Astrology in April-May 2008 - The Grand Irrationality Is Triggered By Mars in late Cancer (Welcome to what Summer will bring)

by Robert Wilkinson

Right now Mars just finished quincunxing Neptune and is entering the exact zone of the triseptile with Pluto. With the Moon is in Aquarius conjuncting Neptune in the Grand Irrationalty, welcome to the hard edge of choosing the future. It would seem as though many are choosing their future "destiny," though of course anyone can always change course if they're not caught up in irrationality, compulsions, or prior unconscious factors. And just because we see it in another does not mean we have the power to make them differently.

As you know from previous Spiritual Astrology articles (with several to follow in the near future!), we are living within what I have termed "The Grand Irrationality," shown by the Neptune-Pluto septile energy going on the last decade which will last another. At critical points in the year cycle various transits open up these doorways to other weird choices and changes. These points are where "destiny is at work," which of course affects Saints and sinners alike, just in different ways according to our merits and demerits in consciousness and karmas, the errors and actualities that we manifest for good or ill.

During the next few days, Mars will traverse the degree span that makes a triseptile to both Neptune and Pluto, forming an off-set "Yod" to the Cancer Mars. Expect dramatic choices and changes that will affect many lives for many years into the future. This will consolidate some initiatives for the long term, and mark a critical turning point in many socio-cultural efforts. It obviously affects each of us in whatever areas Aries, Cancer, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Aquarius fall, since these are signs that are activated or ruled by the planets in question.

In a nutshell, expect up close and personal experiences to be taken in very personal ways that affect the future of whoever is making those choices, which is all of us. If ever there was a point where the future is entirely up for grabs, this is the "Cosmic moment," the next few days. The next big point will be in early May, when Mercury occupies the Gemini point of the Grand Irrationality. This will activate many changes, especially when Moon is in Aries, filling in the 4th point of the 7 pointed Star pattern.

So if you have any planet around late Sagittarius, early Capricorn, early third decan Aquarius, early second decan Aries, early Gemini, late Cancer, mid-Virgo, or early Scorpio. hang on to your hats, since the wild ride is taking a strange and hard turn at the intersection of Fate Street and Free Will Street where they meet Eternity Boulevard.

Overall, this is NOT a time where things are settled or we will feel stable. Yes, there are possibiities to be embraced, and rewards are coming as indicated by Jupiter. But with a little reflection, it is obvious that these are not very settling times at all. In fact, we need to all find an approach to circumstances and people that works for us. And adaptability is a virtue in an Age in Transition. Be sensitive, accept the power, conform to collective standards, and get ready to rise to some occasion. It's definitely on the way for each according to their need or duty.

© Copyright 2008 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Susannah]

Hi. I really don't know a lot about astrology, although I am very interested in it and love your blog. What does "late Cancer" mean? Is June 28th late Cancer or does it have nothing to do with the date of your birthday. I've got a lot to learn! ;-)

Thanks!

Susannah

[Damien]

"Conform to collective standards"? That seems to me to be the intrinsic problem of these times and the thing we absolutely should NOT do.

[Robert]

Hi Susannah - Well, keep studying, since the more you learn the more you'll understand, and believe me, it's definitely cumulative. Late Cancer means the span between 25-29 degrees of Cancer. So no, it wouldn't be late June, but closer to the third week of July birthdays. Of course, you could have a planet there, so persevere in finding out about your chart.

Hi Damien - Well, I suppose it's all about how one defines "collective standards." MY collective standards are those that the Masters of the Wisdom have given humanity across the centuries. But on a more mundane level, it may mean something like just doing what you know needs to be done according to the collective circumstances you find yourself in. Like pet the cat or regularly water the garden if that's what needs to be done.

[Nan]

What general effects for a late (24?)Saturn/Sag/9th-conjunct MC, 2 Cap MC w/ an early(4) Aries rising?

[Christine E]

Hi Robert,

Sounds like everyone has been experiencing some general funkiness lately. I definitely have felt out of sorts all month...a pile up of minor but unpleasant illnesses and injuries and a general intolerance of others' personality issues/rudeness where usually I am pretty sanguine in both areas.

But I have Mars at 5 Cap, Mercury at 13 Aries, and NN at 23 Aquarius. Plus, Pluto is leaning on my Sun and bringing up all sorts of things I am not in the mood to deal with. In short, I feel less than competent for any critical decision-making moments right now. Yikes.

