Cardinal Crossroads at the Aries Full Moon

Looking at the astrology of the current annual Full Moon in Aries and some of the challenging geometry we’ve had over the last week or so, the phrase “We live in exceptional times” comes to mind! I would definitely say that some of the notable planetary alignments since the start of the decade have been exceptional, especially ones involving the slower moving planets- Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto- which seem to emphasize this being a historical time of major changes.

We just had the last Eclipse season of 2024 which may have stirred up some uncomfortable truths or revealed aspects which we’d rather keep buried, especially from the past and within one-to-one relationships, family dynamics or social dynamics. Mars in Cancer will be spending many months in this sign due to it’s upcoming Retrograde phase and I would interpret this long stay as an important opportunity for us all to release any emotional baggage which impedes progress.

Mars is in several tense conversations at this Full Moon, with the Sun and Juno in Libra on one side and the Moon, Eris and Chiron on the other. Discussions may also not be easily had as Mars in Cancer may trigger defensiveness.

The annual Full Moon in Aries always highlights the dance between self and others, “me versus we” dynamic as it opposes the Sun in the balance seeking Air sign of Libra. The Aries/Libra polarity is  at 23° and all the planets are all at odds- the assertive, projective “me” needs of Aries may feel pushy to Cancer while Libra’s desire to relate in a harmonious way or support others before themselves may impede honest in depth discussion. With the Moon and Chiron close knit in Aries, wounding may be surfacing around the experience of how we were mothered or around being a mother, or around family and ancestral/ intergenerational traumas.

Eris is a Dwarf planet who has a rather eccentric orbit out beyond Pluto and is tightly aligned to this Full Moon/Chiron alignment. She was the sister of Mars in mythology, was originally named Xena (after the Warrior Princess in the TV series) who became associated with strife and discord for her part in inciting the Trojan war. Like all the Dwarf planets discovered over the last 20 years, Eris is extremely slow moving, having been in Aries since 1926 so this influence in Aries impacts humanity for 120 years.

According to Alan Clay with whom I am studying these dwarf planets online, she represents a higher octave expression of Mars and Pluto. She represents a consciousness that embraces diversity, a truth seeker who battles for ALL shining a light boldly onto injustices and inequalities.

Juno ( known as Hera in Greek mythology)  is a completely different female archetype, revered as the  the triple Moon Goddess who ruled over committed relationships, marriage, phases of sexuality, the relating urge and female creativity. She was married to Jupiter ( Zeus) who was unfaithful so the balance of power, mutual sharing and trust are associated with this asteroid. Having been in Libra since mid August, Juno has been playing a role in activating Libran principles of fairness or cooperation within our significant one-to-one relationships.

With Juno opposite Eris commitment is not just to another person but to our inner self and the individual path we are each here to explore. By truly committing to our unique journey in space and time we  contribute to the unified field we all share and the consciousness of all people AS WELL as the ancestors that came before us.

Adding to potentially emotional, volatile or sensitive reactions, the Moon, followed by the Sun and Mars are all going to be facing off one at a time with Pluto in Capricorn over the coming week. The Moon will square Pluto a few hours after the Full Moon then the Sun will square Pluto on 22nd October when the Sun enters Scorpio.

Mars will be opposing Pluto on 2nd/3rd November a couple of days to be aware of how you manage or harness personal energy. Mars opposite Pluto is a potentially hot headed or volatile signature which we all need to be wary of especially when communicating, operating machinery or when driving. It would be wise to remain as calm as possible if buttons get pushed, as irritation is likely  and situations or dynamics might be intense and confrontational in a counter-productive way.

The higher perspective is that Pluto gets us to unearth or explore shadow aspects which operate on a subconscious or unconscious level to undermine and lower, not only our own but others', energy. On the upside with Mars in this dynamic, we may find courage to act from a place of greater emotional intelligence and integrity .

This planetary dance is making a Grand Cross configuration in signs collectively known as Cardinal signs. Cardinal signs mark the seasonal gateways and major compass directions so their power is initiatory. But in the case of this Grand Cross the potential for conflict arising or escalating whether within a blood family or between nations is one core signature of this Full Moon’s energy. BUT with Eris  and Juno involved in the mix, any rage or outrage within may require some honest self-reflection around where the boundaries are with another person, what is appropriate sharing or if we've projected authority and control onto another person or external source.

With Juno opposite Eris commitment is not just to another person but to our inner self and the individual path we are each here to explore. By truly committing to our unique journey in space and time we  contribute to the unified field we all share and the consciousness of all people AS WELL as the ancestors that came before us

Anyone with planets or points in the Cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn especially in the last 10 degrees( roughly between the 10th -20th of April, July, October and January-give or take a couple of days) might be particularly affected by this Grand Cross configuration in the next week or two.

A few questions that may be helpful to reflect on:

- Do I acknowledge my presence in this world as unique and valuable?

-Where am I feeling the need to assert myself, and how can I do so in a way that is mutually empowering?

-What old emotional patterns or family dynamics am I aware of that I do not wish to carry further?

-How can I balance my personal need for autonomy with the diverse needs of others so we can all thrive and grow?