The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2008
The New Year begins with Mars, the planet of new beginnings, retrograde. This suggests that this is a time of contemplation, research and planning strategy for the year. It is in keeping with the time honored tradition of using the dark time of the year to go within the self. We can review the past and map the future. This also provides the opportunity to tune in to the deeper levels of energy and information that connect us to the Source of Life. In turn this connection engenders a sense of renewal that will help us in preparing for our year.
In general, this is a year of grounded activity. Two of the “mover and shaker” planets, Saturn and Pluto, are either in, or soon will be, earth signs, Virgo and Capricorn, respectively.
Saturn first entered Virgo in September, and my column that month provided a fairly complete interpretation of that transit. Briefly, this combination of components suggests a slowing down and approaching our duties in meticulous detail. They also inspire a sense of responsibility to be of service to others. This transit should promote more personal awareness of health, both of one’s own body as well as our environment. It also suggests that health care, including the quality of health care in this country as well as the issue of universal coverage will be hot topics in the presidential campaign this year.
The transit of Pluto into Capricorn takes place on January 25. It will retrograde back into Sagittarius June 13 and remain there until it returns to Capricorn November 26. It will remain in Capricorn until March 2023. I will be discussing this transit further in next month’ column. Suffice to say now that this transit will affect us primarily in two areas. First is the environment. Like Saturn in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn draws our attention to and helps to prioritize global warming as issue number one for all peoples of the world. It has been suggested that the technology to at least slow down this process, perhaps even reversing its affects up to this point, is available. We have lacked both the political will and the economic muscle to implement it up to this point. Hopefully, the national election will change that.
The other issue that the Pluto in Capricorn will address is the corporate climate that is dominating our culture. Pluto is about transformation. In the 1980’s we experienced a cultural transformation whereby greed became an acceptable value. It seemed OK to make money the prime goal and to make as much as we could by any means possible. Another transformation is in order. This time we prioritize quality of life for all. Money returns to what is originally was – a vehicle for exchanging energy. Without this shift, we will remain as the world’s primary munitions dealer, exporting means of killing even as we send our young men and women to illustrate how to do it.
Another important transit this year is an opposition between Saturn and Uranus. This will begin in October, will temporarily end in March 2009 and return again from August through October 2009. Whenever planets temporarily separate from an aspect to each other, but will return to that aspect, the period of separation provides a shadow influence. The combination of energies is not as strong as it was or will be, but is not completely unavailable either. This aspect challenges us to integrate our tendencies to define, plan and achieve (Saturn) with our desire to be spontaneous, liberated and inspired (Uranus). It demands that we integrate our needs for security and to uphold tradition (Saturn) even as we are open to change and revolutionary ideas (Uranus).
This will also be the fifth year (out of a total of eight) that Uranus and Neptune will be in mutual reception to each other. This means that these planets are transiting through the sign ruled by the other planet. Thus Uranus is in Pisces, ruled by Neptune, and Neptune is in Aquarius, ruled by Uranus. Mutual reception greatly strengthens the influence of both planets. Uranus and Neptune both pertain to consciousness; Uranus focuses on uniqueness of the individual within a context of the collective consciousness. Neptune is oriented toward transcendent experiences that dissolve all separateness back into the Oneness of Being. Hopefully this mutual reception is quietly supporting each of us to shift gears in our perceptions and expectations of life. Who we are as individuals and how we both fit into and can help the development of human consciousness and quality of life is the highest option we can strive for at this time.
Even though the year may begin slowly, due to the retrograde of Mars, this promises to be a year of big changes in all areas, political, economic, cultural and most important of all, spiritual growth and consciousness development. These topics and more (such as discussing the charts of the prime presidential candidates of both major parties) will be discussed in greater depth and detail in my annual first of the year talk. It will be held at The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts at 7 PM on Tuesday, January 8. The fee is $15.
The following projections pertain to the energy available to each sign for the month of January only.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Mars is the ruling planet of Aries, so you may be more influenced by its retrogradation than other signs. Yet you can also benefit more if you handle the energy effectively. Slow down, be deliberate in your actions and make specific plans for the future. Mars goes direct on January 30. From that day on the energy, drive and motivation that you normally feel will start to return.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Social activities could prove challenging this month. In early month you feel fearful and hesitant to open up. This could cause you to seek to control or limit others. In mid-month you may feel bored and frustrated due to previous inactivity. Growth comes from not being too extreme in making changes in your life. If you are too extreme, things could get volatile in late month as intense emotions overflow.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is a month to open your mind. Expand horizons of consciousness by taking a class, traveling or simply reading a book about a topic that is new to you. This is also a time to approach problems with inspiration and the willingness to invent new ways of relating to things. Applying information in practical ways will come later. Right now, just be willing to experience new things.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
This is a good time for introspective review, focusing primarily on family issues. These could pertain either to your present situation and/or your family of origin. In either case, pay attention to the ways in which you are, or have, allowed others’ needs or desires to influence the way you have defined and expressed yourself. Growth comes from becoming more self-aware and self-affirming.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
The full Moon in Leo on the 22nd will help you to get more in touch with your feelings. It will enable you to ensure that how you are responding to life in the moment is truly based on your emotional experience. Since this is a time of quietude and introspection anyway, use early month as a time to prepare for this connection to your core self.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
This is a time to focus on professional issues in two ways. One way is to refine your skills and develop new ones that will enable you to be more efficient and productive. The second involves making concrete plans for the future, along with a realistic strategy that will enable you to achieve your goals. Not a flashy time, but ultimately beneficial in creating professional fulfillment.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Focus on finances this month. In early month create a budget that will enable you to create a safe, comfortable and sustainable life. In mid-month explore new avenues of generating money. Be open to things that you feel inspired to do, even if a little insecure in your ability to actually do them.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
A potentially volatile month for you. Mars, one co-ruler of your sign is retrograde and Pluto, the other co-ruler changes sign after residing in Sagittarius for 12 years. In addition, these two planets opposed each other in December, creating a potentially combustible combination. Growth for you this month comes from developing the patience that will enable you act with caution, clarity and deliberation during a period of intense change.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
The good news is that Pluto is leaving your sign. The bad news is that it will return. Take the time between now and June to allow yourself to act in ways that are spontaneous and expansive. The intensity and inner turmoil you may have been experiencing for years is over, at least temporarily. Now is a good time to experience your life with joyful enthusiasm.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a time to be social. This could take the form of spontaneously engaging friends, or refining your social skills, or feeling a sense of loyalty and commitment to those with whom you are close. You could also use this energy to be more artistic and creative in ways that are practical, yet enjoyable.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This month, creativity and communication are in high focus. This could imply being more creative in expressing yourself, or it could actually involve different points of focus. One could be simply being more self-aware and self-expressive. The other could involve being intellectually inspired, curious and inventive. An interesting and exciting time for you.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
You may find opportunities to increase or expand your social activities. Strangers can become acquaintances, acquaintances become friends, and friendships get closer. The only downside could be a tendency to be overly sociable, accommodating or idealistic. In general, these associations will be positive and mutually beneficial. So don’t hold back out of fear, just approach these situations with discrimination and practicality.