Sometimes it takes a lunar eclipse to remind me that I am on a planet that’s spinning on its axis at approximately 1,000 miles an hour, as it orbits a star that’s approximately 93,000,000 miles away. It’s only when I get a clear experience of Earth’s constant motion that I even begin to understand just how powerful the illusions of samsara actually are. Blame this particular illusion on science and gravity if you prefer, but as Willie Nelson sings, “Still is still movin’ to me.”
The illusion (and in some cases delusion) of stillness is a powerful metaphor for the astrological phase we are currently in the midst of. Paradigms are shifting at an alarming rate, and yet, because so much seems to remain the same, it’s hard to grasp the idea that so much more is shifting. Earthquakes of consciousness are occurring daily in the lives of so many people, and as a result of social media, for the first time in history, the tools for handling the upset and upheaval of shattering events, as well as the aftershocks of those occurrences, are available almost instantly. In the illusion of stillness, we are evolving at an ever-accelerating pace.
The planets continue to align in a powerful configuration—a Cardinal Grand Cross—that symbolizes the potential to break through as well as break free from whatever enslaves. On April 21, this unusual alignment of Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto will be exact and separating, and as it pulls apart, situations held taught by tension of fractious polarization—real or imagined, physical or psychic, material or spiritual, personal and collective—release; some of the ties that bind will not hold, some will. Most of us will feel the need to take a deep breath. [For more on the specifics of this combination of planetary forces, please refer to the last several weeks of columns. http://www.aquariumage.com/2014.html]
The soul work of this week, next week, and the many, many weeks to follow is to notice not only your reaction to these releases, but also your participation: Where are you yearning for freedom—and why? Do you want to end a relationship or begin one? Quit your job? Move to another country? Tell someone to go….? Whatever it is, you will be hard put to hold onto the status quo of “normal” reality. And while nothing may seem to shift obviously, dramatically, or directly, be aware that beneath the skin of superficial appearances the body of regular routines is being redefined. Stay present, and try not to be lulled into a false sense of stasis. Motionlessness is a mirage.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that, too.
Aries March 21-April 19
The Cardinal Cross occurs in your Solar chart along the axis of the individual needs/relationship needs, as well as professional responsibilities/personal responsibilities. Be determined to find win/win solutions to the very real difficulties in these diverse areas, and you’ll demonstrate the sincerity of your intentions, which will soothe many ruffled feathers—even your own.
Taurus April 20-May 20
The Cardinal Cross pulls you into a deeply internal process, and while it may feel at times that no one is aware of just how deeply you are feeling the intensities of the moment, that may not be true. If you give voice to what you are feeling, you may find open ears, and more importantly, open hearts that support your endeavors.
Gemini May 21-June 21
The Cardinal Cross facilitates a crisis of values, but it is not simply a standoff of between what matters most to you and what matters most to others. This crisis also involves having the courage to stand for your convictions even if you meet with smart and intelligent rejection. Listen to the arguments of your critics, and use them to strengthen your position.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Read Aries above but add this modification: You think the problem is primarily a professional issue, but it is not. The source of strife is at home, internal and/or external. The good news is that you have the strength to find innovative solutions. You just need the confidence to include others in your creative process.
Leo July 23-August 22
The Cardinal Cross makes it almost impossible to hold back your opinions, and while I’m not advising you to attempt the impossible, I am suggesting that you think before you speak. Even if you put aside your tendency to embellish the truth just a tad to make it more interesting, your words carry a unique potency and it wouldn’t be wise to squander that energy.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Even if the Cardinal Cross weren’t exacerbating tensions in your life (especially when it comes to finances) you would still be encountering the challenge of how much truth to tell and to whom. This is a complex dilemma that will require a complex solution. Try not to act in haste to relieve the tension, and instead, simply take your time.
Libra September 23-October 22
This is your moment to apply all you’ve learned about relationships and relating, having a voice as well as listening to others, spending time at home and pursuing career goals. All you have to do, is take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and rely on all the wisdom you’ve been collecting since 2010—you actually do know what to do.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The Cardinal Cross intensifies your already highly developed self-reliance, but this might not be the time to isolate. In fact, this is the time to do just the opposite and join with others. I realize this could cause a problem, especially if you don’t know how to play well with others, but even if you lack certain social skills, this is a profound opportunity to learn and to grow.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You can continue to argue about who’s right and who’s wrong, but as the Beatles once wrote: Life is very short and there’s no time for all this fighting, my friend. So work it out—that’s right; use the Cardinal Cross and its intensity to find a way to transform the volatility of your situation.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Here’s the problem. The Cardinal Cross is asking you to move off of your secure position and into an entirely new perspective. And while this sounds intellectually interesting, as well as spiritually correct, it’s not so easy to do. You’re invested deeply in a certain persona, and dismantling that voice may—at least at first—feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
The Cardinal Cross has you talking—to everyone, about every little thing. So rather than resist this call to conversation, make the most of it. Figure out a strategy for what you want to accomplish. Start with what you’ve been most afraid of and then move toward easier situations that require less emotional engagement. You can do this—and you can do it well.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The Cardinal Grand Cross is a metaphor for the cross you’ve been carrying, its weight determined by how deeply attached you’ve been to the martyr role. Attachment often prevents us from being honest with others or ourselves. Give up that role, and the truth could actually set you free.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-888-937-9264, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2014 by Ralfee Finn