Sunday, May 30, 2010

Cancer planets and the Cardinal T-square

I just received a post containing a couple of questions in response to my recent blogs about the planetary line-ups in June and July. Here is part one of that post:

Thanks for all the insight to this summer's planetary line-up -- in particular, the cardinal T-square. My question is regarding the unaspected point in Cancer. I've read with T-squares we should look to that point but am not sure why. Is it for solutions, how to deal with things, energy that is missing that needs to be brought in, etc.?

Thank you for your question!

To help in the visualizing the answer, we can think of a square table that needs four legs, one in each corner, for best stability. Energetically, because a T-square involves only three points in the zodiac, it provides only three legs for our four-legged table. This means it is inherently unstable, and more likely to tip over when we come in contact with it.

This is why, when we consider how to navigate the influence of a T-square, we often look to the "missing leg" -- the sign (or house, if we're looking at someone's chart) that, if present, would help keep our table upright.

In July's Cardinal T-square, which involves Pluto in early degrees of Capricorn, Uranus/Jupiter in early Aries and Saturn in early Libra, you're right that we're missing the fourth cardinal sign, Cancer. For us to maintain our balance at that time, we need to bring in the most positive qualities of that sign: sensitivity, clear boundaries, emotional maturity, and unselfishness -- and make sure that we rise above the less positive Cancerian traits: possessiveness, defensiveness, over-protection, timidity, a tendency to live in the past, and over-emotionalism.

To be most successful, however, we will also need to bring in the most positive qualities of the other three cardinal signs, all at the same time -- which is why this kind of configuration can be so tricky to navigate.

In truth, although the T-square is growing in effect now and will be with us throughout the next three months, it will actually become a Grand Cross at the time of the Lunar Eclipse on June 26. At that time, the Moon and Pluto will be at 4 degrees Capricorn; Uranus and Jupiter will be at 1 and 2 degrees of Aries, respectively; Saturn will be at 28 degrees of Virgo; and Mercury and the Sun will be at 2 and 5 degrees of Cancer, respectively. This will not be a "pure" Cardinal Grand Cross because Saturn is still in Virgo, a Mutable sign -- but by degree, the oppositions and squares that comprise a grand cross will be quite active.

And, although we can perceive a grand cross as being technically "more stable" than a T-square, it is also more confrontational, since there are at least two oppositions and four squares that need to be managed. But, since more than one planet is involved in three of our four "legs" of the Lunar Eclipse Grand Cross, we will actually have six oppositions and 10 squares to work with.

And here's part two of the post, with a variation on the question:

My Mars in Cancer at 8 degrees is at a wide aspect to the T-square, but I imagine anyone with closer aspects will really feel it -- and also isn't the U.S. chart ruled by Cancer?

I'm pretty sure that anyone with personal planets or points (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars or the Ascendant) in early degrees of cardinal signs (between 0 and 7 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) will be working directly with the energies of the T-square in June and July, and will likely feel the influence of the Lunar Eclipse pretty strongly. The individual effect, of course, will depend on where the configuration falls in their birth charts, and how those natal cardinal planets are aspected.

For most people who fit this description, they've already been working with Pluto's effect since the end of 2009, and so the events of June-July are likely to be mostly a continuation or turning point within existing issues.

For all of us, even those without the cardinal planets as described, we will still find the need to elevate our responses and actions as indicated, since we are all together in this energetic shift.

In regards to the U.S. natal chart (I prefer to use the "Sibley" chart), yes, the country has four planets in Cancer -- the Sun at 13 degrees, Mercury at 24 degrees, Jupiter at 6 degrees and Venus at 3 degrees. Of these, Jupiter and Venus are the most affected by the Lunar Eclipse Grand Cross.

We've already seen the effects of Pluto on the U.S. Venus over the past two years, through the changes in the financial industry, and the downfall of many banks and related institutions that were not aligned with higher integrity. It is entirely possible, given the added pressure of the T-square and Lunar Eclipse Grand Cross this summer, that we will see more truths revealed and transformations facilitated in this area, as well as in other governmental and social structures.

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Conscious Convergence

I recently received a question about the Conscious Convergence (on July 17-18, 2010) and the accompanying Oneness Celebration, scheduled for just a few days from now, on May 27-28.

These dates and events are the inspirations of Carl Johan Calleman, who is an interpreter of the Mayan Calendar, and the generally-accepted expert on the subject.

In brief, Calleman says this about May 27-28, 2010:
"For all those seeking to become part of the new species of human beings endowed with an unlimited consciousness, this is a time to absorb the new energies of universality."
I admit to not being very knowledgeable about the Mayan Calendar, so for those who are interested in more information on that subject and these dates in particular, I will include a few links at the end of this post.

Even according to western astrology, however, May 27-28 are important days. On those dates, we will see the Full Moon, and also experience Uranus' ingress into Aries -- a powerful time to be aligning ourselves with a shift in consciousness. These days will bring the first wave of the potent energies that will be with us through the beginning of August.

