These are the best and worst of times ~ April 2014 Cardinal Grand Cross


It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way…

The above quote from A Tale of Two Cities very aptly describes the current astrological weather.

As someone who has witnessed a quantum increase in my psychic abilities recently, I wonder more and more about forecasts and predictions. Are they really useful or do they lead to people manifesting their own brand of self- fulfilling prophecies? The associations many people have with the fairly routine Mercury Retrograde cycles come to mind here. So much of one’s experience can be attributed to expectations and intention.  So from that head-space I ask, ” Would I be better off knowing about some tragic events that occurred in my life ahead of time?” or ” How can one truly describe the emotional landscape in reference to something that has yet to fully reveal itself?” My best understanding of astrology typically originates after fully living a transit. Period. It is through direct experience that I grow. Then the knowledge is truly accessible and  teeming with vitality.

Disclaimer of sorts

So now that I am immersed in the thick of April 2014, I am ready to share some possibilities with you. These are possibilities, not absolutes. There will be much more to share after the party is over and we are throwing out the trash and putting away our party clothes.  I know it may seem paradoxical that an intuitive person would be hesitant to prognosticate, but I never said this was simple!

By Syed Atif Nazir [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Introducing the power players

I can certainly declare that the energies are here. I already blogged about my wild Wednesday here: musings-tornado. Last night was equally surreal as I drive home from my mother’s 80th birthday party. As I am about to merge onto a major artery, I see that traffic is not moving at all. I consider taking another route and quickly ignore that impulse. There was a major accident and I spent over an hour crossing a 3 mile stretch of highway. I sensed all four players on this ride – Uranus ( accident) Mars retrograde ( passive hostility among neighboring vehicles) Pluto ( loss of control of my mobility as I sit exhausted late at night surrounded by water on a crippled interstate thoroughfare) and Jupiter ( grace in this  odd feeling of calm and peace that engulfed me in the thick of the event). I remembered how I felt when I learned of calamities that happened to other people and now this one is happening to me! I considered how people found themselves stranded during Katrina and how lucky I was to just be sitting in traffic. I realized that I could make myself be ok with my reality by simply accepting it. I did my best to hold onto that grace and to acknowledge that my Mars and Saturn are being activated big time. So exercising patience leads to my salvation.

Many have already begun to notice that life is exciting, captivating, miraculous, and combustible. These keywords are helpful clues as you begin to live with the energies of Uranus in Aries ( exciting), Pluto retrograde in Capricorn ( captivating) Jupiter  in Cancer ( miraculous) and Mars retrograde in Libra ( combustible). What do you see with your inner eye when you recite those words to yourself?

Eclipses are often experienced a full month ahead of time and this Lunar Eclipse on April 15, 2014 at 25 degrees Libra ( also tax day and my mom’s 80th birthday) has already started alerting the masses to seriously examine how they relate intra-personally, interpersonally, and collectively. Behind the scenes, Pluto has been covertly plotting its reversal and will go retrograde on April 14, 2014, exerting an extra heavy emotional burden on the already overloaded cosmic circuitry. Then two weeks later we have the Solar Eclipse on April 22, 2014 at 9 degrees Taurus. But because of the cardinal cross action, the lunar one is the biggie to watch.  Aries and Libra are about I and thou, yin and yang, male and female, diplomacy and aggression, war and peace. This event is a pre-cursor to the Grand Cross of Cardinal ( initiating) energies: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Wherever you have mid degree Aries, Cancer, Libra and/ or Capricorn is where your life will be dramatically energized, exaggerated, activated, and rebooted. The specific areas of life are dictated by which houses are ruled by or occupied by Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. If you do not have a chart, gather your time and place of birth and go to astro.com to get a copy.    A Grand Cross is a special astrological configuration that is created by 2 oppositions and 4 squares. Squares are usually quite dynamic and game changers and in Cardinal Signs they are even more powerful. Oppositions and Squares together will create tremendous tension that needs to be expressed. The actual alignments begin on Easter Sunday April 20, 2014 with the Jupiter Pluto opposition and increased momentum builds through April 23, 2014 as the rest of the contacts move into place. Then later next month on May 19, 2014,  Mars turns direct. Be prepared for more excitement then as we ride the second wave. Any blocked or repressed actions will surface big time once Mars is back on track.

History repeats itself?

The stage was being set in 2008 when Pluto entered Capricorn. Global economics were being decimated and huge institutions such as financial systems, corporate entities and international governments were being shaken to the core, forced to deal with catastrophic loss caused by greed, waste, indifference, and secrecy. With Pluto what appears sudden is really not so. The damage happens slowly and deliberately and just builds over time.

