This document summarizes the astrological configuration of the 5th exact square between Uranus and Pluto occurring in April 2014, known as the Cardinal Grand Cross. It involves Uranus square Pluto joined by Mars in Libra and Jupiter in Cancer. This configuration creates pressure for action to address issues of fairness, relationships, self-value and transformation. The document also summarizes the two eclipses flanking this period which enhance themes of relationship balance and integrating the self and emotions. Those with personal planets between 10'-20' of the involved signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will most strongly feel its effects.

1. By Margaret Gray MSW D. Psych. Astrology
Act 5 – April 2014
Prometheus and Hades are joined on the heavenly
stage by Zeus and Ares, thereby transforming the 5th
Exact Uranus/Pluto Square into a Cardinal Grand Cross
This takes place between two Eclipses
A Time for Action and Accelerated Growth

2. (The arrows are pointing to Jupiter and Mars who have joined the
ongoing Uranus/Pluto square in the sky. Below is the chart of the 5th
exact square between Uranus and Pluto)

3. As with all stories and plays, it is always helpful to start at
the beginning.
Introducing the ongoing two main protagonists of the
Uranus/Pluto Square which we have been experiencing since
June 2012:
The planet Uranus
Main Goal: Enlightenment
In Aries: Immediate, Courageous and Innovative
(His discovery coincided with three major revolutions, American, French and Industrial)

4. Mythology
One of the archetypal representations by Ouranos, the founding father of
the Olympian gods, is of the destructive father who rejected the
imperfections of his offspring, imprisoning them deep within the depths of
the earth in Tartarus. Appalled by his lack of respect for his offspring and
for earth itself, Ouranos’ consort cum mother Gaia, gave her youngest son
Cronus/Saturn a sickle to castrate his father, thus reminding us of the
importance of integrating rather than rejecting our humanity in favour of the
Uranian realms.
My tendency however, is to associate the Promethean mythology with
Uranus as it resonates so strongly with the powerful rapid insights and
flashes of inspiration which often accompany Uranian transits. Chiron’s
compassion in saving Prometheus, through swapping places with him and
thereby releasing him of his nightly torture, reminds us of the power of
compassion in healing the disparity between our divine and human self.
To suffer woes which Hope thinks infinite; [4.570]
To forgive wrongs darker than death or night;
To defy Power, which seems omnipotent;
To love, and bear; to hope till Hope creates
From its own wreck the thing it contemplates;
Neither to change, nor falter, nor repent; [4.575]
This, like thy glory, Titan, is to be
Good, great and joyous, beautiful and free;
This is alone Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory.
Lord Byron

5. Representing the part of us that is urged forward by the progressive
idealistic pull to evolve beyond our Saturnian mortal limitations, including
the regressive pull of the familiar and often largely unconscious lunar
realm, Prometheus invites us on the journey of conscious individuation. All
the while he also reminds us of the greater patterns and
interconnectedness of all that is seen and unseen. As a generational
planet, Uranus connects us most deeply to the ideals of our generation
generating a powerful awakening when it opposes itself during our midlife
transits in our early 40’s.
So - what does this Promethean deity invite us to do as it
moves through the sky in the fiery sign of Aries?
Rapidly
Awaken, Ignite
and Enlighten
ourselves and
others
Free ourselves
of
Constrictions
Listen to our
Intuition and
envisage the
future
Detach and
Observe
Make
Innovative
Courageous
Progressive
Changes

6. Meeting the Second Main Protagonist:
The Planet Pluto
Main Goal: Transformation and Transmutation
In Capricorn: Tenaciously determined
(Discovery coincided with the splitting of the Atom)
Mythology:
Plutonian mythologies worldwide remind us of the existence of aspects of
our being that are largely unfathomable. In human terms this has usually
been equated with something to be feared rather than embraced, as it
appeared to threaten our human existence. In collectively awakening to a
greater evolutionary process and increasingly remembering the purpose of
our soul journey, the associations we have attributed to the ‘underworld’
are likely to change. Pluto’s demotion as a planet could be interpreted as a
symbolic invitation to do so. In substituting power ‘within’ rather than power
‘over’, we can voluntarily enter Hades realm as in the Sumerian myth of
Inanna, rather than feeling we are pulled into it, as in the abduction of

