The third quarter of 2013 from the mid-year Solstice through to September Equinox is underpinned with the ongoing pressure cooker square between Pluto in earthy power-based Capricorn and Uranus in fiery initiatic Aries. The square brings out the elements of each planet in a binding relationship that forces the dynamic of change. Imagine two rivers flowing towards each other at right angles – under this influence we are now in the midst of their confluence.

A place and time of underlying turbulence, this period also sees the manifestation of a major aspect between the Water signs – a grand trine is triggered over the first two months of this quarter, and, here we find an energy matrix that offers us supportive, deep and meaningful healing to balance the turbulent undercurrents. In this extended post we’ll touch upon the main strategies we can use in bringing ourselves and our work into alignment with these cosmological influences, and for working within the world with a balanced and healing effect of our own.

Lets get a little perspective on that square first. This being the third of seven squares between Pluto and Uranus, applying into 2015, this present time brings us into the heart of these outer planets interaction through this challenging aspect. Within the cycle of seven, the third, like the preceding two, was exact (2013-05-20) on a waxing Moon phase, this time when the Moon was approaching fullness in the second quarter. The following four squares over the next two years or so take place on waning Moon phases. We are still in the formative phase – synthesis is not yet available to us, we are still being heavily pulled by the tidal flow. But, this is also important as the lunations through this time hold much potential for radical shifts, and the Moon, symbolising the People, also rules Cancer…..

The influence of Pluto and Uranus as outer planets is global and impersonal, and, even though we are all feeling the impacts of their effects, the enormity of it all can be overwhelming. With species decline, weather manipulation and the GMO debacle out in the open and being hotly discussed, for example, these influences are also bringing increasingly unified collective energy and awareness into manifestation, so, while the field supports this awareness, it also challenges us to respond with awareness.

Transformation, Pluto also reminds us, begins at root, and, given Pluto’s connection with the unconscious, it would be dangerously naive to think that this will all resolve itself in time without conscious involvement…….mounting evidence of top-down corruption, politically and technologically driven social engineering and the revelation of manipulative ‘false flag’ interventions expose the extent and truth of this. Alongside with this we see that, where state endorsed mass media relentlessly hides or cosmeticises the truth, instantaneous exposure via the internet is growing as a fuel to intervention, which is also very much a Uranian trademark.

Almost anywhere we look in the world now this dynamic is playing out, but, it does so with apparent impunity. The entropic and negentropic, both collapse and growth, destruction and creation, appear to be, if not intimately bound together, blatantly concurrent. Their joint volatility under this influence is enlarging and feeding a vortex of manifestation with an increasingly dynamic polarity of interaction. Where Pluto is essentially process oriented Uranus is interventional. Where the illuminating side of the one has precedent, the shadow side of the other is invoked – and the only realistic way is ‘through’, such is the quality of the square now.

The key is in centering ourselves within the heart of the vortex, its still center. That center is available to and can be found within us all, if we take time to access it, and here is where our personal interventions become immensely valuable to affecting change through working with the positive side of the underlying dynamic. Consequently, through this time in particular, awareness and emotional stability and intelligence are of the greatest importance to us all. Paying attention to these matter, enabling a unification of action and purpose to arise from within our own circle, on a personal level, that will have a beneficial effect on the bigger picture.

While a rising unity is already present here, that which opposes it is also exposed, and this raises tensions, especially where there are already imbalances of power. In the long run we will see outcry and protest increasingly become the individually fueled mass response where these polarities emerge. Turkey’s is the latest example, a perfect illustration – what began through a small number of people seeking to protect a park, a meeting place of human and natural beauty, from impending destruction to make way for a shopping mall, quickly escalated into a national uprising in the face of oppressive political agendas and the unwanted imposition of the vested interests of the few. There is a stunning encapsulation of the current debacle clearly present here – but, being ‘in the midst’, so to speak, it will not end here……

