The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2010
Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac are said to be ruled by a planet. When a planet is the sign that it rules, its energy is expressed in a pure way. None of its inherent qualities are eliminated. Mutual reception is a term astrologers use when two planets reside in each other’s sign. Planets in mutual reception act as if they were in their home sign. They express themselves in a present and powerful way. This column has noted over the past few years the mutual reception between Neptune, transiting through Aquarius which is ruled by Uranus, and Uranus transiting through Pisces which is ruled by Neptune. This pattern has been ongoing since March 2003 and will end this year when Uranus transits into Aries. Uranus will retrograde back into Pisces from August 2010 until March 2011, so the mutual reception will continue to some degree during that period. Once Uranus leaves Pisces next month, however, it’s as if the seal has been broken and the potential offered by this phenomena will diminish.
This month Uranus and Neptune are exactly 30 degrees apart. This is an angular relationship we call a semi-sextile. This suggests that we will have opportunities to take advantage of this pattern that might not have been present before or at least not in as obvious or convenient a way.
Before we discuss the supportive possibilities, let’s examine the nature of these two planets being in mutual reception. In general, Uranus and Aquarius pertain to the integration of the unique, liberated individual interacting with a greater social collective. This could be a group of friends, an organization or even the pop culture as it’s presented by the mass market media. Think of Uranus and Aquarius as influences that connect us to the group mind and collective consciousness.
Neptune and Pisces are oriented toward inner space. They help connect us to our subconscious mind and higher spiritual being. They enable us to transcend the material plane and develop a relationship with Divine Spirit. Neptune and Pisces enable us to see the oneness of life and feel it flow through all phenomena. These influences stimulate us by relating to the collective subconscious and group psyche.
The mutual reception has allowed each of us to become more familiar with our place in the universal scheme of things. Parmahansa Yogananda said, “Do not take life’s experiences seriously. Play your part in life, but never forget that it is only a role.” If we accept that we are all manifestations of Divine Spirit, that the essence of life flows through everyone, we perceive everyone as reflections of ourself. We can appreciate our own uniqueness, even as we note how that individuated self connects to everyone and how everyone provides the opportunity for us to become truly who we are. We relate to others as brothers and sisters regardless of race, nationality or religion. It’s as if we have the opportunity to awaken our consciousness to the potential of both who we are as individuals as well as the potential that exists in collective humanity to create a reality that supports all of us. The universe is providing the tools and resources for that possibility to actually exist. The key to taking full advantage of this mutual reception is to be open to transcending our small, ego-based idea of reality. Instead, we have the opportunity of being open to the limitless potential that we each carry to be liberated in Divine Spirit. As such, we share the divined qualities of live, light and compassion freely with everyone.
The semi-sextile, which peaks on April 13, suggests that this month the opportunity, inspiration and support is available that will enable each of us to be both more aware of the potential of this mutual reception. Individually and collectively we can actually manifest the energies of inspiration, innovation and humanitarian sharing. The key is to pay attention. In dealing with matters of consciousness development the influences and results are usually subtle. Take time to notice what is going on around you. What are people saying? What kind of help, from what people and for what activities, is being made available to you? We all have a lot more in common than we do differences. This is a time to really become aware of that truth. Don’t be discouraged by the daily news stories that are designed to ratchet up our fears. Their goal is to get consumers to pay attention to what they are saying, not to help us awaken in divine awareness.
If these shifts in consciousness, at a collective level have indeed been happening over the past 7 years, we might begin to notice these changes once Uranus leaves Pisces and enters Aries in late May. That would be a realistic time to assume the assertion of new behaviors and activities. These could reflect a new paradigm of thinking and perceiving about ourselves as unique individuals involved in a collective social context. The fear-based ego can be replaced with a spiritually-based ego, one that seeks to promote the greatest good for the greatest number rather than just looking to further and preserve our own wants or needs.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
The frustrations of the past few months may lift this month, but not without some last minute challenges. Many of those will relate to communication and social interaction. If you feel confronted by people or circumstances that are seemingly trying to block you from doing what you want to do, you could respond with abrupt hostility before seeing the whole picture. Growth for you comes from developing an inner peace that allows you to take your time to make thoughtful responses through words or actions.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Two themes emerge for you this month. One is aesthetic appreciation and/or creativity. The other could pertain to money and financial security. Certain challenges and/or unexpected setbacks are balanced by the energy to make significant changes in creative expression as well as in patterns of budgeting and spending.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This month could feel like there is a disconnect between your intellect and your intuition. The logical mind could be very clear about its opinions which could be counter to how you feel. Growth for you this month comes from using one or more methodologies to help you clarify and integrate information. Journaling, creative writing, meditation and dream analysis could be such activities.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon is on the 14th, the day of the peak of the Uranus-Neptune semi-sextile. Spend some time that day doing something that would take advantage of this aspect. Anything from a meditative retreat to volunteering to help someone, friend or stranger, could help you become more aware of these planetary influences. It is the actions themselves that will help to alter your consciousness.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Lots of energy available to you this month that could be useful professionally. Doing something creative at work, making harmonious social connections and sharing your information with others can help you get positive recognition and help further your career goals. Make sure, however, that you are also taking some personal time away from work, preferably doing something physical,
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
This is a good month for intellectual stimulation. Taking a class, teaching a class, taking time to read a book or writing, are all supported activities. In either the learning or sharing process strive to be thoughtful of others. Growth for you comes from integrating the pragmatic with the harmonious.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This is a good time to be making positive, comfortable changes within your home or with your family. Residentially, this is a good time to do a major, deep spring cleaning. Domestically this is a good time to bring previously unspoken feelings or unacted upon desires out into the open. You might be surprised that things you’ve kept secret, not wanting to hurt others, can be accepted by them more easily now.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
The full Moon in Scorpio on the 28th provides the opportunity to be more emotionally expressive than you usually are. There may be some people with whom you need to be more careful or discriminating in terms of what you say, but in general this is a good time to bring things out, let them go and move on.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You could feel as if you’re floating this month. At times that could cause you to feel spacy and ungrounded. At other times you might experience this as being spiritually quite connected. Growth for you this month comes from spending quality time alone daily and to minimize the responsibilities you take on or projects you try to manifest.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Your ruling planet, Saturn, retrogrades back into Virgo this month. This is putting you in major review mode. Instead of moving forward in new projects, contemplate the ones you are already engaged in or ones you are planning. Virgo will help you learn or develop techniques that will enable you to be more efficient and productive once Saturn turns direct.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The humanitarian and collective focus of your energy is very high this month. However, you might difficulty maintaining interest in or connection to specific friends or partners. This is a good time to do something that has a big picture focus that can be beneficial to others in a c ollective context. The support as well as the inspiration to do so should be available.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a good time to look for spiritual inspiration as well as social support. Growth comes from prioritizing service to others even at the expense of your own desires or needs. To make that work in ways that are realistic and non-codependent it may be necessary to spend time alone in meditation, creative expression or out in nature in order to keep centered and clear about what you are doing.