Uranus entered Aries in 2011 and this occasion was so quickly commemorated by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. With Uranus in super fast Arles, there is no warning and all bets are off. The sad fact is that we are still reeling from the toxic atmospheric consequences of this event and this harsh reality may linger for more years to come.

So we are looking at the clash of two Titans, extremely stubborn and uncompromising Uranus and Pluto. These two have teamed up before, most recently with their conjunction on the 1960s ~ “So you say you want a revolution?”, Pluto asked Uranus. ” Be careful what you wish for because you might get it!”

Mr. Happy

This is a different time however, and while there are echoes of that transit now, it is with a new tune. Speaking of tunes, I always find astrological insights are incredibly abundant  in popular culture. I suggest reading the headlines, watching tabloid TV, checking out the latest blockbuster film, or listening to the songs that have exploded. So let’s take a look at Mr, Happy, the enigmatic Pharrell Williams:

 Check out a clip from today’s interview on CBS This Morning : Pharrell interview clip

Very fortuitous indeed that he mentions stars aligning. Do you think he knew I was going to feature him today in my post?

astro_2atw_01_pharrell_williams.77342.3382

I am using this particular rectification chart because it places Neptune in the 12th house, Pluto near the MH, and Uranus in the 10th. Pharrell and his partner call themselves the Neptunes. This partnership  has been the providing the masses with incredible music , mostly from behind the scenes. But with Pluto sextile Jupiter/ Mars in the second house and Sun/Venus opposing Uranus  squaring the nodes, it was just a matter of time before Pharrell’s radical brand of genius would be center stage. His chart shows why it this year has been called the year of Pharrell; the celestial placements embody the heart of the Grand Cross. He has Sun, Venus, Chiron in mid degree Aries, Uranus still in orb of the action at 21 Libra, and North Node 12 Cap, South Node, 12 Cancer. This force of nature is living these transits to his natal chart and his infectious masterpiece Happy is exploding now. Why do you think this is the case? His song Happy gives us a clue on how to cope with this planetary stew. The message is that happiness is unlimited  truth and is not contingent on forces outside of you.

How to rock this transit

Jupiter is exalted in Cancer so Jupiter is the way to go. Exaltation is a fancy way to say that Jupiter is very cozy in the sign of Cancer. Jupiter in Cancer can take many forms: some manifestations include  faith in one’s family, fortune through care taking, expansion via one’s dreams, or exploration of one’s roots. Where is your Jupiter located? Which house(s) contain the middle degrees of Cancer?  How about your moon? My Jupiter is in the 11th house so my friends and groups bring me support and provide me with spiritual fuel. My 5th and 6th houses are Cancer’s domains so dedicating myself to creative projects, ( blogging), recreation,and healthy daily routines ( sufficient exercise, sleep, nutrition) are especially important at this time. My spiritual foundation ( Jupiter) was my anchor as I sat alone on a dark crowded highway last night. I did not know how long I would remain there and realized that the only way out was through. My moon is in Gemini in the 4th house so you know I am going to communicate about my feelings until the cows come home. Hopefully I have done that here with humor ( Gemini) and sensitivity ( 4th house).

Parting words

I cannot predict your personal outcomes for you.  I would suggest you keep an open mind and an open heart and put aside any expectations and fears.  Pay attention to the significant imagery inherent in the keywords for Uranus in Aries ( exciting), Pluto retrograde in Capricorn ( captivating) Jupiter  In Cancer ( miraculous) and Mars retrograde in Libra ( combustible). Look for your Jupiter and draw strength from your primal sanctuary ( Cancer and the moon) and practice happiness simply because you can! This season is both the best of times and the worst of times. But the funny thing is,  can’t that be said about any moment in time? If you really think about it, we always bring ourselves to the table and the condition of our inner life determines our experience outside of ourselves….

image by Syed Atif Nazir [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) ], viaWikimedia Commons

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46 Comments

  1. “I did not know how long I would remain there and realized that the only way out was through.” Linda, 8’m having a heck of a time with Uranus Square Pluto, and this cardinal cross on my natally challenged planets! This statement you wrote is so true blue. I’ve been trying to write about it all, but it’s physically challenging to type right now. It’s been a huge challenge, and if I can only get through this pain. (intervertebral disc rupture related to Uranus square Pluto, re-herniated…been going through this since 2012.) thanks for being an Aquarius buddy! Xo, Ka

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    1. Dear Ka,
      So sorry you are in so much pain. Sending you more healing light. Sometimes I can do a better job writing about an experience after some time has passed. Depends on the intensity level and my ability to focus. These are bizarro times, kinda reminiscent of Saturn Opposing Uranus back around 9 years ago, where we vacillated between breakthroughs and burdens.

      love and light is on its way,
      Linda

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  2. Both March and April have been full of surprises…not all pleasant ones…it’s been a rocky time emotionally. (I am Sagittarius with Gemini rising). I sold my home and moved into an apartment in another city…I was beginning to wonder whether I had make the wrong choice, but will hang in there and hope that the dark clouds soon lift.

