Category Archives: Ask Real Astrologers

Ask Real Astrologers: Reckoning with Pluto

This week’s question comes from Mary in Omaha, Nebraska:

For the past two to three years, I have been under a major overhaul of my life. I have lost my 37-year marriage, my job, my home, my credit. Moved, alone, over 600 miles away, to find better employment and I am still struggling today. During this time my girlfriend who I was temporarily living with for two years contracted breast cancer and died, leaving behind her 8-year-old daughter. I took care of my friend and her daughter during this time. She was a single mom, Sagittarius. I am so beat up I am afraid of the next round of Saturn return opposition Uranus. Any advice on how to handle this? Thank you.

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

This format really isn’t set up to respond to all your issues, Mary, so we will address Pluto conjunct your Sun, and if you wish, you can contact either Pat or me about doing a paid report on your second Saturn return amplified by the Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Pluto first conjoined your Sun exactly in early January 2007 and has moved back and forth over your Sun since then. Now he has made his last pass before moving into Capricorn in late November. One of the most difficult aspects of a Pluto transit is the sheer inexorability of them, because Pluto is a transpersonal planet and as such can be considered a force of nature like a volcano or hurricane. Most of us have lots of “hooks” he can latch onto and yank us about with, and we often are completely unaware of those until Pluto comes along to activate them.

In the Western world, we are typically insulated from direct experience with the cycles of death, birth, and regeneration falling under Pluto’s realm of influence, plus we are often brought up with the idea we can achieve anything if we work hard enough. Then Pluto comes along and shows us how vulnerable we truly are.

How best to handle Pluto transits? Surrendering all personal expectations of the desired outcome is one place to start. Another is to stay firmly focused in the present and deal with each day as it comes. For Sagittarius folk who like to be in motion, I recommend taking up some form of moving meditation like tai chi or walking while focusing on the breath. These help calm the mind and stop the negative tape loops that produce fear and doubt.

Mary, you are learning what many others have learned and will be learning and that is there is truth in the statement, “that which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Your natal Mars-Saturn conjunction in Virgo knows about moving forward one step at a time. There is life after Pluto transits, and it is often better than the old one. Good luck!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

As usual, I have very little to add to one of Neith’s responses to a Pluto question! I do have a couple of general observations, though.

First, difficult Pluto transits (and some with Uranus as well) require us to change, and if we try to hang onto beliefs, situations, and people who aren’t serving our higher good, the universe often finds ways to rip them out of our hands in a way that feels cruel and undeserved. I will be the first to tell you that I am not good at letting go (lots of fixed energy in my chart), so this is not a judgment, just an observation.

Second, after death, there is regeneration. Unfortunately, we can’t see it while we are going through the rough period. I experienced a Pluto transit in 2001 that literally nearly killed me. At the time, I was well into my study of astrology and had just dipped my toe into doing it professionally, but I couldn’t let go of my journalism career and was struggling to find a way to make that work. Ultimately, it was ripped away, in a way that made it impossible for me to work in that field ever again. So what happened? I became a professional astrologer, which is what I needed to be doing, and I am much happier as a result.

I hope that helps, Mary. Truly, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again for writing, and much love and courage to you.

I also want to reinforce Neith’s comment that this column is not intended to be a substitute for a reading. If you have a complicated issue or are going through a complete life change, the benefits of a reading with a professional astrologer will far outweigh the modest cost. I currently am not accepting new clients, but stay tuned for news in a few weeks.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Need Help with a Cardinal Cross

This week’s question comes from Jay in London, UK:

I apparently have a cardinal grand cross, which I heard isn’t really a positive thing to have, but I don’t understand much about it. What does a cardinal cross say about a person? (I think it’s Moon in Aries, Venus in Libra, Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune/Saturn/Uranus in Capricorn.)

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Yes, Jay, you do have a cardinal grand cross in your chart, and when Jupiter transited over the Capricorn corner in December 2007 and January 2008, it likely gave you a jolt and brought it to your attention.

The cardinal signs are the self-starters of the zodiac, and you have more planets in cardinal signs than either of the other two modes, fixed and mutable. However, a grand cross is so well balanced that it can create inertia rather than forward momentum. You also have far more planets in earth and water signs, giving your chart a negative polarity. This suggests that you may be far less aggressive than the preponderance of cardinal signs would imply.