7. Persephone. In so doing we can choose to release personal, family and
past life complexes that appear to hinder us and re-connect with our
authentic power within. This joins us to the Venusian principle of self-value
and unconditional love, reminding us to place our heart at the forefront.
In its role as a generational planet, Plutonian energies become easier to
work with in a conscious manner after Pluto squares itself as part of our
midlife transits in our late 30’s/early 40’s.
What does this Plutonian deity invite us to do as it moves
through the sky in the earthy sign of Capricorn?
Access and
stand in our
Autentic
Power
Transmute,
Tranform and
Release Personal
and Family
Ancestral
Complexes
Release our
Naivity
Engage with
our Passion
Become
Conscious

8. The conjunction of these two
powerful planets on Oct 9th 1965 at 17’/18’ Virgo, (also on April 4th
and
June 30th
1966), was when the seeds were planted for the current transit of
Uranus square Pluto. Events at the time included: Civil Rights
demonstrations, Vietnam War protests, the establishment of Medicare and
Medicaid, suspension of the death penalty in the UK and the popularity of
award winning musicals including Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and the
Sound of Music. Unresolved issues from this time are likely to be revisited
on a collective and personal level. Anyone born at the time of this
conjunction is likely to be particularly ignited by the current Uranus square
Pluto transit. The end of this current cycle and start of the next one will be
on April 24th
2104 when Uranus and Pluto come together at 7’ Taurus.
The Cardinal Grand Cross of April 2014

9. Key participants = Uranus square Pluto, joined by Mars and
Jupiter in a supporting role
What is the role of Mars and Jupiter in the Cardinal Grand
Cross?
The Planet Mars
(A personal planet and hence more accessible to our conscious
awareness)
Main Goal: Ignite into Action the planets it aspects
In Libra: Diplomatically and Rationally. Concerned with Fairness, Balance
and how we Relate.
Currently Retrograde: Focuses on rethinking, with a view to taking action
when it goes Direct in May 2014
A Grand Cross = a planetary configuration where 4 or more planets
form the shape of a cross. Because of the nature of this shape and
because the planets involved in this case are at what is considered the
‘critical degree’ of 13’ for Cardinal signs in traditional astrology, there is a
lot of pressure from these energies to take action. (The Cardinal signs
Aries, Capricorn, Libra and Cancer are leaders and initiators by nature).
Yet the call to action is somewhat frustrated by the lack of an exit point
for the four connected planets, resulting in a degree of restless
movement from one planet to the next. Mars being Retrograde also
contributes to this frustration. Hence during peak times for the Grand
Cross which continues on and off into May 2014, we are likely to
experience a degree of internal and external agitation on an individual
and collective level as each planet clamours for attention and change in
the manner of its sign. Grand Crosses are often observed in the birth
charts of very ‘successful’ individuals as it is quite a driven configuration.

10. Mythology
Mars, also known as Ares is best known as the warrior archetype. Loved by
the Romans who revered their armies, yet considered crude and uncivilised
by the Greeks, Mars, was the lover of the beautiful Aphrodite (Venus) in
mythology. Yet the core psychological meaning and function of Mars is to
support us in our illusory process of human individuation, which is a key
requirement for our evolutionary soul journey. Birth and death require the
forceful determined wilful energy of Mars as we emerge from Mother’s
womb and/or take our last dying breath on our return to source. In-
between, we are constantly challenged with our internal conflict between
lunar regression and solar progression. The life force energy of Mars offers
us the necessary will to affirm our separateness and hence to engage with
the challenges of life on this planet. Hence the importance of learning to
say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to our survival when we reach our first Mars
return – commonly described as the so called ‘terrible two’s’. Unless it is
suppressed, repressed or denied Mars operates in a direct manner with no
subterfuge.
In the sign of Libra, Mars invites us as a collective to use our mental
capacities to observe and take calculated action rather than react, so that
we can balance carefully where our actions might be most effective. Its role
in the Grand Cross is to encourage us to become intellectual warriors,
challenging our thinking in the arenas of unfairness and inequality both
globally and on a personal level. Due to its retrograde motion there may be
some delays with action that could be taken to fully redress imbalances
until it goes direct in May 2014.

