The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2009
We are in times of extreme change. Looked at one way this could be a scary situation, a time of loss and insecurity. From another perspective, however, opportunities abound. Let's review some of the major planetary patterns of 2008 and briefly define the alignments coming up this year. A more complete rendering of these influences will be discussed in my annual Perspectives lecture, held at Wells Fargo Center on January 6, 2009 at 7 PM. I will also be elaborating on these transits in greater depth as the year moves along and they become more prominent.
The three main transits of 2008 will continue in 2009. They are: Pluto entering Capricorn, Saturn and Uranus opposing each other, and the mutual reception of Uranus and Neptune. Pluto is the truth seeker, the taboo breaker. In Capricorn it will unearth whatever forms of malfeasance or corruption that has been perpetrated in government, the financial industry and corporations. Some of this has obviously already started. The underbelly of these institutions holds a seemingly endless amount of greed and fraud. How much the leadership holds onto their power and resists transformation will determine how much we will continue to suffer. With Pluto, the more we let go, the more we get what we really want. To hang on to old and outmoded behaviors merely extends the period and increases the amount of pain. Transformation will happen one way or another. Pluto will remain in Capricorn until 2023.
Saturn and Uranus were in opposition to each other from October to December. They will remain in opposition from January-March and again from August to October. This is one transit that brought us President Obama. It is an aspect that brings into immediate confrontation the forces of restriction (Saturn) and the forces of change (Uranus). Politically our country has moved to the left, however slightly. We must now continue the process of change in an orderly, disciplined way with clearly defined intentions and goals. Assuming the new administration follows this template, we can assume progressive and liberal policies and attitudes will continue to grow, and with popular support.
The Uranus-Neptune mutual reception has been in place since 2003 and will continue until 2011. It represents an opportunity for us, individually and collectively, to shift our consciousness so that there is greater awareness of our uniqueness as a person or a nation combined with the drive to relate to others with compassion and acceptance. This aspect alone could alter the course of human history in ways that may seem subtle at the time, yet of major significance. It has been suggested that consciousness development is the purpose of life. This is a transit that provides support for all of us in that context.
There are four transits that we will be tracking this year, in addition to the three already mentioned. Two involve retrograde planets. As usual, Mercury retrogrades three times this year. Those periods are: January 11-31, May 6-30 and September 9-29. Each time, Mercury retrogrades in an air sign then backs up into the previous earth sign before going direct. This implies that early in the retrograde period we might experience communication difficulties. Later on the challenges could shift to mechanical devices like computers, telephones or automobiles.
The second significant retrograde is of Venus. It retrogrades March 6-April 14. This is a time to review values, behavioral patterns, relationship needs, financial expenditures and aesthetics.
Two new important transits will be in play this year. One is a conjunction between Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius. This will be from April-August and from late November until early January 2010. This is an aspect that brings a great deal of compassion. It could represent a new surge of global commitment to helping those of us who are suffering and have fewer opportunities to create a quality life. However, this could also impel tremendous idealism and the potential for disappointment and the sense of being taken advantage of.
The other powerful transit is a square between Saturn and Pluto from October until March 2010. What makes this transit even more significant is that it begins just as Saturn is entering Libra. This aspect will be a major point of focus in this space at the end of the year. For now, remember that it has to do with learning how to affirm our sense of empowerment. Any blockages to doing so will surface with this transit. The challenge is acknowledging the obstacles and working them through to the point of releasing them.
Those are the major planetary highlights for the year. The discussion of each of the signs is focused on this month only.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a good time for a new beginning in your career. This could be a whole new professional direction or, more likely, a new project or attitude within or about your current occupation. Late month brings clear thinking, a good time to make agreements (although be careful as Mercury will be retrograde) and the perseverance to maintain your drive in the new direction or project.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Social activities occupy a main focus for you this month. Late month might bring strong drive for more freedom from others or at least a desire to make significant changes in an ongoing relationship. This period could also bring challenges in the form of power struggles with friends, lovers or children. You might want change. They might resist or want the changes to reflect their needs to the detriment of yours. Growth comes from affirming your needs, desires for change, and establishing strong limits and boundaries with others.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month might bring feelings of chaos or fragmentation, especially if you allow yourself to get overextended with too many people or too much new information. Late month brings the energy to review what you are doing, and limit your focus to those activities that are more grounded and practical.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The full Moon in Cancer on the 11th can bring a great deal of emotional self-awareness, but also a tendency to relate to others in too subjective a fashion. You may feel blocked or overwhelmed by your feelings. The new Moon in Aquarius on the 26th offers the energy to be more detached from individual interaction and look more at the big picture of how you relate to others in general.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
The year begins on a very positive note for you. Early month brings clarity of goals and directions for the year. Mid month offers clear thinking and good communication. With Mercury being retrograde at that time, think of writing as a good alternative in case verbal exchange is challenging. Late month feelings of optimism and joy, especially in your social life, enhance your generosity and sense of well being.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Focus on two areas this month: children and creativity. If you don't have kids and aren't a teacher, creativity and practical forms of recreation offer fulfilling outlets. If you do have kids work on parenting skills with emphasis on being consistent and firm. Growth comes from remembering that you are the responsible adult in charge. Combining control with love is the goal.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This month, work on two things. One is health maintenance. The new year is always a good time for resolutions, and a good one for you this year is working on your body. This could be to improve health or to simply feel better. The second point of focus is working to develop new job-related skills even as you refine ones you already know and use.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
The year may literally start with a bang for you since your co-ruling planets, Mars and Pluto are conjunct the first week of January. This can be a volatile combination. In order to avoid an explosion or meltdown, make sure you have both physical and emotional outlets in place, and that you take advantage of them. Later in the month things settle down. This is a good time focus on planning things for the new year.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Your ruling planet, Jupiter, transits into Aquarius on the 5th and will remain there all year. This should be a fairly comfortable year for you since Aquarius and Sagittarius are similar in their need for independence and their ability to see the big picture. Positive social opportunities could surface with extended family, neighbors or good friends. This is also a good year for travel and education.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This could be a highly productive period for you, especially in areas of life that are oriented toward creativity and self-expression. The challenge is harnessing the energy so that concrete things are produced. Social opportunities could be limited or challenging, so stay focused on the practical.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
A new and stimulating creative project or social relationship could begin around mid-month. You could also feel drawn to some type of volunteer service. In addition, this is a good time to focus on grounding. Pay attention to your financial situation. This is also a good time to create more material security or sense of empowerment relative to the practical responsibilities of your life.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Early month your curiosity is wide open and your ability to learn new things, or share your knowledge with others, is very strong. Late month feelings of confidence could impel you to make inspired changes socially, creatively or spiritually. Growth for you this month comes from balancing the openness and interaction with comfort at spending time alone either in artistic expression, spiritual activities or both.