Cardinal Grand Cross of March 2017:
The Crossroads of Identity
The Caterpillar’s question last weekend (before we entered,
with Venus, into the chrysalis of metamorphosis) may have raised within us more
questions than answers. Perhaps we were
looking for one pin-point to our identity…but just as we as a human race are
comprised of multiple facets of identity, the same is true for each individual.
And so enters the Cardinal Grand Cross…to lay it all out for
us to consider. This astrological aspect
configuration aligns four or more celestial bodies in 90 degree aspects to each
other in each Cardinal sign and element (Aries/Fire, Cancer/Water, Libra/Air,
and Capricorn/Earth). The Grand Cross is
a 4th Harmonic aspect pattern.
This Harmonic relates to the cross of matter. Four is the number of form, structure,
consolidation, and the physical realm.
Because the Grand Cross is composed of four squares (90 degree aspects)
and two oppositions (180 degree aspects), the energy moves us toward both
action (squares) and perspective/balance (oppositions). The squares generate action by giving off a
stressful, uncomfortable energy. The
energy is difficult to ignore and builds in tension until we reach a point
where something has to be done to address the situation and release the
pressure. Depending on the frequency of the individual, the action can be
either constructive or destructive.
Because squares are a 4th Harmonic aspect, the energy usually
requires some sort of physical, external act of expression.
However, the Grand Cross offers a core structure that can be
a great blessing toward inspired action.
They key challenge to the best use of this energy is finding the point
of integration and balance by working with the two oppositions. When the opposing energies are balanced, they
exert the same amount of pressure in all four directions, creating a solid
foundation. When they are out of
balance, the structure cannot hold, and it may feel like you are constantly
losing your footing and being pulled back and forth in multiple directions.
The Cardinal signs are about the expression of
identity. Aries focuses on
self-identity, Cancer focuses on our emotional and familial identity, Libra
focuses on our social and intellectual identity, and Capricorn focuses on the tangible
manifestation of our identity (either our role within the greater tribe or our
career identity). Essentially, the
Cardinal Grand Cross is much like an identity crisis. The energies involved are each trying to
define and express a facet of who we are, but each is operating on a different
level and from a different perspective. Cardinal energy is activating and
initiatory. When taking action
simultaneously, as it happens with this configuration, we can feel pulled apart
or overextended…or we might feel a building sense of frustration because of an
overwhelming need to take action and no clear direction or understanding of
what type of action to take.
But it always comes back to the question of identity. To find where to channel this energy, focus
on who you are and take action on further defining, expressing, and
experiencing your sense of individuality and identity.
The Dynamics in Play
Mercury and Uranus in Aries:
Our Unique Self-Expression
Mercury and its higher octave, Uranus, both carry the energy
of the mental plane. Mercury is the
personal (inner) planet of communication and Uranus is the transpersonal
(outer) planet known as the Great Awakener.
Together, they generate inspired action toward our unique expression of
the Self. In Aries, this can be
pioneering and rebellious energy…quick flashes of insight and a surprising
efficiency of the mind to both create and articulate. They ask us to consider, what most clearly
expresses our authentic self?
Vesta in Cancer: Our
Emotional Dedication to Loved Ones
Vesta is the asteroid of the dedicated priestess. In Cancer, she is the emotional caretaker of
the home and family. Focused on the
emotional well-being of loved ones and making sure everyone is provided for and
has a healthy environment, she knows that outward expression of care must be
tended within as well. She asks us to
consider, what is priority for our emotional well-being?
Jupiter Retrograde in Libra:
Our Expansive Social Awareness
Jupiter is focused on expansive societal education. He teaches the subjects of the higher mind
and generously gives in order to help us grow and branch out. His energy is gregarious and optimistic, like
the professor you might also see at a party in his down-time…possibly
over-indulging but keeping the social interactions lively, upbeat, and
interesting. In Libra, Jupiter is
constantly making connections with others.
Each new relationship brings a fresh perspective and engaging
conversation. We become more aware of
the world around us in interacting with others.
In retrograde, though, this energy takes on a feeling of revision
within. Retrograde Jupiter asks us to
consider, in what way do our social circles define our identity within the
community?
Pluto in Capricorn:
Our Transformative Role on Earth
Pluto is the transpersonal planet of metamorphosis and
renewal. Known as the Great Transformer,
he tears down outdated structures that no longer serve a necessary purpose and
rebuilds them for our next generations.
In Capricorn, the transformation is happening on the physical
plane. In the bigger picture of things,
what has dominated the world in the past is being increasingly outgrown by the
future stewards of our earth. Old power
structures are falling apart to give way to new growth on more sturdy
foundations. Everyone seems to be
shaking things up and breaking them down so we can see them for what they
really are. Governments and Corporations
are running amok as if in a last stitch effort to cling to what is falling away
into uselessness. Individually, the
structures we’ve built for our life in the past may also be falling apart. What we thought was solid and dependable may
actually be collapsing or hindering us from our own growth processes. It’s time to break it down and rebuild so
that we can have a sense of security and solidity in our lives. Pluto asks us to consider, what are we doing in
this transition to secure a solid future for the future generations who depend
on us to lead the way?
Altogether, these energies ask us: "What can we do to make these facets of our identity work together?"
Love and Gratitude,
Felina Lune Kavi
No comments:
Post a Comment