….it may be a truism to say that, until political will reflects the will of the masses, mass unrest is inevitable and protest is necessary. There are many grievances being expressed here, harboured at what are also deep underlying levels. Where these have been unconsciously held, in Pluto’s realms, Uranus influence casts sudden and piercing light upon them and ignites their emotional potential, bringing them into a charged state within collective awareness. There is also an incredible outpouring of creative energy present here, as anyone plugged into social networking will witness. But, if the Uranus/Pluto square is currently pushing the issue without expectation of immediate resolution, the emotional charge that grief and collective protest will invoke may also remain unresolved. This augers a hot and chaotic build up of tension at large, so, Uranus flashpoints will almost certainly invoke Plutonic controlling and clamp-downs, and, increasing political and economic breakdowns and exposure invoke fierce activism, as well as creative innovation, as a counter. True to the dynamic of the square, while there is a feeling of ‘inevitablility’ invoked here, there is in fact no given predictability; the entire field is primed, sensitised and capable of manifesting this dynamic, so, neither is there room for avoidance or denial. This too is reflected in the world at large. But, watch carefully for how this plays out through internet accessability and a growing ‘truth’ game – the divide becoming increasingly apparent between those who ‘hold’ power and those who are ‘reclaiming’ it, in the name of truth.

We can expect a strong flow of feelings and focus on protective energy to dominate the collective mood, especially through the first half of this quarter……emotions and feelings being so central to the water signs, the influence of the grand trine becomes especially important now. As if it isn’t already, Water is going to become a big issue. The fundamental necessity of water to life, its centrality within ecosystems, as well as healing through the blessings of the release it can bring, can be successfully combined here if we focus on emotional and spiritual ecology – we are called to protect our heritage and correct our legacy, certainly themes befitting of the sign of Cancer. The image of the spiritual activist as ‘eco-warrior’, within both external and internal eco-systems, the protective and spiritualised actions of care that we bring to bear, can have profound meaning for us all now and for our children. This is essentially to engage with an ecology of soul and the planetary matrix is conspiring to open a fluid channel for these present energies to flow through at a soul level.

To utilise this dynamic and put it to good use in the world we must first accept that ‘this is how it is’ with us, now. Saturnian realism. There is a turbulent groundswell that affects us all at work in the world, pushing the curve of change, but, essentially so. For both the warrior and the healer alike being well centered is crucial. In centering we find the source point, and access to the field. And ‘the field’ is Neptune’s operative medium. If you are so inclined you can read this as a commitment to work in complete alignment with the spirit worlds, to let this commitment infuse and inform our lives. As energy workers balanced connection with the source field is also the fundamental basis of true healing. In both cases we become the conduit. We need to cleanse and strengthen this connection, and then, ‘let the power flow through us’. The grand trine represents an ongoing influence sourced in the field, occupying the middle ground or interface between the seen and unseen realms, so, this is something we can rely on here and now – the importance of this cannot be emphasised enough. Where we lack the power of personal vision we can benefit the greater scope and guidance of spirit and the source field.

The enormity of the problems our ecological approach encompasses may seem overwhelming and intensifying, but, that is precisely why the symbol of the eco-warrior spirit is being invoked – courage and commitment, as well as emotional intelligence and awareness, are amongst its halmarks. The universality of compassion and the inspiration of spirit make these qualities effective as a collective ecology, pragmatic realism towards deeply grounded truths make it powerfully effective, and these are highlighted through Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio respectively – the inner ‘planets’ (the Sun and Moon being included) transiting Cancer bring it all home and within our personal reach.

In the run up to the cross-quarter point of Lughnasadh, and beyond, the grand Water trine will be triggered repeatedly through the personal influences of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter in transit through the sign of the Crab as they key-in to the ongoing trine between Neptune and Saturn. This post goes to ‘publish’ as Mercury opposes Pluto and Venus connects into the grand trine.

With the emphasis on ‘the personal’ connecting with the field through Cancer, our personal connections with the wise council of the ancestral spirits and the nourishing power and protection that they sponsor us through, will give meaningfulness and depth to the guidance we can call upon. Where we have already established strong connections with our own ancestors we can ask them to work with us – where we are unsure of this connection we can turn to Nature, as their presence is strong in the flora and fauna, the earth and waters of our lands. Connect with natural allies, with ‘power places’, to bring the ancestral links alive. Here we also connect with our own spiritual roots.

Working from the root, the counter-balance to plutocratic pressure, destruction and disempowerment is in focusing on the cool deep running waters of our personal medicines, the ‘imaginal’ capacity that we all have, which connects us to the mature, experienced elder wisdom. This is the time to gather in the clans and healing circles, to be in nature, to call in the allies and to open strong channels for the spiritual power of fundamental healing to flow through us. Whether it be in the intimacy of our personal sacred space, within our homes, or in the groups to which we belong, in gatherings of the many, when the root is present and flowing with spiritual sap it feeds the collective through which it flowers and finds outward expression.

