Grand Cross November 2005 - January 2006
Run a chart for any day in December 2005, and you will see a grand cross.
What’s a grand cross?
A grand cross is a rare formation of four planets that form a perfect square in the heavens.
A grand cross is made up of two oppositions that are 90 degrees, or square, to one another.
The nature of planets involved in squares is that they are normally in the same modality.
This winter, there are two oppositions in fixed signs, Mars in Taurus opposite Jupiter in Scorpio, and Saturn in Leo opposite Neptune in Aquarius.
But wait!.. you might say. The Saturn-Neptune opposition doesn’t become exact until August 2006! And you are right. Indeed, Saturn starts moving backwards (retrograde) on November 22 and backs away from the opposition to Neptune. It only gets kind of close this winter, it doesn’t become exact. But something happens called “translation of light.” As Jupiter moves through Scorpio, he squares Saturn, exact on December 17. Then Jupiter “translates the light” of Saturn as he moves into a square with Neptune, exact on January 27.
Meanwhile, Mars is retrograde. And Mars translates some light of his own. Mars will square Neptune on November 7, then carry Neptune’s light to Saturn, exact November 18. On December 4, Mars will oppose Jupiter, translating the light of the Jupiter-Saturn square, which perfects on December 17. On December 9, Mars changes direction and runs through the whole process again. Mars square Saturn, December 27. Mars oppose Jupiter, January 15. Mars square Neptune, January 18.
Between November 18 and December 31, Mars covers two degrees. That’s all. Two degrees in six weeks. That’s highly unusual, and it only happens when Mars is stationary—that is, about to change direction. Normally, Mars would cover that same territory in four days.
But what does it mean?
Squares and oppositions signal times of stress and conflict. This is an extraordinarily complex and stressful formation, which holds for an unusually long period of time. To help us understand, let’s break it down into its constituent parts.
Introducing the players
Mars: War, fighting, arguments, fire, knives, explosions, injuries, heat, inflammation, fever, crisis. Mars is in 
Taurus, the sign of money and financial systems.
Jupiter: “Lots of.” Jupiter increases whatever he touches. Jupiter also symbolizes law and courts, police, travel, education, publishing, teachers, religion and clergy. Jupiter is in 
Scorpio, sign of banking, loans, finance, major changes, as well as life and death situations, crises, emergencies. As Jupiter rules travel, and is involved in this cross during the holiday season, I expect there may be problems with major airlines. Keep your plans simple.
Saturn: Restriction, limitation, shortage, hardships, big business, authorities. Saturn is in 
Leo, the sign of leaders, fathers, authorities, and bosses.
Neptune: Fraud, deception, disappointment, dissolution, infections, addictions, water (god of the ocean), oil, gas and fuel, pharmaceuticals. Neptune is in 
Aquarius, the sign of technology, computer systems, broadcasting, electricity, energy.
Combining energies
What happens when Saturn and Neptune combine?
Note: Quotes are from Ebertin, The Combination of Stellar Influences.
Psychologically, “A dual character, a struggle between the lower and the higher nature, a frequent change of moods, distrust, insecurity, dissatisfaction.” The force of Neptune (dissolving) acts on Saturn (structures and boundaries). It’s a destabilizing aspect. Although we may not see the full results until the aspect completes, starting in late August 2006.
Saturn signals limitations, restrictions, shortages. And Neptune is, unfortunately, still the fuel source for most of us—oil and gas.
Sociologically, “Poor, sick, or depressed persons.” Medically, “the chronic and unhampered progress of malady.” Folks, there probably is something to this bird flu scare.
Even “conservatives” are now taking President Bush to task for appointing cronies to crucial jobs in the government. Do you think this one might be more trouble for him? Could be.. Saturn’s stationary point is very near Bush’s Mercury Pluto conjunction. A Saturn transit to Pluto is never easy, it limits your power and the things you can do. Saturn to Mercury brings difficult decisions, lots of hard work, pessimistic thinking, and bad news.
What happens when Saturn and Jupiter combine?
