Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
I recently wrote here about the long stay of Mars in Libra and in this current piece I want to expand on its role in the dynamic energy field created by Jupiter opposite Pluto – both square to Uranus in Aries. This pattern of three planets, known by astrologers as a t-square, is particularly active this year, reaching a climax in April. However, Jupiter first moved into orb of exactitude  in August 2013 whereby making Uranus the highly potent focal planet in a fast moving circuit. Both Uranus and Aries are independently known for their impatience, speedy deliverance, urge towards freedom and sometimes violent nature, but when acting as a pressure valve, Uranus can become particularly explosive. Judging by the clients I have seen whose charts are ‘in the zone’ – the results can be dramatic. Particularly those experiencing transiting Uranus conjunct the Sun seem to making major relationship decisions. Two of my clients born on 4 April, are currently sleeping on a friend’s sofa. Breaks in long term partnerships being one trend I have noted.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
In December 7th 2013, when Mars entered Libra, the dynamic of the t-square changed. Now we are dealing with four factors instead of three! A grand cross!

Mars in Libra: The Power of Four
Pythagoreans regarded the number four as specially significant. They used to swear bv four which they believed held “the root and source of eternal nature” and not only nature in general, but rational man in particular seemed to them to be governed by four principles, which were located in the brain, the heart, the navel and the phallus respectively. The soul itself was envisaged as fourfold, intellect, understanding, opinion and perception.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
From an astrological perspective, the position opposite the focal planet in a t-square, is known as the point of liberation. By developing the qualities of the opposite sign and incorporating them into the expression of the focal planet, we can allow that energy to manifest itself in a more conscious and balanced way. Uranus in Aries is ruled by Mars, and Mars in Libra, when expressing itself on the highest level, is prepared to compromise, but does not give ground where its basic principles are concerned. Mars in Libra is governed by balance and the sense of fair play. Fighting for ones ideals, fighting for what is right in a loving way. Nelson Mandela, born with Mars in Libra, is a great example of how this energy can manifest itself. When Mars is in Libra it can express its strength and power intellectually.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
I think that Mars in Libra, presents us with a great opportunity to lift Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto to a whole new level of understanding. As Liz Greene also pointed out in her Saturn book “…every trinity must in the end be integrated by a fourth factor, a psychological as well as an esoteric law…”(p. 15). Four is good, and this long stay of Mars in Libra, is presenting us with a challenge and an opportunity.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
The biggest challenge with a grand cross formation ( i.e. four planets in the same quality, but in different elements, pulling in four different directions) is dissipation of energy. Conflicting demands, external circumstances, inner pressure, etc. etc. drain the life force, leaving a sense of inadequacy, for no matter what you do, nothing much seems to be happening. It is a sort of psychic still stand. It feels as if ones own life has been surrendered to circumstance. The key to dealing with the grand cross, is consciousness. I find it useful to visualize the grand cross as a stool with four legs as opposed to three. When sitting on that stool, I become the director, the one in charge, delegating and taking the decisions. From this centered position, I envisage the movie I want to make and how to go about creating it. It is like baking a cake, where the picture of the delicious cake guides the whole cooking process. In other words, if you, like me, are in ’the zone’ (I have Mercury in 13.40 degrees Capricorn), it is worthwhile to have a goal. It can guide the energy and give meaning to the process.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
However… Progress this year might be slow. So one of the restraints and issues Mars and Uranus will be having to deal with, is the acceptance that where chronic situations are concerned, that is, situations that have taken many years to reach the point they are currently at, nothing will be reached overnight. Just look at the degrees in which the two Uranus/Pluto squares take place in 2014. The 5th square is on 21 April in 13 degrees 34 Aries/Capricorn, the 6th is on December 15th in 12 degrees 35!! In other words, we need to have staying power, particularly when the situation itself is deep rooted and the patterns we are trying to change have built up over time. Jupiter opposite Pluto is interesting in this regard, because it can draw up the past, experiences or patterns from childhood in particular. This is a good time to examine the role we were appointed in the family we grew up in. Were we happy with that role? What role would have suited us better? Jupiter seeks to understand the past and Pluto scrapes the dregs from the bottom of the barrel. We need to re-cycle our own past history in very fundamental ways.

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
Again, consciousness is the key here. I am also struck by the fact that people who are in ’the zone’ are experiencing the energy on different levels. If we look collectively, then clearly in some horoscopes, for example Michael Schumacher or Philip Seymour Hoffman, the energy is expressing itself on a purely physical, material level. In other horoscopes, a good example here would be the Dalai Lama, the energy is manifesting itself inwardly, on spiritual planes. There will be many stages in between the examples I have given here, and with Pluto involved, some of the events will, in some cases, have a past life or even a fated quality attached to them. I personally think, that people who have natal planets in ’the zone’ can serve as channels for manifesting the grand cross in positive ways. Knowing about the astrology also helps 🙂

Mars in Libra: Pythagoras and The Power of Four
If you would like to know more about the ways in which this energy is manifesting in your own horoscope, you can order an mp3 reading called ’the change’. This reading will examine the position the transiting planets occupy in your birth chart and explore the avenues that you might possibly travel to express this energy most constructively. The reading is approx. 35 minutes, and costs Euro 45,-.

Elizabeth Hathway
DFAstrolS, QHP
360 Degrees Astrology, Amsterdam