11. The Planet Jupiter
Main goal: Expansion
In Cancer: Imaginatively with Love, particularly Self-love
Mythology:
Archetypally Jupiter represents the divine aspect of the self that is in
human form. This is the part of us that seeks ongoing meaning, expansion
and growth and thrives on pure Joy. Described in Mythology as Zeus the
king of the heavens, he disliked the containment and limitations of this
human earthly dimension represented in the myth by his father
Saturn/Cronos and his wife Hera. Yet both of these earthy principles are
necessary to enable him to manifest his visions. Offering expansion
through inspiration Jupiter reminds us that there is a law that supersedes
the law of nature. This is the inner law of morality. Jupiter reminds us that
we exist in a benign cosmos which is ever expanding. By our first Jupiter
Return around age 12 we have a clearer sense of what brings us joy.
In the sign of Cancer, Jupiter expands and enhances our connection with
our inner emotional realm. Inspired meaning is likely to emerge through the
realms of our imagination and our creativity. Mostly, this vibrant planet in
this lunar sign reminds of our limitless capacity for unconditional love for
our self and others.

12. Overall Summary of the Cardinal Grand Cross Energies
Timing: April – May 2014
Most intense period: April 20th
– 24th
Core Psychological Themes:
The Eclipses of April 2014 – taking place either side of the
Cardinal Grand Cross
 April 15th
: Total Lunar Eclipse at 25’ Libra 16
 April 29th
: Annular Solar Eclipse at 8’ Taurus 52
More information available on the NASA page:
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2014.html#LE2014Apr15T
Eclipses always occur twice a year in April/May and October/November.
Hence they are a usual part of our heavenly occurrences. However, the
April Eclipses are particularly important in that they take place a few days
The
Cardinal
Grand
Cross
The aligning
of our
thoughts and
actions with
justice and
fairness
Transforming
structures that
are not based on
unconditional
love - particularly
self love
Redressing
imbalances in
our life,
particularlyin
our
relationshipsObserving
and respond
rather than
react
Releasing old
narcissistic
wounds
Healing
underlying
core issues
related to our
self value

13. before and after the 5th
exact Uranus/Pluto square/Cardinal Grand Cross,
adding additional planetary energies to an already very busy sky.
A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Moon
and the Sun, thereby blocking the Sun’s light from illuminating the Moon.
Hence, although it is a Full Moon, the light of the Moon is obscured for a
few hours. Lunar Eclipses can be viewed from anywhere on the night side
of the Earth.
Psychologically, Earth temporarily overshadows our inner emotional lunar
realm. In the same manner as the Moon is dependent for its illumination on
the light of the Sun, our largely unconscious emotional depths depend on
our solar consciousness to offer enlightenment, with a view to integrating
our emotions. During a lunar eclipse, illumination cannot reach our
emotional depths. Hence we may feel that we are swimming in a sea of
emotions, without the help of our solar consciousness to make sense of it
all.
Core Themes for the Total Lunar Eclipse at 25’ Libra 16:
The Total Lunar Eclipse on April 15th
at 25’ Libra 15 offers us the
opportunity to become more aware of and redress imbalances in how we
relate to each other on an individual and global level. The activation of the
Libra/Aries axis invites us to integrate the Aries lesson of self-care with the
Libra lesson of caring for others. Hence we are offered the potential to heal

