by Robert Wilkinson
As noted, in April, May, and June the Grand Irrationality is triggered by the inner planets, so expect things to get very heavy in the way of choices and changes due to the activity arising in the Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, and Virgo zones. This 13 week period marks a very important point in getting clear about the magnetics and specific tasks to be done and training to be learned connected to forks in the road and forms of obsessive or compulsive behaviors in self or others.
Though Saturn is now temporarily not in a septile series aspect to Neptune and Pluto, the various transits will move in and out of septile series aspects with Saturn, immediately followed by their transit through the zones created by Neptune and Pluto, thus continuing to trigger the entire series.
To recap, during April, May, and June of 2009, the hot zones of The Grand Irrationality are approximately 1-6 Capricorn, 24-28 Aquarius, 15-19 Aries, 6-10 Gemini, 27 Cancer to 1 Leo, 18-22 Virgo, and 9-14 Scorpio.
In the previous Spiritual Astrology article, we discussed when the Moon would activate the Grand Irrationality as it moved through Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius in April, May, and June, and elaborated on the major effects resulting from its movement through Capricorn and Aquarius. Briefly, when it transits these signs it conjuncts Pluto at the Galactic Center and conjuncts Neptune and Jupiter triggering numerous and major Eclipse effects. Again, if you want to know more, please consult that article.
Continuing the series, the Moon will move through the Aries zone of the Grand Irrationality, triggering Venus' retrograde station point, on April 23-24, May 20-21 (conjunct Venus direct on its RX degree!), and June 17. These will give indicators of what we can expect as Mars and then Venus trigger the Venus RX stationary lessons and events we were learning to value, appreciate, or give birth to beginning early March. You can find more about the Venus RX effects by going to the link in the Spiritual Astrology Pt. 3 article just below this one.
The Lunar transits of the various Grand Irrationality zones finishes with its passage through Gemini on April 27, May 24-25 (just after the New Moon!), and July 18-19. The May transit is especially important due to it offering hints of what will follow when the Sun immediately afterward moves through the Gemini zone, to be followed in July by Venus and Mars.
Jupiter in the Aquarius zone from April 20 through August 31 will keep the next 19 weeks highly activated. The main points when the inner planets will trigger the effect during the upcoming weeks are April 2-7 (Mercury then Sun in the Aries zone), May 10-17 (Mars in Aries), May 19-26 (Venus in Aries), May 26-31 (Sun in Gemini), and June 18-22 (Mercury in Gemini).
The Moon reinforces the pattern or adds another point to these inner planet transits during the times mentioned above. That puts a special emphasis on April 2-3 (Mercury and Sun in Aries, Moon in Cancer - 4 points), May 12-13 (Mars in Aries, Moon in Capricorn - 3 points, but intense due to Jupiter joining the party!), May 17 (Mars in Aries, Moon in Aquarius - 3 points, but very heavy traffic!), May 20-21 (Venus in Aries with Moon in Aries collecting the light of Mars - 3 points involving 6 planets!), May 27-28 (Sun in Gemini, Moon in Cancer - 4 points, 5 planets), and June 20-21 (Mercury and Moon in Gemini - 3 points, 5 planets).
These days will definitely mark important forks in the road since we have at least 3 or 4 points heavily activated, with a potential 5th and even 6th whenever the transiting Ascendant or Midheaven moves through an empty zone. Obviously, in May it will seem that the influence is non-stop and things will be in constant motion!
Each time the Grand Irrationality is stimulated by the inner planets, it manifests along its most characteristic Capricorn-Aquarius energies. The Aquarius conjunctions add intensity to that anchoring aspect and bring the energies of the personality planets to focus the Jupiter conjunct Neptune influence. The Capricorn conjunctions all coax forth forms of the Plutonic seeds set into motion by the December 2007 conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto, along with the December 2008 initiatives resulting from Mars conjunct Pluto.
Since the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter all move through one of the zones in this forecast period, and the Moon moves through all 7 zones repeatedly, they will trigger changes in the houses ruled by these planets. This will also affect any life areas where we have planets in those hot zones. The houses they occupy as well as rule will be most directly affected. Since these planets rule 10 of the 12 signs, we will be put through major choices in almost every area of our life.
Obviously over time this will shows as major changes set into motion over the next 19 weeks. Also remember that Saturn, ruler of the last two signs not directly affected at this time, is still a major influence even though it has not yet returned to the Virgo zone. This is because whenever a planet makes a septile series aspect to Saturn it immediately afterward makes such aspects with Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto.
That's why it's important to stay on top of what's being triggered and when as the transiting planets as they move through these zones. As we note what transpires in the Aries, Gemini, and Cancer zones, we'll get a heads up on what’s coming in May, June, and July.
Regardless of which zones are triggered when by what, during transits to any of the 7 zones of influence we can expect shifts, changes, forks in the road, irrational or compulsive behavior in self or others, and important times of decision. Adding to the intensity of this constant influence on our times, we also have other septile configurations that come and go between other planets, some more quickly than others.