[Matt]

Oh my...

Neptune at 27* Sag, MC at 1* Cap, Sun at 10*23' Aries, Venus at 24* Aquarius and Jupiter at 8* Scorpio... I'm hitting on all cylinders these days... joy.

I'm focusing my energies this week on harnessing the energy of the Grand Earth Trine - looking at the bright side! I'm also meditating like 3 hours a day too for serenity and to make some positive leaps.

[Valerie]

Every time you write about the Grand Irrationality I manage to be in the middle of some new wierdness. Synchronicity, you know. Anyhow, I have Mercury 17 , SN 14 and Uranus 22 Cancer in my 6th house so (among other things) you can see why I was so concerned about finding a new job/career last time I wrote on that other page. Seeing as how Mars is going through there right now, we are having major upheaval in my office and everyone is upset. And there's no rhyme or reason, no one knows what the long term plan is. Just moving and combining departments etc. So I'm laying low, doing my job, keeping my mouth shut. It's very disturbing, but interesting to say the least. Certainly does feel like a wild ride at the moment!

[Felita]

Hi Robert and others, I feel like I am weathering a storm, with the rest of you.

An Uplifting! Please sing outloud. A couragious brilliant person to me.
Alanis Morrisette..."Thank You" I feel heaps better now.

Aum Shanti Felita and Thank you!

[Mary]

The storm of weirdness has not let up in a long time. I think about the economics of the country, the unwillingness of the corporate to give up its billions of dollars or euros profits, I think about the politicians and their seemingly endless tirades of meaningless statements. This irrationality is this largely mathematical or is it largely emotional. It does not seem that much logic and public interest go hand in hand recently. The collective world has gone somewhat over the edge. Even the weird behavior of the entertainment field does not have the effects it would have had in the past. We just shrug and say it is a part of the collective and reflective parts of society now. Scary place to be when order, stability, and meaningfullness is what is wanted.

[Sue Moon]

Morning Robert,
First, I would like to thank you for making yourself available to us all. The wisdom of your astrological insight reorganizes my thinking and opens up greater avenues for change and hope. My question today is: My natal Venus is 6 degrees Scorpio in the 9th. I would love to hear your take on that during this great time of Change/Irrationality.
Bless you, Sue

[anu]

Dear Robert

Been feeling great despite the fact I have no house or roof, am staying with friends, have found a house with a huge rent, high sugar etc but feel v creative. At this point I've started painting as well as writing. Okay here is my qs: will I be able to sell 'em as a lot of people say I should. Maybe that will compensate for broken marriage plus loss of job last year. Or does the universe never compensate?
two, please do a post on horary astrology?
Three, you had mentioned in a post that moon preceding the sun makes you live out your moon qualites. Eg moon in cancer an dsun in leo makes you more cancerian if moon is before in the chart as it is in mine. Please do a post on that eg other planets before the sun etc. I've read about it but your two bit is worth much more.
Four, I've been doing some tarot learning and bot hmy teacher and me are very puzzled about nothing coinciding with my actual situation in the reading. maybe someone could throw some light on that?

thanx just for being so freely available and one day I know we will meet.

[el BB]

Hello Robert. Do you know I read this blog most everyday? Things are of course quite unsettled here, but the family seems to be pulling in the same direction most of the time. Whammys for all in recent weeks. For me, with Venus @ 13 virgo, Pluto @8 virgo,Jupiter on my Saturn and Mars/ mercury/neptune all @ 1,3 and 9 degrees of Scorpio in the 12th, whew. Guess this is not letting up,yeeha.
As I said to a pal, oh well,maybe in my sixties...referencing to making Art, which actualling has been happening. Really just want to go live on a island w/ a pony and a monkey like Pippi Longstocking, but know I must face each day here and with all. Brave and tring real hard not to be foolish. Sorry you had freind troubles. I have lost far too many dear ones to the vagueries of time distance and my fierce nature.
As the song says "I can't get myself to go away"
Its beauty days here in SA, and our garden grows w/ beans and chard and maters coming on strong. Glory be, Shes so willing to give to us humans.
Happy Beltane to all who pass thru these pages.
Could use a new chart and reading. Think its been since 2001. p'haps we could arrange that.
best to you + yours,el BB

