By Margaret Gray MSW D. Psych. Astrology

Act 5 – April 2014

Prometheus and Hades are joined on the heavenly

stage by Zeus and Ares, thereby transforming the 5th

Exact Uranus/Pluto Square into a Cardinal Grand Cross

This takes place between two Eclipses

A Time for Action and Accelerated Growth

(The arrows are pointing to Jupiter and Mars who have joined the

ongoing Uranus/Pluto square in the sky. Below is the chart of the 5th

exact square between Uranus and Pluto)

As with all stories and plays, it is always helpful to start at

the beginning.

Introducing the ongoing two main protagonists of the Uranus/Pluto Square which we have been experiencing since June 2012:

The planet Uranus Main Goal: Enlightenment In Aries: Immediate, Courageous and Innovative

(His discovery coincided with three major revolutions, American, French and Industrial)

Mythology

One of the archetypal representations by Ouranos, the founding father of

the Olympian gods, is of the destructive father who rejected the

imperfections of his offspring, imprisoning them deep within the depths of

the earth in Tartarus. Appalled by his lack of respect for his offspring and

for earth itself, Ouranos’ consort cum mother Gaia, gave her youngest son

Cronus/Saturn a sickle to castrate his father, thus reminding us of the

importance of integrating rather than rejecting our humanity in favour of the

Uranian realms.

My tendency however, is to associate the Promethean mythology with

Uranus as it resonates so strongly with the powerful rapid insights and

flashes of inspiration which often accompany Uranian transits. Chiron’s

compassion in saving Prometheus, through swapping places with him and

thereby releasing him of his nightly torture, reminds us of the power of

compassion in healing the disparity between our divine and human self.

To suffer woes which Hope thinks infinite; [4.570]

To forgive wrongs darker than death or night;

To defy Power, which seems omnipotent;

To love, and bear; to hope till Hope creates

From its own wreck the thing it contemplates;

Neither to change, nor falter, nor repent; [4.575]

This, like thy glory, Titan, is to be

Good, great and joyous, beautiful and free;

This is alone Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory.

Lord Byron

Representing the part of us that is urged forward by the progressive

idealistic pull to evolve beyond our Saturnian mortal limitations, including

the regressive pull of the familiar and often largely unconscious lunar

realm, Prometheus invites us on the journey of conscious individuation. All

the while he also reminds us of the greater patterns and

interconnectedness of all that is seen and unseen. As a generational

planet, Uranus connects us most deeply to the ideals of our generation

generating a powerful awakening when it opposes itself during our midlife

transits in our early 40’s.

So - what does this Promethean deity invite us to do as it

moves through the sky in the fiery sign of Aries?

Rapidly Awaken, Ignite and Enlighten ourselves and

others

Free ourselves of

Constrictions

Listen to our Intuition and envisage the

future

Detach and Observe

Make Innovative

Courageous Progressive

Changes

Meeting the Second Main Protagonist: The Planet Pluto Main Goal: Transformation and Transmutation In Capricorn: Tenaciously determined

(Discovery coincided with the splitting of the Atom)

Mythology:

Plutonian mythologies worldwide remind us of the existence of aspects of

our being that are largely unfathomable. In human terms this has usually

been equated with something to be feared rather than embraced, as it

appeared to threaten our human existence. In collectively awakening to a

greater evolutionary process and increasingly remembering the purpose of

our soul journey, the associations we have attributed to the ‘underworld’

are likely to change. Pluto’s demotion as a planet could be interpreted as a

symbolic invitation to do so. In substituting power ‘within’ rather than power

‘over’, we can voluntarily enter Hades realm as in the Sumerian myth of

Inanna, rather than feeling we are pulled into it, as in the abduction of

Persephone. In so doing we can choose to release personal, family and

past life complexes that appear to hinder us and re-connect with our

authentic power within. This joins us to the Venusian principle of self-value

and unconditional love, reminding us to place our heart at the forefront.

In its role as a generational planet, Plutonian energies become easier to

work with in a conscious manner after Pluto squares itself as part of our

midlife transits in our late 30’s/early 40’s.

What does this Plutonian deity invite us to do as it moves

through the sky in the earthy sign of Capricorn?

Access and stand in our

Autentic Power

Transmute, Tranform and

Release Personal and Family Ancestral

Complexes

Release our Naivity

Engage with our Passion

Become Conscious

The conjunction of these two

powerful planets on Oct 9th 1965 at 17’/18’ Virgo, (also on April 4th and

June 30th 1966), was when the seeds were planted for the current transit of

Uranus square Pluto. Events at the time included: Civil Rights

demonstrations, Vietnam War protests, the establishment of Medicare and

Medicaid, suspension of the death penalty in the UK and the popularity of

award winning musicals including Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and the

Sound of Music. Unresolved issues from this time are likely to be revisited

on a collective and personal level. Anyone born at the time of this

conjunction is likely to be particularly ignited by the current Uranus square

Pluto transit. The end of this current cycle and start of the next one will be

on April 24th 2104 when Uranus and Pluto come together at 7’ Taurus.