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    1. thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
      perhaps Neptune and Chiron in Pisces have been causing some turbulence. Hang in there!

      BTW, just started following you. Your topics are so fascinating. Will start digging in soon 🙂

      in light,
      Linda

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      1. Thanks for the follow Linda and the positive feedback. I really find your blog very informative, although most of it is above my limited knowledge of astrology. Om shanti

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  3. Linda, I really enjoyed reading this! I’ve never heard anyone explain it quite so eloquently as you do. I can only say from my personal experience recently that there have been many “deaths” in my life both literal and figuritive, endings, and new beginnings.

    The energies have been cleaning house, so to speak. The funny thing is, something usually starts to happen before I even read an astrological post of any sort. So, in my case, I believe the planets do impact us but as humans, we can certainly exasperate an experience, can’t we?

    Love and Luck,

    Laurali Star

    http://www.thesecretsurprisinista.com

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    1. Hi Laurali,
      Wonderful to hear from you and thank you for the kind words. We all perceive and integrate the energies differently, just as we do with everything in the physical plane. I do agree with you that we bring so much of our limitations, expectations, and possibilities to all aspects of living. Free will dancing with fate in a chicken or egg type scenario.

      Blessings to you,
      Linda

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  4. Cool post Linda! How do you feel about Mars being in detriment in Libra affecting the Grand Cross? A lot of other WP astrologers have brought this up, but energetically I’m not feeling it bring in any negative influence. I tend to only be concerned about exaltations and debilitations.

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    1. Hi Julie,
      Thanks for weighing in! I am not a fan of how sometimes Mars in Libra operates in a natal chart ( I know a few folks with this placement) but am not overly concerned in terms of the cross. Mars retro can be difficult, remember in the late 90s with the Clinton Lewisnky scandal? Still having said that, it will be direct soon and can act on ideas of peace and justice. We shall see how this plays out on the world stage.

      I jsut read a new post today that I liked :http://virgomagic.com/2014/04/21/cardinal-cross-2014/

      Emily writes for TMA and we know some of the same people in ” real time” which is cool. I am definitely feeling intense energy and broke something in the kitchen (it unleashed some stuff that needed to move on.)

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      1. I did not break it ” on purpose” I was watching Oprah and Eckhart Tolle discussing death and I was in the kitchen and dropped something that broke into many pieces! It echoed my fears about death and really got my attention!

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      2. Oh, Haha, I didn’t think it was on purpose by you, but by the Universe. 😉 But, awesome moment for getting your attention! Maybe it’s like a celebratory dish breaking for a new beginning for you. 🙂

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  5. Wonderful Post Linda…I shall be ” Practising Happiness” too because I can.. and oh if only we could all of us share our HAPPY thoughts… what a difference we could make.. 🙂
    Love to you Linda..
    Sue xox

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    1. If you look at the Happy 24 hour video, that is exactly what is happening. I really enjoy how these projects simply emerge and take on a life of their own. Music often lifts my mood and Pharrell really gets me moving! 😉

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  6. Hi Linda,

    “” Would I be better off knowing about some tragic events that occurred in my life ahead of time?” or ” How can one truly describe the emotional landscape in reference to something that has yet to fully reveal itself?””

    These are great questions! WIth or without astrology, I think we prognosticate, especially us intuitive types. My sister, a double scorpio, often jokes with me about worse-case scenarios as we’re both very good at imagining things and at some point in our lives agreed to use this energy to lighten up our darker plutonian nature (not that we ever called it that but…).

    WIthout having a good enough grasp on my own astrological bearings (learning a bit more all the time) to be specific as to what the current “weather” means for me, I still spend a lot of time collecting patterns, like a lot of humans do. This time of year has historically witnessed many awful events, especially right around April 21-23. So, I can’t help but to feel a little bit fearful, even knowing that life is always lived best when we can live lovingly and peacefully, no matter what comes.

    Knowing that they’re coming or not, tragedy does strike, but so do miracles and ecstasy! As I get older, my view has expanded at least enough to recognize that in those moments when I’m sitting in traffic that’s not moving, it just may be that I am right where I need to be. I could never have thought that way 20 years ago, but it could be true and most likely is. So, you’re right about inviting old Jove along for the ride.