14. dysfunctional relationship patterns and create greater mutuality, equality
and balance in all of our relationships on an emotional level. This is the
second of 5 Lunar Eclipses on the Libra/Aries axis and hence connected to
the above core theme. The first one was on Oct 18 2013 and the next ones
are as follows: Oct 8 2014, April 4 2015, Sept 28 2015, March 23rd
2016.
This time span will offer us the opportunity to redress any imbalances in our
relationship with our self and others. The last time this axis was activated
by the Lunar Eclipses was in 2004/05.
In addition, with Hermes (Mercury) the planet of communication in fiery
direct Aries, exactly conjunct Uranus, square Pluto and opposite Mars, we
may find ourselves inspired with new ways of thinking. However, it may be
helpful to be a little cautious in how and what we express, as this planetary
combination is not conducive to diplomatic communication! There is also
huge potential to heal our sense of human isolation at this time. The
Neptune/Venus/Chiron stellium in Pisces trine Jupiter and quincunx Mars
powerfully reminds us that we are all one. Their sextile to Pluto brings to
the fore that this is the time to transmute our collective and individual
structures so that they reflect the reality of oneness. The last Lunar Eclipse
in this Saros Series 122 took place on April 4th
1996. Hence this current
eclipse is likely to offer the opportunity to resolve some of the unfinished
emotional issues from that time.

15. A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon, fully or partially blocks the Sun as
it passes between the Sun and Earth at the time of a New Moon when the
Sun and the Moon are conjunct as seen from Earth. Being totally reliant on
our Sun to provide us with light and heat, the dimming of the Sun has
drawn our attention on all levels for centuries immemorial in all cultures
across the globe. On an instinctual level, our survival can feel somewhat
threatened, as we are potentially deprived of the resources we depend on.
On a psychological level, a solar eclipse symbolizes our Solar conscious
self being temporarily obscured by our lunar unconscious emotions as they
rise to the surface.
Whereas eclipses often reverberate on an individual level in a more internal
manner, the mundane impact of Eclipses, is often visible through a more
concrete manifestation of the energies. Countries which are on the direct
path of the eclipse tend to resonate more strongly with the Eclipse
energies.
Core Themes for the Annular Solar Eclipse
The Annular Solar Eclipse on April 29th
at 8’ Taurus 51 is particularly potent
in that only a halo of light will illuminate the Sun, temporarily obscuring
much of our consciousness. It is also very important because it is within 5’
orb of the degree of the Grand Cross – hence it becomes an intrinsic part
of this configuration.
Psychologically an alchemical fusion of solar and lunar energies will take
place which on an archetypal level could be described as the conjunctio of
the anima and animus, yin and yang, masculine and feminine, mother and
father. With this eclipse belonging to SS 16 South, Dr. Bernadette Brady
writes that ‘no real action should be taken’ at this time. Hence we are
invited to ground ourselves in our body and focus on our values,
particularly our self-value. With Jupiter, Saturn and Chiron forming a Water
Grand Trine, emotions can flow more easily at this time offering healing to
our hearts. Truth can be gently unearthed enabling love to flow and
replace fear. New authentic structures are likely to begin to form roots at
this time which will shoot up over the next few years. As always truth with
self and others is of paramount importance at this time.

16. Who is most likely to resonate with these energies?
If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 10’ - 16’ of Aries, Libra,
Capricorn and/or Cancer you will resonate strongly with the energies of the
Grand Cross.
If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 23’ – 27’ of the above signs
you will resonate strongly with the Lunar Eclipse themes.
If your Sun, Moon and/or angles are between 6’ – 10’ Taurus, Scorpio, Leo
and/or Aquarius you will resonate strongly with the Solar Eclipse themes.
Tools to assist with integrating the energies of the Grand
Cross:
 Physical and mental movement are important to keep energies
flowing during this time. Exercise of all kinds will help release old
energies that are likely to come to the surface and mental focus will
support the mind in observing and responding. Without a focus
Mercurius can lose itself in angst and fear. Hence it is important to
give our minds tasks to work on. For example: a writing project,
research, a new invention, meditation, visualisation etc.
 Grounding our energies in ourselves and deep within the earth helps
to anchor on this planet. The deeper our roots, the less likely we are
to get caught up in our mind rather than focusing on our heart.
 Connecting with gratitude and joy can facilitate us moving into
unconditional love and compassion.