“Positive” a lot of times is in the eyes of the beholder. For instance, a chart with lots of sextiles and trines can be so easy that the individual does not accomplish much in this life, whereas the power generated by the tension of squares and oppositions can encourage one to grow and mature.

Your chart says you have lots of creative potential to tap into, and as Pluto in Capricorn transits trigger your grand cross from the fifth house over the next few years, you may be pleasantly surprised at the inspiration made available. Leo is all about creativity after all.

Take heart, Jay and continue to pursue your dreams.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Wow, you sure do, Jay! But it is not necessarily a bad thing — there’s really no such thing as a “bad” chart. It does, however, require some special handling. And you need to know about some upcoming transits that will affect you significantly.

Before I get to that, though, I’d like to comment on something about your chart that you share with others born in 1989 and, to some degree, in 1988. The conjunction of Saturn, Uranus and Neptune at that time was rare and extremely powerful. Think of all the things that happened in that year, culminating with the fall of the Berlin Wall! This was the beginning of a new Saturn-Uranus cycle, which is coming up on its peak with the current opposition of these two outer planets.

It’s probably no coincidence that I’m starting to get questions and inquiries from young people born during this time period. It appears that you are coming of age now, as this cycle peaks and as Pluto begins to transit this configuration in your charts. Naturally, you want to know more about yourselves. Astrology is a wonderful tool for self-discovery, and it will help you with the deep transformation that you are about to go through. I encourage all of you who are at this awakening stage to find an astrologer you resonate with and get a reading.

In your case, Jay, Pluto will transit not just your outer planets, but will aspect all of the planets in your cardinal cross over the next several years. Between now and your Saturn return (roughly 28-29 years old), you will go through some deep and significant changes.

Back to your original question, the key to managing this energy, which Neith described very well in her response, is to know yourself. This should be your main focus for the next few years. Once you’ve got a strong sense of who you are, you will be more able to keep your mind on the bigger question of why you’re here and how to best fulfill your purpose in this life.

Much love and courage to you.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Is It Safe To Walk Out the Front Door?

This week’s question comes from Moonlock in London, UK:

Hi, I’m new to this site (found it quite by accident). I like the way it fills the gap between sites that do astrological sound bites and long lengthy overviews … Right now I am experiencing the Mars into Scorpio transit as it crosses my Descendant, and as Mars is also semi-squaring transiting Saturn right now, which in turn is sesquiquadrate my Ascendant, I’m feeling a little concerned to even step out the front door! Any comment, please?

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Hi, Moonlock. First, thank you for your kind words about Real Astrologers! As someone with lots of Libra and Scorpio myself, I can relate to your discomfort with this particular Mars transit. That said, Mars transits have the virtue of moving on fairly quickly, unlike some of the trans-personal planets.

With both your Sun sign and your Ascendant ruled by Venus, you probably prefer harmony and usually are pretty good at keeping things on a more or less even keel. You do have a Moon-Venus conjunction in Scorpio, so it’s true you are drawn to emotionally intense relationships. However, a trine between the rulers of your Sun and Moon (Venus and Mars) keeps the peace there.

This transit of Mars over your Descendant and your Moon-Venus, may cause you to feel emotionally sensitive and raw, especially in your one-on-one relationships, but once Mars moves past your Moon in the second week in November, things will smooth out once more. You have had Mars transit over your Sun and Mercury here recently and that’s always aggravating too.

Another more difficult transit for you, completed in August this year, was Saturn passing over your natal Pluto. Your Sun is semi-sextile Pluto natally, so this transit triggered that increasing awareness of security and identity issues. This is now in the past thankfully.

Moonlock, the longer I work with astrology the more I appreciate Bernadette Brady’s approach of keeping it simple. We can be our own worst enemies and create more stress for ourselves by not doing that. I know this from personal experience and that’s why I prefer to look at the broad strokes rather than every detail.

For now I recommend choosing your favorite form of stress reduction, perhaps a luxurious massage with scented oil and soft music playing in the background and allow the transit to slide into the background.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Happy birthday, Moonlock — albeit, a week belated.