On July 17-18, the dates Calleman indicates for the Conscious Convergence, we will just have experienced a Total Solar Eclipse (July 11), and will be working with the intense energies of the T-square between Pluto, Saturn and Uranus/Jupiter. According to my ephemeris, there are no exact major planetary aspects on those two days -- but with the Moon in Libra, it will be an important time for finding balance and harmony in the midst of the changes that will no doubt be occurring.

In reality, with Uranus and Jupiter entering Aries, and with the ongoing T-square energies, it's hard to find any days between late June and early August that are NOT powerful in some way. And, these planetary interactions will definitely be inspiring/pushing us to make a leap in consciousness, and to align more completely with the highest aspects of our beings. (See my post "This summer's planetary alignments," below.)

Here are some links if you'd like to read more about these dates and Calleman's theories:
Blessings,

Pam

Thursday, May 13, 2010

This summer's planetary line-ups

Here's another great question I received this past week:

So much of what you outlined in this new week's post to my inbox (see the NorthPoint Journal for May 3 to 9, 2010) is "happening in front of my eyes"; so, I'd like to ask you: What can we -- all of us -- "hope" to expect come this late Spring and Summer? Many of the "omens" I've read in other astrologers' columns are dire, to say the least, and while I'm not beyond girding my loins, I'd appreciate your perspective of possible outcomes; and, more importantly, as I see it, how we -- all of us -- may most humbly and humanely meet these challenges.

The planetary line-ups this summer are powerful, that is for sure. But as always, I find the greater purpose of astrology not to instill fear -- or, necessarily, to make exact predictions -- but rather, to offer higher perspectives and meanings to our human experience.

Planetary alignments

First, the astrological facts: Uranus will be entering Aries on May 27, Jupiter follows suit on June 5, and then the two planets align on June 8. Energetically, this is the first step toward the "main event" that will occur with the Lunar Eclipse on June 26, when the Moon aligns exactly with Pluto and the Sun and Mercury are placed in the fourth corner of a Grand Cross involving Pluto/Moon in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries, and Saturn in the last degree of Virgo (to be entering Libra on July 21).

The energy that is set up with this Lunar Eclipse will be in effect for several weeks, most likely finding another outlet of manifestation at the end of July and beginning of August. This is when:
  • Uranus and Saturn have their fifth and last opposition, but the first in Aries/Libra (July 26)
  • Mars opposes Uranus (July 30), conjoins Saturn (July 31), squares Pluto and opposes Jupiter (August 3)
  • Jupiter squares Pluto (August 3)

If that sounds a bit overwhelming to you, you're not alone! And there are lots of predictions out there as to how this will manifest, some of them "dire," as the questioner described.

The pieces of the puzzle

It is helpful, when observing incoming astrological energies such as these, to take apart the individual pieces of the puzzle so as not to be overwhelmed -- in other words, to look at the separate intentions of each planet and sign that is involved, then to put them together to get the larger picture. We can also look back at other stages in the cycle that is being represented -- in this case, the dynamic cycle involving Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. In the question of what to expect this summer, we can review the mid-1960s, when Uranus was conjunct Pluto in Virgo, and both were opposing Saturn in Pisces.

By all accounts, the mid-'60s were tumultuous -- the United States was embroiled in the Vietnam war and there was great social unrest as record numbers protested that involvement. At the same time, the civil rights movement was fully engaged, issues such as abortion and personal freedoms were headlines, and "The Establishment" was a four-letter word. The Cold War was in full swing, and people were building bomb shelters in their back yards. The innocence of the 1950s' "Leave It to Beaver" days seemed in the distant past.

Of the three planets involved then and now, Saturn usually acts as the manifester in such planetary confrontations, while Pluto breaks down the old and Uranus brings about rebellion and independent thinking. With Saturn in Pisces in the mid-'60s, new ideals were trying to manifest -- but in order to get there, old methods had to be torn down and people had to rebel against the existing restrictions and controls (Pluto and Uranus in Virgo).

Where we are today

In our current situation, with Pluto in Capricorn, we are seeing the dismantling of existing social structures and goals that are not in alignment with humanity's highest integrity. Financial and religious institutions, other businesses, and many governmental systems have already fallen or or failing, ultimately to make way for a rebuilding.

At the same time, Uranus in Pisces has been refining our consciousness, bringing about rebellion motivated by compassion and higher (spiritual) concepts. The green movement, the efforts to support peoples and locations devastated by earthquakes, and other similar causes have come about as reactions to existing apathy or inertia. And, with Saturn in Virgo for the past two years, we've been working to manifest new organizations and new techniques to deal with issues such as health care and employment.

A turning point

Pluto will continue his journey through Capricorn until 2023, and throughout that time will keep tearing down structures that are without integrity and must be rebuilt. The focus on summer 2010 as a turning point in this process is because Uranus moves into Aries and Saturn enters Libra, changing their roles a bit and setting up a cardinal T-square with Pluto.