An example of this is when the inner planets make septiles, biseptiles, and triseptiles to Uranus. Given the powerful influence of Uranus across the entire spectrum of human activity, you could see how this could also trigger major choices and changes in the realm of individuation, innovation, and creative revolution in our personality structure. A few points will be April 17-19, May 6-9, and June 21-25, when Uranus will be triggered by Mercury, Sun, Venus, and Mars. Of course, the Moon also activates this irrational, revolutionizing influence 7 times a month as well, including the three time spans just mentioned.
Back to the larger Grand Irrationality pattern. Not that long ago, in December 2008 Mars conjuncted Pluto at the Galactic Center. That ended an old cycle that began January 2007 and activated the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction cycle that began December 2007. Given the constant Saturn pressure from the Virgo zone highly active at that time, it set up major shifts globally for 2009.
Of some substantial importance, late December 2008 was more volatile than usual due to Jupiter making a waning septile with Uranus. This marked the forming of the seed of the future Jupiter-Uranus cycle to begin in 2010 with their conjunction in early Aries. Please note that will accelerate and expand the coming major Cardinal squares and oppositions of 2009-2010-2011-2012-2013.
Jupiter's important septile in December 2008 and January 2009 marked its exit from Capricorn as it entered Aquarius. This is important in a big way for all of us. Groups have already begun to form as a result of our personal discipline and organized plans of 2008, so look at how you've been trained, and do whatever it takes in following through on the larger work you are here to do.
Again, consult the archives if you are unfamiliar with the influence of the septile (51+ degrees), biseptile (102+), and triseptile (154+) aspects. All septile series aspects indicate an on-going weirdness, strange choices, crucial decisions, and general edginess and the sense that forces beyond our control are at work. Not necessarily bad, as long as we remember that we may not be able to reason our way through what's happening and the energy doesn't get too crazy or destructive.
This aspect set moves us to make choices that affect our potential "higher destiny." The days mentioned above are the times when the generic weirdness is triggered, and bring decisions that may not make much sense but have to be made anyway.
Most of us have at least one of these aspects between our natal planets, and we all certainly experience many of them over our lives due to progressions and directions. When a transiting planet forms a septile series aspect to a natal planet, it moves our essential nature to choose and express something related to that planetary function. When they impact our progressed planets, it moves our evolved self to choose one path or behavior over another.
When it's a transiting planet to another transiting planet, as described above, it shows a circumstance that must be dealt with that precipitates us in a direction aligned with our "destiny," for good or ill. It may arise as a result of the consequences of our own prior actions or inactions, it may be something that occurs between us and another forcing one or both of us to make an important choice, or it can be a far-reaching local or global event that throws us out of one path into another.
And now a little more about why our decisions over the past year have been so important:
May 2008 initiated radical shifts due to at least 5, and as many as all 7 points of the Great Septile, or 7 pointed Star pattern, being activated at that time by Moon, Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and Pluto in their respective hot zones. If we add the Ascendant and Midheaven, there was major activity going on in all our lives every day to a greater or lesser extent.
The effects were boosted when the Moon crossed the Aries zone May 30-31 (when the Sun and Venus joined the dance!) and June 26-27. The inner planet transits of the Cancer zone in July, along with Mars in the Virgo zone, kept the shifts active, as did Mercury and Venus moving through the Virgo zone in August.
The Virgo transits in August and September 2009 anticipated the long term influence of Saturn transiting this zone between Autumn 2008 and Summer 2009. Basically, July and August 2008 were a rehearsal for what have become necessary skills. These Virgo skills and lessons were concretized by Saturn when it biseptiled Pluto and triseptiled Neptune in late September through all of October 2008.
The next action beat happened in mid-October when Mars moved through the Scorpio zone boosted by Moon in Aries and Gemini. This added a 5th point to the 7-pointed Star configuration. In November and December 4, 5, or even 6 points were activated due to the Moon.
In December 2008 the inner planets intensified the Grand Irrationality when they conjuncted Pluto and set the Galactic Center effect into motion for another year. These activated a 12 year promise, expansion, or adventure in consciousness indicated by the December 2007 Jupiter conjunct Pluto at the Galactic Center.
In February and early March 2009, as the inner planets danced through the Aquarius and Aries zones, the larger patterns of 2009 were set into motion. As noted earlier, during May and June many sectors of our charts will be affected, and indicate times when we're making personality choices that will impact what future presents itself in subsequent Grand Irrationality periods. That's why it's so important to take note what's happening during these hot zone periods, as we can find clues about how we're shaping our destiny in months and years to come.
Copyright © 2009 Robert Wilkinson
Thank you very much again for your unique insight, although "following the tide of events" with little control seems to be the paradigm.
Not strange to be somewhat overwhelmed by circumstances, when my Sun, my Ascendant and my Moon are in the center of the spans you describe as The Grand Irrationality.
Really weird, a lot of positive and negative specifics demanding extreme dicrimination come together...but the mind now is not enough.
Thanks!.
