The Cradle is formed when four planets are connected by three sextile aspects, two trine aspects and one opposition. It is also called a Half-Hexagon because it looks like one-half of a Grand Hexagon (Grand Sextile) configuration. The Cradle is similar in energy to the Grand Sextile. It will be in either Receptive of masculine (Fire and Air) or feminine (Earth and Water).   The Cradle energies are not as self-contained as the Grand Sextile. The Cradle lacks the continuity of the polarities and modes, to balance and harmonize with the two center planets. The planets in the opposition set the dominant mode (cardinal, fixed or mutable) while the other two planets tag along as step siblings from the other two modes.

also, like the Grand Sextile, the Cradle provides a type of mixed blessing to the individual who has one in their chart.   The Cradle provides potential at an inspired and congruent level when the individual learns how to blend the three mode energies. On the other hand, it tends to lack determination or may disperse the energies across the four areas of the individual’s life based on the house placements. Like the Grand Sextile, the masculine will incline the individual to react with active drive and an independent attitude, lending an extrovert tendency to the individual. The feminine will incline the individual to react more passively with a communal attitude, lending an introvert tendency to the individual. The Cradle individual must work more diligently at developing discipline, patience, ambition and endurance if they are ever to master the energies of the Cradle. When the Grand Sextile is triggered, the individual tends to scatter their energies rather than consciously collect these energies into a unified force and miss out on many potentials and opportunities attainable through the Cradle’s influence.