The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2011
One of the more interesting planetary events was the transit of Jupiter and Uranus into Aries in May and June. This opened an energy channel that was inspired, confident and comfortable with the risks associated with change. As we were becoming familiar with the potential of these transits, however, they both retrograded and moved back into Pisces, Uranus in August, Jupiter in September. It was as if someone turned out the lights and went home. There we were, all ready to do something, hopefully new and exciting, but the clarity and confidence of the early summer was gone. But like anything else in life, nothing ever stays the same and sure enough Jupiter is back in Aries until June.
Because Jupiter is the ruling planet of both Sagittarius and Pisces, this transit will have the most obvious impact on people who have either of those signs rising in their natal horoscope. The rising sign, or ascendant, of a chart indicates one’s personality, that sense of self that we project into the world, “This is who I am”. The ruling planet of the rising sign is called the significator planet because it signifies where one goes to find oneself and to be actively engaged in the process of self-awareness, self-development and self-expression. So, for those with Sagittarius or Pisces rising (and to a lesser degree everyone else) the next 4-5 months should be a period of exciting and hopeful new beginnings.
Jupiter in Aries expands our desire and willingness to seek out adventures. This could take the form of a journey to an exciting, perhaps exotic place. It could mean starting to study and learn a new subject. One could be drawn to learning from some type of job training, getting ready for a new career direction or experience. Studying something that can enhance personal growth or that just seems interesting are other viable options.
By nature Jupiter is positive and optimistic. As the second largest body in our solar system (after the Sun itself) it generates a tremendous amount of electromagnetic energy, enough to help us to manifest the confidence, courage and desire for new experiences inherent in the sign Aries. Jupiter is also the most joyful and generous of the planets. Unfortunately, I believe that our culture is predisposed to not tapping into Jupiterian energy. We are a nation of workers. Highly motivated, serious minded, production oriented we have built a great deal of material security through a national philosophy of diligence and hard work. But sometimes we have a hard time relaxing and enjoying the fruits of our labor. The Puritan spirit remains strong within our borders. That makes it difficult to feel expansive and expressive of the joy that is so basic to Jupiter. That’s also one reason why our sexual expression runs the gamut from repression to pornography. When a basic human need is denied, it simply goes underground. Hopefully, the Jupiter in Aries transit will help us to be open to human expression of any kind. Without censorship we are left with freedom to be who we are, in any category.
Jupiter has to do with travel. This transit could bring some new connections between countries that had previously had little relationship, or if there was one, it wasn’t positive.
Jupiter also pertains to spirituality. This transit could impel some people to begin a serious spiritual quest. That journey would, to some degree, enable the seeker to feel more joy and fullness in their everyday activities.
One aspect of spirituality is based in personal integrity – morals and ethics. Hopefully, this transit will stimulate people to be more honorable in their behavior.
Jupiter can also deal with investments or financial speculation. In the confident, independent sign Aries this could lead investors, especially venture capitalists, to open their wallets and fund new businesses. These could be start ups in the field of green technology or other ways of dealing with our current environmental crisis.
However we each choose to express Jupiter in Aries, it won’t be boring.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Take advantage of the next five months by being open to new opportunities. They could manifest professionally, but more likely they will pertain to personal and relationship issues. This is a period of time to be open to new experiences, many of which could develop as a result of your own initiative. This transit will help to feel more comfortable being who you are.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
This could be a challenging month for you. Difficulties could arise in the financial arena, personal relationship, work or even health. You could feel a push-pull that causes you to be pressured to act yet not having the clarity or confidence to know if you are doing the right thing. Growth comes from prioritizing the various demands on your time and energy and then sticking to it.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Most of the action should take place in late month for you. When it does start to manifest you may experience a complex, confusing combination of influences. You could feel confident, energized and ready get involved in new activities ranging from the arts to sports. You could feel spiritually inspired yet notice anger coming up and being expressed unexpectedly. Growth for you comes from taking time for some type of centering activity on a daily basis.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Aquarius on the 2nd and the full Moon on the 18th in Leo suggests that this is a month of individuation for you. It’s a time to focus on your interests and hobbies, from the arts to sports. Early month could also generate interest either in new social activities or practicing new behaviors in familiar situations. Late month might bring some romance or perhaps the drive to get more deeply involved in a current activity.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
The full Moon in Leo on the 18th suggests that this is a month to become more self-aware. Because your emotions will be running strong at that time, you may feel vulnerable when you do open up. You could also be dynamic and creative in the expression of your deep inner being. In either case growth comes from become more internally focused.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
A focus for you this month is relationship. You could feel a strong drive to begin a new relationship or you could be clear in expressing your desires in an existing one. Sexual energy should run strong especially in mid to late month. You know you’re on the right track if you feel deep feelings of love and devotion welling up for you to share with a significant person.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Family relationships may prove difficult this month. The issues could range from financial challenges pertaining to your residence to esthetic values among family members. Growth can come from seeking to resolve the problems in a fair minded way that gives everyone the sense that they are being heard and their needs are being taken into consideration.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This is a good time to deepen your connection in an important relationship. It could be a partner or even a sibling, but the key is being emotionally open and honest with each other. Growth comes from working together to discover what the appropriate form of the relationship should be. It’s not about permanence or commitment necessarily. It’s more about defining the structure of the interaction.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Since your ruling planet is Jupiter, the next few months could be filled with exciting new adventures. You could also feel the drive and desire to get involved in new projects and activities that are designed to bring expansion to your life in creative, recreational or even romantic ways.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a time to be cautious about expenditures, especially in the career arena. However, the frugality should be matched with long range planning so that your business grows this year, even if it is slow and methodical growth. Similarly, if there are personality conflicts at work, seek to resolve them in a fair and just way. This in not a time to try to win as much as it is a time to create harmony for all.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The Sun, Mercury and Mars will all spend time passing through Aquarius this month. These energies will stimulate mental and social activities. Some of which may involve innovative thinking while other activities may be more physically oriented. Growth for you this month comes from being open to new ideas, perspectives and behaviors.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a month to be very present to your immediate experiences. You may be inclined to participate in interesting social activities. Your creative juices could flow, especially in creative writing or experimenting with new musical compositions. Late month could bring a strong physical drive that could be anything form sexual to athletic. In any case, this is a period of overt, expressive activity.