About the Cardinal Grand Cross April 2014

There is going to be an exact Grand Cross involving planets Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto between April 20th and April 26th (days may vary a Little depending on the orb we consider); all these planetary points will be placed at 13 degrees of Libra, Cancer, Aries and Capricorn respectively. Even though the exact grand cross will take place in April, this will remain until June of this year with different intensity (once more dates vary according to the orb we accept).

Cardinal Grand Cross April 2014

There have been tense aspects between various of these planets since January of this year and additional squares have formed with other planetary points since then, but the exactness and nature of the planets involved in this cardinal grand cross has drawn a lot of attention.

In general terms, a grand cross implies a high level of friction experiencing the principles associated to the planets that form such configuration. If we see this at the individual level, a person born with a grand cross will tend to live with the feeling that several forces pull him/her in different directions, producing complex experiences and feelings. However, this configuration, so difficult by definition, may propel the person to transcendental achievements if he/she tries to find a way to integrate such contrasting energies, both in an inner and outer way; it is not an easy task, but it can be a very rewarding one.

We have to consider things in 2 levels, if we think of the effect this grand cross can have for a group or for anyone living at the moment this planetary configuration occurs (but not for someone born with it):

* The configuration activates both processes and events in groups (nations, organizations, etc), while it prepares the energies that will shape the tone of the period (including nature‘s manifestations).

* The configuration activates energies in individuals, whether because it affects specially the group which these people belong to or because it specially connects with their natal configuration.

As far as the individual perspective is concerned, many people will see the effects of this configuration as spectators instead of protagonists. Other people will feel this grand cross engages with their natal energies in a particular way that does not necessarily represents this grand cross to the letter (each person has unique energies in her/his birth chart). Finally, many other individuals will feel this grand cross with its essence if they are directly involved with the events "to be born" or the institutions touched by this configuration.

What are the principles at play as far as this grand cross is concerned? At the risk of simplifying excessively, we could say that:

Pluto is the planet of regeneration.

Uranus is the planet of innovation and radical changes.

Jupiter is the planet of the expansion and protection.

Mars is the planet of motivation to action and combat.

All these planets are now in cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) and the influence of this quadruplicity refers to initial execution.

Pluto in Capricorn represents the regeneration of the structures and affects resource management, power structures, senior citizens, as well as earth structures and those built by humans amongst other themes (see Pluto in the sign of the Goat ).

Uranus in Aries represents the dynamic and collective revolution that influences social reforms, autonomy and scientific innovations amongst other subjects (see the Revolution of the Ram ).

The tension between Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries is a long term subject that is has been felt with different intensity since 2011 and that will last with diverse levels until 2017 approximately, including some intermissions. This square marks the tendency for various groups to tackle decisively the power structures looking to perpetuate antiquated schemes; in addition, leaders/groups will tend to promote diverse changes to daily routines. In nature, tension can also manifest in the physical layers of the planet with more frequency/intensity than usual.

Jupiter in Cancer is in square with Uranus and in opposition with Pluto again since January (just like in August - September 2013), which represents a simultaneous conflict of the Uranus-Pluto dynamics with the family protection sphere of Jupiter in Cancer. The current tension between Uranus and Pluto indicates patterns that are generational in essence (even though they also have a more personal impact). This tension can be magnified by the participation of Jupiter in Cancer, especially at the emotional level and everything that is related to a group of people with an emotional link (family in the broadest sense). Home can be shaken, whether physically or allegorically, as well as ideals that are contrasted with the need for change.

Mars in Libra will form a square with Pluto in Capricorn and an opposition with Uranus in Aries again since mid-April (as it did at the end of December 2013 - beginning of January 2014); it will also form a square with Jupiter in Cancer. Several energies are added to the scene already described, which increases the tension: increased discomfort when trying to promote balance through actions that do not get to be effective (not enough trust/independence) and frustration when justice cannot be found through ideal means.

The cooperation of the factors already mentioned is difficult and friction can take us to 2 paths:

* Conflicts mature, intensify or are produced because the tension reaches a critical point.

* Changes of perspective are produced when looking for solutions that integrate the conflicting principles in a creative way.

What can we do to favor the integration of these energies constructively?

Even though the degree of impact varies for every person, we all can review our role in the much needed changes affecting the groups we belong to. Do we resist or accept change? What moves us to assume any of these positions?. Both at the collective and personal levels, the tendency to immediate reaction will be very strong, because the energies at play are very contrasting and dynamic and therefore, a notable effort will be needed to regulate the impulses.

The volatility is increased because this configuration implies blunt actions and it will be more difficult than ever to keep accumulated tensions bottled up. Therefore, instead of denying what is inside, it is better to take it to the surface and channel it at different experience levels; what is repressed tends to explode at some point in time and conditions are ripe so it happens during this lapse in a notorious way. In some cases however, circumstances out of the individual control, those that fall under the "force majeure" umbrella, can bring conflicts that are difficult to handle and this is a period when precautions are mandatory.

Friction can lead to conflict and it is definitely advisable to avoid temerity, but tension can also promote growth, change of direction, breakthroughs … maybe it will not be easy to put things in perspective initially, but the disruptions so characteristic of this type of configuration can bring an important change of perspective and an evolutionary leap.

All planetary aspects can be felt at different levels (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual).

Grand cross

A planetary configuration that involves at least four planetary points, where 4 squares and 2 oppositions are combined; graphically, a square is built with a planetary point in each vertex.