Posted by: Henry | April 16, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Hi Robert, Just when I thought things will get better... Will all this be swallowed more easily if we follow the higher path? Heavy choices in my 3rd(Aquarius), 5th, 7th and 10th. Today it felt as if a certain person became crazy, and demanding when somehow I know I am being leaned on a bit tooooo much!
I am getting some happiness in the 6th House(getting a high paying job soon). So should I just focus there(6th) and everything else, leave it as it is?
I offloaded excess baggage today in a weird incident and feel almost lighter if it wasn't for the double or triple dose of weirdness. Sorry for grumbling too much. Just needed an outlet here. A bit of Gayatri Mantra does help to calm the nerves.
Love
Posted by: Aditya | April 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
WoW Robert,,,
I thought things were going to lift a bit but today I just feel so wierd around people and very low. Though i am wrestling with a big decision, I feel it is more than that. Very little support and constantly feel like the hairs on my spine are up and activated. I havn't felt this "wierd"in years, dare I say since my teenage years. I only hope there will be some respite this summer...please say there will!!!
Also not wanting to grumble:)))
X M
Posted by: Marie | April 16, 2009 at 11:53 AM
beloved robert
i have to say that post your reading of my chart, and now aware of these powerful energies, my incredibly weird
day went along , handled , with far more grace and skill than i would have normally been able to do.
again, i offer you gratitude and blessings.
holy mackerel!
Posted by: shanita | April 16, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Robert,
On the 21st or 22nd, in Aries, Venus and Mars meet. When they meet and are NOT in the Grand Irrationality, what kind of energy does that usually create? When IN the Grand Irrationality, how does that energy change?
How does Aries change what would happen if they were not in Aries (since Mars rules Aries)?
You've grouped several aspects, but this one I am particularly interested in.
Kind regards,
Annette
Posted by: Annette | April 17, 2009 at 05:29 AM
Hi Henry - Well, we DO have to adjust the best we're able to circumstances we may or may not have "created" but still find ourselves confronting. This is an ongoing long wave pressure that is keeping us on our toes. That it's pressuring your "big 3" would seem to indicate that you're at a major fork in many ways at this time in your life. The trick is to make the right "directional choices" so that you find yourself enjoying the ride even though it feels pretty weird.
Hi Aditya - I believe that following the path to our Higher Self is always easier than staying stuck in attachments, aversions, and illusions. When we confront "crazy" people, it's best to step back, remember it's more about them than us, and be dispassionate in withdrawing from the drama. It's always good to discern when someone is trying to cultivate an unhealthy dependency by leaning on us in ways they shouldn't. The trick is to maintain a cheerful resoluteness while saying "no" in as pleasant a way as possible. If you have a great job coming or here, then of course focus on that. At least that becomes a bulwark and source of strength as we deal with the other white noise of existence. Always good to offload excess baggage.
Hi Marie - Overall, this is a weird time of endings and beginnings. The support must come from within, since externals are ultimately impermanent. And since most of what we've learned in our lives is impermanent, then our inner strength can only come from those things we embrace as part of our Dharma. Remember there are 3 "refuges" in the Wisdom, the Way, and the Community. Choose any of these individually or together and you have a haven in the midst of the outer storms.
Hi Shanita - Glad that you're able to adapt so quickly to embracing your "spiritual" response pattern rather than get distracted by unhelpful attitudes. I believe this challenge to adapt toward our better interests is a universal for us humans. As you listen and re-listen to the tracks, you'll keep getting more and more insights until the old responses won't be active any more. Maybe this is the new "normal?";-)
Hi Annette - What you want is more than I can answer in a comment stream. I'll try to compose something about the various Venus-Mars manifestations in the signs they're dancing with each other in the future. For now, remember all conjunctions fuse energies, and what sign a planet is in is either more or less in alignment with its nature.
Posted by: Robert | April 18, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Robert,
Thanks for taking on my question in a future post. Because Venus and Mars seem so much about the male and female relationships, both within and outside ourselves, it's something I'd very much like to understand.
I'm sure there's more to it than that -- what we like, want, value and what we do, for example. This is not a male/female dichotomy to me but more a culturally defined feminine/masculine dichotomy. My interest is in how this all works outside cultural norms as well as the ways the Venus/Mars relationship works in Aries, in whatever sign Venus represents, and in and out of the Grand Irrationality.
Yep, I know -- too much for a short answer. I've read up on this, and I'm still confused, however.
If you have a Mars/Venus post (just in the abstract), would you mind pointing me to it?
Thanks, and aum,
Annette
Posted by: Annette | April 19, 2009 at 02:24 AM
All of this is such a great help! Tahnks
Namasté
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel | April 19, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Hi Annette - I haven't addressed the conjunction of Venus and Mars up to now, except in passing. Venus has its realm, Mars has its realm, and we have each function within us. It's about knowing those inner functions as they express in the various signs that shows us elements of them we haven't previously imagined.
Hi Isabel - You're most welcome.
Posted by: Robert | April 21, 2009 at 07:46 AM