The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2021
As mentioned before in this column and much more extensively in my annual Perspectives talk, the most challenging aspect this year is a square between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus. This sets up a challenge of values and behaviors that can lead to extreme conflict between elements of forces of conservatism (Saturn, Taurus) and those of progressiveness (Uranus, Aquarius). Let’s check in as we are at the quarter mark of the year to see how this is manifesting both at the collective as well as the individual level.
One of the qualities that makes this aspect so challenging is that it brings the energy of tradition (Saturn) in the sign of inspiring change and personal freedom (Aquarius). This combination suggests formulating a strategy that stimulates us to shift our traditional habits and strive for new goals to be achieved in new ways. Meanwhile, the energy of innovative and experimental change (Uranus) is in a sign that tends to err on the side of safety, stability and comfort (Taurus). The slower energy being pushed to advance while the faster energy being restrained. This combination can lead to unexpected changes. A realistic mantra for the year could be “expect the unexpected”. This could take place anywhere from the halls of Congress to the hall leading from your kitchen to the bedroom. The good news is that the potential for both security and change are present in equally strong ways. The outcome of that potential lies in our ability establish a grounded foundation within ourselves and our lives in order to embrace the options for change that can be exciting and liberating.
An example of a collective manifestation of this square, is the dichotomy present in the context of labor unions. Although these institutions have been part of our country for decades, they have recently fallen in both functionality and popularity. As the conservative forces have gained power in our government, labor unions have declined. This is one reason why raises in wages have been so incremental while profits and white collar salaries have soared. The push to re-empower blue collar workers reflects the idea that something old (Saturn) is being reintroduced in a new way (Aquarius). This can lead to qualitative and institutional shifts that can occur that lead to change (Uranus) and enhancement of financial security (Taurus) for workers.
Individually, we are being challenged to be in present time. The traditional forces of Saturn and Taurus might prefer clinging to time honored values and habits. The progressive forces of Uranus and Aquarius want immediate changes that are fairly radical. But, again, the energy of change is the sign of stability and the energy of tradition is in the sign of innovation. So neither extreme is going to work. Being in present time means detaching from routines that no longer work, fit or serve our well being. We also need to embrace activities and values that bring excitement, even if they bring a certain amount of risk. At times we may feel as if we are merely moving forward today only to turn around and retreat tomorrow. Taurus and Aquarius are “fixed” signs, meaning that they are oriented toward continuity. Or, as the I Ching suggests: perseverance furthers. If we stay the course in pursuing new behaviors, experiences or goals, we can eventually push the inertial blocks and be successful.
This square also posits a challenge to each of us in our relationship to each other. Uranus represents freedom and personal liberation. Saturn pertains to rules and regulations. One thing that each of us has to address this year is the interaction we have with the collective. Where are limits and boundaries (Saturn) to the expression of our personal freedom? Similarly, what are the healthy and appropriate social structures that should have precedence during the pandemic even if they temporarily limit our personal freedom? Plan for the future even as we adapt to the present.
As we start to emerge from our quarantine cocoons, it’s important to realize that our pre-Covid world is gone. Many things have been lost and many people have died or had their lives changed forever. The energy of this square does not allow us to hang on to the past, whether it worked for us or not. We can, however, take the time and use this energy to forge ahead. The problems in our world are not new. What is new is the energy and perspective to acknowledge our problems, both individual and collective, and discover solutions to them that are inspired, innovative and not tied to anything from the past that was unnecessarily limiting, prejudicial or fear based. If we respond to this energetic challenge in a collectively effective way, we can create a reality that is supportive to the growth of each of us.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The New moon in Aries on the 11th suggests a time to look inward. That time, and the clarity that emerges from it, can provide inspiration for new beginnings that pertain to enhanced self-awareness and personal growth.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Early month brings clarity, confidence and creativity. Tuning inward can lead to transformational metaphysical insights. Later month brings interesting and stimulating social experiences.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Activities with friends or colleagues can provide stimulation in early month. From late month on, spending time alone can lead to internal clarity and the opportunity to grow through some emotionally or spiritually challenging situations.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The New Moon will be in Aries on the 11th; the Full Moon will be in Scorpio on the 26th. Both signs are ruled by Mars. This would be a good time for you to forge ahead and create new beginnings, especially at work or in areas involving play and recreation.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Creative energy abounds for you this month. This could manifest either in the arts or in being physically active. Power struggles at work from mid-month on could lead to productive changes if you are willing to see the other person’s point of view and compromise.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Early month is a good time for research and investigation. This could pertain to a quest for the truth either in a personal or metaphysical sense. Late month brings the challenge of integrating those realizations into your everyday life.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Focus on relationship in early month. This is a good time for truth telling and deepening the emotional basis of the situation. Growth can come from being firm, maintaining your point of view and not caving in to the demands of the other person.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: The Full Moon in Scorpio on the 26th brings heightened emotional awareness and intensity. Create or discover healthy, appropriate outlets for these feelings to avoid having them boil over or be suppressed completely.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a good time to expand your social life. This could mean relating to new people to doing new things with family and friends. It’s spring! Engaging in physical activities can enhance the enjoyment of these relationships.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The push-pull of life continues. Relationships could begin, but there could be certain challenges inherent in them, especially involving communication. Use this as a time to clarify your needs in the situation.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Home and family are points of attention for you this month. Socially, work on creating harmony by being thoughtful and seeing things from others’ perspectives. Aesthetically, this is a good time to enhance the beauty of your environment.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a good time to engage in physical activity, especially something that is fun. Be realistic about your abilities and limitations in order to avoid the experience from being disappointing rather than enjoyable.
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.