Beginning this summer and for the next two years, Saturn will be working more intentionally with the Libran issues of equal rights, partnerships and commitment, the law and laws, and finding harmony in spite of differences. Through Saturn, we will be trying to manifest new definitions of fairness, as well as a new balance interpersonally and also between nations.

Uranus, as usual, ends up playing the wild card in our planetary game. As Uranus leaves sympathetic Pisces and enters assertive Aries, the motivation behind our rebellion and the way it looks outwardly changes considerably. This is amplified by Jupiter also entering Aries, and joining forces with Uranus.

Under this influence, we may more forcefully claim our individuality, our desires, and our rights of autonomy. Uranus in Aries opposing Saturn in Libra will make sure we break free from codependencies, and Uranus squaring Pluto in Capricorn will bring out rebellions against structures and governments that interfere with individual freedoms.

It's not hard to extrapolate those generalities to specific situations, and since we are already dealing with the energies of these planetary alignments, all we need do is look around us for examples of how things are manifesting: the oil spill in the Gulf, the increase in higher-magnitude earthquakes, the financial problems around the world, the floods and volcanos and other extreme acts of nature -- these are all ways of bringing about the shifts that need to occur, just as the social turmoil in the 1960s ultimately brought about necessary changes.

Our individual experience

How this summer's planetary energies manifest in "real-world" terms will, of course, vary from person to person. Even though we are all in this together, we each still have our own journey to take and lessons to learn. In times of financial downturn, there are always those who thrive, and acts of nature usually affect a relatively small portion of the global population on physical levels, even if many more are affected through observing the events and helping deal with the aftermath.

Perhaps it will help to keep in mind that while Uranus can bring about breakthroughs, sometimes we must first go through breakdowns. Pluto brings about a rebirth, but often requires a purging and the death of the old to allow the space for the new to be born. Saturn ultimately helps create new structures, but first clearly shows us what is and isn't working, which may not be comfortable to see.

In answer to the question, "How may we most humbly and humanely meet these challenges?" -- my best reply is to work consciously with these energies of change, and to address any challenges internally, at their source, as well as externally. Listen carefully to Pluto-in-Capricorn's imperative to walk in integrity with your highest values, and be willing to transform areas of your life where that criteria is not being met. Observe what happens in relationships and to your understanding of fair play under Saturn-in-Libra's influence, and apply self-discipline as needed either to work harder at strengthening these structures or to discard them as no longer viable. And notice where you are feeling especially restless, resistant, and unable to follow the rules -- this is Uranus-in-Aries' way of telling you that you need greater authenticity and autonomy in this area of your life.

And then, when the unexpected occurs -- which it certainly will with Uranus involved -- use the techniques of the successful kayaker: trust and work with rather than against the flow of the river, and adjust your weight as needed to stay in balance.

Those are my first thoughts. More to come over the weeks ahead.

Blessings,

Pam

Friday, May 7, 2010

Chiron Return

I've received a couple of great questions through responses to my "Quite a week" posting, and so will answer in new posts. I'm starting with the second one first, since it's a bit easier to answer:

Chiron, the wounded healer, has just returned to Pisces. What does it mean to have a Chiron return? (Or am I phrasing that right? My Chiron is in Pisces.)

The Chiron Return (and yes, your term is correct!) occurs for everyone sometime between their 49th and 51st birthdays. It is the culmination of a journey through the core wound of their lifetime, since by that time, Chiron, the Wounded Healer, has transited their entire chart and come into contact with every aspect of their being.

The effect of the Chiron Return is a wrapping up of many of those issues that relate to the core wound. It affects different people in different ways, of course. I've seen many seem to sail through the time without notice, while others (including myself) found that core wound exposed once more, for final healing. The key difference may be whether or not natal Chiron interacts strongly with the personal planets in the individual's birth chart. (In my birth chart, for instance, Chiron is conjunct my Mars, square my Mercury, trine my Venus and quincunx my Moon, so packs a whallop!)

In particular for those with Chiron in Pisces, your Chiron Return will be dealing with the core issues of faith or trust in the universe, resistance to being vulnerable or allowing sensitivity to show, needing to rescue others (self-martyrdom), and any remaining beliefs in cosmic injustice, victimization or betrayal.

We are all dealing with these basic issues as Chiron transits through Pisces, from now through early 2018. Those with natal Chiron in Pisces will have their opportunity during this time to observe how they have dealt with these core themes to this point in their lives, and to take major steps in their personal healing journey.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Quite a week

This past week's one-two punch of the Saturn-Uranus opposition on Monday and the Scorpio Full Moon on Wednesday really packed a wallop. Through this combination of energies, we have been compelled to change our old methods of handling some core issues that have been on our minds and in front of our eyes for many months.

The route to change has not been pleasant for many, but effective nonetheless. Sometimes it takes a shock to the system to get us to shift our perspective.

My heart support goes out to all who are dealing with a life crisis at this time. The good news is that we are nearing the end of the Saturn-Uranus opposition cycle (exact for the fifth and last time on July 26), which means we are well on our way to giving up the resistance to change that has been the true cause of our discomfort.

Blessings,

Pam