The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2014
February will continue what has been a strange energetic start to the New Year. After Venus turns direct on January 31, Mercury turns retrograde on the 6th. In addition, there will be very few aspects between any of the planets this month. Finally, there will be no new Moon this month. Actually, that’s not entirely true for those of us on the west coast. The Moon will be new on Friday, February 28 at 11:59 PM, one minute before midnight. On the east coast it won’t be new until Saturday morning, March 1. So what does all this mean?
Mercury retrogrades three times each year and remains in that direction for approximately 3 weeks at a time. In terms of frequency, therefore, Mercury retrograde is not a big deal. With repetition comes understanding. However, Mercury pertains to understanding and communication. With the exception of the Moon it is the energy we use most in dealing with day-to-day life. So we can expect our interactions to be somewhat skewed from the 6th until the 28th. In general, Mercury retrograde affects two parts of life. One is verbal sharing of ideas and information with other people. The other is dealing with machines, from automobiles to computers.
When Mercury is retrograde we tend to understand and communicate about things from a highly personal point of view. Normally we might try to communicate in the language of the listener in order get our point across. When Mercury is retrograde, however, we tend to be in a hurry to get the information out and the point across and often accomplish neither. One way to take advantage of this transit when communicating is by writing. We write more slowly than we speak, hence have the time to be more deliberate and objective. In addition, this can be an excellent time for creative writing. If you’ve been wanting to start a book or a poem, or break through a dose of writer’s block, now would be a good time to do so. When speaking, be deliberate. Slow down. Make sure the other person has heard what you said clearly. Maybe even ask them to repeat what they just heard you say. Similarly, repeat back to a speaker what you just heard them say. It may be awkward, but it can enhance understanding. This can be especially useful when signing a contract. In general, it’s good to wait to sign until Mercury is direct. If you simply can’t avoid it go over the document several times, perhaps even asking a trusted friend or advisor to do the same, to ensure that what you are signing is in fact what you think it is.
In dealing with mind, Mercury retrograde is also a good time for researching new information and reviewing what you already know. Mercury will retrograde in Pisces and retrograde into Aquarius on the 12th. During the Pisces period, intuition, lucid dreaming and creative imagination will be enhanced. During the Aquarius period, research could bring unexpected inspiration and clarity about topics that might be vast and otherwise confusing.
Machinery seems to break down or short out more frequently during Mercury retrograde than at other times. It’s best to get your car worked on before Mercury retrogrades in order to avoid or at least minimize the potential problem. This is definitely not a good time to purchase a new car, computer, smart phone or tablet. Go ahead and do the research, but wait to buy until after the 28th.
The fact that there aren’t many planetary aspects this month could compound the Mercury retrograde issues. Not only will communication be challenged, but we may not feel many connections with other people. Appointments may tend to be broken or postponed, or we might not find anyone to make a significant appointment with in the first place. This is all part of the first six months of the year. Sometimes we may feel spacey, sometimes out of sorts, sometimes simply doing things at an uncomfortable rate or tempo. In the long run this can help us all to be less attached to our habits and expectations of who we are and what life is supposed to be. We can simply allow life to be as it is. We don’t have to judge it as being acceptable or not. We can remain neutral and detached. The Aquarian filter can be especially useful for that.
I can’t remember a month that didn’t have a new Moon in it. Since the months are arbitrary divisions of time in the first place, this really isn’t a big deal. I mention it because it is another in a series of weird events that seem to be accompanying the beginning of the year. If you encounter unusual or surprising events, if your life seems to be going in one direction only to suddenly shift to something else, if you keep changing your mind or others don’t act as expected, you are paying attention. At times like these we either wring our hands in consternation or joyfully accept the opportunity to break out of our ruts, get out of our own way, enjoy seeing things in new ways and making different choices. It can ultimately prove to be a very creative time.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Relationship issues are priority one for you this month. This is a good time to work on thoughtfulness and consideration for others. Compromise and diplomacy can go a long way in pleasing others and eventually getting what you want.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Now that your ruling planet Venus is direct, you could feel a burst of energy to start new projects or relationships. Intense passion could impel you to come on a little too strong or appear too demanding or needy. Growth comes from allowing things to develop in a methodical, harmonious way.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: You could feel especially confused or adrift by the energy this month. It’s important that you stay grounded, even at the risk of feeling bored. Without grounding you could feel overwhelmed by conflicting information, changes of opinion or lack of self-confidence especially in early month. When grounded you can take advantage of clear intuition and an active imagination.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: A strange month in which you may feel confused between your feelings and other people’s thoughts. This is a good time for some quiet contemplation interspersed with creative endeavors such as writing or drawing. Mid-month could bring a burst of confidence and desire for socializing.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Emotional energy may run high this month, peaking around the full Moon in Leo on the 14th. Try to stay in the moment, responding to how you’re feeling rather than reacting to what others are doing or saying. Strive to be a nurturer and caregiver, thus avoiding feeling the need of other’s attention.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Even though Venus is now direct, you may still feel confused or ambivalent about a relationship. The most challenging part of it is what you should be focused on – communication. This could also be a good time to become aware of new ways of being more efficient in your work.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Mars continues in Libra until late July. The good news is that this could make you be more self-affirming and assertive. The bad news is that it could also release your shadow so that you find yourself getting impatient and hostile with others. Growth comes from staying balanced within yourself.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: You may find this period less difficult or confusing than other signs do. You may feel less awkward in social situations that usual, or function at as a mediator for others. This is a good time for creativity and playfulness.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Watch out for tendencies to overindulge in some way this month, especially since your ability to rationalize bad habits is particularly strong. Being too accepting of others’ bad behavior or giving others too much benefit of the doubt could lead to losses or feelings of being taken advantage of.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive appropriate or deserved recognition this month. Remember that others could be confused and communication is challenging. Growth for you this month comes from staying true to your course and being patient.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a good time for trouble shooting and finding solutions for things that overwhelm others. Strive for succinct communication rather than rambling on and trying to impress others with your grasp of complex concepts.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Early month is a good time to work at integrating the intuitive wisdom of your right brain with the analytical skill of the left. Confidence and creativity come on strong in late month.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. To make an appointment for a reading or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.