For an audio report on the incoming cycle, please listen to an interview on “Kristy’s Connection To The Soul“.

     As 2014’s Grand Cardinal Cross takes shape, perceptible tensions build. In part this is due to the contentious nature of crosses, a configuration that is made up of oppositions and squares. Another contributing factor is the planets that constitute the cross. In this case, they include Mars, Pluto, Uranus and Jupiter. Lastly, the modality of the signs that form the cross must be taken into consideration. In 2014, that means understanding the provocative and instigating nature of cardinal signs. Taking a broad look at the astrology of 2014, and of this spring in particular, can help us put the Cross, which includes the 5th Pluto Uranus square, into perspective. Clearly attuned to and firmly aligned with a greater purpose, we can harness and apply the initiating and fiery energies before us. To set the stage for the April 20-24 Grand Cardinal Cross, the Sun moves into invigorating, instigating Aries on March 20th at 10:57 A.M. MST.

     Bold and brash, Aries casts off the cold and gray of winter as it ushers in the season of renewal and revitalization. Accordingly, this Mars-ruled sign drives, pushes and motivates. On its journey through unflappable, activating Aries, the Sun will hit all four of the Grand Cardinal Cross points. On April 1st it squares Jupiter in Cancer, on the 2nd it conjoins Uranus in Aries, on the 3rd it squares Pluto and on the 8th it opposes Mars in Libra. Also, Mercury enters Aries on the 7th. So note what shows up during the first week of April because these issues and opportunities are part and parcel of the Grand Cross. Another key period begins on April 14th when Mercury conjoins Uranus and squares Jupiter and Pluto, Pluto stations to go retrograde and the moon arrives in Libra to prepare for the total lunar eclipse on April 15th.

     The first of 2014’s eclipses, this one will be visible in North America, and it involves the lunar nodes now positioned along the Aries (South Node) Libra (North Node) axis. The nodes describe our history and future. In this context, they not only add to the mounting pressure of the Grand Cardinal Cross, they also compel us to integrate personal desires with collective needs. How do we share our unique talents and gifts with others? How do singular actions impact the whole? This is also a cosmic challenge to match beliefs (Jupiter) with actions (Mars). The other noteworthy aspect about this eclipse and the total solar eclipse of April 28-29 is that they bookend the Cross.

     So, as the Sun transits from peaceful, Pisces to audacious Aries we will feel the unfolding friction and can begin putting passion into practice. The changes don’t have to be harsh or abrupt. Mercury will occupy poetic Pisces until April 7th and two days earlier Venus enters the holistic sign for a month-long stay. From there, the two will blend with Neptune and Chiron also in Pisces, Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio. Their harmonious water trines will offer intuitive insight as the conflicts created by the coming squares arise and intensify. Can you say guided action? Further, we are all descendants of the original fire or Big Bang. We have made deliberate choices on a soul level as to why we came to planet Earth at this time. The Aries fire being lit now can reacquaint us with our core essence and individual missions. That fire will be stoked by Jupiter’s year-long transit through fixed fire sign Leo, starting in July, and Saturn’s three-year journey through mutable fire sign Sagittarius, beginning in December. Those of you who follow astrology closely will recognize July as the point during 2014 when we emerge from the extended period of personal planet retrogradation. So as the cosmic breaks come off, the creative fires will be fanned further. It all starts this Equinox. This Aries Sun asks us to look out onto the horizon, to feel the excitement of new possibilities before us and to courageously step into them.