The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2007
My first column of the year looks at the major energy patterns of the entire New Year. Each month I'll be analyzing the most significant trends of that period in a more in-depth way. Right now the perspective is on the big picture. For a deeper discussion in a more immediate time frame, I invite you to my annual Perspectives lecture at Wells Fargo Center (formerly Luther Burbank Center) which will be held Tuesday January 9 at 7 PM.
Collectively, in terms of the chart of the United States, there are three encouraging patterns to follow. Two are continuations from the recent past, but the third will be new this year. All three suggest a significant change in both domestic and foreign policy. The first involves the US progressed Sun. which entered Pisces about two years ago and will remain there for the next 28. Pisces is compassionate, spiritual and artistic. The US Sun in that sign suggests a higher priority on things such as universal health care, international outreach programs and a national desire to understand and accept all people in a spirit of global unity. In that sense, remember that the US progressed Mars turned retrograde in the sign Libra in 2006 and will remain so for decades to come. This implies a re-direction of our aggressive, hostile tendencies. This could even suggest that we will seek to lead the world in peaceful mediation of disputes by prioritizing the integration of all factions of our country in a more egalitarian way.
The new aspect this year is a conjunction between transiting Jupiter and the US Ascendant, which is in Sagittarius, the sign ruled by Jupiter. Best case scenario is that we return to valuing statesmanship and diplomacy over the recent cowboy expansionism. Worst-case scenario is that we continue expanding our profligate spending both financially and internationally in excessive, unrealistic ways.
The most interesting aspect affecting George Bush's chart is a conjunction between transiting Saturn (the Lord of Karma) and his natal Mars that will take place from October 2007-January 2008. This suggests a blockage or restriction to his drive, aggression and arrogance. Perhaps a time when the karma he has been generating for over six years starts coming home.
On a more personal and individual level, there are five significant transits to track this year. Two involve Saturn. One is a continuation of the opposition between Saturn and Neptune that began in 2006 and will be in force this year from late January through late July. This is an aspect that pits the energy of form (Saturn) against the energy of the formless (Neptune). The challenge here is to recognize that the eternal, spiritual part of you is ultimately more important than your temporary earth-plane body. Integrate these energies by using the defining, disciplining influence of Saturn to help you decide what kind of inner work you are going to do. It could be meditation, psychotherapy, dream work or developing your creative tools. By applying yourself to any of these activities consistently you will develop a deeper self-awareness which should lead to greater inner peace and well being. From there it will be easier to decide what to do in the realm of practical activity, as well as how to do it most effectively and efficiently.
The second significant Saturn influence this year is its transit into Virgo on September 2. Virgo is the sign of service and health. Ideally it will combine with the US progressed Sun in Pisces to trigger a national call for universal health care and major changes in Medicare coverage for seniors. Saturn in Virgo, where it will remain until October 2009, will challenge each of us to become more health conscious in two ways. One involves taking better care of our own bodies. Two pertains to focusing on the health of the planet. I believe that global warming is a real threat. But I also believe that we have all the technology we need to change that potential. We need to act immediately to make those changes, and Saturn is coming into Virgo at just the right time. Remember that transits affect everyone on Earth, not just the people of the United States. Hopefully the global demand for greater environmental consciousness can be a first step in uniting all people around other issues of common importance.
Jupiter transited into Sagittarius in November 2006. Planets represent energies; the signs filter the energies. Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius and as such its energy will be felt and expressed in a very pure way all year. The good news is that it can bring about greater emphasis on higher mind issues. The bad news is that Jupiter can also be excessive in its idealism, generosity and expectations. Make sure you aren't creating your own misery this year by giving more than you can afford or expecting more than is realistic.
The other two significant transits this year are Venus and Mars turning retrograde. This happens late in the year - Venus from July-Sept and Mars from Nov through January 08. Venus pertains to values, esthetics, relationships and finances. When any planet retrogrades it's time to reflect on how you are dealing with and expressing its energy. If necessary, alter the patterns.
Mars is about direct action. When retrograde, it's time to finish projects already begun and plan, even research, new ones in the future. But it's not a good time for new beginnings when Mars is retrograde.
The following look at the patterns and potentials of the individual signs, pertains to January 2007.
Aries (March 21-April 20You could have feelings of excitement and enthusiasm, perhaps even the desire for some adventure in early month. In mid-month the focus could change to more practical matters. That would be a good time for some type of new beginning in job or profession. Your motivation, drive and passion will be intense in mid-month, so use the energies wisely, with patience and deliberation to avoid volatility and hostility.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)Start the year by spending time on long range planning, especially in professional areas. This is an excellent time to use your intuition and creativity to develop your goals. If you are being too unrealistic, you will notice resistance and challenges to the implementation of your goals. In that case, let go of some of the more idealistic goals and return to a more grounded or rudimentary game plan.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)Creative drive and energy and spiritual inspiration combine to help you get your year off to an interesting and fulfilling start. Do something to take advantage of the stimulation. Traveling, taking classes or reading uplifting books are good examples of things to do. Growth comes from applying what you are learning to your life in practical ways that are of benefit to you and to others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)The full and new Moons in Cancer and Capricorn respectively make this a month to focus on specific activities. The full Moon on Jan 3 suggests focus on yourself. Seek awareness of both your immediate emotional experiences as well as plans for growth throughout the year. The new Moon on the 18th implies focusing more on relationship. Planning projects or activities with your partner will prove worthwhile.
Leo (July 23-August 23)This is a month to focus on your partner. Whether personal or professional, this is a time to tune in to who they are, what they want and need, and how you can help facilitate the fulfillment of those desires. Your communication skills are strong, especially in early month, so use those energies for getting clear about your partner and the relationship.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)Playful and recreational activities give way to more focus on work around mid-month. In early month spend time with children or lover. Late month the focus should be more on experimenting with new skills or activities pertaining to the practical side of your life. Lots of creativity in early month followed by efficiency later on.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)Your skills of harmonizing and mediating could be challenged this month. This could involve conflicts between you and other people, or you could feel called to do diplomatic service between others who are in conflict. In either case growth for you comes from balancing your idealism with clearly defined limits and boundaries. The issue is as much what you are putting out or putting up with as it does actually dealing with the situation.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)Issues this month could center on home and family. Growth comes from being diplomatic and detached in your dealings with those closest to you. Strive for a big picture perspective of what's really going on rather than just getting stuck on what you think should happen. Tremendous physical energy, drive and passion around mid-month imply the importance of physical outlet at this time.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)Things could get combustible around mid-month, especially if you feel challenged or if something you want is not happening. It is very important that you spend time in some type of intense, physical activity during this period. Your sexual energies could also be flowing in a major way. Take advantage of that by striving to develop greater emotional bonding with your partner, or simply more emotional self-awareness.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)The new Moon in Capricorn on the 18th implies that this is a time to go within and strive for greater emotional clarity. How do you feel in the various situations of your life? What can you do to take more responsibility for your own emotional well being? Being gentler and more self-nurturing are good ways to take advantage of this transit.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)Lots of good energy available to you this month. Creativity, sociability and spirituality are three things to specifically look for and take advantage of. The caveat is to look out for over-extension. You could take on more than you can handle or promise more than you can deliver in which case all the wonderful potential could come to naught in terms of happiness and fulfillment.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)Alone time can provide limitless insights and feelings of inspiration. Challenges can come in areas of job and profession. You could feel overlooked and undervalued. You could also feel as if the demands of the job are stretching you too far or preventing you from having as much time alone as you would like. Use these challenges as an opportunity to clarify your ethics. Striving to link what are doing with what you feel is the best and highest way of doing it.
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