[AceStar]

dear Robert!
hope you r well and in good health my friend :)
sorry i was away for past 12 days busy maybe too busy with faimly and friends but i was thinking of you in that time :)
just wanna say Hi and wish you all the best brother

Love :)

[Leana]

Hi Robert,

I don't know if I feel "strange" because of all these transits I'm getting from everywhere: Pluto on my Ascendant 28d in Sag, Neptune on my Mars 21d in Aqua, Mars who just came close to my Sun 15d and Venus 2d in Cancer, or from Sedna who just moved into my 5th house? I feel confused and disorientated, having a hard time defining what is it that I really want to do, live, and where? And with whom? I also feel that the way I relate to my "close" ones is changing...
Thank you in advance Robert...

[toni]

Hey there Robert, You keep producing many amazing thoughts and sharing them with everyone, thank you. I have an ethical question for you. I'm a single mom, my ex-husband stopped paying child support when he lost his job several years ago, but he's now had a job for over a year and makes double what I do, but still doesn't pay anything to help support his children, due to financial and legal problems caused by his alcoholism, etc. I told him he had to start paying something every other week from now on or I would take him back to court. I know I have self-esteem issues which always cause me to think of everyone elses welfare before my own and even my own children's. But I feel badly threatening even him and "strong arming" anyone. But why have I been concerned for his problems when he doesn't even contribute emotionally to his children's life (rarely has contact with them). Do you think I'm wrong for insisting about this? Is it part of the grand irrationality and I'm acting irrationally? I'm 11/24/60 @8:23a.m. in lincoln park, mi. It feels like me claiming my worth finally, and that of my children's.

[Lisa]

Robert,

Since, my mind likes to think in terms of literal, when you say that "if ever there was a point where the future is entirely up for grabs, this is the "Cosmic moment," the next few days" it makes me nervous. I feel like I need to take action.

I do have my natal Jupiter at 5 Scorpio in my 4th house, and Mars is at 2 degree of Aries, which isnt the 2nd decan, but does your statement infer that we should take action if the future is so open and up for graps if we feel we need to, or is this the irrationality that is creating a panic in me?

[Cathy M.]

Hi, Robert -
Thanks for another insightful and intriguing post. It helps me to remember that I am not the only one going through extremely unsettling times, and your reminders about being conscious of the changes and choices we make is very grounding to me. I also had a problem with the "conform" statement, but your follow-up comment relieved my concerns. Irrationality is running high in me and in all the friends I talk to - I sure wish I could find one really solidly-grounded person! But perhaps, as you're describing this time, it's just not possible right now.

[Vera Christ]

Whew! Irrationality is a test for us all. Nothing is predictable or stable right now it seems. I knew about these times coming. I thought I would be okay because at the time when I read about the chaos I was okay with myself and the world somewhat. Now that it has sped up and become extreme, I find myself a part of it all--anxious, scared, unsure, and not feeling so safe. I can't breath, my stomach aches, I struggle to remember my faith and my practices to keep peace. I feel so challenged to the core.
I didn't think I would be affected but I am in the middle of it all and can't see the forest for the trees. Detachment, compassion, validation, breathe, in the now, loving kindness, acceptance seem to be words buzzing around. They are keys to the kingdom, I guess, and perhaps the Hopi are onto something. We are going through a portal, they say, into the next world and the only ones who will make it through will practice compassion. I still haven't grasped the true meaning of that word or I would not be suffering so.

[s]

Do transiting planets count when considering these sensitive degrees? IOW, if a person lacks a natal planet within those degrees, but a transiting plant is present there, will the effect be similar?

[Erin]

GUIDANCE PLEASE!:)When can we expect these changes to solidify?

Note: I am currently in the middle of job search. Very crucial time juggling multiple options- all of which lay the foundatoin for my career. Luckily opportunity seems to be arising so it is just matter of making decisions and finding a focus on where to direct choices. Any guidance is helpful as my career choices could potentially take me anywhere in the world and it is very difficult to be in a position where you have no idea what COUNTRY you will be living in for the next 2 years. How in this period can I gain some overall guidance on which region of the world I am best suited to live in?

[Molly]

I was walking down the street today and thinking, why do things seem out of place? when, rationally speaking, for the moment, things are in order, having recently settled a few out of place situations. I've been trying to understand about the Irrationality as you described it, wanting feel something irrational -I like change. Now I recognize it. Instead of feeling dread about this disorientation today, I'm looking forward to maybe a little change in the status quo, either personally or in my world of existence. No need to respond, just providing an optional perspective.

