The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2020
The big story this year is the alignment of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. This is a major event that has been building up for several years and will have significant consequences for decades to come. This month, however, the planet that is deserving of our attention is Uranus. One reason is that the Sun will be in Aquarius, a sign ruled by Uranus, until the 18th. More important is that Uranus will aspect 3 planets this month. As the energy of change, Uranus will have a lot to do with determining our experience.
Uranian change could be based on being inspired to do something new, something that may be outside the realm of our normal experience. If the change helps get in touch with or express our uniqueness in some way, all the better. Ideally, this will enable us to be aligned with progressive, avant-garde type forces that are seeking to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Alternatively, Uranian change could be based on boredom and frustration. In this case we tend to act out, creating change for the sake of change. This type of rebelliousness doesn't necessarily lead to anything positive. At best it could enable us to break out of a restrictive situation, but unless we have a clear sense of where to go or what to do next, this pattern leads to more frustration. Fortunately, the planets that Uranus is aspecting this month can provide some clarity and direction.
One of those planets is Mercury. Uranus and Mercury will be sextile (60 degrees apart) twice this month, from the 2nd-8th and from the 26th-early March. The first of those will find Mercury direct, the second when Mercury is retrograde. Connections between Mercury and Uranus always affect the mind. This is an aspect that provides open-minded curiosity. We might find ourselves delving into subjects that previously we were unaware of, didn't care about or thought it was too boring or too overwhelming. Uranus would see it as a challenge. We could also look at familiar activities or subjects in new ways. This is a great transit to find new solutions to old problems.
Sometimes we might find ourselves getting overwhelmed or confused by too much new information. Mercury will retrograde on February 16, and remain in that direction until March 9. Mercury retrograde is a good time to review, to go over new or even old ideas and points of view. This could help us get more clarity and understanding of how to use this information in productive or creative ways. Writing could also prove a useful tool at this time. It would help slow down the mind as well as communicate what we've learned to others or ask them to help clarify what we might feel confusion about.
Another significant Uranian aspect this month is a trine to Mars from the 17th-26th. This can provide both the physical energy and courage to act on some of the new interests that the Mercury aspects trigger. One potential problem with this trine is that we could be so wound up doing something that we don't notice possible problems, especially those that might lead to accidents. Slow down during this period. Being methodical and cautious works at that time because both Mars and Uranus are in earth signs, who prefer a more deliberate pace. The benefit of slowing down is that we can be more productive, even if some of the enthusiasm and excitement inherent in this aspect is muted.
The third Uransian transit is a sextile to the Sun from the 19th-24th. This can bring enhanced desire for creative expression. This could be in any type of artistic medium, although with the Mercury aspects we could be most inspired to write. In addition, this aspect could bring a strong drive to own, explore and experiment with your uniqueness and individuality. On the other hand, if one is hesitant to do so, feeling awkward or even embarrassed to be the true self, then this transit can be useful in pointing out what work needs to be done on the issue of self-love.
With so much energy this year directed to outer events, such as the election in November, this is a good time to focus on some personal interests and activities that can support and inspire self-awareness and personal growth.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Venus will enter Aries on the 7th. This will provide aesthetic interest, both as an observer as well as creator. It will also help you to be more thoughtful and diplomatic in your social endeavors. Growth can come from developing more balance in your life.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a period to be more socially active, especially in initiating new relationships. At times it may be difficult for you to ask for or to accept help from others. This is a good time to get in touch with what you need from others and let them know, in clear ways what could help you get your needs met.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Mercury, your ruling planet, will be in Pisces for most of the month. This will help development of the intuitive mind but could also bring some intellectual fogginess or confusion. After it retrogrades on the 16th it could enhance both potentials. Take advantage of the retrogradation by spending more time in meditation, contemplation or research.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The New Moon in Pisces on the 23rd will provide support in several areas. One is spiritual, as you tune in to the right brain, downloads of intuitive wisdom could take place. Planning a long journey or studying uplifting philosophical books could also be supported.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The Full Moon in Leo on the 8th, and the Sun transiting through Pisces, could bring strong emotions to the surface. This is a good time to feel your feelings and express them in appropriate ways and times and to the right people.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: One to one relationship is highlighted for you this month. It's a good time to contemplate the dynamics of your situation and dialogue about the results of your research with your partner. This could be a romantic relationship or a professional one, but in either case it needs to be significant and meaningful.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Early month can prove productive at work as well as beneficial for healing acute health issues. Later month there could be more of a social focus, especially in pursuing or improving a primary relationship. Growth can come from breaking any co-dependent patterns by prioritizing your needs and feelings and sharing them with your partner.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Relationship issues could be highlighted this month. This is a time to be open about your deeper feelings. Vulnerability is a prime component of intimacy. Growth can come from taking some calculated risks even as you avoid compulsive behaviors or tendencies to be too controlling.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a time to be adventurous. Being physically active in releases energy and can bring a sense of well being. This is time when it would be beneficial to get into something that has been an interest for a while, but which you haven't connected with yet.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The alignment in Capricorn this year, will bring challenges and changes. This month could bring a small respite from that as Venus and Saturn are in harmonious connection. Take advantage of that transit by striving to bring more harmony and diplomacy into your relationships.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: With Uranus in Taurus this year you may feel stuck. Your normal patterns and rhythms are slowed down. This month, however, progress and change can be productive even if they occur at an unfamiliar rate. This could especially be true in terms of friends, developing financial security and working on self-value and self-worth.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This month could bring both positive self-awareness and the desire to share yourself with others. Be careful, however, as you may tend to idealize others or expect them to share more with you than they can or want to. Feel good about yourself, but maintain a sense of caution with others.
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.