Inflation is a big one. Difficult aspects between Saturn and Jupiter have historically brought economic difficulties. Ebertin lists the following “probable manifestations”: “Changing success, an unsettled life with many changes, a change of residence or of employed staff, an angry upset, vexation or annoyance.” Change of staff.. White House staff, perhaps? Jupiter-Saturn pinpoints “Professors and teachers of Law, clergymen, civil servants, politicians (relatives, fellow tenants).”
If we combine Jupiter-Saturn with Neptune, Ebertin gives us the following: “Pessimism, a feeling of abandonment, the tendency to begrudge other people’s good fortune. An intolerable loneliness, hard work without success, losses. Damage to a building through dampness, water, gas or force majeur (war).”
What happens when Neptune and Jupiter square?
Jupiter is “lots of” and Neptune is “infection.” Another signal to be ready for a bad flu season. Lots of infection, lots of lies, lots of deception, lots of fraud, lots of water. You need to be on your toes, and you need to trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What happens when Mars and Saturn come into contact?
It’s not pretty. Normally these two are only in contact with each other for a couple of days at a time. But this winter, Mars remains within 2-3 degrees of a perfect square to Saturn for about two months. Mars is the accelerator pedal. He’s energy and drive. He’s anger. Anger is energy to solve a problem. But Saturn is the brake pedal. He both provokes and limits Mars’ expression. The result alternates between fatigue and utter lack of energy, to massive frustration, acts of violence, explosions. Since Mars is in an earth sign, we may see Earth events, such as earthquakes, fires, volcanoes.
What happens when Mars touches Jupiter?
Jupiter overdoes, and Mars acts. Overdone actions. Overdone responses. Excessive speed. Violence (Mars) against judiciary, clergy, academics, police, or publishing houses (Jupiter)
Finally, what happens when Mars and Neptune tangle?
Our actions and drives (Mars) lose focus (Neptune). In medical astrology, Neptune is infection, Mars is inflammation and fever. Again with the flu thing. I really hope I’m wrong about this. But I will be adding an herbal flu remedy to my medicine cabinet.
Ebertin also indicates for Mars-Neptune: “Failures caused through the absence of plans or through lack of energy, the misfortune to suffer harm or exploitation, dislike of work, obstinacy and stubbornness, narrow-mindedness.”
Putting it all together
Now, I see this grand cross as a two-month phenomenon, woven together by “translation of light” that makes everything more intense and powerful. It is also a collection of single events. I have made a few predictions, but nobody really knows how it will all play out. But you can use the blurbs above, and overlay them on this schedule:
Mars square Neptune Nov 7
Mars square Saturn Nov 18
Mars opposite Jupiter Dec 4
Mars station Dec 9
Jupiter square Saturn Dec 17
Mars square Saturn Dec 27
Mars opposite Jupiter Jan 15
Mars square Neptune Jan 18
Jupiter square Neptune Jan 27
These are the exact dates. The aspects are strongest in the days just before exact.
Why so negative, Molly?
Because I’m approaching this on a geopolitical level. And in my experience as an astrologer, a negative manifestation is a safe bet when you look at things on that level. Despite our intelligence, as a species, we humans have proved to be remarkably bad at learning from our past mistakes.
What about on a personal level? What can you do to make the most of this? I think everyone’s best bet is to simplify your life. Realize that there is big stuff moving through. Turn off the TV. And get things in perspective. If you stay healthy, safe, fed, and warm this winter, you are doing quite well. I can think of a few million Kashmiris who would agree with me on this.
My teacher Lance taught me that a grand cross signals a time when your boat either stabilizes or capsizes. It’s the trying times that shape our lives the most, those times when we figure out what we’re made of.
At best, adversity uncovers our weak places, so we can shore them up and make them stronger. That is my prayer for humanity today. That we may reach a turning point. That we may collectively realize that things are terribly, terribly out of balance. That we may learn from adversity, free our minds, open our hearts, love our neighbors, get over ourselves, forgive those who trespass against us, and stop the madness.
* * *
Join the mailing list to have the monthly forecast delivered straight to your inbox!
Molly Cliborne
Charlottesville, Va.
(434) 244-0012
office hours:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET
Tuesday - Friday
Send an e-mail
I love your brand of medicine!