    I hope you continue to write more about the astrological climate we’re passing through. Every time I read your posts on astrology, I do learn a little more.

    And for now, as you say, “let’s hold on to grace.”
    xxx
    Debra

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    1. What I am still working on is understanding if I am always where I am supposed to be, even if an erroneous choice ( better adjective than poor) led me there. In other words, am I using rationalization to excuse a predicament I find myself in that could have been avoided?

      You could say that is a therapist type question, but it is still valid. I guess one way to answer that is to say that perhaps any choice we make can lead us to growth and awakening so it is all about the reaction, not the situation. On that highway I did not like feeling powerless so I created more mindfulness.

      Mindfulness is never a bad idea 🙂

      nor is grace !

      xx Linda

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      1. “any choice we make can lead us to growth and awakening so it is all about the reaction, not the situation.”

        I do think there is something to be said for this perspective.

        I have had occasions where a delay actually kept me from either being in an accident, or missing out on some unforeseen meeting up with someone which was quite welcomed. Does that make any sense?

        But, yes, the burden of being sentient is to be able to some degree make choices that we can not always anticipate the consequences of. I can overthink anything 🙂
        xxD

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      2. I can also overthink anything, maybe to compensate for past mishaps, but really its more of an old habit. I continue to practice mindfulness to establish more peace in any given moment.

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      3. Maybe it’s an INTJ thing, or maybe it’s a family curse :), but I do love thinking. In recent years I do try not take all thoughts too seriously, or to even think I own them, but see them as visitors to the Pscyhe.

        This morning driving in to work, I had a brief but intense moment of feeling wide open to some big All. It only lasted a second, maybe because it’s too scary to feel that so much thought energy is capable of reaching us.

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  7. Every time I read something that you write I am reminded about what a wonderful writer that you are. I am not sure about how other astrologers write, but I know I LOVE how you write. I miss your words, my friend, and I am inspired to start making this my #1. I should have done this a long time ago. One doesn’t need to be psychic to know that changes are ahead. I feel it with every bone in my body and every fiber of my non-physical self, if non-physical selves have fibers. I suppose they do. Focus, Shelley/Roxie! I am ITCHING to get out there and photograph the blood moon and I can barely stand it. My tripod is set up in the dining room and I am contemplating which sweater will be best in this cool weather, as I think I will stay out there as long as my insomnia will allow!

    I love Pharrell, btw, and have for quite some time. When that song comes on the radio, I just want to dance. I imagine myself in some sort of line dance in a club, in an organized “Happy” dance. I am sure there is already such a thing, but if not, the line dancers need to get on it!

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    1. wow wow wow, thank you! It makes me so happy when people benefit in some way from my writing! I always enjoy your presence here on my site Shelley. Changes are imminent and we do have the ability to shape our dreams into being. I had a lucid dream last night which reminded me of how it works 😉

      I love Pharell so much , he seems so laid back and he is so talented! That song happy lifts my spirits too 😉

      cannot wait to see your pictures..

      xx Linda

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      1. You should feel really good about it Linda. Some really established astrologers do not write with the reading ease you do, so for me it was very comprehensive and understandable with fun added in. 😀

        I am proud of you.

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      2. wow thanks Sindy!
        It is really daunting to put this type of article out there with so many old-timers already in the mix.
        your feedback really matters!

        Honestly, your consistent encouragement has made a difference in what type of projects I take on.

        THANKS
        ❤ Linda

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  8. Away she goes… Linda is going for it all… IAM so thrilled to be your divine sister… we are heading into a big adventure starting now and IAM so exited… Thankyou for being here and speaking your magnificent voice… Barbara x

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    1. thanks you Monika! The quote just popped into my head a few hours before I finished the piece.

      I will send out positive energy for a rewarding Uranus Mars for you. My Saturn Mars is getting hit from all the players. Fortunately Jupiter is in good position for me near my Mars 🙂

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  9. “… I wonder more and more about forecasts and predictions. Are they really useful or do they lead to people manifesting their own brand of self- fulfilling prophecies?”

    Ooh, sister, I love this line. I tend to see them as going hand-in-hand, with everything being cyclical and self-evident; revealing the truth within whether we acknowledge it or not, whether the prophecy was accurate or not. Does not the pebble make a ripple in the pond? Everything does not need to be “good” and “right” to have an overall positive effect.

    So speak, sister. Speak the words that you’re lead to say and I will rejoice in your determination and vitality whether I agree with it or not. Critics be damned. 😉

    Love you!

    Like

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