The Grand Square (also known as the Grand
Cross) is an aspect in Astrology and it involves at least four planets, two
oppositions and four squares. The first
and third planets will be in opposition (180 degrees) to one another, the
second and fourth planets will be in opposition to each other, while the first planet
squares (90 degrees) the second planet and the second plant squares the third plant
and the third plant squares the fourth planet and the fourth squares the first
planet involved.
A strong Grand Square will have all of the
four planets in the same mode (cardinal, fixed or mutable). If one or more of the planets do not fit into
this criteria then it is considered a weak Grand Square. The closer the squares and oppositions are by
degree to one another, the stronger the energies of the Grand Square.
The Grand Square is considered a
challenging aspect because of the general nature of these aspects. They often produce stress and inner tension
or offer a challenge that will require inner strength and determination in
order to advance through the lessons. This
aspect can either become the stagnation in the lives of those under its
influence or the motivating factor that has the potential of producing great
strides forward.
When this natal aspect becomes activated
through transit or progression, the individuals with this aspect in their natal
chart will feel as though they are being pulled in four directions indicated by
the planets involved and the houses that the planets are found in. They may feel over-burdened and paralyzed by
life’s conditions. There is usually a
planet that forms a tight trine or sextile within the Grand Square and the
energies and house placement of this trine or sextile will often help unlock
the potentials found within the framework of this larger configuration. This contained energy resulting from the
aspect needs to find a release and this trine or sextile is often where the
energies are released which, if used properly, can produce great results.
These individuals often need to turn inward
and find their own strength. Many with
this aspect feel as though they cannot rely on others to help them through
life’s difficulties and therefore become stronger over time and very
self-reliant. This is not to say that
reaching out would be a bad idea or that no one can assist them in their time
of crisis, however, many with this aspect become reliant on themselves and
motivate themselves forward conquering these energies which in turn builds
inner strength. Most people with
challenging aspects find ways to use the energies in a positive manner, and
they are often the ones that push ahead in life and make something out of themselves
as they become experienced in dealing with these energies.
If they can find a goal or spiritual
purpose behind the difficulties at hand, they can make their way over the
hurdles and rise above any difficulty that comes their way. The key is to know that they are not trapped
and that there is always a way out. It
is imperative that they not beat their heads again the proverbial wall. Again, they must realize that they are never
trapped.
There are many valuable lessons learned
from challenging aspects found within the framework of the Natal Astrology chart. We need to address each challenge head on,
one step at a time.
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