The Cardinal Grand Cross of April 2014

Key participants = Uranus square Pluto, joined by Mars and

Jupiter in a supporting role

What is the role of Mars and Jupiter in the Cardinal Grand

Cross?

The Planet Mars

(A personal planet and hence more accessible to our conscious

awareness)

Main Goal: Ignite into Action the planets it aspects

In Libra: Diplomatically and Rationally. Concerned with Fairness, Balance

and how we Relate.

Currently Retrograde: Focuses on rethinking, with a view to taking action

when it goes Direct in May 2014

A Grand Cross = a planetary configuration where 4 or more planets

form the shape of a cross. Because of the nature of this shape and

because the planets involved in this case are at what is considered the

‘critical degree’ of 13’ for Cardinal signs in traditional astrology, there is a

lot of pressure from these energies to take action. (The Cardinal signs

Aries, Capricorn, Libra and Cancer are leaders and initiators by nature).

Yet the call to action is somewhat frustrated by the lack of an exit point

for the four connected planets, resulting in a degree of restless

movement from one planet to the next. Mars being Retrograde also

contributes to this frustration. Hence during peak times for the Grand

Cross which continues on and off into May 2014, we are likely to

experience a degree of internal and external agitation on an individual

and collective level as each planet clamours for attention and change in

the manner of its sign. Grand Crosses are often observed in the birth

charts of very ‘successful’ individuals as it is quite a driven configuration.

Mythology

Mars, also known as Ares is best known as the warrior archetype. Loved by

the Romans who revered their armies, yet considered crude and uncivilised

by the Greeks, Mars, was the lover of the beautiful Aphrodite (Venus) in

mythology. Yet the core psychological meaning and function of Mars is to

support us in our illusory process of human individuation, which is a key

requirement for our evolutionary soul journey. Birth and death require the

forceful determined wilful energy of Mars as we emerge from Mother’s

womb and/or take our last dying breath on our return to source. In-

between, we are constantly challenged with our internal conflict between

lunar regression and solar progression. The life force energy of Mars offers

us the necessary will to affirm our separateness and hence to engage with

the challenges of life on this planet. Hence the importance of learning to

say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to our survival when we reach our first Mars

return – commonly described as the so called ‘terrible two’s’. Unless it is

suppressed, repressed or denied Mars operates in a direct manner with no

subterfuge.

In the sign of Libra, Mars invites us as a collective to use our mental

capacities to observe and take calculated action rather than react, so that

we can balance carefully where our actions might be most effective. Its role

in the Grand Cross is to encourage us to become intellectual warriors,

challenging our thinking in the arenas of unfairness and inequality both

globally and on a personal level. Due to its retrograde motion there may be

some delays with action that could be taken to fully redress imbalances

until it goes direct in May 2014.

The Planet Jupiter

Main goal: Expansion

In Cancer: Imaginatively with Love, particularly Self-love

Mythology:

Archetypally Jupiter represents the divine aspect of the self that is in

human form. This is the part of us that seeks ongoing meaning, expansion

and growth and thrives on pure Joy. Described in Mythology as Zeus the

king of the heavens, he disliked the containment and limitations of this

human earthly dimension represented in the myth by his father

Saturn/Cronos and his wife Hera. Yet both of these earthy principles are

necessary to enable him to manifest his visions. Offering expansion

through inspiration Jupiter reminds us that there is a law that supersedes

the law of nature. This is the inner law of morality. Jupiter reminds us that

we exist in a benign cosmos which is ever expanding. By our first Jupiter

Return around age 12 we have a clearer sense of what brings us joy.

In the sign of Cancer, Jupiter expands and enhances our connection with

our inner emotional realm. Inspired meaning is likely to emerge through the

realms of our imagination and our creativity. Mostly, this vibrant planet in

this lunar sign reminds of our limitless capacity for unconditional love for

our self and others.

Overall Summary of the Cardinal Grand Cross Energies

Timing: April – May 2014

Most intense period: April 20th – 24th

Core Psychological Themes:

The Eclipses of April 2014 – taking place either side of the

Cardinal Grand Cross

April 15th: Total Lunar Eclipse at 25’ Libra 16

April 29th: Annular Solar Eclipse at 8’ Taurus 52

More information available on the NASA page:

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2014.html#LE2014Apr15T

Eclipses always occur twice a year in April/May and October/November.