[Robert]

Hi Nan - Probably some echoes of Pluto conjunct your Saturn a while ago. It's the seeds of long term reorganization of your future.

Hi Christine - The recent T-square put us all (it seems) through a grind of difficult karmic adjustments. Plus Pluto at 2 Cap, Saturn on the "liberating ordeals" degree, and the never-ending story of Mars opposed Jupiter and now quincunx Neptune. It would seem that this Mars in Cancer is bringing up things that no one is in the mood for, but must be dealt with anyway.

Hi Matt - You've got the Grand Irrationality full on right now. Major turning point in your life, no doubt. I wish I had 3 hours a day to meditate, but must regard this column as somewhat of a meditation.

Hi Valerie - It's all one big weirdness to me! Good to lay low when everyone else is losing their cool.

Hi Felita - "Long as I remember the rain's been coming down. Clouds of myst'ry pouring confusion on the ground. Good men through the ages, trying to find the sun; and I wonder, still I wonder, who'll stop the rain?"

Hi Mary - We're truly under a spell of brutal, greedy selfishness as the Age winds down in a storm of human misery, but better times are coming, since once we hit bottom, there's nowhere to go but up. The irrationality is the panic of the collective ego mind trying to enslave manifestations that are inherently impermanent. The lack of "public interest" is pervasive among those who believe in grabbing all they can regardless of the consequences on others. That's one of the factors in my recent rude awakening to the ratty lizard in my environment.

Hi Sue Moon - You're welcome, though I must admit I've been dealing with an avalanche lately. Your Venus went through its "forks in the road" in 2006-2007 when Neptune was biseptile and Pluto was septile. Choices and changes in your values and relationships, among other things. You'll get one last look back when Pluto retrogrades back into late Sag this Summer, along with a blessing of Saturn in sextile.

Hi anu - Glad you're doing well despite the uncertainty. Can't really comment on your possible future commercial success as an artist, due to too many factors beyond my immediate knowledge, such as your style, the market and so forth. The Universe always offers us what we need to grow into harmony with Dharma, though the compensations may not come in the ways we'd like or even recognize. Every void does get filled appropriately. I'll try to find something to say about horary. The planet "leading the Sun" is often what conditions our light and precedes our illumination. Will try to find time to do an article on that, though right now the backlog on what I must write about is overwhelming. With Tarot, it means you and your teacher need to open to a broader view of the meaning of the cards and the interactive potential. There is no way that a reading doesn't reveal what is, or could be. Of course, I've also found that after a certain point in the dialog, the cards tell you what you need to know, which may not have much to do with your question.

Hi el BB - Didn't know you were such a fan, Ms. "Bodacious Bay." Tell the men I send my best. We probably need to talk this weekend and catch up. Oh yes - thought you'd want to know that the "Owl Man" made it through the move!

Hi AceStar - We are all being pressed by things that must be done, and of course, family and friends are always a good thing to tend to and care for, whatever that means to each in the moment. Thanks for your good wishes across the continents.

Hi Leana - Yes, Pluto on the Asc does make for some strange experiences, as would Neptune on Mars! Thus your Mars septile Asc is being triggered by transpersonal collective forces that are helping you define your Destiny through new perspectives and radical choices and changes. Mars just jumpstarted a 2 year cycle of new pleasures, new creativity, and new motives for you. It's not going to make much sense, but you can get clues about which way the waves are going, and ride them into a more ideal self expression.

Hi toni - We do no one any favors by allowing them to shirk their responsibilities to us or especially their children. Even Sri Yukteswar had to go to court to save His ashram from people who tried to steal it. I'm sure you'll be offered a chance to negotiate, so have 2 or 3 proposals in mind that YOU can live with. A man who neglects his children's welfare isn't much of a man. Sometimes we must stand up and insist that another does the right thing if it affects our children. Being spiritual does not mean being a door mat. Of course, if it means exposing our children to a toxic toad, sometimes it's better to keep the contact at a minimum while insisting they offer the minimum of what's right. It all depends on how destructive the other could be. Here you truly are at a fork in the road that will affect you and your children for some time to come. Best of luck in getting him to do the right thing.

