The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - March 2017
As each planet moves through the sky we notice that periodically each one, with the exception of the Sun and Moon, seem to slow down. They eventually stop altogether, then slowly start to move in the direction that they had been coming from. This is called retrograde motion. It is as predictable as it is illusionary. The planets don't actually stop in mid air or turn around. It is an optical illusion based on the difference in orbital rate and shape of that planet relative to the Earth. The rarest of the retrogrades is Venus, seeming to turn around only every 18 months for approximately 5-6 weeks. This month, on March 4, Venus retrogrades and remains in that mode until April 15.
When a planet is retrograde, we have the opportunity to go back in time. We can review how we have used its energy in the past. We can re-evaluate previous choices we made about our activities that pertain to that planet. Through this process we have the opportunity to make conscious and significant changes that can enhance our potential to align the energy with our need for fulfillment.
Fundamentally, Venus is about values. It can provide the clarity to know what gives our lives meaning and the tools we have that can actualize those things. One of the core values of our culture is money. In and of itself, money can't provide meaning, but it can enable us to have things that ensure an enduring sense of security, safety, comfort and well-being. Venus also pertains to our social activities, particularly what we need in various relationships and what behaviors we choose to meet those needs.
When planets are retrograde, we can experience their energies in a more personal way. When we are reviewing what we value, we have the opportunity to make sure that what we define as meaningful is true in the context of who we are. What's important to others, or to the culture at large, is less significant. When Venus is retrograde we can notice if we are basing certain decisions on what someone else finds important. It's as if we are living someone else's life. This is a time to get back to our own core values. If that leads to making some fundamental shifts in our lives, we may be on the right track.
The key issues with money are how we earn it and how we spend it. Questions that might come up at this time are: am I engaged in right livelihood? Am I using my tools and talents to their greatest potential? Am I spending money in ways that provide me with a safe, sustainable material reality or am I using money as a way to show off and glorify my sense of self? Am I plagued with poverty consciousness? Those questions also bring up the issue of self-value. The more I truly value who I am, what I'm doing and how I'm doing it the less I need others' validation. When I'm trying to create an image in order for others to like or value me, the more I'm prioritizing their opinions above my own.
Perhaps the most compelling element of Venus' focus is on personal relationship. Specifically, Venus pertains to the more feminine aspects of relationship: receptivity, affection and what we need, especially in a romantic relationship. With Venus retrograde, we can focus on two specific issues. First, am I in touch with what I need now? Not what I used to need, or what I needed at the beginning of a particular relationship. In other words, is my relationship meaningful to me in present time? There can be a tendency with Venus retrograde to blame the partner if we are unfulfilled. They are doing it wrong. The responsibility, however, lies with us. We have to be in touch with our here-and-now needs and be able to communicate them clearly to the partner. At this time, the partner should be engaged in the same process. We can spend our time blaming each other or we can do the work to bring ourselves into relational present time and then bring the partner up to speed. It's as important to listen to the partner, as it is to do our own inner work.
Second, are we balanced in our relationship or are we merely playing a role? Balance in this sense means to integrate our feminine energy with our masculine energy. Doesn't matter if we are male or female, we all have masculine and feminine energy. Masculine can be defined as strength, determination and wisdom. Feminine can be defined as tenderness, adaptability and love. Everyone has these six qualities in some integrated balance. It is part of who we are. Society tends to minimize the feminine qualities in men and the masculine qualities in women. This could be one reason that our relationships are unsatisfying. We are trying to appease societal standards and expectations. Venus retrograde is a time to own our personal needs and to put them into practice behaviorally. It's time to find the proper balance of our personal blend of masculine and feminine.
Venus retrograde is a time to personalize our values and needs in present time. It can also be a good time to work on an ongoing relationship. We don't have to completely resolve all our relational issues, just get them out there in an atmosphere of mutual caring, love and support. The resolution will take however much time it does. This is a good time, therefore, to begin meaningful conversations with those to whom we are romantically connected. Those conversations could be ongoing. The longer they continue, the greater the quality of the relationship and more personal fulfillment we can experience.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: After a few weeks of frenetic changes following unexpected challenges, things settle down for you this month. This is a good time to focus on grounding issues such as material well-being and long range financial goals.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Clarification of relationship needs and goals could become clear in late month. This is a good time to begin conversations with your partner about these issues. Growth comes from being patient with both your partner's ability to understand you and make behavioral changes as well as your ability to accommodate their needs as well.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Bursts of creative self-expression could manifest in early month followed by inspired thoughts and conversations in late month. Mid month, however, could bring difficulty with those who challenge your points of view. Growth comes from reviewing your ideas and understanding them at a deeper, more analytical level.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Virgo on the 12th can bring interaction with extended family or neighbors. You may be called upon to defend yourself or at least to be clearer about your points of view. The new Moon in Aries on the 27th brings the possibility of some type of new beginning at work.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early month could bring feelings of devotion in a significant relationship as well as the clear communication that enhances those feelings. Mid month could bring some challenges, especially on the home front or relative to property. Growth can come from working with your partner to clarify and define what you both agree needs to be done either on the relationship or in the home.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: The full Moon in Virgo on the 12th brings clarity to emotions and a drive to share them. This might lead into territory that is unfamiliar or at least uncomfortable for you. Growth can come from willing to share what you feel. Remember, this is a time to work on enhancing fulfillment in relationship. Adding clear communication about your inner life might help in that area.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: It's all about one-to-one relationship for you this month. Getting clear within yourself and engaging, both starting and responding, in conversation is the work. This is not a good time to either begin a new or end an old relationship. Thinking about where you are and how you got there is a good way to make progress in enhancing your experience in the future.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: In a year that may have brought persistent difficulties so far, they may not be over yet. The way out can come from acknowledging the challenges and responding deeply researching and analyzing where you are coming from. Growth comes from being willing to admit past mistakes and change behaviors in those situations.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: You may have felt that the fate of the world, or at least your world, has been on your shoulders all year. This month is time to spend more time trying to clarify and balance yourself and less time trying to manage and mediate others' issues.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Regardless of certain challenges in mid-month, the influences of stability and inspiration are also available. The difficulty could be more psychological than physical. Support comes from family members who recognize and value your uniqueness. By staying centered you become an inspiration to others.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: A year of unexpected and potentially wild changes continues. Growth can come from sharing your experiences and points of view with others in clear and concise ways. Feelings of inner strength and stability can combine to enable you to be a source of calmness and inspiration for others in a time of collective chaos.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Your challenges this month could pertain to your relationship to yourself. By spending time alone in meditation or at least quiet contemplation, you find the clarity and peace that can inspire others to find similar clarity in similar ways. Creative communication is supported in early 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 and The Astroreader. 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.