The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - May 2015
This month 4 personal planets, plus the Moon, will be transiting into or through Gemini. One of those planets is Mercury that is in its dignity in Gemini. When a planet is in the sign of its dignity (or rulership) the energy of the planet passes purely through the filter of the sign. None of its essential qualities are lost. In fact, they are enhanced. In addition, Mercury will turn retrograde on the 18th. This month we will all learn a lot more about the nature of Gemini and ways of navigating through a Mercury retrograde period.
Mercury was the Roman god of commerce. He was derived from the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the gods and was said to be quite eloquent in his communication. Hermes was also credited with inventing the lyre, the alphabet astronomy, music, gymnastics and the art of fighting. He was the protector of travelers and small animals. He was cunning and associated with fraud, perjury and theft. He was the essence of versatility. Astrologically, Mercury is in its dignity in Virgo as well as Gemini. Both signs express the mental acuity associated with Mercury. Gemini is more comfortable with variety and multiplicity than any other sign. It thrives in multiple social contexts and intellectually stimulating situations. Gemini is clever and nimble minded. Virgo is more analytical and practical in applying ideas and information to mundane situations. It is also strongly connected to nature and small animals.
One of the challenges of Gemini and Mercury is that at a certain point all of its wit and versatility can lead to scattered knowledge and superficial relationships. For that reason, Gemini and Mercury can function most affectively when working within a system of some kind. It could an academic system, a mechanical system or a social system in which sharing of information is confined, such as sales. This enables the Geminian mind to stay focused and functional.
Perhaps because its totem is twins, Gemini is often referred to as two faced. As previously noted, its ruler Mercury has a dark side. Although witty and mentally sharp, it can also be the trickster. To limit Gemini to only two options, however, is incorrect. In my book A Manual for the Modern Mystic, I noted that the principle associated with Gemini is the Law of Both/And. It is not about an either/or dichotomy, but in fact embraces the totality of all ideas, information, perspectives and possibilities. Gemini is the sign that can perceive anything from limitless perspectives and levels of awareness. This month, with so much energy in Gemini, it’s a good time to open our minds to new thoughts, perspectives and experiences.
What about Mercury retrograde? Mercury turns retrograde 3 times each year for a period of about 3 weeks each time. The last time Mercury was retrograde was from January 21-February 11. At that time it was in Aquarius, an air sign like Gemini. For many people this was the most challenging Mercury retrograde in recent memory. Problems with technology, from cars to computers, were rampant. Communication of all kinds seemed confusing or simply wrong. One reason why it was so difficult is that the element air has a lot to do with the intellectual and social aspects of life. It’s as if we experienced a collective overload and just shorted out. Too much air and not enough earth can keep us stuck in the theoretical and conceptual and overlook the practical necessities and limitations inherent of the earth plane. We can assume, therefore, that this Mercury retrograde period could be similarly challenging.
The element air, and especially the signs Gemini and Aquarius, help move humanity along by bringing new conceptual understandings of reality. They are inspiring, inventive and resist any tendency to assume that life offers any stability let alone permanence. Their drawback is a tendency to remain stuck in the mind. Ideas and our understanding of them are not only the priority but also the only things of value. When we identify too strongly with the logical mind we may not take the time to see what ways, if any, are available to apply the information to grounded reality. We could get so caught up in a theory, our own or someone else’s, that we may not recognize when that theory is simply not true. It’s as if we are blown along with a warm, comfortable breeze and not aware of where it is taking us until we slam into something solid and unrelenting.
Mercury will remain retrograde from May 18-June 11. We can benefit from this transit by remembering to slow down the mental process. Writing is furthered at this time. We may be more subjective in our communication or when associating with others. We could assume that what we perceive and think is obvious, accurate and identical to others’ awareness. usually, that assumption will be wrong, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. By writing down our ideas we can see them more clearly and objectively. We might notice incorrect or idealistic attitudes and tweak our understanding before we put out confused or inaccurate information. Writing slows down the mind, so we can become aware of any inherent pitfalls in trying to apply the mental to the physical planes. We could also overcome potential difficulties of Mercury retrograde by spending more time researching before we construct a concept. Similarly, when engaging in conversation we might take extra steps to make sure our point is getting across and that we are also correct in understanding what is being said to us. Assume nothing.
In general, Mercury retrograde is not a good time to sign documents, buy a vehicle or computer, smart phone or tablet. It’s a great time to research these tools and toys, but not necessarily make a decision.
This month is, however, a wonderful time to expand our horizons, socially and academically or by taking interesting, inspiring journeys. This is a time to review previous understanding and research new information. Let’s test our minds to see the myriad ways we perceive familiar things in new ways, to draw new insights from common experiences and to find new ways to relate to people. All this energy in Gemini can help us to become more versatile in welcoming and understanding where we are and what life has to offer.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Spend time on practical matters in early month. Social interaction becomes more prevalent later on when there could be new ideas, new people and lots of opportunity for stimulation. Don’t be too hasty in expressing yourself, however. You might find others disagreeing with you or simply not understanding what you mean. Clarity requires thoroughness of thought.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The full Moon in Scorpio on the 3rd provides opportunity to deepen the emotional bond in your primary relationship. Communication of your feelings can bring a powerful sense of devotion and intimacy. The new Moon in Taurus on the 17th can bring a sense of personal clarity and renewal.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a month to focus on you. Early month challenges with authority figures could challenge your sense of self-esteem as well as the clarity of your communication. Working on developing the intuitive mind can bring greater clarity both mentally and socially in late month.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: This is a month to clarify your values and priorities. Getting clear about what gives your life meaning can bring fulfilling experiences. The full Moon in Scorpio on the 3rd emotionally enhances things and the new Moon in Taurus on the 17th brings opportunity for practical manifestation of intuitive awareness.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Public activities are enhanced for you this month. This could involve changes in career, or possibly opportunities to share your ideas with others at work. Your social life could also bring stimulation and change, either with co-workers or friends. In public discourse, this is a good time to listen to others as well as share your ideas with them.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Lots of activity on the job for you this month. It may feel overwhelming at times as there could be a lot of people and information coming at you wanting attention and response. Using your powers of discernment will enable you to prioritize what is truly important from what is more marginally significant.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Challenges with authority figures, either professionally or with institutions, could undermine your sense of well-being this month. Growth comes from developing a thick skin of detachment. Roll with the punches. Respond to these situations by clarifying your position internally first, then confront the bully.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: The new Moon in Scorpio on the 3rd can deepen feelings of emotional vulnerability. This is a good time to take a break, go within and get clear about how you truly feel about various people in your life, many of whom could be coming around during this time. The last week of the month could bring more stimulating and satisfying social activities.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: The stimulating changes that came last month continue this month. New ideas, different people and lots of new information could even feel overwhelming at times. Growth can come from learning to establish and enforce limits on much of this activity. Without those parameters you could get overextended and frustrated when otherwise positive situations don’t come to fruition.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: In a year that otherwise might be very expansive, this is a time to slow things down. Review what you’ve been doing to make sure you still want to go in the same direction and in the same way. External or circumstantial blocks could challenge you to get more clarity before proceeding outward.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Expansive, exciting opportunities learning and growth could be interspersed with conflicts and confrontations with others. Proceed slowly. Both realities are happening. Growth comes from being more selective than you more normally might be. Not all the difficulties are bad, not all the expansion is good. Discrimination provides the key.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Social harmony and artistic inspiration could be interspersed with mental or social confusion. Part of the problem is that you may feel pulled into many directions. The way out is to go within. The more quality time you spend on the inner planes, the more harmony and productivity will likely manifest on the outer planes.
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.