posted October 04, 2007 11:33 AM            

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_cross

The Gauntlet Throw Down- Q=Because all the aspects in a grand cross are considered difficult aspects, the grand cross is seen as a source of extreme tension whereby various aspects of the personality (represented by the planets) are working at cross purposes that serve to nullify each other. This pulls the native in many directions, ultimately leading to indecisiveness and an inability to produce concrete achievements. It is said to take extraordinary effort to overcome the conflicts in a grand cross.

http://drstandley.com/astrologycharts_grandcross.shtml

Most descriptors characterize this configuration as a negative. Like this often quoted bit from

http://www.astrology-numerology.com/configurations.html

This from: wizards.net

Note Bob Marks to date has not added the G-Square to his web-site .

Anyone with more than one T-Square in the Natal would relate to all of this. The constant tension is most noticeable. I have a mutable Grand Square. Some experts say this is the easiest others say that due to the side to side nature of mutable, the malleability makes for an even more difficult ride. The chart as a whole in close examination leads one to better cues and clues. If the Sun, Moon, or ascendant are in the same modality, this- imo- accentuates the configuration. Then we look for the lacks what is missing? In a singular T-Square the release point is found in the empty leg. Concentration and effort focused on this sensitive point can help the native like a pressure valve. This metaphor can be used with the Grand Square. Look to what is missing. Be it Mode, Element, or sign expression. I have found in life that I am drawn to those w/ Air. And Cardinal + Succeedent house placements. They are my ‘lacks’ Accidental…I think not. We gravitate to personalities that we feel comfortable with. That don’t necessarily challenge us. But that is what I need. And perhaps if you have this configuration, that is what you might need as well.

posted October 04, 2007 01:27 PM            

Can Chiron be considered part of a Grand Cross, even through it's not officially a planet?

posted October 04, 2007 02:44 PM              

cheers for the GC info

posted October 05, 2007 10:00 AM              

My chiron is involved too, in Leo.
Also, im grateful to have the grand cross in my chart. Sure it causes extreme tension but it helps you balance everything.

posted October 05, 2007 11:21 AM            

Absolutely! Especially when Chiron’s orbit between Saturn and Uranus is taken into account, plus the nature of Chiron as defined in Astrology. Chiron is said to be a key is it not? His path is severely eccentric, but Chiron is regarded as a key to the outer planets. Most of the older astrological programs do not include Chiron, but I believe all of the newer ones do. As HD said…Chiron is a major player

Melinda thanks for that example/info.

posted October 05, 2007 11:22 AM            

add to interps
http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/GlastonburyArchive/time/lit12.html

* Grand Cross. This is a step on from a T-square, involving at least four planets in mutual square to each other, with two opposition aspects linking them. This is a rare and powerful configuration, not to be taken lightly, and to be celebrated awarely. Usually, this is about uphill climbs and hard realities, forcing total engagement of energy, leading either to an 'overdrive' situation leading toward resolution and excellence, or a going-under, a giving up or a catastrophe leading to great learning. Difficult or exacting situations present themselves until the question is assaulted from the front and the bull is grasped by the horns. This is about root- and core-questions.

As with a T-square, the planets concerned will usually be in signs of the same mode, featuring the qualities of that mode strongly – if they are not, there can be complications which befuddle the situation and demand clarity. The presence of a grand cross implies that there is something very special and important happening, even if it cannot be discerned at the time. It is quite simply a question of doing it and breaking through on it. Odds appear to be against, yet these in some way increase the stimulus to get to grips with the situation.

There is tremendous spiritual power behind a grand cross, if accessed: the power to overcome experienced difficulties lies in raising awareness and engaging deep resources in the battle. Inner stillness is important as a way of quieting conflicts and getting clear. This is a breakthrough aspect: when it happens in the heavens, a crunch comes to the world, choices must be made, and things can change radically. This is a quantum leap, calling for accelerated evolution or revolution in whatever field the planets and signs allude to. The planets and signs involved point out the issues. Since most grand crosses involve faster-moving planets, they are short and sharp in duration, yet their effects can reach out a long way.

posted October 06, 2007 04:41 PM            

I have 3 t squares, involving a stellium of Mars, Merc and Jup in Aqua, opposed to Uranus in Leo and squared to my Moon in Taurus, the t squares contact, closely my asc in Scorpio.

I have heard different schools of thought on the angles and traditionally I would think no....and really I do not want such...the t squares give me enough challenges!

I like the idea of the "loose leg" to release energy...

Any input?

posted October 06, 2007 05:11 PM              

quote:

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There is no doubt Grand Cross’-are character builders. Many, many, many successful people have Grand Cross’ in their charts. They are relentless, and they NEVER give up!

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EXACTLY !

This is the chart of a successful woman. She is also very beautiful, smart, rich and lucky in love
And she`s 32 only

posted October 06, 2007 06:16 PM            

That depends on which astrologer you talk to. Which is a frustrating part of interpretation. And that is a key word. Astrologers interpret

Me? To date I have only seen Holistic and Event, Hoary Charts use it.

But my opinion? I am a traditionalist on this one. Planets- only- Hippi w/ your T-Square infested chart I would look closely to transits and progressions to those Angles. “Triggers” But I wouldn’t use the angle to complete the square.