Maybe all the stress and strain and a few more catastrophies in the upcoming period will finally create the “shift in mass conciousness” so that we may all begin to ascend and get to where we are going. Isn't it about time we all realize we all need each other. What will it take?
To our SW Floridian friend, Kathleen: I hope you and your family are safe during this time.
Kitkat -- NYC
Although the book deals mainly with natal charts rather than forecasting world events, the insights may prove valuable.
Kathleen-- may you and yours be safe.
This is a good article! The Grand Cross pattern your referring to is actually in effect through the Winter of 2005-06, if you consider it's prominence in the 12/21/05 Capricorn ingress(Winter Solstice) chart. And then in the 2006 Cancer ingress(Summer Solstice) chart, there's a Grand Cross between the Moon(8 Taurus), Mars-Saturn(9 and 11 Leo), Jupiter(9 Scorpio), and Chiron(9 Aquarius). But, this is ‘only' a fixed T-Square, if one does not include Chiron.
Enjoy,
David
Thank you for your updates..keeps us folks on track, who like a glimpse into the energies forming around us...I find it fascinating..
Also..Thank you for being you...
Genita
It isn't a surprise that some of these things for the very near future are “scheduled” to happen and, unfortunately, I think a lot of folks are going to be hurting. I hope, as members of the human race, we can all hang on to compassion during these times.
Peace
Safe travels!
Thanks again for your insights and for sharing your knowledge.
Blessings, Katie
November looks exciting...!!??!!!
dos'nt look good???
Ann-- To be honest, I would not have chosen any date in December for a wedding. But I imagine it's a little late to reschedule, and everything happens for a reason. So there's little point in worrying about it, as long as it's what you really want. Congratulations and best of luck to you--
Molly
This astrology is for the whole world-- and it does look explosive, unfortunately. I can't predict who will win the election. Usually during Mars rx, the more aggressive party loses the battle. So the incumbent may have an advantage. Jupiter (lots of) trines Uranus (revolution and change) but squares Neptune (fraud). And with Mars square Saturn, there is anger in the air on that day.
Blessings,
Molly
I am in the market for buying my very first home but after reading the above commentary on the grand cross formation, I'm wondering if this such a good idea after all. In my personal chart, I currently have saturn squaring my natal sun and transiting jupiter squaring my natal saturn. On the flip side, I've got transiting jupiter conjunct my natal uranus in the 8th house. Seems like a mixed bag to me! Any thoughts on how the grand cross and transits of my natal planets may affect me?
Hard to say when you'll find the right thing, but lots of houses tend to come on the market in spring. If you want me to have a look at it for you, contact me for a consultation.
Best,
Molly
how wouuld this aspect combined with mars retrograde affect me if i were to purchase a house during the period? Just wondering b/c technically the 'house project' was initiated a couple of years ago-- -(i.e. i've been looking around and researching since then) and now, i've found one I really really like. my birth info: 4-4-69, 10:19pm, boston, ma
Mars retro seems to be difficult for all financial deals. My partner is a realtor and lots of closings have been delayed. I wouldn't want to be involved in something as complex as purchasing a house while the astrology is this complicated. I doubt it matters when you began the process.
If you want me to have a look at your chart, please book a consultation. Sorry, but I don't have the kind of time it would take to read charts here on the website.
What aspects are being made by these planets to the French Natal chart?
Regards,
Tiffany
Also, my solar return chart included this Fixed Grand Square. Sun in Scorpio/5th house @ 15 degrees. 11/7/68, 8:45pm.
I would be greatful for any advise you can give me?
Thanks so much.
Sheila
btw, I experienced that frustration on the 7th! Lots of blocked paths...
Part of the cosmic plan is that in this lifetime you are being nudged to become more creative. Over the course of other lifetimes you may have focused on community, friendship and social affiliations. For the purpose of this incarnation the stars impel that you please consider individual achievement. Thank you Molly for this break-thru. I am growing everyday.
