember, the High Self of you can help you change your thoughts about something by gaining a spiritual perspective. So, emotions can be controlled by thought, thoughts can be controlled by detaching and viewing things from the spiritual perspective.
In addition, this Cross creates a great deal of high energy that results in exhaustion. So, its a great idea to incorporate a nap into your day if possible. At the least, scale back activities in yourself – and your kids! – to allow for some much needed downtime. Kids can have an especially tough time with this transit and be more prone to tantrums and meltdowns.
Specifically, Jupiter functions very well in Cancer and provides an energy of nurturing and caring. However, in this cross configuration, it can blow things out of proportion. Mars in Libra tries to mediate peace, but in itself it is conflicted, much like we are, concerning the need to be right in relationships (between people, and between nations). It is challenged by the almost crazy Uranus in Aries, which wants change at ANY cost and can be quite self-absorbed in its desire for freedom at any cost. Mars square Pluto is very volatile… and angry.
So, what’s the best way to handle this? Avoid confrontation this week. Put it off (if you can) until May, especially the more contentious discussions that you need to have in your life. Instead, write it out and debate it within yourself. The energies are just too volatile for most of us to handle gracefully. And the regret after we have ‘acted out’ our insecurities is best avoided. Trust me, I’ve done the legwork! Just make sure you feel it, feel the feelings, witness them, and know that just by witnessing them, you are moving forward into higher consciousness. Remember that the outside ‘people, place and things’ that are pushing your buttons are really mirrors of your own unprocessed shadow side. Even if its simply a matter of an ancient wound being opened up so that it can be cleansed and healed.
In addition, Expect the Unexpected! Uranus, the planet of sweeping and unexpected change, will be prominent, meaning that there can be shocking reversals.
Jupiter in Cancer can help us to ‘reach for the thought that feels better’ – focusing on what we are grateful for in your life and making technicolor the dreams that we know will come to fruition. The energies of the Cross are like a nuclear rocket and you can send up your desires with them into manifestation!
Please do take time to nurture yourself and your family. Have down time, take a nice leisurely walk in nature, meditate, get a massage. Take some deep breathes and decide to confront issues later.
If you have time this week, you may want to harmonize with the timing of the unfolding Cross as listed above. Tune in and notice what you intuit. Your dreams may be especially vivid right now, and may have messages for your concerning what ‘needs to go’ in your life (especially your inner world and self-talk) and what new beautiful creations are being born.
The Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) have “cardinal force.” They are the initiators, creators and leaders of the zodiac. Each of these signs kicks off a new season – they are associated with Spring Equinox (Aries) Fall Equinox (Libra) Summer Solstice (Cancer) and Winter Solstice (Capricorn). They have a GO GO GO feel to them.
So, hang in there! This may be a challenging time, but it can also be a time of great energy to accomplish things you ordinarily don’t have the stamina to tackle. This is a great time for Spring Cleaning. Just pace yourself and take some time out to enjoy the beauty of Spring!