This is, initially, a collective movement of energy in time that will find its own natural connections, but, if nothing else, this will be the prime time to call upon the spirits of Water, to give thanks and prayers of gratitude to them for giving us Life. Ask for their help in removing obstacles to transformation, for major collective healing, and for finding creative pathways for the flow of this emergent healing energy. Flow is everything here……trine energy can be wonderful, but, can also over-relax and make us lazy, so, while ‘down-time’ is vital in these times, make this a conscious use of that energy.

Remaining ‘awake and aware’ of what is happening around us also is essential – the simplest of things, its good to at least splash water on your face and arms, but, laughter too is a great healer when its flowing. If you are so blessed to be able to do so, bring play and joy into the mix! Go stand in the rain, in a fountain, a stream, run through the surf, go ‘wild-swimming’, if the spirit so moves you, but, do remember to hit your personal ‘refresh’ button. Take prayers to the rivers and lakes, to the oceans and the humble bowl of water on our altars. An herbal bath at the end of the day will help restore vitality, cleanse out toxins and strengthen our connections with the plant allies. If in doubt consult your local ‘curandera’ or herbalist, listen to the voices of nature. Asking for blessings from ‘Mama Water’, from the plant spirits – and always with deep gratitude – the network is strengthened.

We can be subtle in all this as well, at the same time. I emphasise playfulness here as these times are not in any way envisaging a call to ‘up’ confrontation, but, to invoke and stand within the flow of a greater power. That is an irresistable power in the face of the seemingly immovable object. Scorpio and Pisces emphasise the hidden and the intangible, as does Cancer the importance of inner and outer boundaries, and all operate here within the powerful elemental influence of compassionate pragmatism that Water embodies. Spiritual protection works in the subtle realms. We do not need to wear our power openly……

In many ways this amounts to preperation for working with future eventualities, in the manner of one entering sacred space, as well as, for example in the traditions of the ‘grief ritual’, the personal clarification and cleansing that precedes healing of old wounds.

Water is also the primary element at the heart of healing through grief……so much of our ecological debacle is rooted in the past, in the ongoing effects of un-acknowledge and un-expressed grief. It is also a dynamic that is very much behind the relentless drive of ‘progress’, a double blind that unconsciously seeks solution divorced from the past while towing the un-acknowledged emotional charge of the past behind it.

In Pisces Chiron also continues to oscillate over the first half of the sign, so, the trine from Neptune to Saturn is joined towards and throughout the second half of the quarter by Chiron’s trine to the north node of the Moon. This further emphasises the soul dimensions of the water trine. The wounds of the past and their ongoing lessons are present with us in so much of the destructive energy at work in the world. This is an opportunity to bring elder wisdom to work as an agency of transition that accepts the wounds we have suffered. It does so because the elders know through experience that taking up and expressing the grief behind those wounds fuels collective and corrective soul healing. Reclaiming the power locked up within them empowers us and allows us to move on with vigour and knowledge. Within both the inner and outer ecological issues facing us this will inevitably bring us into an emotionally charged space, one in which release becomes the precursor to transition. While the social, economic, environmental, political and spiritual injustices remain, We must be prepared to grieve.

In many ways the grief process is also about clearing the emotional body of hindrances and blocks, as well as freeing our subtle self into full living – decontaminating our subtle self and unhooking from archetypal patterning will be key to our future. So much of the plutocratic misuse of human power rests upon maintaining the  presence and effectiveness of those contaminants and patterns. It could be, the only thing that can facilitate humanity’s entry into maturity is a mass outpouring, not of violent confrontation, but, of emotional power through grief.  A part of the problem for us is how we facilitate this without it becoming confrontational, and without creating more grief. This takes prescient vision and strong soul-centered leadership – this too brings our personal work into a wider perspective, one in which we can all potentially fulfill that role, and embody the Imaginal’s role. This role was introduced recently at Owlmirror, the sister site to ‘root medicine’ – it is a visionary role that fits and carries a strong call.

