The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - May 2014
This month could seem like a storm from the Sun is slowly emerging from the clouds. After four months of herky-jerky energy flow things will begin become more consistent. We have been plagued by 3 months of a transiting T-square, followed by a month of a Grand Square in cardinal signs. These energies provided inspiration to move forward, learn by trial and error, and begin new ways of being. However, a series of retrograde planets were advising us to slow down, reflect and review what we are doing and why. If necessary, revise any previous decisions that were made prior to the retrogrades. This month may be a time when it’s finally time to act clearly.
By mid-month, when Mars turns direct on the 19th forward movement can commence. It is important, however, to be patient. A planet is said to be in its “shadow” from the time it is direct and reaches the degree that it will retrograde back to, and until it arrives at the degree it first turned retrograde. Thus, Mars has been in its shadow from late December 2013 until late July 2014. Its period of retrogradation is from March 1 until May 19, but we may experience its retrograde tendencies for the entire seven months of its retrogradation and shadow. The cardinal signs want us to pick up the pace asap. Mars, always ready or action and adventure, is primed for movement. We, on the other hand, can choose to act with deliberation and to methodically put into practice the various plans and strategies we’ve been mulling over and reviewing for most of the year.
Similarly, as May progresses, Jupiter will move away from its opposition to Pluto and its square to Uranus. These were the three planets that have locked up the T-square since late summer 2013. This alignment may have had a significant impact on the continued income disparity and financial turmoil in the US economy, the ongoing civil wars in the Middle East and North Africa as well as the confrontation over Crimea. We could assume that these red-hot conflicts could be reduced to simmer as we move through this month. It may not be until June, however, when these issues settle down and we can actually see what the world, and our economy, will look like.
A new factor that could alter the equation somewhat is Venus transiting into Aries on the second. Normally Venus is in its “detriment” and not comfortable in Aries. Venus likes things to be pleasant and harmonious. It conducts itself with thoughtfulness and diplomacy and prioritizes aesthetics. Aries is bold and forthright, tending to be more concerned with its own interests than anyone else’s. Mars, however, the ruler of Aries, is in Libra which is the sign of its detriment and ruled by Venus. Thus Venus and Mars reside in each other’s sign, a phenomenon called mutual reception and which greatly enhances the force of each planet. The good news is that Venus will bring a note of grace to the forceful cardinal planets. Remember that Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto as well as Venus and Mars are all in cardinal signs. The question is not whether we should act, but how.
The challenge we face this month is how can we choose to be patient and deliberate in our decisions and actions in the face of forces that insist that the only bad actions are none at all?
One clue can come from the Sun, transiting through Taurus until the 20th. Taurus is a sign that puts priority on methodical building. It strives to incorporate its values and priorities in whatever it does. The Taurean focus is to preserve and protect what it has that has lasting value. So, before action, put time and energy into redefining the fundaments that give our lives meaning.
Help can also come from Mercury, the planet of communication, which will be transiting through Gemini, one of the signs it rules, from the 7th-29th. Gemini loves to share information. It is the sign of networking. This suggests that we can enlist others in making plans and, perhaps, in taking action. Mars is in Libra, the sign of balance and equality. We can listen to others and brainstorm with them even we are asking them to hear us and help us kick around our ideas.
Finally, Neptune is in Pisces, a sign that thrives on alone time. This could be spent on frivolous fantasy or by tuning in to a flow of transcendent consciousness. Neptune counsels us to surrender to an “inner directive”, the voice of our higher self. Neptune provides access to our intuitive mind and our ability to see reality in an expanded perspective. From that point of view, both the appropriate actions for us to take and the proper time to take them will become more apparent.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: One point of growth available to you with Mars retrograde in Libra is learning the benefits of being thoughtful and diplomatic. Libra also prefers things happening gradually rather than impulsively. As you start to take action again, strive to integrate these lessons into your behaviors and choices.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Spending quality alone time in creative projects could be a good way to integrate yourself back into the highway of action that is a hallmark of the year. This will also enable you to tune in to your inner voice to ensure that your actions will coincide with your values and priorities.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The new Moon in Gemini on the 28th supports you in being more verbal about your inner life. Willingness to share your feelings, and being open to others sharing theirs with you, can enhance the quality and fulfillment you experience in those relationships.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: This is a time to work through and resolve family issues, especially those that have been lingering for a while. You could also use the energy to simply clean up or clean out clutter in the home or yard that has no use. Communication peaks at the new Moon on the 28th. Enlisting others in these endeavors can bring you together and help you get more done faster.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Spend some time in early month re-establishing your priorities. Others may challenge you in mid-month, so knowing what’s important to you can help you to remain centered and avoid power struggles. Late month and early June bring energy for action, adventure and creativity.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: You may get caught up in striving for perfect knowledge or understanding this month and lose sight of a bigger picture. Growth for you comes from learning what’s enough. You may become so focused on a perceived goal that you don’t realize you are over prepared in one area and underprepared in another.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Your ability to show up effectively in your life is powerful this month. Others may be surprised, maybe even intimidated, by your self-affirmation but that’s not your problem. You can compliment this authenticity with your typical diplomacy and concern for others’ welfare. This is a good time to practice being social without being co-dependant.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a good time to work collaboratively with others. Your ability to clearly express your ideas and goals is excellent, as is your willingness listen to and learn from others. Growth comes from learning how to be your normal powerful self without appearing manipulative or overbearing.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: You may find yourself in a position of helping others this month. This could be with advice, hard work or simply being a caring and concerned friend, colleague or neighbor. This is a hard time for many people, so avoid being taken advantage of. Knowing the limits of your generosity can be as beneficial to you as service to others is to them.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Others may be ready to start moving again, but you may feel as if the time is still not right. You may need a bit more patience and caution before starting to act. A little extra research and review now can lead to more rapid, solid gains later on.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The artistic, creative drive is strong for you this month, and there’s plenty of energy available to manifest it. This could actually take a variety of forms so don’t limit yourself unnecessarily. Discipline is also present so you could be expressive at fairly deep levels in a variety of endeavors.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Confusion or feelings of being overwhelmed with too much input could give you cause for pause this month. Limiting social involvement to those you know, trust and feel comfortable with would be beneficial. Time alone given to meditation and journaling could also help to maintain your center. Avoid being too accommodating to others.
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.