There is no reason, astrologically speaking, that you should fear stepping out the front door! In fact, everything looks pretty good for you right now. As Neith noted, you recently experienced your Saturn-Pluto conjunction, which is happening right now for everyone born in the mid-1960s. For those like yourself born in the early ’60s, this troublesome transit is done, and you’re no longer being slammed from all sides.

I wouldn’t worry about Mars in your seventh house. This happens once every year and a half or so, and you’ve managed to live through it so far. That’s not to say that it’s easy or pleasant, but this isn’t a “sky’s falling on your head” transit.

If I had to guess what might be causing the irritation, I’d place my money on the square by transiting Mars to your natal Saturn. You would have started feeling this about a week ago, and it will be over in another week. Typically, a Mars-Saturn square can bring brushes with authority or just irritating circumstances with others. This is all the more true with Mars moving through your house of close relationships. Fear and anxiety can be part of this transit, too.

But, as Neith pointed out, Mars transits are over fairly quickly, and unless the transit itself is afflicted or there are complications in your chart, there’s rarely any lasting damage.

The last thing I might add is that Mercury is retrograde in Libra, sign of your natal Sun and Mercury, and this could be making you feel jumpy. That said, your natal Mercury is retrograde, and many of my clients with natal Mercury retrograde tell me that they actually fare better during retrograde periods.

In any case, I think you can relax!

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Ask Real Astrologers: Is There Any Hope for Me?

 This week’s question comes from Michele in Los Angeles:

I was born on [date deleted for privacy]. Is this a significant date of someone who has a certain mission? My life has been filled with roadblocks and I am getting very tired. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s response:

Michele, with several planets in Leo, your Ascendant in Scorpio, and Mars in Taurus on the Descendant, you are a strong fixed-sign person. I am, too, and so I can sympathize with where you are right now.

The fixed signs – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius – can be difficult to work with, because they are stubborn and immovable. The flip side is that they are stable, reliable, and durable. We can carry burdens that would break others. Of course, that can mean we get a heavier load in life, too.

Leo and Aquarius are being impacted heavily right now due to a series of eclipses in these two signs that began this past February and will run until August 2009. To a lesser degree, Scorpio and Taurus also are being impacted (along with Scorpio and Taurus Rising). Since you are a Rising Scorpio, you are getting hit doubly hard. I don’t doubt that you are tired. I am, too! But hang in there, because you are being offered an opportunity to transform, grow, and evolve. Unfortunately, this never happens without a certain amount of pain.

Simultaneously with the eclipses, we are experiencing an opposition of Saturn and Uranus. These two patterns don’t seem to be related, but they are linked in an indirect way. I bring this up, because Saturn currently is moving through your tenth house of career and is transiting your lunar North Node in Virgo. The North Node often indicates our “mission” in life, so I feel fairly sure that you are about to find it.

Your challenge, as I see it, is that you have a lot of “self-oriented” Leo energy in your chart, while your North Node in Virgo indicates that your life’s work is about service to others. You will have to find a balance that allows you to fully express who you are while also serving humanity.

Astrology is a great tool for creating a roadmap. I strongly advise you to get a full reading to help you understand how you can channel your talents and creativity to fulfill your life’s purpose.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Michele, Neptune has a role in both your sense you have a mission and your tiredness and frustration both natally and by transit.

You have Neptune natally in Scorpio in the twelfth house of service square to your bright stellium in Leo of the Sun, Moon and Venus. This is an aspect that can bestow a certain amount of glamour to one and allows for others to project their expectations on you. If you have been unconsciously attempting to live up to those expectations it is no surprise you are weary. By the way, this particular aspect is frequently found in the charts of celebrities who make a living being someone other than themselves.

For the better part of the past year, transiting Neptune in your third house has been either squaring your Ascendant exactly or the ruler of your Ascendant, Mars. Neptune transits are most noticeable when they are exact by degree, other than that they fade into the background. The transit to your natal Mars also exacerbates your natal Uranus-Mars square, usually a source of energy for you but Neptune can act like as a conduit draining the energy away. The first pass of the this transit is over with two more coming next year, one in late January – early February and the final pass in October-November 2009. These will be periods when you need to take extra care of your health and get plenty of rest.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is let go of all preconceived ideas because those often prevent us from moving forward. If you do not already practice yoga, tai chi or some other form of meditative movement for calming the mind and allowing peace to enter, I highly recommend doing so.