Maybe not a person but an event? A transit? I think it is pretty insightful. ->.Smiles

*edit- and although Chiron is a Comet not a planet it goes. Shoot- they and I mean "they" as in the handful of ppl that demoted our boy Pluto!

posted October 06, 2007 07:24 PM            

Good thing nothing big is hovering around my Asc at present, got enough going on with Uranus tickling my Pisces sun.

Re: late Scorpios, it has always been interesting for me to note that my pain in the rear, psycho ex bf has his Asc as 28 deg Scorp as do I, and he has been one of the most challenging situations to EVER present themselves to me....

He SO challenged my "fixed-ness" of those t-squares, and my ultra-independent nature!

Blessings

posted October 09, 2007 01:52 AM              

quote:

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Taking the time to focus in on the basis issue of each mode (i.e. Cardinal signs impact identity, Fixed signs impact self worth, and Mutable signs impact healing and reasoning) can also discover the commonality that the four signs in the Grand Cross have.

CARDINAL. Cardinal signs are typically focused with the question of self and identity as well as actions surrounding these. The focus gets directed based on whether the individual has the ability to impulsively express the self (Aries), the emotional identity is nurtured (Cancer), the social and intellectual identity is connected (Libra) or the tangible manifestation of our identity is recognized (Capricorn). In essence, the Cardinal Cross could become a crisis of identity. The four planets involved are each pushing to express the facet of the self, yet each operates from a different level and perspective of the self. Cardinal signs encourage action, initiation and sometimes, impulsivity. The test with a Cardinal Grand Cross is reflected whenever there is a transiting aspect to it. That is when all four of the placement's energies try to competitively spring into action simultaneously, and each in its own direction. This can cause the individual to feel overstretched or being pulled apart. The influence can also cause frustration based on the desire to take action without a sense of focus or direction. The action or reaction lacks an outlet. Remembering that the key when dealing with the Cardinal Grand Cross is to be alert to the stressors and how those stressors relate to one's identity. Maintaining a sense of focus on the "prize" while acknowledging that there is an action needed in order to express the self and uniqueness of the self makes it less difficult to make decisions.

FIXED. The Fixed signs are focused on the questions of self-worth. The focus gets directed based on whether the individual has the ability to acknowledge the worth of the self and mastery (Taurus), creativity and spirit (Leo), vulnerability and trust (Scorpio), and humanity and brotherhood (Aquarius). The main purpose of the Fixed signs is to uphold and maintain the activity that the Cardinal signs created and initiated. The Fixed signs are not ready to "move" from the course of action taken and may resist any efforts to implement change. When the Fixed Cross is activated by transiting aspects, the tendency is for the four planets to hold their course and resist outside pressures for change. Resistance seems to be the main energy of the Fixed Grand Cross in an effort to carry on or maintain homeostasis, rather than flow with an energy that might change the course. On the other hand, when the Fixed Cross individual does initiate action, it can be exceedingly difficult to stop the momentum. The Fixed Cross is like a locomotive - slow to start but once in motion, stays on track and is exceedingly difficult to stop until it has run its course. The self-worth of the Fixed Grand Cross develops unconsciously, for better or for worse. The value that the individual has of the self will be exhibited in their self-esteem. The challenge for the individual with a Fixed Grand Cross is to find the ability to allow flexibility into their activities and to share their accomplishments with others.

MUTABLE. Mutable signs are focused on healing and reasoning. The focus gets directed based on whether the individual has the ability to integrate thoughts and feelings (Gemini), organized concepts and healing (Virgo), diversity and wisdom (Sagittarius), compassion and spirit (Pisces). Mutable signs, similar to Cardinal signs, are easily scattered and disjointed when under pressure. While Fixed signs have no difficulty staying focused, the main challenge for individuals with a Mutable Grand Cross can be the inability to gather their thoughts into a collective cohesion of ideas. Learning how to sustain a sense of balance and coordination should be the Mutable Grand Cross individual's goal. The Mutable Grand Cross individuals gain the most when they learn how to juggle their activities while maintaining a sense of consistency relative to the planetary placements in their chart. The inclination of the Mutable signs is to remain adaptable and flexible. When transiting aspects trigger the Mutable Grand Cross, the impulse of the four planetary energies is to transform; to adjust, and to avoid any obstacle that has just been placed before it. The four energies scatter in different directions in an disconcerted effort to find homeostasis. The problem is not in the desire to change. The problem arises from the non-unified reactions of the planets.

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From http://www.lunarliving.org

posted October 12, 2008 02:19 PM            

However, I will say this about her, she has an Aquarius sun, but she's probably one of the most grounded Aquas I've ever known. If I didn't know her, I would never even be able to tell that she's an Aqua. I see her Aqua-ness come out sometimes, but it's subtle.

She is definitely full of determination and has been through a lot of difficult experiences in her life where it was her environment or other people working against her, and she's had to adjust her attitude accordingly. I hate to say it, but sometimes it seems like she's been beaten down by life, more so than other people. She's a fighter though.

posted January 15, 2009 02:45 PM              

But I also have 2 Kites so I think that these patterns complement each other and make the imact of the Grand Cross "milder"