The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - May 2011
April was a month of major events. The most dynamic, as I mentioned in last month’s column, was the transit of 7 planets in Aries. Another important event was the transit of Neptune into Pisces on the 4th. It will retrograde back into Aquarius in August and return to Pisces again next February, and remain there for the next 14 years.
Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac is said to be ruled by one planet or co-ruled by 2. Pisces is one of 3 signs that have co-rulerships. The traditional ruler of Pisces was Jupiter until Neptune was discovered in 1846. In time Neptune became associated with Pisces because the nature or energy of the planet seems to match the characteristics of Pisces. Remember that in astrology we define the planets as energies. The signs filter the energy. To say that a planet is the in the sign that it rules (or that the planet is in the sign of its dignity) suggests that the energy of that planet is being expressed in a pure way. No part of its essential nature is being filtered out. As of April 4, therefore, Neptune is home. We have the opportunity to experience the fundamental qualities in a pure way.
Neptune is the most ethereal of the 10 heavenly bodies that astrologers track. When we are centered we experience Neptune as the energy of transcendence. It helps us to activate our higher spiritual being and access our connection to Divine Spirit. Through this connection we become aware of our relationship to all life because we can feel it, intuitively and emotionally. In turn we can feel compassion for the suffering of others and even could strive to be a vehicle for healing others. Similarly Neptune can inspire lucid dreaming and creative imagination and inspiration.
The two most powerful ways to use Neptune are through surrender and faith. What we surrender is our need to know what’s going on and any intention to control it. We feel comfortable just being. This in turn enables us to perceive a situation as it really is not just in terms of how we want it to be. Being that open enables us to develop the wisdom to navigate our way through life in loving and peaceful ways.
Faith is knowingness. As we develop our intuitive or mystical wisdom we come to realize that life is unfolding, individually and collectively, exactly as it supposed to according to the laws of the universe (see my new book, A Manual for the Modern Mystic).
If we are off-center, however, our Neptunian experience will be extremely different. Instead of perceiving reality accurately and intuitively, we project what we want life to be usually being in accordance with certain ideals. Socially this can lead us to pedestalize others or to romanticize a relationship. The ever compassionate Neptune can confuse pity with love and play the role of the healer, counselor or savior instead or partner or friend. This confusion can also include uncertainty about oneself. One could either grossly idealize the self or, more often, become highly self-critical, even to the point of self-destructive thoughts, decisions or behaviors.
The last time Neptune was in Pisces was in 1847, less than a year after it was discovered. It remained in Pisces until 1862. It’s interesting to note 2 events that took place in 1848. One was the establishment of a utopian community in upstate New York. In keeping with Neptune’s tendency to see beyond the individual and focus on Oneness, this group believed in holding property in common and children were raised in a communal nursery. The other event was the a convention that was held in Seneca Falls, NY. It was organized by leaders in the women’s rights movement and called for women’s “immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of the United States.” This is a Neptunian activity because it is humanitarian in intention.
Neptune is often referred to as the energy of illusion, which it is. But the real question that Neptune asks is, what is the illusion and what is the reality? If we assume that the material plane is real we are living an illusion. This is merely one of many planes of existence. The true reality comes from transcending earth plane consciousness and connection with the universe on its own terms. This aligns us with “the real world that isn’t there”. We might have a hard time analyzing it, discussing it or even defining it. But if we quiet our mind and perceive and feel beyond the limits of our ego-defined life we tap into expanding states of awareness and start to take our rightful place as citizens of universe. Divine reflections of Divine Spirit.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Two points of focus for you this month. The more interesting involves the arts. This could be an extremely creative time for you. You could express your artistic nature either in a pure “art for the sake of art” manner, or doing something creative that is also utilitarian in some way. The other theme is more about the practical, especially financial, aspects of your life. Growth comes from creating a more resourceful and self-reliant way of fulfilling your needs for food, clothing and shelter.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Four planets will transit through Taurus this month. They will put emphasis on mundane matters, such as attitude and outlook on life, social interaction and personal appearance. This is a time to find your natural rate and rhythm and use them to create what you do and how you do it.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
An emphasis on the arts and creativity for you this month. Growth comes from realizing that these energies can best be taken advantage of being by yourself. Sublimate your natural social tendencies to activate your creative imagination. Singing, or music in general, may have a definite appeal.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Pisces, like Cancer, is a water sign. The water signs are sensitive and intuitive. With Neptune entering Pisces you may notice an increase of psychic energy, particularly regarding others. Growth comes from establishing and enforcing strong emotional limits and boundaries in order to not get swept up in co-dependent relationships.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Two distinctly different patterns emerge for you this month. One is a pragmatic focus on career. This is a time to emphasize such things as harmony in the work place as well as continuity of cash flow. This is a good time to stabilize changes you may have recently made. The other point of focus is spiritual. This could be a good time to work on consciousness expansion in ways that inspire you. This could take you into previously uncharted waters and into an eclectic spiritual path.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
This is a month to integrate two activities that may not usually come together. One is your love of nature. You feel as uplifted spiritually by being out of doors as you do feeling grounded. The other is the arts. You could find that either studying the arts or doing something creative is another way to feel spiritually connected.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
A time of review for you. Spend some time focusing on your most significant relationship; this is a good time to deepen your emotional bonds with others in order to create a more intimate union. In addition, focus on the financial aspects of these relationships. Make sure that everyone is clear about what is going on and that responsibilities are being shared equally.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
The full Moon in Scorpio on the 17th combines with the entry of Neptune into Pisces to create a deep, perhaps even profound, intuitive insight into the people you are closest to. You could also get glimpses of the real you hiding behind a façade of personality. Growth comes from aligning your social persona with a deeper sense of spiritual connection.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Early month is a good time to be physical. Whether in a competitive team sport or (more likely) in a solitary adventure that takes you into previous unexplored territory. This could even involve a journey of some kind. Growth comes from making space for others who are either accompanying you or just doing their own thing. A strong sense of entitlement could limit the joy for you and others.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
The alignment of planets in Taurus this month brings you energy of playfulness, creativity and, perhaps, romance. Growth comes from being willing to set aside your serious, practical nature and enjoy the moment. This could also be a good time to improve your performance as an artist, athlete or parent.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
For the first time in 14 years there are no planets transiting through Aquarius. This could cause you to feel disconnected from life or enable to feel liberated from any have-to’s. You could revel in the freedom to be yourself and do whatever you choose to do, with anybody at any time.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The next 14 years will provide you with the opportunity to get in touch with your true, basic nature. However you choose to express that, remember that by prioritizing the spiritual side of life, working to establish and stabilize your transcendent connection, everything else that you do will tend to be more successful and fulfilling.