Take time for yourself in a nurturing environment and remember to breathe!  Best of luck to you, Michele.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Good Time to Publish

 This week we have a question from Deb in New York:

I am a Libra with a Leo moon and Sagittarius rising (gotta love that Sagittarian energy) who has been working on many a creative endeavor for a while now, mostly in the fields of writing and art. 

I’d like to know of an ideal time to publish a novel, either in late-2008 or early-2009.  Somehow, I keep “feeling” February, but I could have something finished as early as December.

Any help is greatly appreciated.  I’ve never had an astrological concern addressed before.  Thank you!

Libra ponders . . .
Neith’s response:

Hi Deb! Yes, with Sagittarius rising it is no surprise writing is one of your interests and since your natal Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruler, is found in your ninth house conjunct your North Node you are probably a natural. Saturn in Virgo in the ninth gives you the necessary 90% perspiration to go with the 10% inspiration much needed for a writer. Perseverance counts for a lot in that field.

December of this year actually looks to be the better time period because you will have a Mars-Mercury conjunction in Sagittarius conjoining your Ascendant December 2 helping with presentation. During December Jupiter is continuing through your second house and will have just finished squaring your Libra Sun as well as forming a trine with your natal Saturn, all pointing to lots going on where your personal income is concerned.

One of the biggest transits for you is your Saturn Return being exact most of the month of December 2008. If we have been working hard in a responsible manner, we will start seeing recognition for that during the period of our Saturn Return. Saturn will be making a brief second pass over your natal Saturn in August 2009 on his way towards your Midheaven in mid-November 2009.

Best wishes with your writing and getting published!!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s Answer:

Deb, you are very fortunate to be on the upward side of your Saturn cycle. Not only are you about to experience your first Saturn return, which often is a life-changing period, but Saturn is nearing your Midheaven, which indicates a career peak.

So I’d say that everything looks pretty good for whatever you want to do.

In terms of exact timing for sending queries, looking for an agent, and the finer points, that must be determined by sitting down an astrologer personally and doing a complete analysis. For example, you want to avoid void-of-course Moon periods, and you’d want to know where Mercury currently was retrograde in your chart. I am not taking new clients at the moment, but Neith is available, and I highly recommend her.

Best of luck in your endeavor! May all your dreams come true.

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Pat’s Answer:

Ask Real Astrologers: Help, Major Pluto Transits Coming!

 This week’s question is from Ben in Tucson.

Here’s my fear:  This last solar eclipse (August 1) doesn’t have anything in common (points/planets, etc.) with my natal.  BUT, the angles are EXACT for my upcoming solar return here in Tucson.  I have just been  awarded my US patent, I want to finally launch my website, but I need lots more time and my main business is falling apart (and I’m pretty depressed).  I have MAJOR pluto transits coming up…Should I up my life insurance?

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Ben, it is my philosophy to look for the simplest answer. Bernadette Brady’s KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) approach to predictive astrology is a favorite of mine.

Rather than placing too much weight on your Solar Return, I feel your progressed chart right now is important. You do have a progressed Moon-Jupiter conjunction now in your second house, and Jupiter is also coming up on squaring your natal Midheaven, so you may be experiencing Jupiter’s amplification effect. I am not one of the astrologers who believe Jupiter is automatically beneficent and Saturn is the bad guy. If a person is feeling upbeat, then Jupiter magnifies that and the reverse if one is feeling down, while Saturn helps us stay grounded and pragmatic.

Mars, Venus, and Mercury all are transiting your natal Midheaven, and this has been stirring the pot, too. As a Libra Sun-Moon person myself, I know what it’s like to feel like you are running from one end of the seesaw to the other. Do you have a partner to bounce ideas off? Remember Jupiter and Pluto both just turned direct and will take awhile to get back up to speed, particularly Pluto, so all may come out right yet. The current trine between Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter in Capricorn favors tackling difficulties one small bite at a time for best results.

Hang in there and do whatever you can to find some balance and apply your favorite stress-reducing tactics to your life.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s Answer:

I agree with Neith about keeping it simple. We can drive ourselves crazy looking at all the seemingly conflicting messages of the various techniques available in astrology.

