The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - March 2010
Subtle shifts in energy this month portend bigger changes later in the year. The more we tune in to these influences the better equipped we will be to handle what may confront us later on. One change is Mars turning direct on the 10th after having been retrograde since late December. Mars pertains to new beginnings, assertiveness and our energy level in general. When Mars is retrograde physical energy tends to be low. That lethargy can block the drive or desire to do much of anything, let alone start new projects or relationships. It can, however, bring clarity as to what to finish from the past and how to do so. It can create a desire to research new projects to begin in the future and an effective strategy that can enhance its potential for success. Once Mars turns direct, it’s time for action. Start implementing those plans but be patient with the process. It will take time for Mars to get back to normal speed. If we allow ourselves the time to gradually enter a new activity we can refine our original strategy as we go and as circumstances indicate. Although it may be frustrating in the beginning, deliberate action will bring greater success and fulfillment in the long run.
Many of us are aware of the challenging alignment of planets that will peak this year from late spring through early fall. This combination includes Saturn, Uranus and Pluto with help from Mars and Jupiter. Not everyone will experience big challenges this year from this alignment. Those of us with planets or horoscope angles in the early degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) will. However, this month the inner planets Sun, Mercury and Venus will each take a turn forming a challenging aspect (angular relationship) to Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. This suggests that we all might feel at least minor inconveniences from the interaction between the inner and outer planets. They may not be life changing, but they can foreshadow what’s to come for some of us. For those who may not be as challenged this year, the transits this month can indicate what some of their friends and family might be dealing with.
Most of these challenges will occur in mid-month as the Sun, Mercury and Venus enter Aries and immediately oppose Saturn and square Pluto. Just prior to their ingress into Aries they will each conjunct Uranus in late Pisces. So here we have Mars, the ruling planet of Aries, finally direct and really to go. The Sun, Mercury and Venus conjunct Uranus, suggesting both the readiness and energy for big changes and new beginnings. Then they enter Aries which is ready to help them with their plans and activities. Suddenly they run into the restrictions of Saturn and the questioning of Pluto.
It’s important to note where the Saturnine limitations are coming from. Are they from external sources like authority figures who have the right and power to restrict us? Or are they coming from people to whom we have given our power but who don’t inherently have the ability to alter our plans? Or are they coming from circumstances that would indicate we are going too fast or in the wrong direction or that we are attempting to do something that is beyond our capability? Whatever the cause of limitation, take the time figure out what or who is blocking and then in a methodical, cautious way work to remove or overcome the blockage. Be patient with this process. Saturn has a lot to do with time and often it takes time to move beyond the influence of Saturn.
The square from Pluto to the inner planets could be more challenging. Think of Pluto as the truth seeker of the zodiac. If we are centered, Pluto wants us to be honest with ourselves and others about everything. If we are off-center, Pluto will tend to hide the truth from us and/or others. The centered Pluto wants to know what we’re doing and why we are doing it the way we are. Are our actions coincident with our values? Are they coincident with universal law? Whether we are dealing with professional issues, romantic relationships, artistic expression or physical activity we may be either too heavy handed in what we are doing, or shrink in shame from doing anything. These are the extremes to avoid. The middle ground or centered way reminds us that to do something just for the sake of doing it could be shallow and lack meaning or provide only short-term excitement. By having a deeper understanding of what we’re doing, or doing something for which we have a sincere passion, we may slow down immediate progress and gratification but ensure a greater and more lasting sense of accomplishment or satisfaction.
This is a year to become more self-aware. In that process opportunities for personal growth and consciousness development can flourish. By responding to the challenges we face, expected or otherwise, we ensure the greatest realization of that potential.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
The transiting challenges this month could be most difficult for you. This is your time of year! A time when spring is bursting forth in flowers and blossoms and when we start feeling the drive to be and express who we are. Due to the presence of Saturn and Pluto, however, you may have to curb your enthusiasm and learn to be more thoughtful or strategic in your actions than is normally the case.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
In both early and late month creative, romantic and sexual energy abounds for you. In mid-month, however, you may feel more inhibited or at least like spending significant amounts of time alone. Go with those feelings but use your alone time wisely. Meditation, retreats, or being creative in your studio can be useful in finding your way in what might otherwise feel like a restrictive or boring period.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The first two weeks of the month could bring inspiration as well as time for exciting and opportune changes at work. Watch out for traps of feeling undeserving (and not taking advantage of the opportunities) or being excessively egocentric in accepting and acting on them. The last two weeks of the month bring the challenges, especially in spontaneous activities or those involving playful or recreational activities with friends or family.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Pisces on the 15th can bring feelings of freedom and inspiration, especially academically or spiritually. Go with that energy but remember that at the full Moon in Libra on the 29th you could feel more restricted by personal inhibitions or external circumstances. Growth comes from applying the stimulation of early month to overcome the difficulties later on.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Your experience this month could be similar to that of Aries. Mars has been in Leo since last fall and now that it is direct you go all out to implement projects or to simply be more physically active. The inner planets in Aries usually provide support to express that drive. This year, however, you may feel conflicting energies. Some give you the green light, others put up the stop sign. Growth for you this month comes from being true to the energy you feel, but expressing it cautiously and methodically.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Financial challenges could surface for you this month, especially in either a marital or business partnership. To resolve them it would be useful to question your values about money and other fundamental resources. With clarity about these issues, and the willingness to change established patterns based on old values, harmonious resolution should manifest.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Conflicts and challenges could come from relationships this month. This is a good time to work on co-dependency by being more self-affirming about your needs and points of view. Growth comes from taking more responsibility to be clear with both yourself and your partner. Define your limits and boundaries as well as the goals you’d like to see the relationship strive to achieve.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Work to get things done this month. Activities at work or at home could draw your attention. Growth comes from prioritizing what needs to be done and from making sure that you are doing what you want to do as much as what you need to do. Balance the time spent in productive manifestation with activities oriented more toward the creative or the spiritual.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You may have the easiest path of all the signs this month. Feelings of joy combine with opportunities to be creative and playful. Much of the focus of good energy can be at home and with your family. Growth comes from taking advantage of the opportunities in a spirit of gratitude.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
You may feel pulled in two fundamental directions this month. The greatest pull could be from your family or issues involving domestic responsibilities. They are matched by requirements at work that are likely to surface in late month. The way out comes from remaining centered and focused. Even though others may demand this or that from you, your primary responsibility is to continue to work on personal growth.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This is a good month to be open to new connections with people, especially in your work or business and financially related areas. Clear thinking on your part could help you meet people who are willing to work with you to create win-win situations.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The new Moon in Pisces on the 15th can bring feelings of emotional and spiritual renewal. Heightened emotions at that time can lead to a more transcendent connection to life. Social connections made both in early and mid-month can provide reassurance and useful feedback in your journey.