When Venus enters Leo towards the end of June the time will be ripe for this calling to gather in power. We must take heart in this, and be willing to witness each others passion and hot tears in the face of usury and oppression as an essential part of the transformation process. This is real, and absolutely necessary if a release into a renewed sensivity for and appreciation of Life is to take the upper hand. But, Venus in Leo also signifies this in outward expression, through an appreciation of beauty and natural resource. Many are already rising to this call….but, we have not yet reached critical mass. July will see the empowered spread of this as an imperative to the masses with Mars and Jupiter conjunct in mid-Cancer, building to full strength just as Venus exits Leo on the July full Moon, 2013-07-22. Expect the rising energy felt then to become more widely present in the outer world as Lughnasadh approaches, as Mars and Jupiter oppose Pluto. This could be a tough test – but, it could also be a time of increasing confidence in People power if we hold fast to our center as we meet it.

Around Lughnasadh and into the second half of this quarter, in the run up to Equinox, the field for empowered individual work will open further, following through from this foundation. Being confident in the meaningfulness of our individual lives can help us move energetically forward. We are being primed for a cultural regeneration based upon healing values. Personal healing and creativity with a practical edge can come to the fore here, highlighted with first Venus then the Sun and Mercury entering Virgo in opposition to Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. The August new Moon on the 6th will further seed a time of expansive change and we are the seeds of that change. This lunation is seeded squaring the Moon’s nodes – everything that we have paid attention to that feeds our souls will find value wanting realisation and this lunation is charged throughout with this energy.

The more we are able, individually, to resonate with the healing and transformational energy available within our own lives, both ‘high’ and ‘deep’, the stronger will become the resonance that this holds collectively. The polarisation of power is a golden opportunity to shift the poles of influence in our world.  Yes, there is a growing awareness of the importance of ‘being the change that we want to see in the world’ emergent now, but, this is no longer a soundbite or new-age mantra. Intrinsic to bringing real and lasting change that is in line with our shared role as guardians of our planetary home, Venus transit into Libra during the August lunation opens our hearts to the inter-relatedness of the collective journey, and sets in motion a resurgent wave of consciousness that the Sun’s entry into Virgo will further highlight as an ecological and healing necessity.

When the Sun and Mercury reach opposition with Neptune and Chiron it will be a time for the reckoning. This may sound ominous, but, that is the whole point of staying ahead of the curve, as well as the raison d’etre behind a long-term view being presented here. As this opposition approaches towards the end of August, Venus will also be opposing Uranus, forming a grand square with Jupiter opposite Pluto. The stress here is going to be on testing out our collective power – you have been alerted! Be ready to hold and sustain a higher vision for your own life, look closely at the intrinsic facts of how this can work and is working, utilise this insight to step beyond habitual and learned behaviour patterns, be ever watchful for opportunities to manifest this vision and, to coin the infamous phrase, ‘don’t let the ‘buggers’ get you down’. Effective tactics can include ‘random acts of kindness’, btw……..be unpredictably beautiful, its powerful medicine!

Jupiter is here also approaching first square with Uranus since their conjunction at the Aries cusp three years ago. The issues that arose from events of that time will be brought back into this arena of global change.  This was a time of Deepwater Horizon, of the Climate Change conference in Cancun, the year of financial bailouts, of environmental disasters through flooding, earthquakes and tsunamis – 2010 was also the year of Biodiversity, of Youth and the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion……..how many of these issues, and so many other factors, still apply in this time and in what ways……we must ask.

As the September New Moon arrives on the 5th, and as the Pluto Uranus square begins to wane, we can more actively turn our focus towards the future and gathering the practical means for sustaining a realisable vision. The seeding of that future is in our hands, literally. Mars, squaring the Moon’s nodes brings fiery energy to our souls path and the spirit of Fire, that most radical transformative element and bringer of cultural change, can be invoked to fuel the process of transition. This is the emergent halmark of the September lunation, burning off the aggregates that impede our souls path and embracing the great tranformational powers we are capable of in the long run. The full September Moon just days before equinox is preceded by Venus, Saturn and the north node aligning at 9 Scorpio to test out this vision with perspectives seen through the lens of reality. What we mean to our descendants rests upon our ability to realise it. We may not see its flowering just yet, but…..

…..as Equinox approaches, the fruits of our labours through this equally contentious and exciting time will show us how deeply meaningful, as well as essential, our ability to transit from a visionary human capacity into a workable one is for our world. If ‘global transformation of consciousness’ was formerly the vision, planetary healing is now our mandate. This is not so much a vision as an impending reality.

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