It is interesting to note that asteroids union and washingtonia (1585,886) are conjunct (with one sometimes getting ahead of the other, right now it is washingtonia) in 26 Scorpio (America [916]was combined with this duo earlier in the year, and is now in saagittarius).
this combination is something that can be expressed and seen daily on the news (cia leak, financial issues, bird flue, iraq withdrawl).
Curiously, Saturn and Neptune were in conjunction in 1918.
Saturn= old, Neptune= virus
And now they are in opposition.
Hi Molly
I got to you reading Skywatch; I was curious to find out how affected my trip to New York will be, leaving SF on December 22 (my daughter's 20th B-day) and returning on the 26; I will stay optimistic, try to convince my daughter to be reasonable and hope for the best in traveling. If you have any specific advice, I'm open to hear it.
Thank you for the help and caution signs. Take care,
Genevieve
thanks for explaining a Grand Fixed Cross. I am a leo (in the middle) and am beginning to feel the intensity now. Dec.6> For instance, in one day, there were possible confrontation all day:deli counter, dairy counter, checkout , gas station, religion school, and the Pta. UNBELIEVABLE. I avoided all fights so far. Its not easy, I am very sensitive to others around me, sometimes i overreact. However, after reading your article I decided I did the right thing. Is there ever a time that reacting with force is good though?
Hi Molly!
I think I'm going to cry! Finally my jupiter ship comes in and it's going to be tied up in customs indefinately! How long must I bear this grand cross? I thought life couldn't be any worse after this Fall, but now...
Forlorned scorpio
why the melodrama? It says up top the GC ends in January.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A PERSON THAT IS A GRAND CROSS WHEN THERE IS A GRAND CROSS GOING ON IN THE HEAVENS?
Gin,
Am I correct in assuming that person is you?
If so, why do you need to ask me? The grand cross is happening now. What is happening with you?
Hi Molly,
That was really interesting. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for that.
I do not know a whole lot about astrology, lately I've been looking at the planets. What I do know Is that I have a personal relationship with God. Everything that was talked about above is everything I have been experiencing. Pretty amazing to me because yesterday I sat in my car and prayed about all the confusion and sudden changes that has happened since the 27th of November...God gave me peace by letting me know that this is the time to be quiet and listen...My rising sign is Aries and Moon sign Aries in my 12th house...It's been rough but I am determined to not make the same mistakes as before and get through this because of what is right..Trust me..It has taken everything in me to be quiet!!!Iam learning...Thanks for the insight Molly
Ironically there are dozens of coincidental theories, not a single theory like usual, that all link the Armagedon to start 2006. Your predicitions could easily coincide with such cataclysmic events. Looks like even the stars and planets are predicting a bad year
This is my first time on the site. Great! What an eye opener! Was beginning to feel frustrated and cross, in a fog and thinking way too much about what I OUGHT to be receiving. Looks like I have no problems that a few months of patience won't fix. Maybe because I have just spent 5 years simplifying, clearing mental closets and being true to myself. Or maybe, I'm just lucky.
hi Molly,
What is your sign? not that, that would explain who you are. I do know that there more to a person then just there sun sign.
My birhdate is May 5th
1958. Born El Paso Texas
@ 5 :58 pm.
When about does Jupiter stay with Taurus for 2 1/2 yrs? I would like to have things go my way as far as all my relarionships go. Since the person that I'm now, is getting me nowhere. Your going to say that I should consult with you,but that would cost me money. Yes I do know that eventually it will get here.
I feel like I,m very gifted and intelligent,when it comes to knowing about how to work things out, what lacks is cooperation from others.
Taurus sun/moon Sag/Scorpio asc,
Neptune can also be deception, delusion, misunderstanding. Another possible manifestation of the Mars/Neptune clash that I will be watching for:
Conflicts between people driven by deception and or misunderstandings. People may be more inclined to act agressively based on misinformation.
Boniell,
Jupiter spends only one year in each sign. Jupiter was last in Taurus June 99 to June 00.
There are a lot of other things to consider besides Jupiter, however.
But with Jupiter in your first house and Saturn in the sign square your Sun, my question for you is, are you a good partner? You say everything is fine except for others not cooperating with you. In a backhanded way, this sounds like you think you know better than others, that you want to control people in your life. And people who think like that are not much fun to be with.
