The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - May 2018
Uranus is the energy of change. If one is centered, change comes from inspiration and leads to actions that promote a sense of uniqueness and strong feelings of liberation. In this context Uranus can be innovative, experimental and cutting edge. Its orientation toward the unconventional allows one to continually awaken to further inspiration.
Off-center, Uranus can impel change for the sake of change; a rebellious attitude that is more about moving away from an uncomfortable place rather than leading to one that is truly fulfilling and beneficial. This type of Uranian expression will often be accompanied by an attitude of aloofness and detachment.
Uranus remains in a sign for 7 years. This month, it will leave Aries, having been there since March 2011 and enter Taurus, where it remain until July 2025. It will, however, retrograde back into Aries from November 6, 2018 until March of 2019. It's interesting that the planet of radical and often unexpected change returns to Aries, a sign of extreme independence, on election day this year, suggesting a major shift in Congress and state legislatures throughout the country.
Uranus in Taurus is an oxymoron. Uranus is all about waking up and changing everything from one's behavioral patterns or points of awareness to changes in the group mind and collective consciousness. Taurus, however, is about maintaining status quo. Taurus defines values that enable one to feel safe, comfortable and stable. It's about preserving and protecting those elements of life, such as natural resources, that enable us to survive. So, how will the intersection between this planetary energy and the way in which this sign filters energy manifest?
The last time Uranus was in Taurus was from June 1934-May 1942. This period coincided with the Great Depression and World War II. It's important to note that one thing that ended the Depression in the United States was going to a wartime economy. Ironically, wars seem to be an antidote for economic problems. The fact that we've never altered the pattern of wartime spending is one main reason the US economy has been as strong as it has. How does this precedent indicate what may happen now or during the next 7 years?
The main issue is how will the drive for liberating change be affected by the nature of an inherently conservative sign? One possibility is that innovative change in any area will be limited if not curtailed altogether. We can see this as our country moves further to the right. Science is demeaned. The EPA wants to eliminate any regulations that limit the ability of a corporation to make money even though these regulations help maintain the health of our air, water and soil. "Our glorious leader" rattles sabers against all and any other nation when it suits his whims. Nations throughout the world are in a push-pull conflict about whether to open their borders to immigrants or slam that door in their faces. These are examples of intellectual curiosity and the drive for personal freedom being stifled by fear and the need for control.
On the other hand, we could use a measured approach to dealing more effectively with some of the challenges our world faces. For example, conservative Taurus, a sign that focuses on finance, might want to retain some of the banking regulations that were put in place to prevent the banking industry from overly controlling and undermining our financial security. Because Uranus can pertain to technology, a marriage of the financial industry and technology exists in the form of cryptocurrency, which could become more acceptable during this transit. As a yin or feminine sign, Uranus in Taurus could signal changes in our financial philosophy that lead to greater income equality. By extension, it could lead to women being elected to both state and federal offices in unprecedented numbers this November. For every action that promotes limitation of liberation, there could be an equal and opposite action that leads to rebellion from the rigidity of conventional, right wing control.
On the personal level, this is a transit that could lead to a greater sense of inclusion for all people. In the mid 1960s the Haight Ashbury area in San Francisco became a mecca for people from around the country to come to an area that promoted individual liberation. Many of the people who were responsible for such things as the Free Clinic and the Free Store had Uranus in Taurus in their natal charts. The acceptance of others starts with acceptance of self. Being able to acknowledge and accept those parts of ourselves that someone else may judge as eccentric, quirky or just plain weird is one way to get in touch with one's uniqueness. Integrating those qualities into our lives on a day to day basis in grounded, practical ways furthers the positive potential of this transit.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Lots of energy for either a professional new beginning or opportunities for creativity on the job are strong this month. The challenge is being patient and waiting for things to unfold in their proper time. Frustrating communication could lead to impulsive bursts of anger. Growth can come from staying true to your plan and not being reactive when you don't experience instant fulfillment
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The transit of Uranus into Taurus could obviously affect you more than other signs. Use the Uranian influence to update your values as well as the awareness and usage of your inherent resources. Although you may prefer the comfortable and habitual, growth during this transit can come from making changes that tend to be more risk-oriented than usual.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: There could be some collective dissonance resulting from the Uranus transit. This is where you, the communicator and networker, come in. Being able to perceive and share your awareness of this new energy in ways that can be understood by many people is one way you can serve others in a period of change that may not be comfortable for everyone.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon takes place this month in Taurus on the 15th. That's the same day that Uranus enters Taurus and Mars enters Aquarius, the sign ruled by Uranus. There could be some unexpected events that day that rock individuals or whole communities. Your emotionally calm and nurturing qualities can be quite helpful to others at this time.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: This could be an extremely harmonious time for you. Confidence in your creativity could prevail all month. Your physical energy should also be strong in ways that can enhance activities ranging from sports to working out to creating exciting adventures. Growth can come from being willing to share your energy and enthusiasm with those who are finding this month trying or scary.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Early month could feel emotionally challenging, especially in your more intimate relationships. Verbal conflict could give way to mutual understanding. From mid month on, the energy shifts and mental clarity can lead to practical productivity. Growth can come from remaining centered and confident early on which leads to achieving desired goals later.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Idealism related confusion in early month could lead to feelings of blockage in late month. The latter could be some type of control or power struggle either between you and an employer or family member. It could also be tied to any tendencies you have to be overly responsible in work or home life which could, in turn, lead to being seen as controlling by others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: The transit of Uranus in Taurus could bring unexpected changes in the world. For some people that is bad news. You, on the other hand, could use this energy as a brilliant opportunity for significant transformation. Experience the changes internally and personally. Being private at this time enables you to take advantage of the potential without dissipating it by being too open.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: The full Moon in Sagittarius on the 29th could trigger the desire or opportunity for an interesting adventure. The focus of the journey, whether internal or external, should be self-knowledge. Clear perspective about yourself, perhaps coming from conversations with others, can promote beneficial growth through self-awareness.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Early month brings intense energy that you can productively use physically or creatively. From mid-month on you may experience a series of challenges or setbacks. Your need for personal expression, based on new insights and realizations about yourself, are being challenged by either other people or those parts of you that wants to maintain a more conventional identity. This is a time to start lightening up. Doing so gradually is a winning strategy.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Uranus, your co-ruling planet, entering Taurus could be uncomfortable to you. Fearing loss of freedom, you could feel extreme tension and frustration and start acting out in ways that are counter productive. Taurus is a sign that likes to do things slowly and deliberately. Integrating a Taurean time-line can lead to very solid liberation in the future.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Challenges either in the financial, domestic or romantic arena could surface in early month. Any of these would require clear thinking and clear communication to resolve. After that, confidence and joy will be prominent. This is a wonderful time of clear self-awareness as well as a time of expressing yourself in clear and authentic ways.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and 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.