The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - March 2022
Conjunctions can be times of new beginnings. This month two planets, which have a natural polarity with each other will be conjunct all month. Those planets are Venus and Mars. In early month they will also be conjunct Pluto and all three will be in Capricorn. On March 5 they both transit into Aquarius. Venus pertains to both relationship and money. It was already conjunct Pluto in December when it was both direct and retrograde. Now it is direct but again conjunct Pluto. Pluto pertains to transformation. Socially, this alignment challenges us to be clear both within ourselves as well as to a partner about what we need and what we offer in the relationship. The intention of Venus-Pluto is to deepen the emotional honesty between the people which, in turn, creates greater trust and intimacy. Financially, this combination suggests the potential to transform our financial assets to ensure the greatest potential for material security. At the collective level, we are experiencing this transformation through rising interest rates that are being used to limit the inflation we have been experiencing. There has also been discussion about raising corporate taxation rates in order to pay for legislation that increases our social safety net. Pluto rules taxes and debt. Ideally, this combination would lead to the creation of a new financial system that is oriented toward income equality while maintaining our financial security as individuals and collectively for our country.
The Venus-Pluto conjunction has been with us, on and off, for about 2-3 months. What is new this month is the presence of Mars. This is an archetype that pertains to assertiveness, physicality and most important for this discussion, new beginnings. Collectively this suggests conflict in the halls of the Federal Government about how to manage the inflationary trends and what type of transformation of assets is appropriate and beneficial. Yet another reason for Congress to do nothing. It’s on the social-emotional, personal level that we can best take advantage of the positive potential of this transiting conjunction.
Venus represents the feminine archetype. By nature it is receptive and oriented to harmony and equality. It’s graceful, thoughtful and diplomatic. Mars represents the masculine archetype. It is assertive, courageous, authentic and self-affirming. A Venus-Mars conjunction in the natal chart can indicate a person who is seen by others as charismatic, assuming that that person has successfully integrated Venus and Mars. This can lead to melding their feminine and masculine qualities. By transit, this combination of energies can impel us to change our social behaviors and even update our needs in any relationship..
Mars is exalted in Capricorn. In other words, its highest and strongest qualities are expressed through that sign. Ambition, competition and motivated are key words that can describe Mars, especially in Capricorn. So Venus can have a problem. If we are not successful in harmoniously blending Venus and Mars, Mars can be too strong. We can be overly aggressive (Mars) or controlling (Capricorn) and the Venusian need for balance and equality are overwhelmed and lost. This is especially true in early month when passionate, intense Pluto is part of the alignment. So, how can Venus contribute to this energetic equation in a present and positive way?
By nature, Capricorn has a lot to do with defining and achieving concrete goals. Venus in Capricorn can help us to be clear about what we need (and offer) in any relationship. It prefers to build a relationship slowly and methodically so that each person can share themselves with their partner. Venus in Capricorn is loyal, so it needs to know that there is a harmonious yet solid connection before any commitment is made. Venus contributes the desire to share, negotiate and compromise so that everyone’s needs are accounted for in the relationship. It probably won’t overcome the Martian drive, but it can mellow it out.
Aquarius is the sign of progressive change. By nature it can be tolerant, inclusive and kind. It is comfortable being independent but can also focus on improving the quality of life for the social collective. With Venus and Mars in Aquarius, we can be open to radical changes in our social behaviors, needs and ultimately the quality of the relationship. Aquarius is also comfortable with innovation and experimentation. This can be useful as we can feel freer in changing our involvement in the situation.
By integrating our feminine and masculine energies, we are more capable of bringing our whole self to a relationship. We can avoid role playing which can lead to repression of both parties, if they are basing the relationship on polarized rules of social engagement rather than on who they actually are. Being one’s authentic self can lead to both personal empowerment and liberation through the relationship as well as increasing the level of fulfillment for all concerned.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The Sun transits into Aries on the 20th. This is the annual Spring Equinox. The days are once again longer than the nights. This furthers the theme of new beginnings this month, although for you they are not limited to relationships or money.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: You like things to be safe and stable. With Venus in Aquarius for most of this month, those qualities may be lacking. This is a time to explore ways of expressing your love, your creativity and your values and habits that pertain to finance.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Two themes emerge for you this month. One is familiar: being open to new information and sharing it through the written or spoken word. The other is more challenging. It involves turning down the left brain analysis in order to tune in to intuitive insights and realizations.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon in Pisces on the 2nd and the full Moon in Virgo on the 18th indicate that this is a month for you to focus on your health and well being. It can also be a time to be of service to others, both in the personal as well as societal sense.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: In early month focus on internal issues, especially those that involve you intimate relationship and your shared financial interests. Late month is a time to have an adventure. This could take the form of a journey or the beginning of a new study.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: The full Moon in Virgo on the 18th brings attention to your emotional life. Growth can come from working to balance your always active analytical mind with emerging awareness from your emotional body about how you feel and what you need.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Changes of mind, soul and emotions may have been undermining your need for harmony the past few months. The difference this month is that opportunities exist to take control of the changes in order to ensure that both you and others close to you know what your relationship needs are. These could involve being appreciated as well as fulfilled.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: A potentially creative period for you, especially in your family and home life. Structural and aesthetic change could accompany altered family dynamics. Take the lead to ensure that the changes conform to your needs.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: You usually prefer variety and change to continuity and stability. This month brings lots of options for adventure, creativity, leading to new insights and understanding. Focus on spiritual growth brings tremendous benefit, both now and in the future.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Early month focus could be on long-term financial issues. This is a time of learning new information and forming new strategies. Late month the focus is more about people and your social life. Be open to exploring and experimenting with new activities and behaviors.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Old habits could be challenged this month especially in terms of how you show up in your life. Growth, and fun, can be had by experimenting with new social behaviors as well as new ways of presenting yourself in terms of physical appearance as well as attitude and outlook.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Connection to Spirit grows stronger every day, and will continue to do so for the next 2 months. Daily meditation and/or spiritual retreats are useful to maximize your awareness of the Divine Presence. The potential for profound spiritual connection is peaking during this period.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic, 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.