When Saturn moved into the cardinal sign of Libra last fall, joining Pluto in cardinal Capricorn, it signaled the beginning of the shift to cardinal dominance of the outer planets. By mid-year 2010, both Jupiter and Uranus will spend some time in the most cardinal sign of all, Aries, before moving back into Pisces one last time.

What does this mean? For one thing, taking action will be the preferred mode of response as opposed to the endless discussions of the years when both Saturn and Pluto were in the mutable signs, Virgo and Sagittarius, along with Uranus in Pisces. My very Aries spouse will always chose to do something, even if it’s wrong, over sitting around talking about it. I happen to go along with this, because both my Sun and Moon are in Libra, and one of my pet peeves is listening to people moan about what’s wrong with their lives but refusing to take one step in any direction to change their situation.

All of you with your Sun in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will understand the need for prompt action. Even if your chart has plenty in fixed and mutable signs, in your heart of hearts, you understand why doing something is better than doing nothing. Gemini folk likely will be happy, too, because anything new and different is OK in their book. The same could be said of Sagittarius, as they are generally open to new experiences.

It’s the fixed signs who could be thrown the most by this shift – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – because they are not crazy about changes of any sort unless they have direct control over it. Don’t be surprised if you hear grumbling from that contingent.

The other two mutable signs, Virgo and Pisces, may wish everyone would have given more time to discussion, especially meticulous, earthy Virgo, but they tend to be adaptable and, like their mutable Gemini cousins, enjoy watching change unfold. Another factor is that all the mutable people got hit pretty hard during the years Saturn was in Virgo opposing Uranus in Pisces, and having the focus shift away from them may be a relief. (Note: There is one final opposition on April 26, 2010, between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces at 28°.)

The number of planets in cardinal signs will ebb and flow over the course of 2010, but we may as well get accustomed to this energy, because 2011 will bring Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra, and Pluto in Capricorn. My take is that where we saw grumbling in dissatisfaction before, we will see people taking direct action from here forward. We all need to sharpen our listening skills and be prepared to respond quickly or suffer the consequences!

Good fortune and bon voyage!

posted by Neith . . .

Image: Transition zone. Pat shot this photo recently on a rainy day at Ocean Shores, WA. There is something very special about the transition zone where the ocean meets the land — one of my favorite places to walk ever. This image also is a reminder that change is random and uncontrollable, yet it is constant and the one thing we can count on. Photo by Pat Paquette, all rights reserved.