Hence they are a usual part of our heavenly occurrences. However, the

April Eclipses are particularly important in that they take place a few days

The Cardinal Grand Cross

The aligning of our

thoughts and actions with justice and

fairness Transforming

structures that are not based on

unconditional love - particularly

self love

Redressing imbalances in

our life, particularly in

our relationships Observing

and respond rather than

react

Releasing old narcissistic

wounds

Healing underlying core issues

related to our self value

before and after the 5th exact Uranus/Pluto square/Cardinal Grand Cross,

adding additional planetary energies to an already very busy sky.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Moon

and the Sun, thereby blocking the Sun’s light from illuminating the Moon.

Hence, although it is a Full Moon, the light of the Moon is obscured for a

few hours. Lunar Eclipses can be viewed from anywhere on the night side

of the Earth.

Psychologically, Earth temporarily overshadows our inner emotional lunar

realm. In the same manner as the Moon is dependent for its illumination on

the light of the Sun, our largely unconscious emotional depths depend on

our solar consciousness to offer enlightenment, with a view to integrating

our emotions. During a lunar eclipse, illumination cannot reach our

emotional depths. Hence we may feel that we are swimming in a sea of

emotions, without the help of our solar consciousness to make sense of it

all.

Core Themes for the Total Lunar Eclipse at 25’ Libra 16:

The Total Lunar Eclipse on April 15th at 25’ Libra 15 offers us the

opportunity to become more aware of and redress imbalances in how we

relate to each other on an individual and global level. The activation of the

Libra/Aries axis invites us to integrate the Aries lesson of self-care with the

Libra lesson of caring for others. Hence we are offered the potential to heal

dysfunctional relationship patterns and create greater mutuality, equality

and balance in all of our relationships on an emotional level. This is the

second of 5 Lunar Eclipses on the Libra/Aries axis and hence connected to

the above core theme. The first one was on Oct 18 2013 and the next ones

are as follows: Oct 8 2014, April 4 2015, Sept 28 2015, March 23rd 2016.

This time span will offer us the opportunity to redress any imbalances in our

relationship with our self and others. The last time this axis was activated

by the Lunar Eclipses was in 2004/05.

In addition, with Hermes (Mercury) the planet of communication in fiery

direct Aries, exactly conjunct Uranus, square Pluto and opposite Mars, we

may find ourselves inspired with new ways of thinking. However, it may be

helpful to be a little cautious in how and what we express, as this planetary

combination is not conducive to diplomatic communication! There is also

huge potential to heal our sense of human isolation at this time. The

Neptune/Venus/Chiron stellium in Pisces trine Jupiter and quincunx Mars

powerfully reminds us that we are all one. Their sextile to Pluto brings to

the fore that this is the time to transmute our collective and individual

structures so that they reflect the reality of oneness. The last Lunar Eclipse

in this Saros Series 122 took place on April 4th 1996. Hence this current

eclipse is likely to offer the opportunity to resolve some of the unfinished

emotional issues from that time.

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon, fully or partially blocks the Sun as

it passes between the Sun and Earth at the time of a New Moon when the

Sun and the Moon are conjunct as seen from Earth. Being totally reliant on

our Sun to provide us with light and heat, the dimming of the Sun has

drawn our attention on all levels for centuries immemorial in all cultures

across the globe. On an instinctual level, our survival can feel somewhat

threatened, as we are potentially deprived of the resources we depend on.

On a psychological level, a solar eclipse symbolizes our Solar conscious

self being temporarily obscured by our lunar unconscious emotions as they

rise to the surface.

Whereas eclipses often reverberate on an individual level in a more internal

manner, the mundane impact of Eclipses, is often visible through a more

concrete manifestation of the energies. Countries which are on the direct

path of the eclipse tend to resonate more strongly with the Eclipse

energies.

Core Themes for the Annular Solar Eclipse

The Annular Solar Eclipse on April 29th at 8’ Taurus 51 is particularly potent

in that only a halo of light will illuminate the Sun, temporarily obscuring

much of our consciousness. It is also very important because it is within 5’

orb of the degree of the Grand Cross – hence it becomes an intrinsic part

of this configuration.

Psychologically an alchemical fusion of solar and lunar energies will take

place which on an archetypal level could be described as the conjunctio of

the anima and animus, yin and yang, masculine and feminine, mother and

father. With this eclipse belonging to SS 16 South, Dr. Bernadette Brady

writes that ‘no real action should be taken’ at this time. Hence we are

invited to ground ourselves in our body and focus on our values,

particularly our self-value. With Jupiter, Saturn and Chiron forming a Water

Grand Trine, emotions can flow more easily at this time offering healing to

our hearts. Truth can be gently unearthed enabling love to flow and

replace fear. New authentic structures are likely to begin to form roots at

this time which will shoot up over the next few years. As always truth with

self and others is of paramount importance at this time.

