The Astrology Blog – w/b 21 April 2014
The aspect pattern called a Grand Cross is still unfolding as we come to the end of the Easter weekend. Here’s the sequence, all times in BST:
Sunday Jupiter square Uranus (04.57)
Monday Jupiter opposite Pluto (00.06) and Uranus square Pluto (19.39)
Tuesday Mars square Jupiter (20.29)
Wednesday Mars opposite Uranus (08.10) and Mars square Pluto (14.48)
Mars is the fasting moving of these planets and it’s his arrival on the scene that has turned this configuration from a T Square (3 planets, 2 opposing each other, both making a square to a third, in this case Jupiter opposite Pluto both square to Uranus) to a Grand Cross (2 oppositions, in this case Mars opposite Uranus, Jupiter opposite Pluto). So Mars god of war and action is the stirrer, the mover and the shaker, but note that he is travelling through Libra in which he is said to be in “detriment”. In other words, Mars struggles to be his warlike self in this sign. Libra belongs to Venus, planet of love and peace, and is associated with balance, negotiation, arbitration and partnership. Whether or not you are a royalist Prince William, with Mars in Libra in his horoscope, is an illustration of this as he charms his way through Australia and New Zealand with wife and baby.
Mars being expressed through Libra is the ultimate symbol of non violence or inactivity/lack of assertiveness. In terms of world events this is potentially helpful re calming the Ukraine situation, but it’s allegedly the issue that lies at the heart of the Korean ferry disaster, ie a fatal lack of leadership, indecision and failure to follow recognized procedures.
I must thank fellow astrologer Rod Chang for my top Grand Cross story:
“A flight destined for Iran never made it off the tarmac at a Swedish airport when passengers on board protested over the deportation of Kurdish refugee Ghader Ghalamere who was due to be sent home on the same flight. Angry passengers refused to fasten their seatbelts in protest at his treatment and prevented the pilots from being able to take off.”
Ghader faces certain death if extradited so this was his cross to bear, the thing he could not fight. The showing of the astrology is fabulous. At the last minute the power of the rebellious collective (Uranus) against the system (Pluto) through non violent means (Mars in Libra) pinning the plane to the ground in the name of humanity (Jupiter). Avaaz has started a petition – it only takes a minute to sign so here’s the link:
On a more personal note I’ve heard several stories this week of seemingly impossible situations. If you’re caught up in one yourself then no doubt you will feel up against it for the next few days but keep looking for ways in which you can keep nudging an issue in the right direction. However, some matters will simply fizzle out as they reach a natural end.
The astrological picture for the end of the week is much steadier, calmer and constructive. Here’s the sequence:
Friday Venus trine Saturn (06.16)
Saturday Sun conjunct Mercury in Taurus (04.28)
Sunday Sun sextile Neptune (11.35)
These aspects are all harmonious and occur in the feminine water or earth signs. The overall picture feels like life getting back into a more comfortable rhythm, getting back down to work after the Easter break, finally having that conversation, making that decision, doing that deal or getting solid results with anything that has been a battle. Hang on in there!
It’s a great picture for love stuff too, perfect for downtime with a partner away from whatever has been causing stress. Drawing firm boundaries is in there too. Single? The astrology augurs well for romance that starts or progresses over the coming weekend.