I am always inclined to start with transits to the natal chart. Although the current eclipse series in Aquarius and Leo isn’t hitting any chart angles or natal planets, their position by house does have an effect. As you probably know, they are falling in your two key financial sectors, the second and eighth houses. The second house rules earned income, while the eighth house is associated with non-salary income such as joint income with a partner, insurance benefits, return on investment, venture capital, and so forth. This series began in February 2008 and ends in August 2009, so you can expect more changes in the financial structures in your life.

This eclipse series is indirectly impacted by the Saturn-Uranus opposition, which is taking place in your third and ninth houses, both of which have to do with publishing and Internet business.

The second thing that jumps out at me is Pluto’s transit through your first house. With a tight Sun-Pluto conjunction in your natal chart, you are one of those strongly Plutonian types who needs control. Control is exactly what we lose with Pluto transiting the first house. You are going through a long, subtle transformation. Let it happen! Trust the unfolding mystery of your life.

I strongly recommend that you get a full astrological consultation. I am not accepting new clients at the moment, but Neith is, and you probably would resonate more strongly with her anyway, as a fellow Libra.

Best of luck with your new venture! Let us know how it goes.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Saturn Return Complicated by Uranus

This week’s question comes from Louise in Denver:

Hi Pat & Neith, My Saturn return will be exact just about the time Uranus opposes Saturn and I’m wondering how that will affect it? It looks pretty scary from here. Thanks for your help.

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Louise, for you and many others with their natal Saturn at 18° Virgo, this will be the first of three passes of Saturn over it. But admittedly it will be a significant first pass with Uranus opposing your natal Saturn at the same time.

There are other planets offering support and means to work with the impact of this transit. At the time the Saturn-Uranus opposition is exact, Jupiter in Capricorn will still be trine to Saturn in Virgo and sextile Uranus in Pisces steadying the boat as it were. The Sun will be in Scorpio at the time and Mars in Scorpio will be trine Uranus and sextile Saturn suggesting taking deliberate action will benefit you.

However, if you have any planets around 18 degrees in Gemini or Sagittarius, the T-square with Venus in Sagittarius to the Saturn-Uranus opposition could force a decision involving values or a love interest.

All in all, this first pass of your Saturn return is bound to be memorable, but if you stay centered and follow Saturn’s rules by upholding your responsibilities, you will be fine.

Good fortune and stay strong.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s answer:

Louise, this is an excellent question. In addition to Neith’s insightful comments, here is what I see:

Complicating aspects, especially those involving other outer planets, certainly can color a Saturn return. I experienced something similar with my Saturn half-return in 2001, when Saturn in Gemini was opposite Pluto, which at the time was passing over my natal Saturn. It is not too melodramatic to say that I nearly died.

That, of course, was the nature of Pluto. Uranus is a much different energy. What I see as a possible complication is that you will be struggling to break out of limiting behaviors or a burden that has you boxed in. Yes, we have responsibilities and obligations, and Saturn in Virgo is especially mindful of its duties to others. However, you also have a duty to yourself, to fulfill your unique life purpose and to be your most authentic self. That is what Uranus wants you to do, so if you are in a relationship or situation that is crushing you, you will find a way to break out of it.

Unfortunately, for most of us, Uranus is a disruptive energy, so the way you break out may cause temporary chaos in your life until the dust settles and you adapt to your new environment. The good news is that Pisces and Virgo are mutable signs and very comfortable with rapid change.

Liberation is exciting! Wishing you much courage, and stay in touch.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Help, Pluto is crossing my Ascendant!

This week’s question comes from Cooper:

Pluto is crossing my Ascendant and now involved with my first house! Would you please be so kind to give me your take on this most significant configuration!

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Cooper, this is a transit I’ve undergone, and my experience suggests it will have a deep impact on the way you perceive the world and the way others experience you. Others may feel threatened by what they perceive as your power and launch unexpected attacks embroiling you in power struggles. If you are someone who is naturally assertive, you may find that upgraded to aggressive!

Of course, any planets in your first house will all be conjoined as Pluto crosses them, and this will make you very aware of the deeper levels of meaning of those planets in your life. Please note that you might find yourself obsessing endlessly about the smallest details, too. If Pluto forms squares or oppositions to other natal planets triggering natal aspect patterns, the concerns of the houses those planets are in will be emphasized.