17.  Breathing exercises can help us to connect with our heart and
respond from there rather than from our mind.
 Taking good care of our human body is particularly important during
these times of intense transformation. Notice when your body needs
food, rest, sleep and/or exercise
 Creativity can be both an expression and a container for the current
energies.
 Laughter is one of the best therapies in the world.
If you are in the midst of your Midlife transits:
If you are part of the generation who are currently 42/43 yrs. old, this
transit coincides with your Uranus opposition which is part of the midlife
transits. Inviting freedom from all restrictions that impede your soul journey,
this transit will also include the transformative energy of Pluto, as he puts
additional pressure on you to radically transform all structures in your life
which are not authentic to your soul self. The main focus is on creating
balance and fairness in relationships both on an individual and a collective
level, whilst retaining autonomy and freedom. This is a particularly good
time to focus your energies and engage your idealism for the purpose of
enhancing fairness and justice in the world.

18. If you are part of the generation who are 37/38 yrs old, and going through
the Pluto square Pluto midlife transits, your focus is likely to be on forging
your inner resources and strength as you take your place in the collective
as the agent of transformation you truly are. You are at the forefront of
innovative changes in the arena of relationships.
Returning to the same position it was in the sky when you were born at age
50/51 the Chiron Return , invites you to a place of greater wisdom as the
sources of past perceived wounding become clearer, thereby offering you
the potential to release and clear them. For the generation with Chiron in
Pisces, past wounding is connected with collective feelings of aloneness
and sadness due to a perceived disconnection from source energy and
repeated fruitless attempts to find comfort predominantly through human
relationships. Visiting your natal Chiron alongside transiting Chiron,
Neptune offers enormous potential to release old grief and reconnect to our
source. There are a multitude of tools available to assist in this process
including: meditation, writing, visualisations, being in the ocean, chanting,
yoga etc. (Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance re
suggestions and contacts).
(If you don’t have a copy of your birth chart and would like to know the position of your
planets www.astro.com offers an excellent free copy of your chart)
Similarly to a play that appears to end when the curtain comes down, it is
merely an act which takes place within a play, which in its turn takes place
within the interpretation of each protagonist and each participant, which
changes in response to the reaction of each part and each individual……
likewise we continue to co-create with these amazing planetary beings who
are an intrinsic part of each of us.
I leave you with a quote from the wise and kind Dr Brian Weiss:
Come from the heart, the true heart, not the head. When in
doubt, choose the heart. This does not mean to deny your
own experiences and that which you have empirically

19. learned through the years. It means to trust yourself to
integrate intuition and experience. There is a balance, a
harmony to be nurtured, between the head and the heart.
When the intuition rings clear and true, loving impulses are
favoured
Dr Brian L. Weiss
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wroot/page23.htm
Legal Copyright of Margaret Gray April 2014 – some of this material was
previously published in Positive Life Ireland Magazine – free articles are
online at http://www.positivelife.ie/2012/03/embracing-the-planets/ as well
as more recently in Network Ireland Magazine. All articles are free on
Margaret’s website www.astrologypsychological.com. Parts of this article
was also previously posted on Facebook and on my website. You are
welcome to share this information but please credit the author and inform
her that you are sharing it if you use it as an astrologer as part of your
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Legal Disclaimer: All of the material presented here is solely the personal
opinion of the author and is not intended as a substitute to medical or
mental health intervention or support.