IT’S ALL HAPPENING. Today, April 23rd, we entered one of the most powerful astrological aspects in years. Mars has moved into perfect 90 degree planetary alignment with Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter (formally the ‘Grand Trine’) forming a cross shape. These planets are sitting in the important Cardinal houses of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, which touch all major aspects of our life. Hence: ‘The Grand Cardinal Cross’. This Cross formation is also coupled with the fact that the timing is right between a lunar (the ‘blood moon’ of 10 days ago) and solar eclipse (April 28^th)- all in all a very rare and powerful time. It’s pretty amazing and fascinating and can mean big things, both positive and challenging, for us all. A breakdown below:

The Cross:  Mars vs. Uranus & Pluto vs. Jupiter

Mars which channels warrior energy of aggression and drive is directly opposite Uranus of upheaval and change, both positive and negative. Pluto, of power and control, bringing both destruction and transformation is opposite Jupiter of abundance and optimism.

The Cardinal Signs:  leadership and identity-driven

Aries (Cardinal Fire): The self, the ego, individual concerns

Cancer (Cardinal Water): Home, family, roots, security, the emotional foundation

Libra (Cardinal Air): Relationships, interpersonal matter, mutuality, compromise

Capricorn (Cardinal Earth): Work, career, public life & image

So what does this all mean? It’s all pretty intricate and complicated but in general what it means is that there is a lot of internal push and external pull working on us all at once. These are very dynamic forces pulling us all in opposing directions, stretching us between many important situations. It can feel like a very frustrating and challenging time… but the thing about this aspect is that if you are able to work through it and keep an eye on your intentions and goals, you can actually create strong positive momentum for yourself and come through the other side with positive growth and rebirth. This is actually what I love about this cosmic time – and why I think it is important to know about, understand and be conscious of it all. There is a tremendous opportunity for us to really harness these forceful energies to bring on personal growth and push ourselves forward. Quoting here the Cosmic Queen (who runs a pretty awesome astrology blog) –

“It can feel like you are in a tug of war, torn between different versions of who you are, how you want to live your life, yet trying to deal with the curve balls life is throwing at you. These curve balls challenge your beliefs and desires as you may feel you have limited options. However the magic here is in realizing the opportunity to integrate the energy of both polarities. This is mega powerful energy that you can draw upon to completely change your life….This dynamic and urgent energy brings opportunities for profound growth…this is an exciting time to reinvent ourselves, and see exactly what we’re capable of.”

From AstroStyle:  “The rising energy will be impossible to ignore, and it can force us into action, ready or not. But breaking points are also turning points, and this is the hidden gift of a Grand Cross.”

There is a good technical (ie: serious diagram) explanation by astrologer Donna Page here –it is worth a view. While a lot of people describe these energies as “difficult” to manage through, she also stresses the importance this being an opportunity for transformation through purging of emotional baggage – that we need to honor all of these elements that appear to be at conflicting crossroads with each other, and find balance, peace and harmony within ourselves during this time.

I also love Donna’s comment about the point of astrology in general – that it is about connecting to what is going on and having a consciousness and awareness around using these energies to evolve and create the life we want for ourselves.

I am both interested and excited to see what the next 4 or 5 days (until the solar eclipse) bring for me, as I’ve already started to feel the effects. I’m keeping in a positive head space and looking for the opportunities for myself. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going…

Reading I recommend for digging in deeper and learning more about what this time means specifically for you (considering your astrological and rising signs)  here, here and here (these are also my favorite resources for daily astrology updates)

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“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.“
Thomas Merton

*diagram by me (left) and Cinzia Meneghello (right) via astrostyle.com