Who is most likely to resonate with these energies?

If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 10’ - 16’ of Aries, Libra,

Capricorn and/or Cancer you will resonate strongly with the energies of the

Grand Cross.

If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 23’ – 27’ of the above signs

you will resonate strongly with the Lunar Eclipse themes.

If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 6’ – 10’ Taurus, Scorpio, Leo

and/or Aquarius you will resonate strongly with the Solar Eclipse themes.

Tools to assist with integrating the energies of the Grand

Cross:

Physical and mental movement are important to keep energies

flowing during this time. Exercise of all kinds will help release old

energies that are likely to come to the surface and mental focus will

support the mind in observing and responding. Without a focus

Mercurius can lose itself in angst and fear. Hence it is important to

give our minds tasks to work on. For example: a writing project,

research, a new invention, meditation, visualisation etc.

Grounding our energies in ourselves and deep within the earth helps

to anchor on this planet. The deeper our roots, the less likely we are

to get caught up in our mind rather than focusing on our heart.

Connecting with gratitude and joy can facilitate us moving into

unconditional love and compassion.

Breathing exercises can help us to connect with our heart and

respond from there rather than from our mind.

Taking good care of our human body is particularly important during

these times of intense transformation. Notice when your body needs

food, rest, sleep and/or exercise

Creativity can be both an expression and a container for the current

energies.

Laughter is one of the best therapies in the world.

If you are in the midst of your Midlife transits:

If you are part of the generation who are currently 42/43 yrs. old, this

transit coincides with your Uranus opposition which is part of the midlife

transits. Inviting freedom from all restrictions that impede your soul journey,

this transit will also include the transformative energy of Pluto, as he puts

additional pressure on you to radically transform all structures in your life

which are not authentic to your soul self. The main focus is on creating

balance and fairness in relationships both on an individual and a collective

level, whilst retaining autonomy and freedom. This is a particularly good

time to focus your energies and engage your idealism for the purpose of

enhancing fairness and justice in the world.

If you are part of the generation who are 37/38 yrs old, and going through

the Pluto square Pluto midlife transits, your focus is likely to be on forging

your inner resources and strength as you take your place in the collective

as the agent of transformation you truly are. You are at the forefront of

innovative changes in the arena of relationships.

Returning to the same position it was in the sky when you were born at age

50/51 the Chiron Return , invites you to a place of greater wisdom as the

sources of past perceived wounding become clearer, thereby offering you

the potential to release and clear them. For the generation with Chiron in

Pisces, past wounding is connected with collective feelings of aloneness

and sadness due to a perceived disconnection from source energy and

repeated fruitless attempts to find comfort predominantly through human

relationships. Visiting your natal Chiron alongside transiting Chiron,

Neptune offers enormous potential to release old grief and reconnect to our

source. There are a multitude of tools available to assist in this process

including: meditation, writing, visualisations, being in the ocean, chanting,

yoga etc. (Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance re

suggestions and contacts).

(If you don’t have a copy of your birth chart and would like to know the position of your

planets www.astro.com offers an excellent free copy of your chart)

Similarly to a play that appears to end when the curtain comes down, it is

merely an act which takes place within a play, which in its turn takes place

within the interpretation of each protagonist and each participant, which

changes in response to the reaction of each part and each individual……

likewise we continue to co-create with these amazing planetary beings who

are an intrinsic part of each of us.

I leave you with a quote from the wise and kind Dr Brian Weiss:

Come from the heart, the true heart, not the head. When in

doubt, choose the heart. This does not mean to deny your

own experiences and that which you have empirically

learned through the years. It means to trust yourself to

integrate intuition and experience. There is a balance, a

harmony to be nurtured, between the head and the heart.

When the intuition rings clear and true, loving impulses are

favoured

Dr Brian L. Weiss

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You may also wish to peruse other free articles on my website at

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wroot/page23.htm

Legal Copyright of Margaret Gray April 2014 – some of this material was

previously published in Positive Life Ireland Magazine – free articles are

online at http://www.positivelife.ie/2012/03/embracing-the-planets/ as well

as more recently in Network Ireland Magazine. All articles are free on

Margaret’s website www.astrologypsychological.com. Parts of this article

was also previously posted on Facebook and on my website. You are

welcome to share this information but please credit the author and inform

her that you are sharing it if you use it as an astrologer as part of your

writing or teaching. Many thanks.

Legal Disclaimer: All of the material presented here is solely the personal

opinion of the author and is not intended as a substitute to medical or

mental health intervention or support.