The Fixed Grand Cross of 2005/2006
                                                                    By Dulce Bell-Bulley

Starting in November 2005 and running through January 2006 four planets connect in a cosmic arrangement that looks like a square or a cross. This is called a Grand Cross. This configuration contains dynamic tension as the planets form 90° angles to each other and each form pairs of oppositions. The symbol of the Cross has powerful meaning to all cultures and religions and suggests that we are at a crossroads in at least one area of our lives. Through this cosmic tension you can re-create, or rededicate, the direction of your life. Assisted by your dreams, fuelled by your hopes and the steady drive of your passion anything is possible. But it is difficult. Tremendous energy and frustration accompany this Cross and limits and obstacles present themselves as easily as opportunity and inspiration.

Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune are the key players in this Grand Cross and they are in the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Fixed energy is very stubborn and is determined to maintain the status quo in the middle of rapidly changing times. Mars and Sun/Jupiter square both Neptune and Saturn who in turn oppose each other - thus the Grand Cross. In a nutshell the thrust of this Cross is to find your deepest passion, face your greatest fear, acknowledge your need for security and achieve your shining goal.

Mars is the ancient ruler of Scorpio and is in Taurus. At first Mars is in opposition to the Sun and then, by the Full Moon on the 15th, is in opposition to Jupiter in Scorpio. Mars ignites. He sets things on fire. He is the sperm that connects with the ovum. In opposition to the Sun irritation, anger and impulsive action is likely as people bump heads with opposing agendas. When Mars opposes Jupiter, the larger planet represents what we desire: specifically our inheritance and luxury. Mars in Taurus wants comfort and money. These two planets in these signs have a great deal to do with the earth and our place here as humans. Many Americans will struggle to meet basic needs under these conditions. The weekly pay check no longer suffices. High heating costs and gas prices have many deciding whether or not they want to blow their hard earned money on luxuries. How much are we willing to go into debt for our comforts? How far do we go for the black gold we seek? Big business continues to clash with protection of the environment.

While those particular dynamics play out, the other side of the Cross, consisting of Neptune and Saturn, follows its agenda. Neptune is beyond our control. He's the unpredictable Divine presence in this cosmic drama. Neptune is vague, foggy and rules our dreams, illusions and inspiration. In social Aquarius, Neptune holds the dreams of the human family. He also rules all liquids - oceans and oil. 

Opposite Neptune lies Saturn the planet of karma and structure who represents reality as we know it. Saturn in Leo is tremendously courageous and very determined to achieve success. In opposition to watery Neptune he feels himself dissolving. The perfect metaphor for this opposition is the recent deluge of New Orleans. The boundaries that Saturn holds so firm, like the streets of New Orleans, cave beneath Neptune's watery onslaught. In square to Mars and Jupiter, reality re-creates itself. And, because Saturn is in the fire sign of Leo, re-creation takes courage.

This cosmic tension demands that we stand at the crossroads of life, faced with both obstacles and opportunity. At this place we can re-create the very shape of our lives or rededicate ourselves to our chosen path. But it is not comfortable. It is a crossroads where we relinquish the comfortableness of the status quo for the prickly, dissolving, confusion that is the letting go of what we know. In order to make this Grand Cross work for us we have to be able to know where we want to go, and what we want instead of what we have. 

Economics and social upheaval may dictate this for many. It won't be a question of choice but necessity. Certainly this is so for the many whose lives were disrupted by hurricanes, earthquakes and wars. 3rd World conditions show up in 1st World places at this time. On a general level this Grand Cross will manifest as loss through speculation. This is not the time to gamble. Though, with astuteness, money can be made under these skies. Government as represented by Saturn in Leo faces the displeasure and confusion of the people - Neptune in Aquarius. Personal efforts to get ahead (Mars in Taurus) may tempt some to enter into debt (Jupiter in Scorpio). 

For those of us who are fortunate enough to have what we need, the Grand Cross impels us to work on a deeper level. What we uncover now about ourselves will live with us for a long time. By defining our values and measuring our concept of true worth we will define our path for tomorrow with courageous conviction.

Copyright Dulce Bell-Bulley 10/29/05.