I don't say that to make you feel bad, but perhaps to shed some light on your situation. Because Jupiter in your 1st house is about bettering yourself-- if you want to have a good partner, you need to be a good partner. And Scorpio rising needs to learn to let go of controlling others, and use self awareness to tap into your massive potential for intimate and healing relationships. And Saturn squaring your Sun sign demands answers to very difficult questions. It can be a bitter pill to swallow, but in the long run, you're better off for it.
I am a Taurus, May 19, 1956, true to the dye of that year. I am hearing so much about Taurieans benefiting financialy for 2006 & for a few year to come. Is this real or just a scam. I do believe in the things the mind just doesn't understand. There are times I think that I don't belong to this world, yet the financial loop of the earth keeps me grounded. My book is becoming availible to book stores on Feb. 13, 2006 (full moon) “Growing Up WIth Ghosts”. Maybe this will have something to do with my financies!
Thank you for listening!!!!
Linda Sharon Rex
Hi Linda--
I have an article here about why Sun sign astrology is by nature very, very general and not applicable to everyone. Some Taureans will do well, others will not. It depends on the birth chart, and of course, the decisions and actions taken by the individual!
Your book sounds really interesting. My mom has some ghosts in her house. She lives in an old farm house that was used as a hospital during the Civil War.
Best of luck!
Hi Molly!
With regards to this Grand Cross that is currently taking place (as well as Venus in Retro), should I hold off on making any decisions about money, like whether or not to begin a venture (investing) until after Venues goes direct & this Grand Cross has ended. I wont be signing any papers so to speak, more like beginning a something that requires a small deposit of $500. Now I'm thinking maybe I should hold off until February? Thanks for any feedback.
Riley
Hi Molly,
I'm a Leo (8/8/59) and after loosing my job of 7 years on Dec 19th, I have plans for starting my own business. Those plans would include registering a business name, getting a tax id#, investing in marketing materials and product, all of which I planned on doing during the next two weeks. However, it looks like I might better off waiting for a bit, maybe after January 27th. What do you think? Also I have My Moon & North Node in Libra in the 10th house and the business I've chosen is Lingerie & Sex Toys In Home Parties. In your opinion does that seem like a successful fit? Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely, Michelle
Hi Michelle-- without pulling up your chart and doing a full reading, all I can really tell you is, I would wait for Venus retrograde to end on February 3 before starting the business. And keep an eye on Skywatch.
Best of luck--
What does it mean if you're born with a grand cardinal cross in your natal chart?
Thanks much,
Annie
The folks I know who have cardinal grand crosses are very dynamic and extremely wired. They go go go and have a lot of trouble resting and reflecting on things.
My rental house flooded downstairs on 12/31 and now my landlady is trying to evict me. I've never been late on my rent or done anything to damage the house. Nonetheless, my landlady barges in here using her key every day and is basically terrorizing me. It is hard for me to move because I have a 5 year old with autism and the changes set his therapy back 6 months minimum. When is this going to stop? I hired a lawyer but they tell me that where I live is pro-landlord so forget about getting a restraining order or whatever. I am about to go mad.
Sorry Angela, but it sounds like it's going to end when you move out of there. There's not much else I can tell you without reading your chart. But it sounds like all the earthly signs are there, that it's time for a change of scenery.. Sometimes the Universe just has to kick our ass to get us “home,” wherever that may be.
Good luck
WOW ! I am triple Scorp. Sun, Moon & Rising, also Merc. & Nep. in Scorp. Son is in fixed Leo, his dad, ex hub, is in fixed Aquarius, this Grand Cross has been wrecking us for some time. lots of probs. over the poor kid. Now that we're in the thick of it here in Jan. I can tell you that I am really focusing on February and the hope of brighter days for all. Would like to hear very much about the after math of such a configuration, I have this unfortunate idea of a the metaphor of cleaning up after a Hurricane.... Pery
Seeking answers:
When did saturn opposition to neptune begin & when does it end?
What are pivotal points in their dance together?