Hi Lisa - Act in whatever way gives you a sense of steering your boat of destiny in the direction of your choosing. Neptune and Pluto were working on your Jupiter and Mars in 2006-2007, so that was the heart of the swirl. Now you must act with grace, balance, fairness, sensitivity to needs, and thoughtful caring. Your Jupiter will do well for the next several months due to the Saturn sextile, which offers productivity to the degree you are discriminating about focusing on getting the positives in gear rather than dwelling on the negatives.

Hi Cathy - Glad I can help you stay focused and grounded. This year is excellent for progress if we live those virtues. At least the planets in Earth are helping us reference the practical side of existence, even if it's fairly weird.

Hi Vera - I cannot figure out why people are so frozen collectively in the face of urgent widespread needs. We must figure out some bridge solutions to get us from this toxic dysfunctional collective reality and into position for what will help us survive and prosper in community in the future. You express what many are experiencing when you describe the feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and a lack of safety that is in fact challenging everyone on Earth "to the core." As I've maintained for years, our so-called "spiritual practices" are in fact the tools we use to access the broader field of "Divine Mother energy" that grows stronger by the day. By being at one with It, we may or may not feel comfortable, but we can feel comforted to the degree we allow ourselves to "rest easy" in her lap robes. The Hopi are definitely on to something, much more than the irrational, fear-based "Mayan calendar" buzz now in vogue. And yes, I KNOW that those who continue on this fragile, beautiful, fruitful Earth evolution into the next era will be those who practice gentle compassion rather than selfishness and fear. However, to note something, I believe you may be practicing compassion AND are open to feeling the generic suffering. We all feel, and in the process of becoming totally aware, must learn to feel all the feelings there are so we know the real from the unreal, and can move through the generic suffering without losing our cool or our equilibrium. I don't indulge much personal suffering, (though life can be pretty painful sometimes!) but I'm still feeling the suffering of the world, hopefully so I can learn ways to break the link between pain and suffering and be mindful of compassion practices, whether tough or tender.

Hi s - These ARE transiting planets that are creating this phenomenon. And this article is about transiting Mars triggering Neptune and PLuto.

Hi Erin - It entirely depends on your own timing within the larger pattern of choices and changes. That is determined by the transits and how they affect your individual planets ruling whatever department of life is being solidified. Jobs are ruled by the 6th, career by the 10th house. Countries are ruled by different signs, as are the states and cities. There are many ways to find out which region you should be living in, but it's impossible to give a definitive answer to this highly personalized life-altering fork in your road of destiny in a comment stream.

Hi Molly - Things seem out of place because the entire world is in fact out of balance, or Koyaanisqatsi, as the native peoples have termed it. Whatever "order" there seems to be in of the "looking glass" variety, where war is peace and we make more poverty so we can make the rich richer and so forth. It's pretty irrational that war criminals who never saw battle can send young men and women to death and dismemberment, and that we have a political system geared so that only those least qualified to lead have a chance of getting elected to high office. It's also a busted system that makes food, shelter, and health care engines of profit so that only the wealthy can afford them. These are only a few reasons why the status quo MUST change so that we can restore "right relations" with each other and the Earth Herself.

Hi all - To follow up on a post I did, just answering the questions in this one stream took me almost an hour and a half, and there are many more to answer in other streams, as well as 30 emails that have come in since yesterday afternoon. That's why the structure of this blog will have to change in the near future. When I have the time to structure and offer classes, I'll have the class select questions to answer, and then we'll get a group effort, since it's outgrown my ability to do all that needs doing. That's only one of the "choices and changes" in this fork in the road in my own life.

[toni]

Thanks Robert. What you said helps so much. And regarding what you said about posting comments and your schedule is right on. You should be living your life. You've already done so much to help others with this site. I wish you the best. Thanks for all your help.

[Sue Moon]

Gotta love those boundaries! I look forward to sharing in any class learning you will be offering on line and to get a reading from you sometime in the future........your busy future!!! Love and Peace for us all and rational, clear thinking for all!

[Robert]

Hi toni and Sue Moon - Well, I believe that it will be more helpful to all when I can start classes in Astrology, since we're all smarter together than separately. Of course some things will always be more a matter of common sense than Astrology. For example, I always default to creating and sustaining friendship between potential mates, since the mutual affection and respect present in friendships are the only solid basis for relating to another that we would be intimate with.