The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2015
Over the past few years, this column has given a lot of attention to the transiting Uranus-Pluto square. This year, there is another square that provides us with both challenges and wonderful opportunities for learning and growth. It’s between Saturn in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces. It was stronger in February than it is now and will get even stronger in the fall, peaking in November and December and again in spring and summer 2016. This is a classic conflict between the formal, rule based and achievement orientation of Saturn and the ethereal, flowing spiritual orientation of Neptune. Neptune is the co-ruler of Pisces, so its influence is as strong as it will ever be. One of the keys to working with and growing through this square is that the other co-ruler of Pisces, and the ruler of Sagittarius, is Jupiter. Jupiter is about learning and consciousness development. The essence of this square is keeping an open mind and being willing to expand our understanding of reality. Ultimately this square challenges us to grow spiritually.
The problem is that Saturn in Sagittarius wants us to learn in defined ways. Saturn tends toward the traditional and Sagittarius can be philosophical. One option, therefore, is to follow the teachings and beliefs of a conventional, organized monotheistic religion. Those paths, which have emerged and developed over the past 2000 years, can be inherently patriarchal and fear based. The focus is often on placating a vengeful god. This can be useful to the leaders in keeping the followers in line and in submissive states of being. It has created hierarchies in which some people are allowed access to the Deity and some are not. Often the former tend to be male and the latter female. Even if we have seen through the illusion of this philosophy, many of us have internalized these precepts at such a primal level that our lives continue to be defined by their limits. Our social lives, even our basic sense of self-worth, could be determined by how we were programmed as children.
Neptune and Pisces, however, offer a pure, immediate connection to the Divine. There are no thought-forms, concepts or rules. The only condition required in order to experience that state of being is to surrender to it. The problem here is that we could surrender to a quality or a feeling that doesn’t fulfill our primal need for spiritual union. We could follow an illusory path and wind up being at best confused and at worst ensnared by a toxic stew that takes us right back to a dogmatic path that in turn can lead to bigotry and repression.
Saturn’s need for structure and definition can be useful to the otherwise flowing, ephemeral Neptune. Neptune’s need for direct connection can be useful to the tendency of Saturn to be limited by the mind and its constructs. How can we align these influences so that they are working together rather than in a push-pull, either-or dynamic?
Saturn likes control. There is a tendency to put a rigid philosophy out there that we either agree with and follow or we suffer dire consequences. We see this in the Middle East right now. If we do give in to that authoritarian reality, Neptune will be overlooked. Like anybody else that is being ignored, Neptune will respond by acting out. Only Neptune does that subtlely by undermining Saturn. It could cause Saturn to think that it’s in control and is achieving its goals while actually going in a direction that is false or illusory. It could prevent Saturn from realizing what a realistic goal could be or how to be realistic in pursuing it. In addition to the spiritual aspect of our lives, this could also transpire personally by pursuing academic goals. Collectively this could manifest as we strive for a government that is truly democratic on not based on restriction of civil rights or the militarization of police.
We can resolve the challenge of this square and integrate these disparate energies by making Neptune the priority. We can use Saturn not as a controlling influence but as one providing discipline, structure and organization. We apply those qualities to help ground Neptune. Neptune wants a clear psyche and a healthy emotional body in order to pursue its ultimate goal of Divine Union. For example, we can explore psychotherapy (what are the issues, who is the therapist, when is our appointment, how do we get to the office?), work with our dreams (defining and understanding the symbology of our dreams) or get involved in volunteer service (what’s the cause? how often do we choose to get involved?). We can also integrate these energies by working with a spiritual discipline such as meditation, yoga or prayer. Saturn, once again, provides the definition of what we are striving to pursue as well as a personal philosophy that is meaningful to us. It can also help us to define which form of spiritual discipline is right for us and the discipline that enables us to follow through on a daily basis.
The integration of Saturn with Neptune requires us to be present both on the grounded, material plane as well as on the ethereal, spiritual one. These are very contrasting energies but combined in a conscious way can provide rapid development on the path to self-realization and spiritual awakening.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Avoid impulsive decision or actions, especially around mid-month. This is a time to be persevering in striving for things that may take time to accomplish. Late month brings clearer thinking and the ability to verbalize your needs, desires and goals.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: With as many as 5 planets moving through Taurus this month, use it as a time to get clear about your values and the degree to which you are being resourceful and self-reliant. Growth comes from applying your tools for productive activity rather than just staying in your comfort zones.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month is a good time to begin new projects. Confidence, courage and clarity are all at your disposal. You could inspire others by sharing your ideas and visions. If others disagree with you, use that as an opportunity to think more deeply and critically rather than trying to prove you right and them wrong.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Libra on the 4th will be eclipsed. There could be both internal conflict and interactive contention. Limit your contact to those who support or inspire you. Otherwise, being by yourself could produce feelings of internal harmony and joy.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: You could feel a lot of personal power this month and be seen by others as being very charismatic. Use these qualities to support and uplift those around you. Joyful enthusiasm enhances your experience this month.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Research and deep, critical thinking in early month pays off later on. You could be clear and clever in making your points of view known either through the written or spoken word. It’s a good time to be a student. Even if you’re not in school, growth for you this month can come from being intellectually astute.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: The full Moon in Libra on the 4th can enhance your emotional expressiveness. The challenge is that it will be an eclipse of the Moon. This suggests that although you have emotions are running high, there might not be the opportunity to share yourself in that way.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a good time to start a project that may take a long time to complete. Alternately, this could also be a good time to make major progress on something you’ve been doing for a long time already. Either way, your energy is strong and persevering in whatever you do.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a good time to put into action plans that you’ve been making for several months. You could also use this as a time to restart something that has been stuck. Clarity in early month provides motivation for rapid growth later on.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This could be a relatively slow period for you, especially in your social life or in pursuit of financial goals. Socially, use this as a time to get clear about what you really want and what you have to offer. Financially, be frugal in expenditures and develop a long range perspective on your budget.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Clarity about domestic projects can lead to creative productivity. This could be literally about your residence or in your relations with family members. Sticking close to home can bring unexpected rewards.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The Saturn-Neptune square can be particularly challenging, yet useful to you. Relying on intuitive clarity can keep you moving and help overcome tendencies to hide. This is a good time to deepen your focus during meditation or artistic endeavors.
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.