This week’s inspiration is the Grand Trine in Earth that is blessing us from the heavens over the next couple of weeks.  A Grand Trine occurs when three (or more) planets align in a triangular formation, dividing the circle of the zodiac into thirds.  The number three is a perfect number: it cannot be subdivided and creates a perfect balance.

Astrologically, the trine formation promotes ease and harmony, with each influence flowing into the next.  Grand Trines in earth encourage stability and security, with a practical application for all of our ideas (air), feelings (water) and excitement (Fire).

Pluto in Capricorn was first in a trine formation to Jupiter in Taurus early in 2011, and this is the second phase of that cycle.  Jupiter, as King of the Gods, encourages us to seek experiences that are larger than ourselves and when harmonized with Pluto, that process becomes easier and achieves greater magnification.  This is an excellent dynamic for manifestation.

Over the next two weeks or so Mars in Virgo will get into the act.  Mars celebrates the inspiration and fire that comes from the belly and provides motivation for our goals and aspirations, but in Virgo Mars is not particularly dynamic.  Mars in Virgo prefers to take care of the details, but the trines from Jupiter and Pluto encourages us to expand our view (Jupiter) and unleash the power (Pluto) that lies within us.

When a planet opposes another planet that is a part of a Grand Trine that formation becomes a Kite, and we have Chiron right now in opposition to Mars and serving as the fulcrum for the Kite formation.  The opposition contains stress and tension that helps to motivate the Grand Trine into action, so it actually is helpful in the process of personal growth.

This formation over the next week or two provides us with an opportunity to manifest our dreams and wishes into earthly form: to create plans (Mars in Virgo) that will expand our lives (Jupiter) in ways that bring us into greater alignment with our empowered Self (Pluto).  It’s an unfortunate astrological fact, though, that while challenging planetary aspects hit us over the head without our having to participate, harmonious aspects require action on our part in order to be helpful in our personal lives.