In my experience, supported by other astrologers, the best way to handle Pluto’s tendency to drag us into obsessive behavior is to first accept all facets of our being with as little judgment as possible and second, consciously seek to find your center and practice neutrality. When Pluto conjoined Venus in my first house, I finally found a Tai Chi class and have been practicing it daily ever since. The simple flowing movements have been very helpful for maintaining a quiet mind as well as happier joints.

In general, with Pluto going direct on September 8 in Sagittarius, this question is particularly important because all things Pluto-related will be released from stasis and will demand our attention once more.

Best of luck with this transit, Cooper and if you have more questions, please feel free to ask.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s answer:

Cooper, I agree entirely with Neith, our resident Pluto expert.

What I will add is that the transformation of your personality will take place over several years and that it may be so subtle that you don’t realize it’s happening. Then, one day you may wake up and wonder who that person in the mirror is. That’s because Pluto’s effects take place over time.

Incidentally, because of Pluto’s 248-year orbit, not everyone will experience this transit in a lifetime. Right now, anyone whose Rising sign is between about 27 degrees Sagittarius and 2 degrees Capricorn is feeling the effects, as Pluto is hovering on your Ascendant.

As Neith noted, Pluto returns direct on Monday. The exact degree is 28°30′ Sagittarius. The closer your Ascendant is to this degree, the more powerfully you will experience this event. In fact, as I write, Pluto is stationed in preparation for resuming his forward motion (what it looks like from down here, anyway; obviously planets do not move in reverse orbit). Also, the more closely transiting Pluto is aspecting planets in your natal chart, the more you will feel Pluto’s return direct.

But back to Pluto in the first house … As someone with Pluto-ruled Scorpio on the Midheaven, I have undergone several life changes that almost feel like reincarnating within a single lifetime. Mostly, this has involved my career, as might be expected, since the Midheaven is the cusp of the tenth house, which is the career area of the chart. As you are going through a first-house Pluto transit, you may transform your life entirely. This is not “good” or “bad,” it just is. Life is a process and a cycle. You will feel this more keenly as a result of Pluto’s visit to your first house. It sounds scary, but truly, there is nothing to fear.

I join Neith in wishing you the best of luck. Do keep in touch and let us know how it goes.

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Ask Real Astrologers: Why Am I Feeling So Angry?

This week’s question comes from Elaine in San Francisco:

All summer, I have felt consumed by anger, frustration, and guilt. I feel the earth shaking under me and feel like we are in a deeper movement than just my personal upheavals. Anything to this? Or is it just my neurotic self and shifts that I am doing and not allowing?

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Elaine, Uranus has been hanging out in your eighth house creating an aspect pattern called a Yod with your Ascendant in Leo conjunct Pluto sextile Neptune in Libra as the base. Of course, any planet activating your Ascendant-Pluto also affects your Sun because of the natal Sun-Pluto opposition.

All the astro-babble can be translated into simpler terms as follows: The eighth house relates to Scorpio and all things Plutonian and Uranus transits are noted for stirring the pot to help us become our most authentic selves. Anger, frustration and guilt are all good Pluto and eighth house issues. Outer planet transits to one point of a natal chart pattern can act like a fly wriggling on the corner of a spider web, shaking the whole thing.

Uranus encourages us to look out for ourselves and Pluto demands we deal with our darker aspects with detachment and acceptance. Yes, it’s a major pain the rear but the rewards can be equally great if we do the work.

Pluto also moved back into Sagittarius for a final visit in June about a week before Uranus turned Rx taking the collective into a period of review and potential catharsis. Perhaps you are more sensitive and aware of what’s going on in a broader sense because your personal planets are aspected natally by the outer planets. Both Pat and I are outer planet people too and consequently pay more attention to their movements.

As always, my suggestion is to practice forgiveness and treat one’s self with kindness and forbearance. Good luck!

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s answer:

Elaine, you are a powerfully “Plutonian” person, with natal Pluto poised on your Ascendant at 21 degrees Leo. My guess is that you are extremely psychic (possibly a hereditary trait), and that you are indeed picking up some universal energy.

I’ve written quite a bit on my blog, The Pisces Chronicles, and to a lesser extent here on the Real Astrologers blog, about the current series of eclipses in Leo and Aquarius, with a window on healing provided by Neptune and Chiron on the lunar North Node around 19-22 degrees Aquarius, which means that they are sitting opposite your Ascendant and natal Pluto. This has opened a powerful window of opportunity for you to do some deep healing work, possibly related to wounds you brought into this incarnation with you. Some of these may have been considerable — deep and dark, and very much in the realm of Pluto, who, as you may recall from Mythology 101, was the dark lord of the underworld.

I do believe that the current eclipse series is corresponding to a groundswell shift, and you are no doubt feeling it. As an Aquarius with Aquarius Rising, I most certainly am!

As I’ve also noted on my blog, there is another, simultaneous energy pattern happening right now, related to the imminent opposition of transiting Saturn and Uranus. Saturn currently is transiting your first house, but he’ll move to the second shortly, and so the opposition will happen in your second and eighth houses. Neith already has described one of the effects of Uranus in the eighth house, so you can see how this relates further to Plutonian themes.

Anger is a natural part of the healing process, but it is one of the scariest and most uncomfortable emotions for us, especially women. Just allow yourself the space to process it, and don’t judge it as “bad” or “negative.” Anger is a powerfully motivating force, or can be, when used properly. Just use it with care, don’t point it at anyone (at least not anyone who doesn’t deserve it!).

I also would note that since mid-June — the time you said this anger began — Mars was crossing your Ascendant, so of course he conjoined natal Pluto. This can be a period of blind rage, so it’s hardly surprising that you felt a lot of anger. Then Mars crossed Saturn in your first house and went on to oppose Uranus in your eighth house. Many people I know, myself included, either felt anger during this time or were the targets of anger.

Thank you for raising this very important question, Elaine. Much love and courage to you.

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Ask Real Astrologers: What Is the Significance of a Cardinal Cross?

This week’s question comes from Anya in the United States:

Hello and thank you for your kind work. I have been told that I have a cardinal cross in my chart, and am wondering what that means, if it is so. I appreciate your time and consideration of this question.

Libra ponders . . .Neith’s response:

Anya, a cardinal cross in your chart means you have four planets, one in each cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) aspecting each other. A grand cross has four 90° angles and two oppositions and it is a powerful but stable pattern.

Because it is in the cardinal mode, you most likely are very good at initiating action and may be a natural leader. However, unless you have other planets and angles in either fixed or mutable signs for balance, finishing what you start may be a problem.

A grand cross also means you have four planets evenly spaced around your chart wheel, and whenever transiting planets are in the cardinal signs you will have one corner of the cross being conjoined, squared or opposed. The Sun will conjoin each planet in the grand cross four times during the year, and this can be a great learning tool for you, since the Sun’s transits are brief.

If you wish to learn more about your chart, you can get a free chart at Astrodienst. You can also get some interpretations, but they are computer-generated and no substitute for a reading from a real astrologer. Either Pat or I can give you more feedback, if you wish to order a report. Astrology is a wonderful tool to learn more about who we are and why we do what we do.

Aquarius expounds . . .

Pat’s answer:

Anya, this is a great question. Since you didn’t supply any birth data, we will assume that you indeed have a cardinal grand cross in your chart, but let me just comment that, to be technically a grand cross, the planets forming the cross must be among the eight planets (yes, Pluto counts!) plus Sun and Moon. Chiron and the asteroids don’t count, nor does the Ascendant or Midheaven. In my chart, for example, three planets are in the early degrees of Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio, with my Aquarius Ascendant directly opposite. But this is still just a T-square, not a grand cross.

So with that caveat, the classic interpretation of a cardinal grand cross in the natal chart is just as Neith describes. Of the three types of grand crosses — cardinal, fixed, and mutable — this is the easiest to have in your chart. You may be very dynamic and active, but it’s easy to just spin your wheels and not get anywhere unless you have an outlet for all this wonderful energy. To discover where your best outlets are and how to take advantage of them, look for sextiles or trines to the planets forming the grand cross.

As Neith noted, a reading with one of us is a good way to determine how these planetary configurations operate in your life and when they may be activated. I currently am not accepting new clients, although my schedule is starting to lighten up, so anyone who would like a reading with me, stay tuned…

Wishing you much love and luck, Anya, and thanks for taking the time to write.

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