The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2012
2012 is finally here. The year that the poles will shift, the world economy will collapse, the year we will run out of oil and probably water, too. It’s easy to look outside ourselves for both the problem and the solution. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, nor are those calamitous predictions we have all heard going to transpire. If we want to know what’s likely to happen this year, we can review what’s been happening since 2008. The global economy has already collapsed, we still have oil and we’re not going to run of water, at least not yet. As for the poles – I think we’re going to be OK there, too.
For a complete delineation of the energy patterns for the New Year, I invite you to attend my annual Perpectives talk. This year it will be on January 10 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts starting at 7 PM in Merlo Auditorium. Admission is $15.
The basic reality is that it’s up to us to create what we want this year. Even in the face of the current economic and political climate there are ways of working with the energies to create a desirable experience. One reason is that there aren’t going to be any challenging transits that we haven’t already been dealing with. For example, Uranus and Pluto, squared throughout 2011 will peak twice this year, on May 18 (both planets direct) and September 9 (Uranus retrograde, Pluto direct). This transit has already changed the world, as it coincided with the Arab Spring movement in the Middle East. I will be discussing this aspect of primal importance in this space later in the year.
Neptune will also transit back into Pisces in February and remain there for 14 years. In many ways this transit will provide important ways out of the stresses and challenges of the Uranus-Pluto square. It will bring more attention to our inner world, and offers the promise of increased wisdom and faith and opportunities for increased transcendent experiences. My February column will discuss this transit in depth.
We also should pay attention to some relatively minor transits that will help set the course for our energies during the first six months of the year. Starting with Mars turning retrograde from January 23 until April 13, and ending with Venus turning retrograde from May 15 until June 27 these planets will slow down the movement and changes we will be experiencing.
When planets are retrograde we experience their energies in more personal and subjective ways. We get to review what our previous understanding and expression of these influences have been. If we don’t like what we have been doing, or the outcome of our actions, we are free to create a new plan or pattern of manifestation. This internal process will slow down what we are doing because we will be prioritizing contemplation over manifestation. The planet to focus on now, and for the next 3 months, is Mars.
Mars is the archetype of action. It can pertain to any type of physical activity such as
sports, working out or sex as well as our overall energy level. It can deal with initiating projects, activities or relationships. The entire time it is retrograde it will be in the sign Virgo.
When Mars is retrograde it’s time to complete previously unfinished projects. It is time to research and plan for new beginnings that will take place after Mars turns direct. But it is not a time to begin anything for two reasons. One is that our energy level declines more the longer Mars is retrograde. If we start something now we may simply not have the drive and motivation to see it though. When something begins when Mars is retrograde it usually has to be restarted after it turns direct. Second, this is a time of strategizing, not action especially with Mars in Virgo, a sign that can be quite scholarly and contemplative. Virgo is a sign of transition. What something looks like to you now and what it will look in April could be significantly different. This is a good time to work on developing patience.
Most important is to not push yourself. Do what you have energy for and that’s it. If you do that which you don’t really have energy for you are creating an energy deficit that will have to be repaid, probably after Mars turns direct and may be in the form of illness or exhaustion. Whatever house in your natal chart that has Virgo on the cusp is the area you should be reviewing and revising during this period.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Mars is your ruling planet so it’s period of retrogradation could be particularly challenging for you. Often you can be quite impulsive. This can be good if you are being spontaneous, not so good if you are impatient. Growth for you the next few months is to slow down and work on developing patience. Strive to develop new skills or refine familiar ones in whatever house Mars is transiting.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
The year begins with focus on public activities for you. This could be in career, social activities or even volunteer service. Compassion and spiritual inspiration could be strong mid-month. You could also seek out like-minded friends or colleagues with whom you’d like to share transcendent activities such as group meditations. Relationship issues become prioritized at the end of the month.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Relationship and financial issues could surface for you this month. Socially you may find yourself wanting to deepen the emotional connection to someone who remains aloof and unavailable. This is a good time to learn detachment even as you validate your own feelings. Financially this is a time to separate necessities from luxuries.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The full Moon in Aquarius on the 23rd will challenge you to clarify values and priorities. You may feel excited and enthusiastic about career opportunities. You may also feel as if family or domestic responsibilities are preventing you from taking full advantage of those options. The way out is to go within. Realize that the time to act isn’t here. Searching inwardly should direct you to the right way and at the right time.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Spontaneity and practical creative expression could mark this month for you. Don’t allow feelings of obligation to others prevent you from being true to yourself. Expressing yourself could lead to a sense of personal empowerment and liberation even if others find it unpleasant. Be selective about whom you spend time with.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The entire time Mars will be retrograde it will be in Virgo. This is good time to work on your body with proper exercise, diet and rest. Perhaps even more important is that this is a good time to become more direct and self-affirming in both your personal and professional lives. Growth comes from letting others know who you are without you being excessively demanding of them.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Saturn has been transiting through Libra since 2009. You may have limitations, increased responsibilities, and be working hard both on the job and on yourself. This month the energy is elevated so that you might begin to see the results of your endeavors, or at least become aware of how much you have grown. This is a good time for some gratification affirmations.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Enjoyable social activities in mid-month are complimented with stimulating conversations that take place on fairly deep levels. Growth comes from being selective about whom you have these discussions with. Your mind could be particularly clear and insightful. Choose those who analyze deeply and who enjoy that kind of dialogue.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
This a push-pull period for you. You may feel like expanding yourself by accepting or creating new experiences at work. At the same time you may feel constrained by certain social obligations or by power struggles with bosses or colleagues. Growth for you this month comes from spending more time engaged in playful or creative activities. The time to act may be several months away.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a good time to be data gathering. Communication is strong as is your ability to relate to a variety of people. This is also a good time to work on balancing quality time alone with quality production on the job.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Heightened spiritual awareness or increased desire to expand your knowledge highlight this month for you. This could take the form of a commitment to a particular course of study, especially if there is a transcendent focus to the work. Spending time with family brings joy and enthusiasm.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a time to feel grounded and to engage in practical activity. Mid-month could bring enhanced social experiences or the energy for artistic expression. This is a good time to begin to establish your goals and direction for the year. After Neptune enters Pisces next month these issues could get cloudy.