The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2019
Jupiter will be in Sagittarius until December. These are "big picture" forces and tend to focus on theories and concepts. One point of awareness of this orientation is the future, hence they are also associated with prophecy. This could be a spiritual prophecy or one that is politically based, such as who is going to be the next President. Right now, however, any discussion about the future must include the one issue that unites all human beings because it affect everybody one way or the other relatively soon is the quality of the physical environment. If we simply focus on the present, or only look a couple of years ahead, we might not perceive or believe the disaster that the vast majority of the world's scientific studies have predicted. One reason why this transit can be so impactful is that Jupiter and Sagittarius are very open-minded and truth oriented. It also can be very academic, thus more likely to embrace the predictions that the scientists have been making. The exciting and creative response to this threat is twofold. First are the ways that average citizens around the world change their habits so that the quality of the environment is a high priority. The concept of going through life leaving a light footprint is a challenge that we all have to accept as part of our job and our life at this time. Second, Jupiter and Sagittarius can be oriented toward travel. We could assume that due to the positivity and breadth of the Sagittarian perspective, that the nations of the world will unite to solve this dilemma in a true spirit of oneness. By extension, this could mobilize the scientists to invent new forms of industry and technology that creates new jobs that are focused on healing the environment. The financial as well as environmental benefits would be significant. Any nation not responding in this way will be seen as short sighted and greedy, only looking out for the best interests of certain industries, and their leaders, rather than what's in the greater interest of the world. Such a nation would immediately lose standing in the court of international opinion and would challenged for choosing greed over ethical behavior. One thing that Jupiter and Sagittarius prioritize is principle.
In large measure, these challenges are part of a major change of astrological ages. For approximately the last 2000 years we have been living in the Piscean Age. Now we are shifting to the Aquarian Age. During this transition it's important to maintain the evolutionary shifts in behavior and consciousness that have preceded us, just as it's important to continue our growth and development.
During the Piscean Age humanity prioritized altruism, humility, compassion and service. These are qualities that enhance our spiritual connection and should be maintained. We also valued obedience and isolation which can problematic when other influences prefer freedom and inclusion.
The Aquarian Age could also be somewhat confusing. On one hand Aquarius is co-ruled by Saturn, the energy that likes authoritarian control, hierarchy and achievement. The other co-ruler is Uranus, the energy that embraces change, innovation, experimentation and liberation. A main challenge for us to embrace during this transition is how to create a predictable, grounded reality that is familiar to most people while simultaneously remaining open to inspiration and progressive movement. This is a very complex issue, one that goes beyond what a short column can provide answers to. We can, however, make certain suggestions for us to contemplate while this transition occurs.
The first step is to use Saturn to define our intentions. What are our goals and how do we propose to achieve them? Within that framework we can be open to inspiration which can take us beyond our original goals or suggests new ways to achieve them. If these new goals or means feel a little uncomfortable, we're probably on the right track. What we don't want to do is either completely shut down our desire for change or to change in ways that are so sudden that we are just being rebellious. In that context, we run the risk of being dismissed as eccentric. Any new ideas we have will be met with resistance and have difficulty being manifested in concrete ways.
Similarly we don't want Saturn, which can be associated with fear, to block any attempt at change. Avoiding the extreme expressions of Saturn and Uranus is one way to address the energies both this month and during this period of change. Another important point is to work to integrate the Aquarian qualities with Piscean ones. Aquarius focuses on social change based on valuing the human collective that includes everyone. By nature Aquarius is accepting, kind, humanitarian and focuses on a big picture of life. Pisces is also humanitarian and big picture oriented. Pisces strives for a deep, intuitive personal, transcendent connection to the Divine. Aquarius can perceive the Divine through social interaction. Both signs reserve a sense of self by combining independence and individuality with collective awareness.
This is a good time to realize that there is no universal law of either/or. We are not either dependent or independent. We are not reclusive or social. We are not intuitive or intellectual. We are all of these qualities all the time. To take advantage of the energy this month, and continuing for months and perhaps years to come, we must activate the Universal Law of Both And. The more effective at integrating the seeming opposites of life the closer we are to the source of life itself and capable of being far more creative in the establishment of who we are and the kind of life we want to live.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: You may feel the aforementioned dilemma more than most. Risk, change and individuation are strong this month. So, too, however, can be focusing on material security and comfort. Growth for you this month can come from putting into motion creative ways of dealing with your needs for stability.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time to engage in physical activity. Working out, dancing, hiking, skiing, whatever you find to be enjoyable in an aerobic way is highlighted for you this month. Similarly, you could be more direct in your interactions and more self-affirming. This is a good time for new beginnings.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month is a good time to connect with inspiring people who support you. From about mid-month on, it's a good time to put creative imagination into work projects. Success can come from being selective in what you are doing and discerning about others involved in the project. Avoid excessive idealism.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: This month is all about change, freedom and individuation. Sharing parts of yourself you normally keep under wraps is a good way to take advantage of the energy. Engaging in activities that you may feel are risky, although well within the normal range for society, is also a good way to work with the energies this month.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Focusing on significant relationships can lead to growth for you this month. Early month can bring new people and new ideas into your life. Later the energy will be available to put into concrete action.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: The full Moon in Virgo on the 19th could heighten both your emotional self-awareness as well as strong desires to express those feelings. This month in general is a good time to initiate a new study, either in school or on your own. Exploring new behaviors is a good way for you to take advantage of the energies this month.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Focusing on personal issues will enable you to take advantage of the energies this month. This could be by creating harmony with your family, striving for the beautification of the home or simply working to enhance and expand your emotional and spiritual relationship to yourself. Growth can come from prioritizing what inspires you rather than going along with others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Focusing on relationship takes advantage of the energies this month. Prioritizing both the romantic and the sensual facets of the situation can bring fulfillment and stable growth. Engaging in new activities together can lead to deepening of the emotional bonds that you are building.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Confidence and creativity in early month can enhance relationships within the family as well as provide inspiration for new projects around the home. Late month could bring some challenging or confusing issues. Seek clarity through discernment before making a decision or taking action.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The social and artistic aspects of your life can be activated this month. This could also be a good time for a spiritual retreat or enhanced meditation. Creatively you might seek an upgrade in your wardrobe or discover new ways of presenting yourself to the world.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The new Moon in Aquarius on the 4th can bring some clear and useful insight into your inner space. This could enhance emotional self-awareness or bring intuitive clarity about certain people who are close to you. In either case, sharing yourself in personal ways can help both your own growth as well as the satisfaction in the relationship.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a good time for grounded, practical, well-defined activity. This could be good news for professional development but it call also serve to bring stability to relationships with friends and colleagues. Mid-month is a time to be cautious about making decisions. Your idealism may cloud your judgment.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness and The Astroreader. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.