The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2023
Normally, this column focuses on the important transits for the month. I discuss ways to take advantage of the energetic opportunities even as we avoid or minimize the difficulties. This month, however, I’d like to provide a bigger picture perspective. We are currently in an extensive period of significant changes in the world. Based on current events, many of these changes are already present and are fairly obvious. Global inflation, threats to democratic governments and the war in Ukraine are just a few of the most evident. In a sense, these events could be like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, signaling the possibility of more danger to come. So let’s examine what is happening from a bigger picture standpoint as we strive to understand where we are in human history.
Astrologically, there are two events that indicate significant change. One is when planets align with each other, an event called a conjunction. Conjunctions represent times of new beginnings, when old cycles end and new ones begin. The second pertains specifically to the outer planets of our solar system, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto move into new signs. These are the planets that pertain to consciousness change in the individual leading to similar changes in the collective consciousness. From 2020 to 2025 both of these events have taken or will take place.
In 2020 Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto all aligned in Capricorn. This is the sign that can pertain to big business, big government and the laws of the land. The institutions that provide structure to our reality are in process of being transformed. This 3 planet conjunction ended cycles lasting from 13 years (Jupiter-Pluto), 20 years (Jupiter-Saturn) and 36 years (Saturn-Pluto). New cycles also began, but it will years if not decades to realize what we are leaving behind and what is being created to take the place of the old and outmoded. The new beginnings will not be obvious and linear. They will be full of false starts as people and events try to maintain their hold on the pre-existing definition and manifestation of reality. It could take at least 36 years before we see any clarity about the form and direction of the changes. Within that time frame there will be mini-changes and new beginnings that may seem wonderful at the time, but fail to last. Other changes may appear small and insignificant at first only to be maintained and grow.
All five of the outer planet will change signs within the next 3 years, a remarkably rare event. In the mid-15th Century, 3 of them changed sign within a few years of each other. This is generally considered the beginning of the European Renaissance. In some ways we have already been experiencing a similar type of renaissance through the invention and proliferation of previously unknown types of technology from computers to cell phones to the Internet. It will take a while to realize what other shifts in our reality will be. But they will be worth the wait.
In the meantime, we can take advantage of these long transits by working to develop and expand our own consciousness. The more work we do, the more peaceful the changes. The primary signs that these planets will be passing through are Aquarius and Pisces. Pluto, for example will enter Aquarius this year and remain there until 2044. Saturn enters Pisces in March and remains there until 2025. These are the last two signs of the zodiac, the ones that provide support for individual consciousness development and collective interaction. Specifically they call on us to awaken to our higher spiritual self, to consciously connect our individuated soul to the Divine Presence. By extension, this can enable us to bring our personal spiritual connection to the collective social experience. Humanitarian compassion and the desire to bring all our institutions in alignment with a new understanding of the nature of life and human potential can result.
We have to do the work of making that connection and we have to be patient to see how humanity around the world, individually and collectively, will respond to and take advantage of these opportunities to create reality that is based in qualities that are primal to Aquarius and Pisces: acceptance, inclusion, empathy and the intention to raise the quality of life on this planet for all living beings.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Venus, the energy of beauty and relationship, enters Aries on the 19th and remains there for about a month. This is a good time to initiate new relationships or to focus on new behaviors in ongoing ones. This could also be a good time to work on balancing your own tendency to want to lead with the Venusian orientation to harmony, balance and equality.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time to focus on your artistic interests. Early month can provide creative inspiration, while later month is a good time to actualize it. In addition, alone time can be help to clarify realistic perceptions of others. This is more a time of understanding than a time of action.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a good time to open your mind to new interests. Some of those may pertain to curiosity about anything from technology to spirituality to a new academic interest. This is more a time to expand your mind rather than get more deeply immersed in any one particular interest.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: Although you may normally tend to be self-protective, this is a month to get in touch with your uniqueness. Exploring, experimenting and expressing yourself in ways that are new and inspiring (to yourself as well as others) is a good way to take advantage of the energy available to you this month.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The Full Moon will be in Leo on the 5th. Your emotions may be activated around this event. It can useful to both be more aware of how you feel about people and situations as well as letting others in on that knowledge. Unexpected changes at work could trigger you. Growth comes from tuning in to the feelings before reacting to them.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is good time to refine your daily routine. Some of this could include improving your self-care and health maintenance choices. Growth can come from breaking out of old patterns and relying on inspiration or inner guidance to indicate what changes to make.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time to work on balancing your receptive and assertive behaviors. Early month is more a time of surrendering and letting others take the lead. Around mid-month, however, it’s time to focus more on initiating activities. This could be with others or it could be doing things on your own.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Communication is a major focus for you this month. It could start by you doing deep research into a topic you are interested in and then initiating conversations that allow you to share those thoughts. This is a also a good time to share deep, meaningful insights about yourself with those whom you trust.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a good time to play and have fun. Pay attention to what is coming your way and just showing up. It may well be that those are the activities to engage in. In addition, this is a good time for creative writing or sharing your intellectual interests in enjoyable ways. Share what you love.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Use this as a time to focus on long range financial planning. Assessing financial needs in combination with your inherent strengths and weaknesses will enable you to be realistic about when and how to achieve your financial goals.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a month when you may feel the need to be in control or to exercise your authority. There may be challenges, however, as events and people resist conforming to your expectations. Growth can come from being flexible and allowing spontaneity to be present along with the need for discipline.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This could be a very active month for you. Some of the activity could involve your social life. Some could involve artistic endeavors. And some could be focused on self-awareness and self-love. The New Moon will be in Pisces on the 19th. This is a good time to go within and get clear about your needs in various relationships. Then act on the clarity in order to improve your fulfillment in those situations.
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.