The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2014
Planets that are 90 degrees apart are said to be squared. Planets that are 180 degrees apart are called oppositions. These are the two most challenging of angular relationships. They also can lead to the greatest amount of growth. When 2 planets are opposing each other and a third square’s the other 2 it is called a T-square. Most of the this year there has been a transiting T-square involving Jupiter and Pluto (in opposition) and Uranus (squaring the other two). We have talked at length for several years about the on-going challenges of the Uranus-Pluto square. Jupiter represents the principal of expansion. Usually considered an extremely beneficial influence, Jupiter can also serve to amplify the tension of the Uranus-Pluto square. This might explain, for example, the global challenges that are taking place in Venezuela, Ukraine and Syria, not to mention Iraq and Afghanistan. In this country we can see it taking place in political posturing that seeks to deny social and medical safety nets to some of our most needy citizens. This month the tension of the T-square peaks as Mars joins the other three in what is called a Grand Square or Cosmic Cross.
Mars is currently transiting through Libra, a sign in which it is very uncomfortable. Mars likes to be assertive, authentic and physical. Libra is a sign oriented toward social harmony and looking at situations through other’s eyes. Mars in Libra can be hesitant to be as active as it usually prefers to be, thus becoming frustrated and perhaps acting out in passive-aggressive ways. This is furthered because Mars is also retrograde, meaning that it looks as if it were transiting backward. When a planet is retrograde we tend to experience and express it in more personal way. We may be less aware of how our actions are influencing others.
The cosmic cross consists of the aforementioned T-square with Mars opposing Uranus and squaring to both Jupiter and Pluto. One quality expressed by Mars can be anger. In a challenging combination with Uranus and Pluto, Mars can trigger extremely volatile situations. This could manifest simply as accidents. However, this could also be seen in terms of hostility in international relations, the neighborhood, the home or at the workplace. Jupiter will expand whatever else is going on. It may be helpful to remember that whoever initiates a conflict when Mars is retrograde will tend to lose. Yet all these planets are in cardinal signs that are oriented toward action, trial and error and new beginnings. How then can we construct an effective strategy that can enable us to minimize the potential frustration and conflict of this period and use the energy for growth?
Ultimately, this goes back to the Uranus-Pluto square. Jupiter expands and Mars triggers. What they are affecting, however, is the eternal struggle between the past and the need to hang on to what is familiar (Pluto in Capricorn) and what is new and bursting forth with unknown and unexplored potential. This is a very good time to think globally but act locally. The world is a mess, with little leadership let alone vision. We can’t really influence things on the world. We can, however, make significant changes in our own reality.
Part of the message of the Uranus-Pluto square is to eliminate the fear that most of carry within ourselves. Often, this is due to overbearing authority figures that have intimidated us, especially in early life. This could be in the form of a parent or an institution such as school (or a teacher) or the church (or a clergyman). Uranus in Aries wants us to be free to be who we are, to explore and experiment with our uniqueness in ways that enable us to share ourselves in new ways. Yet Uranus can be erratic, extreme and unstable and Aries can be impulsive and arrogant. It’s not enough to just eliminate the shoulds and shouldn’ts from our past and give ourselves license to do whatever inspires us in the moment. Our challenge at this time is to create new rules to live by that enable us to be and express ourselves in ways that are methodical, practical and effective. This can be daunting, especially at a time of potential volatility.
One key right now is Mars. When it’s retrograde Mars wants us to review where we are and how we got here. It wants us to examine what we are doing, why we are doing it and whether we want to continue those projects and activities or not. Another key is Jupiter which is the energy of higher mind. It likes to focus on the philosophical aspects of life. Thus, part of our Mars retrograde review can include addressing the ethics that are impelling our actions. Are we behaving in ways that maintain our personal integrity and uphold our sense of right and wrong? Or, are we allowing our ends to justify our means?
The Uranus-Pluto square is a transit that can have monumental implications in terms of our own lives as well as the state of the world both now and in the future. This month is a moment to regroup and re-establish our bearings and perspectives.
The cardinal signs want action. This may, however, be a month when our most productive action could be a kind of running in place. We aren’t going forward, but we aren’t standing still either.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: A very challenging time for you. Bold action and forward movement is your preferred course of behavior. Without proper planning and expanding your perspective that course could lead to difficulty this month. Growth can come from looking to others for feedback and clarity about your plans before doing anything.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Your motto could be “slow and steady wins the race”. This is the time to adhere to that. If you feel that others are passing you by, you’re probably on the right track. The new Moon on the 29th helps you get in touch with your feelings and to re-establish your sense of competence and self-reliance.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month in a good time to get in touch with intuitive information, which could be useful in responding to or solving problems later on. Be careful establishing new social contacts. You could be drawn to people who are charismatic but who may not remain in your life for very long.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon lunar eclipse in Libra on the 15th can bring clarity about domestic issues. This would be a good time to be home with your partner or family and stoke the more primary elements of your life. No partner or family? Stay home and be creative in some playful way.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early month could involve conflicts that may feel insoluble and threaten to get out of hand. Higher mind clarity, however, could show functional and effective ways out. Growth can come from looking at situations from a broader, bigger picture perspective first. Action comes later.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a time to focus on personal relationship. Letting your partner know what’s going on with you, and providing space for your partner to do the same can clarify where things are and where you’d both like them to go. Don’t be afraid to broach new topics or areas of activity, especially around mid-month.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: You are about relationship, and this month is no exception. However, at this time the emphasis should be on your relationship to yourself. The new Moon lunar eclipse in Libra on the 15th can bring clarity to ways you feel about yourself without feeling the need for feedback.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Stress can cause extreme frustration this month which can lead to volatility. Anger is often based in fear. The fear in turn is grounded in loss of control. Growth for you this month comes from working to let go of the need to control. This can not only lead to reduction in stress but also to expanding spiritual awareness.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: One way you may tend to deal with stress is by being excessively blunt in confronting difficult situations or people. The bluntness may seem like honesty to you but it could be hurtful to others, create contention in relationships and lead to further stress. This month challenges you to either find other ways of alleviating stress or learn how to be more diplomatic.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Conflict resolution can come through communication in early month. In late month, strive to be cordial when interacting with others. You don’t need to know all the answers or the best course of action for others. Growth for you comes from being more accommodating and truthful.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a good time to focus on financial issues. Solutions could present themselves to you either the first or third weeks of the month. Growth can also come from observing what others are doing. Their successes or mistakes can provide informative clarity for ways out of your own challenging situations.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The first half of the month could present you with some interesting and pleasant social activities. They may present themselves to you. If not, don’t be afraid to pursue certain situations or to interject yourself with people who are interesting. The social graces are strong for you this 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. 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.