Have been feeling this in my body. Everyone I meet says they are either “depressed” or needing a lot of sleep. Turned to this web site today for some support in dealing with this intense energy I am feeling.
Dawn-- The beginning of Saturn Neptune is described in this article. I'll be posting more as it gets closer. If you're hot to know, go to www.astro.com and download the ephemeris.
Wow. I felt all of this starting in november without knowing it existed. Relationships all around me fell apart and others formed, friendships broke, people quit their jobs. I felt it all and commented on it over and over to people around me and a friend just found your sight confirming what I thought. I knew it had to be some weird planetary thing, it was all just so much all at one time. I myself have a whole new life, different from the one I had two months ago.
thank you for your site, this stuff is fascinating
christine
Born 08/21/1956, 0826am EST, Parkersburg, WV. I almost feel like I flipped to an alter ego that I don’t like and am struggling to get back to the “real” me. Back in school, this is as hard now as when I was in school the last time. Anything you can tell me to give me strength? Thanks for any assistance.
Hi,
My first time on this site. It’s very helpful. What does it mean if you have a mutable grand cross, Saturn in Pisces in the 10th, moon in Sag in the 6th, Mercury in Virgo in the 4th, and Jupiter in Taurus in the 12th? Thanks very much.
Thank you for the information on these. It helps put some things in perspective.
Do you have any particular insights into a period from 27 July to 3 Aug. of 2006?
Hi Molly,
I must admit that I am really surprised to see all this. In my case it has some personal meaning as I met on the 1 December 2005 someone that I really liked. The story lasted until middle January 2006.
I have seen him last saturday and I don’t really know if it’s just my impression but I think there is still something there but after your explanation of this grand cross, it doesn’t seem to have much logic, does it.
I would be really thankful if you could answer my question as I obviously still have some hurting inside.
Thank you Molly,
Cristina
Hi Cristina—
I don’t know what to say except that you two met during a very intense and unusual time. Whether there is something still there is not something I can tell you. I’m sorry.
It seems there is something still there for you. If you work with your own feelings, you might come up with some deep insights about yourself. Since it was such a short-lived encounter with this person, it probably has more to do with something he brought forth within you than it is about him.
Thank you very much Molly. Your answer is very helpful, and in a sense an eye-opener, something that it’s not that easy to achieve when you are going through intense feelings.
I live in the FL Keys. A house bought a day before Wilma that was 1 million is now worth 600K. The price of homes drops every month.
We went from a few hundred homes for sale (population is 27,000) to almost 1700 home for sale. Insurance has more than doubled.
People are desperate since they now pay (this year) more for insurance than for their mortgage.
With all the adjustable mortgages and interest rate increase people are in trouble. A friend had a mortgage of $2,400 per month and it went to $5,000 and are close to foreclosure.
The community is fighting the insurance increases through a newly created group called FIRM (http://www.fairinsuranceratesinmonroe.com/).
With Sat in Can home values increased 100% for the last few years. What will happen with Sat in Leo and then Sat in Vir, etc.?
I don’t know what will happen with these things, but as Cancer rules housing, Leo rules gold and amusement (which may be why the summer homes are starting to lose their value). Virgo governs workers, public health, nutrition. I read the other day that Michael Moore’s current project focuses on public health, HMO’s, etc.
What will the markets do? I don’t know. There are some good sites you can check out. Henry Weingarten’s is always a good read.
:) Thanks Molly!
Molly,
Anything we should be aware of with the “hurricane on Saturn” that was just in the news last week? I must assume that planets have they happenings often but I do not recall there being reports of a hurrican on Saturn and certainly don’t remember people making a huge deal out of such a occurence on another planet. I know I recall reports on Jupiter’s weather, but not Saturn. Saturn being the planet of control, discipline and responsibility…any major implication to us here on Earth? Thanks! Loved Nov “forecast” btw. :o)
Hi TinaMarie—
I suppose you could see the Saturn storm reflected in the shakeup (storm) in the heirarchy (Saturn) of our government. A lot of fresh new faces coming to Congress. But other than that sort of symbolic nuance, I don’t think it makes that much difference.
EDIT: Well wuddya know, Lynn Hayes posted today on just this topic.