The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2023
Aquarius is the sign of change. It is fitting, therefore, that there will be 3 planets transiting through that sign the first month of the New Year. The full Moon will also be Aquarius on the 21st, the day after the Sun enters Aquarius. In addition, Pluto will enter Aquarius in March. I will be addressing this transit in my annual Perspectives talk which will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, January 10 from 7-9 Pacific Time. See my website (www.starwatcher.com) for further information.
Aquarius is a fascinating sign, one that can be quite paradoxical. The co-ruling planets of Aquarius are Saturn and Uranus. As noted in this column several times over the past 2 years, these planets have been squared to each other, setting up a fundamental conflict between the forces of authoritarian conservatism (Saturn) and progressive liberalism (Uranus). The conflict has manifested around the world politically, economically and militarily. The fundamental Aquarian paradox, however, can be experienced in a much more personal and immediate way.
As an air sign, Aquarius is oriented toward the social side of life. it is a sign know for being kind and friendly. It is accepting and inclusive, seeing humanity as a unit rather than fragmenting people by age, gender, nationality, etc. it is the sign of the social collective. Yet is also one of the most independent of the 12 signs. The ability to balance the independence with the sociability is the key to being able to manifest Aquarian energy at the highest level.
The three planets in Aquarius this month are the Sun, Venus and Saturn. The Sun in Aquarius provides the opportunity for each of us to address the Aquarian paradox: how can we enhance and strengthen our social lives even as we explore, experiment with and express our independence? How do we connect with others over common interests while simultaneously developing our uniqueness? Aquarius can be comfortable being part of a larger group of people, but insists upon maintaining its uniqueness with that context. There may be times when others judge us for being unconventional, sometimes even eccentric. From the Aquarian point of view, however, this just means being true to oneself. Aquarius is quite capable of detaching from these judgments and being comfortable with themselves even if others are not so inclusive. When the balance between the social and individuated is created, one can be a source of inspiration to the group as well as being inspired by it.
Venus is the energy of sociability. It reflects our social behaviors and needs in relationship. As one would expect, Venus is Aquarius can be unconventional. Being kind and accepting of others’ oddities implies that Venus in Aquarius wants to be accepted for its own. In a primary relationship Venus is Aquarius wants to be involved with their best friend. They are comfortable with an unconventional relationship as well as one that is continually changing to meet the ever-changing needs of the partners. Aquarius is a big picture sign. Venus therein can be very humanitarian, seeking to improve the lives of others. this transit could to more humanitarianism being expressed and acted on that helps more disadvantaged among us.
Saturn has been in Aquarius since the Winter Solstice 2020. Saturn is the energy of personal responsibility. The lower octave of this placement can lead to someone striving to limit other’s freedom of expression or simply the freedom to be who they are. This can stem from someone who is inhibiting their own uniqueness, striving to fit into a box that isn’t really who they are. They want others to be a s repressed as they are. The higher octave of this transit, however, is to take responsibility to be true to yourself. Saturn likes to set goals in Aquarius that implies an objective of personal liberation within a social context a brilliant man once noted that when we are divided we can be conquered. Saturn in Aquarius can take responsibility to organize others, enlisting them in a quest that can bring liberations, acceptance and accountability to both he masses as well as to our leaders.
The New Year is beginning with a lot of energy in the sign of change. What a perfect time for each of us to set a resolution of being true to ourselves even as we uphold and practice our intention of being good brother an sisters to each other so that the human family can come together in a unified attempt to improve the quality of life for us all.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Your ruling planet Mars will finally turn direct on January 12. If you have been reviewing and resolving issues from the past, and have been researching and strategizing new beginnings, now is the time to start implementing them. Be cautious, however, because our energy level will take time to return to normal. Growth can come from being patient with the process.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a time to solidify plans for new career directions or projects. A serious attitude and a clear sense of purpose and passion can help get the New Year on a productive track. mid-month changes in relationship dynamics can lead to harmony and a sense of fulfillment in primary relationships.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Your ruling planet Mercury will turn direct in Capricorn on January 18. This is a good time to act on new perspectives that you had when it was relationship. This can pertain to intimacy issues, financial concerns or metaphysical realizations. Much if not all of these changes may tend to very personal so proceed cautiously when sharing insights with others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon will be in Cancer on the 6th. this will provide perspective on your feelings about others as we as heighten your immediate emotional responses. Growth can come from taking advantage of Aquarian energy to develop a sense of detachment in terms of being able to express your true feelings to anyone without undo concern for your own vulnerability.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: this month is about relationship, especially one-to-one. Growth can come from putting partner first, being thoughtful and considerate of others’ needs and feelings rather than prioritizing your own. Mid-month could bring some intense confrontation with the partner that could lead to deepening the emotional bond between you.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: With the energy in the air sign Aquarius, this is a time to lighten up. Being playful and creative can occupy significant time for you this month. If you have been planning on doing so writing, getting into crafts or learning to an instrument, this would be good time to initiate those plans.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This could be a paradoxical month for you. On the one hand, there is a lot of energy to express your creativity. There is also energy to express your love to a partner and/or your children. On the other hand, a lot of the energy can be quite intense and you could come across as being controlling. Growth for you this month can come from organizing your time so that the intensity can manifest creatively, and your love can manifest socially.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Mid-month is a good time to start implanting ideas you have been developing for several months. Much of this could pertain to close personal relationships, especially with partner and family. Harmonious, effective and fulfilling experiences can be produced by focusing on the interactive give and take you experience in these situations.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Harmonious social situations can combine with inspired creativity for you this month. Feelings of joyful enthusiasm and optimistic expectations for the year can help you get the New Year off to a good start. One note of caution – don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Be here now with our fervor and the future will follow accordingly.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The transit of Saturn, your ruling planet, through Aquarius is an opportunity for you to be both rule based and more focused on personal freedom. This can be especially true in terms of establishing value-based priorities. You may find that you are outgrowing conventionality and becoming more comfortable with that part of you that has always been outside the predictable box.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The archetype that Aquarius represents is very present this moth and will continue to be for many years. This is a wonderful opportunity for you, and all of humanity, to set a course that leads to interactivity, diversity and inclusion. This is a good month for you to actually put those ideals into practice.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a month you could feel confident, especially in your social skills and artistic talent. This could also be a good time to implement something new in your life that is designed to increase prosperity. Feeing good about yourself implies a deepening awareness of your tools and talents that can be utilized for material benefit.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.