The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2019
Astrology is the study of new beginnings. For example, a natal horoscope is a picture of the energy patterns existing at the time of one's birth. It will reveal the tendencies and characteristics of that person. Western astrology divides the annual cycle of the Sun into four sections. Each section coincides with one of the four seasons of the year. By studying a horoscope cast for the four annual "cardinal points" of the year we can determine some of the major patterns for that season. The spring equinox took place this year on Wednesday March 20 at 2:59 PM PDT. The planetary positions for that chart can reflect the energies available to each of us for the next 3 months.
Several patterns are contained in the equinox chart. One is the abundance of the earth element. With 6 of the 10 planets residing in earth signs we could assume that this spring will be one of practical focus. Through a combination of methodical habit, persevering application and attention to detail we can maximize our potential for productivity. Clarity of goal is important but, with Uranus in Taurus very close to the tenth house cusp, we should be open to unexpected experiences and desires that may challenge us to get out of our comfort zones and do something significant, inspiring and counter to past experience. A paradox in this chart is that even though the earth signs like the predictable and consistent, the prominent placement of Uranus implies surprises and challenges not usually associated with the earth signs. By combining the thoroughness of earth with the openness of Uranus, this could prove to be a stimulating quarter in which innovation and change accompanies the practical and productive. For example, with Uranus in Taurus, we might see attention placed on new technologies that are designed to help us combat some of the threats of climate change. On a personal level, we might choose to experiment with new ideas and concepts pertaining to our work.
A second pattern that emerges from this chart is a conjunction of Neptune and Mercury in Pisces in the eighth house. Pisces and the eighth house both partake of the water element, the element that deals with our emotions and our drive and our ability to connect with the divine presence. This conjunction provides the opportunity, as well as the challenge, to integrate our left brain (Mercury) with our right brain (Neptune). If we are successful in this process, we could download significant information that will help to sharpen our intuition and expand our consciousness. Failure to do so could lead to mental confusion, miscommunication (Mercury is also retrograde) and difficulty in separating fact from fantasy.
Building on the positive potential of the Mercury-Neptune conjunction, another pattern revealed in this chart is the conjunction of the Sun with Chiron. Chiron is an asteroid that can indicate where we feel inadequate or wounded in some area. In this chart Chiron is in Aries and in the ninth house. The ninth house pertains to higher mind learning and growth. Ultimately this can involve a philosophical drive to know the truth, especially in a metaphysical or theological way. This chart indicates that this is a good season to not only pursue the truth as a goal, but to also realize how much we are already cognizant of and plugged into that truth. This is important because Chiron can also reveal a blind spot, that is, something that we can actually do quite well, but fail to perceive ourselves as such. Thus this season may not only bring us new consciousness, but also support us in affirming what we already know.
The spring equinox chart helps us touch many bases, from the mundane to the ethereal. Growth for us this season can come from striving to integrate our higher mind thoughts with our material plane activity in ways that enable us to be productive while remaining honest and ethical in our pursuits.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time to refine your social situations. It could start with being more attentive to personal appearance. It could also include being more thoughtful and considerate of others' points of view. Growth can come from focusing in harmonious interaction. When engaging in conversation, remember to listen.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Your spiritual and creative interests are heightened especially during the first half of the month. Social situations can stimulate compassion, but be selective about who you relate to and why. Too much compassion can lead to confusion of pity with love. Late month you could take a relationship in a new direction, or at least being more verbal about your needs, is another potential for you at this time.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Take advantage of the season by engaging in physical activity. Sports, working out or taking walking meditations are examples of how to take advantage of the energy this month. You also might notice that you are being more self-affirming or direct in letting other know who you are, what you think , and what you need.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon in Aries on the 5th could bring challenges from authority figures, or at least help you get in touch with your feelings about them. The full Moon in Libra on the 20th could bring challenges, but also opportunities for changes in significant relationships. In general, this is a month when the energies of authenticity, assertiveness and individuality are strong and available to you.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: You may feel challenged this month. You could feel as if your integrity is being challenged by what you have to do professionally. This could be due to demands from colleagues or bosses about what you have to do or how you have to do it. Growth can come from being clear in affirming and stating your limits and boundaries even as you diligently perform your job.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Work to refine your work habits the first half of the month. This could include refining skills or working to develop new ones. Take your time with decision making as the potential for confusion and faulty judgment exists. Growth can come from integrating intuitive information with your normal analytical abilities and tendencies. This can minimize confusion and maximize clear understanding.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: The full Moon in Libra on the 20th coincides with the Sun entering Taurus. This could bring up two themes for you. One is a focus on aesthetics, the other focus is on practical, financial matters. In either case this is a time for you to be proactive in pursuing either one. You may also realize that some significant changes have occurred that have altered your creative inspiration or your material needs.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a time to develop more self-discipline and clarity in pursuit of practical goals. Failure to do either could lead to feeling limited by circumstance or other people. Developing mental discipline can also help to avoid mental confusion or tendencies to make poor decisions. With that discipline, significant spiritual downloads and/or creative inspiration could ensue.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: One of the strengths of Sagittarius is its ability to have confidence in its opinions and points of view. Sometimes this can lead to being too idealistic or not being aware of mental blind spots. This is a good time to step back from preconceived ideas and concepts and seek a clearer, not necessarily more expanded, perspective.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: There is a major transit coming up in 2020 that will impact our world. It is a conjunction of Saturn (your ruling planet) with Pluto, the energy of transformation. This month and next those planets will get within a few degrees of that aspect. This is a good time for you to begin a process of deep self-analysis that will help you to let go of what you don't need, in any area, and deepen your connection to what you do need.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This could be a month when you feel inspired to be productive in pursuing practical goals. Although things may not develop as quickly as you want them to, try to focus on being creative in the process of material manifestation. The creative challenges and the confidence to implement them could help you develop patience and overcome any feelings of frustration.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Lots of social and communicative energy available to you this month. This can help practical, job related activities as well as anything that enable creative expression, especially with your hands. Late month can bring the energy and desire to be physically active, a good way to take advantage of the season.
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. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.