In the last few weeks, I’ve had conversations with clients and friends who are experiencing a lot of stress 
and challenge in their lives and in their creative work. Sleepless nights, accidents, a restless sense of something not just right…
And it’s no wonder because Pluto, the planet of depth and desire, death and transformation, evolution and rebirth, is one of four planets in this month’s Grand Cardinal Cross which peaks on April 23 with its effects felt for days and even weeks afterwards.
In astrology, a Grand Cross is a configuration where four planets take up positions opposite each other so that if you were to stretch a thread linking each of the planets, the thread would form a square with an X inside it. The planets are either squared (at a 90° angle) or in opposition to each other, an astrological relationship that is uncomfortable, challenging and sometimes life-changing.
This is especially true when the Cardinal signs, those signs that signal the end of one season and the beginning of another, are involved. For this Grand Cross, each of the four planets, Mars, Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto are in one of the Cardinal signs.
Pluto is in the sign of Capricorn and will be until 2024. Capricorn, simply, is the sign of structure and systems, like bones in the body, and careers, government and corporations. Pluto plumbs the depths and brings to the surface things that have been hidden and kept secret, like the beliefs, attitudes, messages and values that have acted as the foundation on which we have built our personal lives and creative work.
Sometimes, in order to bring things to the surface, we need to be brought to a boil, put in a pressure cooker. Stress and strain, challenges and obstacles stir things up and make us wonder “What the heck?”
But Pluto does this in order for us to first understand that we are not in control of our lives (you’re not still hanging on to that story, are you?) and then to help us clear out what is aged and decayed in order to make room for new opportunities and new growth.
With Pluto, you can feel as though you’ve descended into a kind of hell where the dark is unending and echoes with loneliness.
If you are feeling your own creative descent into the Underworld where chaos and fear reign, here are some tips for taking advantage of this journey.
- Surrender. Flailing about does no good, but only increases the sense of frustration. Nor does cursing and complaining which only makes the experience feel bigger than it is. And pretending it isn’t happening doesn’t help either. Instead, acknowledge the experience of feeling out of control and uncertain. Be present to the experience. Get still and silent in order to really listen to the voices of your intuition and your Muse instead of your ego.
- Be gentle with yourself. Sigh! I don’t know why so many of us, when faced with a challenge or problem immediately start beating ourselves up. Do you do that? Well, stop…now. Whatever led to this particular descent, accept that you are here now and you aren’t feeling good about it. Give yourself time to sleep and relax, to eat well, and to turn to friends and family for support. That’s right, ask for help.
- Let go of what no longer serves you. Get rid of materials, equipment, and beliefs and attitudes that no longer serve you. Not always easy to do but necessary.
- Look for treasure. Hey, if you’re going to be down there, make the best of it. The Underworld holds precious gold and silver if you are willing to look and see, not the least of which is an increased understanding and compassion for others and yourself. Ask yourself what new insights and understandings does this experience bring to you? What new courage and strengths do you now have? What new visions? What will you dare to do now that you wouldn’t have before?
This challenging time of the Cardinal Grand Cross and Pluto’s role in it, is an opportunity for rebirth and transformation…
For you and your creativity.