At the Last Quarter, we make good on what we’ve learned during the lunar cycle. We might reach a decision, or take action. The Sun–Moon square here is key: We’re pushed by the tension of the square to Do a Thing.
One glance at this Last Quarter chart shows we have squares all ‘round. The Moon squares Jupiter as well as the Sun–Venus–Mars conjunction, and the Sun group squares Chiron and Eris.
This pattern is called a Grand Cross, referring to the oppositions across the corners: the Sun group opposes Jupiter; the Moon opposes Chiron and Eris.
We have a Grand Cross in the cardinal signs. This pattern is described as “challenging” since it combines oppositions and squares.
In this case, the greater challenge lies in the location of the Venus-Sun-Mars conjunction as Mercury moves in to join them: All four bodies in Capricorn are about to conjunct Pluto.
It is not typical for Venus, Mars, and Mercury to reach their conjunctions with the Sun so close together. These conjunctions renew and restart the cycle of each planet, as they disappear under the Sun’s beams (within 18º of the Sun), become combust (within 08ºdegrees of the Sun) and finally reach cazimi, the exact conjunction.
Once past the cazimi, the planet begins to separate from the overwhelming brilliance of the Sun, to reappear in the sky renewed. Something new has been learned.
This time, all four (the Sun included) will conjunct Pluto within a very short period of time. Yes, this is an annual solar renewal for Pluto as well, but with the Lord of the Underworlds, you have to wonder who is really being renewed here.
Pluto is associated with darkness, with a special kind of “dark.” This is not the dark of night that is reliably banished by the rising Sun. This is an ever-dark. A place we stash things we don’t want in the light. A place to face things we need to reclaim, no matter the cost.
If conjunction with the Sun renews each planet’s cycle, what does conjunction with Pluto do? This Last Quarter sets us up to explore that question.
Despite the squares, the bodies around this Grand Cross are here for support, not added challenge.
The Moon in Libra wants truth, the kind of honesty that supports balance as well as harmony and justice.
Jupiter in Cancer also support justice, but is, in this guise a very benevolent judge. This exalted Jupiter stands by with all good things, ready to help us through.
Chiron and Eris can seem challenging, but here, provide a supportive framework. Eris is the asteroid of a chaos goddess who stands up for the needs of the Earth. Chiron is the asteroid of a centaur who supports our personal healing. When Pluto brings confrontation, these two say, what can be healed here?
The exact conjunctions with Pluto will occur in and around the New Moon in Capricorn, another dark time. Everyone is already close enough to feel Pluto’s looming presence, though, while still invisible within the Sun’s brilliance.
Our action at the Last Quarter might look like standing still. On the inside, we recalibrate as we acknowledge whatever Pluto needs us to see.
Reach out for the support of the the gentle Moon in Libra, the warmly benevolent Jupiter in Cancer, and the invitations to healing from Chiron and Eris.
Title photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash
