Spirit at the Crossings I

Spring 2014: Time for Big, New Beginnings
Joyce Mason 

…

Joyce Mason

Astrology is the sacred geometry that reflects and proves the magnificence of All That Is. Like the cosmos itself, astrology inspires wonder and amazement for those who learn its language. As we connect earth and sky, looking upward to these star patterns for cosmic hints, we begin to see Creation as a never-ending process with reliable, repetitious cycles. These patterns have meanings here below. The planets are the movement in the cosmic clock; the signs mark the hours. The predictable pulses of the clockworks tap out the rhythm of the Dance of Life. Astrology tells us which dance is up next. The cosmic clock sets the timing and tempo. When we celebrate that movement, especially at the Crossings, we are on beat with life and in the flow of good and growth.

Astrology and the Seasons

Our Gregorian calendar is based on the zodiac. The first day of spring occurs when the Sun moves into the tropical sign of Aries. Summer starts when the Sun moves into Cancer; Libra brings autumn; and it’s officially winter when the Sun makes its entrance into Capricorn. These four signs are called Cardinal, the turning points that mark the seasonal changes. Because they demarcate the end of something old and the beginning of something new; the Cardinal signs are associated with crossroads and moving on.

Just as we don’t plant in winter and risk ruined crops by a killing frost, our spirits thrive best when we do what the seasons and the cosmic clock call for. Spring Equinox is the natural New Year. Earth springs back to life after its winter hibernation. New Year’s resolutions would be easier to keep if we made them at this time consistent with planting new seeds, rather than in the dead of winter when Spirit calls us to rest and go  inward.

Spring Equinox 2014

(This Spring’s Equinox occurs on March 20th at 4:57 pm Universal Time in Greenwich, England, the place
our time zones start.  To find the Equinox moment where you live, if in a different time zone, click here.) 

This spring’s sky is full of meaningful messages. After a winter of retrograde planets that called us to stillness, we await the fifth of seven exact squares of Pluto to Uranus which, nearly simultaneously, complete a Cardinal Grand Cross configuration on April 22-23. As I mentioned, the Cardinal signs call for change and moving on—and when four of them align at 90-degree angles to create a big box in the sky, what a Cross configuration looks like when you “connect the dots”—the urge to move on is pressurized in the confinement of that box to the point of bursting. The pressure builds up until we find a way to break open the box and channel the stored energy. If we plan it well, we’ll enjoy the fireworks of a major rebirth. This spring’s Cardinal Grand Cross is a recipe for our own personal Big Bang. We can create new worlds. As you can imagine, this energy can be destructive if we’re not constructive with the containment of that fierce force toward change and how we direct it.

Normally, my remarks in Spirit at the Crossings will be based on a chart of the Equinox moment.  However, on this occasion, the biggest action happens a month later, so I’m using a chart for the peak of the Cardinal Grand Cross here.  Winter into spring 2014 is really a two-step of rest and preparation while we seriously consider what we want to create in our lives, then project it forward to what we want to leave behind as our legacy. Those of us who do our homework can create the “rest of our lives” the way we really want it.

I mentioned the square of Pluto and Uranus. To give more perspective if you’re not an astrologer, these two powerful, far-out planets coincide with major social and cultural changes when they are in a close relationship to each other. This pattern has been consistent throughout history. Uranus and Pluto have been dancing in their recent square since 2012 and will continue till 2015. The last time this pair was in close association, a conjunction in Virgo, occurred in the 1960s. Society was turned on its ear as basic values were questioned and many of them rejected or reworked. Major changes in racial and gender equality were part of this decade of upheaval. We are in the throes of more change as we see other inequalities being balanced around us. This time, just one example, the issue of same sex marriage is changing how many people see the world and perceive relationships.

Much more is going on in the world at large, of course, but in Spirit at the Crossings, I’ll focus most on how the sky dance affects us personally. Astrologer Aleksandar Imsiragic has said that each exact alignment of the Uranus-Pluto square corresponds with opening each of our seven chakras. (See Uranus Square Pluto: Seven Exact Aspects, Seven Chakra Alignments.) This spring we move from the focusing on the heart chakra to the throat chakra in this process. We’re all learning to speak our hearts. When we speak our hearts, we project the core of our being into the world and manifest according to what we hold in this organ that pumps our very life. There has never been a better time to let go of old hurts, bitterness and residual negativity to let love back in—and to tell others how much we care—that we’re sorry or forgive them.

Omenclature 

Other symbols speak to us from the sky this spring. I call this language of symbols “omenclature.” By Earth Day on April 22, there’s a Grand Water trine involving Jupiter, Chiron and Saturn. These are energies of learning and healing. We have a golden opportunity to learn our lessons and heal the past. This process is exaggerated right now, and the inner work we do expands us. Have you noticed lately how your “issues” are “in your face?” People are processing their stuff more rapidly, and with big growth opportunities of the Cardinal Grand Cross peaking the third week of April, there’s no time left to waste.

Retrograde Mars is conjunct the North Node in Libra in the Spring Equinox chart. Both are metaphors about relationship—reviewing how we do it (retrograde), dealing with issues of power and conflict resolution (Mars). The North Node is a symbol of future orientation. With Mars and the North Node close together in Libra, we are looking to balance relationships and to achieve the thing the sign of Libra wants most—peace. Peace, however, normally does not come without conflict. I read a wonderful book some years ago. (The title escapes me). It was a research study about what makes good marriages work. The couples who were happiest overall? Many of them fought often, but the key is, they fought fair. They handled conflict in a way that brought resolution and resulted in feeling better about each other in the end. Conflict is a natural part of unique individuals living together. Not dealing with conflict erodes relationships until they’re left in ruins.

How to Celebrate Spring Equinox 

The solstices and equinoxes are hallowed thresholds worthy of observance and ritual. They are energetic portals that allow greater access and communication with Spirit. Celebrating with others is especially potent.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Natural New Year is to write down what “seeds” I want to plant for this year of my life. In my women’s group, we often write them on pieces of paper and “plant” them in plastic eggs or clay pots—or a simple box or envelope, if you don’t want to be too literally metaphorical. As the months and year go on, it’s good to check how the seeds are sprouting. It’s amazing how this act of intention sets a trajectory that fulfills itself. I’ve been surprised how many of my “seeds” take root. When they don’t grow in a year, it’s often because they are projects, goals or desires that simply need more time to fulfill themselves.

With the major regenerative opportunity that’s up this spring, I recommend expanding this ritual to match the tremendous significance and potential of the Cardinal Grand Cross. The conjunction of Neptune and Mercury at Spring Equinox hints that considering the big picture of our lives and what we want to manifest will be greatly enhanced by easier access to intuition and “signs.” You’re not just planning this year. You’re planning from here on out. Trust your gut as you go back to the drawing board of your life.  I’d suggest setting aside at least a weekend to examine The 2014 Creative Question.  It may take longer.

You’re remaking your whole world. Isn’t it worth your time?