The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - April 2023
Two major planetary events occurred in March. Saturn entered Pisces on March 7, an event we discussed in last month’s column. The other event was Pluto entering Aquarius on the 23rd. That is the topic of this month’s column.
Pluto’s orbit is 248 years. It takes that long for Pluto to go through all 12 signs. The last time it entered Aquarius was 1777. So while Saturn transits always demand attention, Pluto transits are far more significant. This year Pluto will not pass 0 degrees of Aquarius, retrograding back into Capricorn in June. But in January 2024 it will re-enter Aquarius and remain there until 2044.
Pluto is the energy of transformation. It can pertain to the deepest level of the human psyche. As such, it can cause one to feel vulnerable and hence tends to be very private. It can enable us to be aware of old emotional experiences that need to be purged and deep psychological imprints that need to be reprogrammed. It challenges us to confront those parts of ourselves that are unpleasant or we have outgrown but not yet discarded. Pluto transits can force us to process very old and very deep aspects of our lives that can be painful, awkward and which we might prefer to keep secret, even from ourselves. Addressing those things however, and removing or reprogramming them can leave us feeling clean, up to date, and reborn. Similarly, at the collective level Pluto can pertain to hidden power, those forces of influence that can’t be seen or challenged.
Aquarius is the sign of the group mind. By nature it is kind, accepting and inclusive. It is also somewhat paradoxical. On one hand, it is one of the most social of the 12 signs. On the other, it is extremely independent. Friendly though it may be, it can also be fiercely rebellious when its individuality is threatened. And although it is a fixed sign, it can change in ways that are extreme and unexpected.
The transit of Pluto through Aquarius is going to be a wild ride. Although each of us has to navigate our way through the challenges of this planet-sign combination, the greater impact might be on the social collective. In the 20 years that Pluto will remain in Aquarius there will be multiple transformations of how we relate to each other, the planet and our collective values, priorities and resources.
One specific concern I have relates to how powerful forces behind the scenes (Pluto) effect the quality of life of the masses (Aquarius). This is especially true since Aquarius pertains to mass media, social media and the Internet. It is already evident that Twitter and Facebook allow content including unfounded conspiracy theories, misogynistic, racist and anti-semitic rants and posts written by robots. Other countries such as China have instituted ways in which the state can keep track of individuals and punish them if the people divert from the behavior acceptable to the state. What’s to prevent that from becoming more universal and affecting democracies which value freedom of the individual above almost everything else?
The answer goes back to the idea that Pluto requires personal process work. When one has a significant Pluto transit it’s time for a major transformation. There are only two options relative to how to deal with that. They are willingly and unwillingly. The first option demands that we do a deep dive in to our psyche and discover our deepest drives desires, obsessions and fears. Hard work. We constantly discover things about ourselves that are outmoded or stagnant and ask ourselves how we got here. Uncomfortable on a good day. But at the end of that day we are free to choose the values, priorities, beliefs and behaviors that work for us in present time.
The other option is to do nothing. After all, who wants to challenge themselves? If that option is chosen, forces of the universe will do the transforming for you. Those forces can be cold and unfeeling. The experience is more of a crisis than it is a catharsis and we are left as much outmoded stuff and viable stuff that we started out with, only less of both. It’s not a real transformation, just moving the chess pieces of our life to different places on the board and convincing ourselves that we are playing a new and different game. If this is the option that you or I choose, we could be susceptible to being manipulated by dark and secret forces who seek to control the financial capital and political power in the world. Democracy becomes a quaint footnote in history even as demagogic authoritarianism dominates the flow of life.
If we as individuals commit to personal transformation, the dark forces of our own psyches as well as of the collective power structure will be defeated. They will be replaced by a social collective that is united in its drive for personal liberation that is virtually limitless. This can pertain to everything from individual consciousness to a collective consciousness that identifies as a reflection of Divine Oneness. From that point we can create a world in which everyone has a fair and equal right to be who they are and free to pursue whatever path in life that they choose. We will perceive ourselves as reflections of each other and all of us as manifestations of Divine Love and Creativity. In that case the human family can finally relate to itself and the planet in ways that are inclusive, loving and peaceful.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Early month is time to stabilize the emotional connection to family members. This would also be a good time to work on the dwelling itself. Later month, through early May, open up the coffers and either create a new financial plan or simply spend some money on things that would bring inspired change to the domestic situation.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Major changes in career could occur this month. It could be something new, but could also simply mean getting more deeply and passionately involved in your work. Opportunities would come as a result of previous accomplishments, although there may be a learning curve in order to maximize your potential in the new situation.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Mercury turns retrograde on the 21st, initiating a 3 week period. It involves spending time reviewing your activities, interests and points of view. This is a good time to eliminate things that are not that exciting, to deepen your connection to those that are and clarify both your perspectives as well as the best way to share them with others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 5th in Libra and the New Moon Solar Eclipse on the 19th in Aries both suggest times of new beginnings for you this month. Focusing on both your home life and career, use the eclipses as an opportunity to notice previous blind spots that prevented moving forward in those areas.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early month is a good time to begin a project that can bring joy and fulfillment in the future. It’s also a good time to plan a trip or to initiate an activity involving learning and expanding your consciousness. Mid-month brings a challenge to find a new work/play balance. The one you are currently employing may be limiting the depth of a relationship in some way.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Mental inspiration in mid-month could cause you to re-evaluate preconceived ideas and concepts that pertain to the philosophical or religious aspects of your life. There is no right or wrong answer. Reviewing and updating is the challenge. Integrate new realizations into understanding of your life.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Early month could provide the opportunity to deepen a romantic connection or bring a beneficial financial opportunity. Mid-month shifts the focus to your intellectual pursuits. Circumstances, relational or otherwise, could challenge previously established points of view. Growth comes from both re-evaluating those perspectives and making changes when appropriate.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: With your ruling planet, Pluto, moving into a new sign, this is a period of adjustment. Remember this is a very long transit so you have lots of time to change. Use the early month of this transit to observe your interaction with your family, your home and yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This could be a time of joyful creativity for you. A good time for an adventure or to explore new people and places. The focus is on enjoyment in the present time, not to be concerned with how your experiences this month will carry over to the future.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Take advantage of the season by getting out and engaging in enjoyable physical activity. This could also take the form of creative endeavor. Both of these areas of interest will be well energized all month. The only caveat is to watch expenditures. Have fun without blowing your budget.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a time to focus on home and family. Stimulating conversations could bring greater understanding and deepen the connection between you and others. Spend some time creating more efficient productivity in your daily routine.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Creative energy is very strong for you, especially in early month. With Saturn now in Pisces, artistic output could have a practical aspect or require discipline and planning to manifest it. Growth can come from integrating the enjoyable with the functional.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.