A Grand Cross occurs when four planets are located 90 degrees apart from one another. Picture a cross within a circle, as seen in the Celtic cross, above. We will experience two Grand Crosses this summer--on June 26 and August 7. The energetic dynamics of this kind of alignment can provoke a feeling of inner tension, as we feel pulled in four directions at once. Yet, the upcoming Grand Crosses also hold great promise for evolutionary progress, if we work consciously with the diverse energies and learn to integrate them more fully. We can either get stuck at the crossroads, or we can set the cross into motion, like a windmill that generates energy. Over the next two months, we’re being presented with a cosmic invitation, and plenty of fuel, to take a leap forward with our collective evolutionary growth.
The Grand Cross of June 26 has the added potency of a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse. On August 7, the Grand Cross is a Cardinal Cross, with planets positioned at each of the four cardinal points of the Zodiac: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Let’s take a deeper look at the astrology of these Grand Crosses and the opportunities being presented.
The foundation for these Grand Crosses is a T-square that is already in place. This T-square is formed by the opposition between Uranus/Jupiter (in Aries) and Saturn (now in late Virgo, but moving into Libra on 7/21/10) with Pluto (in Capricorn) forming the perpendicular leg of the “T”. On June 26, the Sun and Mercury, in Cancer, will fill out the missing piece of the Grand Cross. At the same time, we’ll be experiencing a Capricorn Full Moon (with the Moon conjunct Pluto) and a Lunar Eclipse! This is an opportunity to make big breakthroughs and initiate radical changes in the status quo, both personally and collectively.
Jupiter/Uranus in Aries is a bold and courageous force that can also be wild, rebellious, and unpredictable. Saturn in Virgo provides some grounding and restraint, so that the revolutionary energies initiated by Jupiter/Uranus can be worked with in practical ways to improve our lives. Pluto in Capricorn assists this process of tremendous change by dredging up what needs to be reformed and breaking down what needs to be restructured. Add to all of that the emotional intelligence of Sun/Mercury in Cancer, to bring in a strong dose of love and compassion to temper the spirit of riotous upheaval. The Lunar Eclipse in Cancer/ Capricorn urges us to drop old, defensive strategies that we’ve used to mask feelings of insecurity. Instead, we are prompted to become more rooted in our hearts as we begin to build more authentic and sustainable ways of ensuring our stability and security, in our inner lives, our work in the world, and our socio-economic systems.
On August 7, the Grand Cross becomes a Cardinal Grand Cross with Saturn now in Libra, rather than Virgo. The planets involved in this Cardinal Cross are: Jupiter/Uranus (in Aries) opposite Venus/Saturn/ Mars (in Libra); and Moon (in Cancer) opposite Pluto (in Capricorn). The Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) are about initiating new things. Aries initiates our sense of being an individual who can assert him/herself. Cancer initiates us into experiences of the heart and emotional bonding. Libra initiates us into ways of relating with others that are fair and balanced, and Capricorn initiates the building of strong inner and outer foundations.
The Cardinal Grand Cross brings together all four types of initiation at the same time! Thus, it is a major opportunity to move into new ways of being. This fourfold initiation process calls for the integration of diverse energies and aspects of our selves. We are being called upon to stand strong and assert ourselves (Jupiter/Uranus in Aries) while also bringing our relationships into more balance and harmony (Venus/Saturn/Mars in Libra). This initiation requires us to stop abdicating our needs, yet be willing to negotiate and cooperate, and engage in relationships based on true equality. It’s also an initiation of the heart--becoming more attuned to the emotional needs of self and others and offering nurturance where it is needed (Moon in Cancer) while the world around us, including the Earth itself, is going through the initiation of a massive restructuring (Pluto in Capricorn).
The Cardinal Cross asks us to embrace passion and tenderness, rebellion and peace-making, sensitivity and strength. Our focus is drawn to the polarities of self/other, home/career, and inner life/outer life. It can feel very exciting with so many aspects of our lives transforming, rebalancing, and moving into greater alignment. Yet it may also feel overwhelming or confusing. Perhaps the best way to move through this kind of initiation is with willingness to let go of what no longer serves us and cultivate awareness of the deep, abiding peace in the center of one’s being.
Sajit Greene, M.A., L.P.C.
Venus in Libra (Aug. 6-Sept. 7) is sweet and genteel. She’ll invite you in to share a cup of tea and pleasant conversation and send you home with a bouquet of flowers. If you’re having troubles with your mate, Venus in Libra will try to help you work it out. She delights us with beauty and soothes us with peace, harmony, and balance. She wants to bring us closer to friends and loved ones and encourages us to communicate with respect and civility.
Mars in Libra (July 29-Sept. 14) is passionate about relationships and can be fierce when things are not fair. He is a warrior for peace and justice. Mars in Libra stands up for what is right. He motivates us to assert our needs and respect the needs of others. He knows that in healthy, stable relationships power and responsibility are shared equally. He calls for a balance between autonomy and togetherness.
relationships, but all kinds of relationships. Saturn asks: Is the relationship harmonious? Is there an equal balance of power? Are both people getting their needs met? Is the communication assertive rather than aggressive? Are both partners cooperating? Does the relationship have a firm foundation? What is the purpose of the relationship? Does the relationship call for more commitment? Do certain areas of the relationship need to be renegotiated? Is it time to complete the relationship?
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