The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - June 2008
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are all beyond the orbit of Saturn. In their own way, they each pertain to collective experience as well as higher states of consciousness. This month all three are retrograde (Neptune and Pluto) or will be (Uranus). Whenever a planet is retrograde we tend to experience and express its energy in a more personal way than we do when it is direct. Thus with these outer planets, the priority is to use the retrograde period to enhance our own consciousness development rather than to focus on collective issues. In order to understand how best to use this opportunity, it would be helpful to understand the energy of each planet. One way to do this by exploring the time of its discovery and noting the events transpiring at those times.
Uranus was discovered in 1781. This was a time of revolution. Politically this was the beginning of democratic revolutions in Western Europe and America. Collectively it was a time when the people realized that they could govern themselves, without the need for a dominant authority figure such as a monarch. The only potential drawback was tendency for a ruling class to emerge. Instead of a monarchy, we could be under the dominion of a few wealthy and powerful people who would, authoritatively, limit the freedom of the people. Technologically, this was the time of the Industrial Revolution. People began relying on factories to create products that would make life easier and more enjoyable. But there was a cost, and that price was alienation. We started to be cut off from nature, our families and ourselves. Collectively, these revolutions created opportunities for liberation previously unavailable. But how to avoid the alienation?
When we deal with Uranus retrograde, the focus is less on our connection to a group or to a commodity. The orientation is on personal liberation. It is a time to become more aware and accepting of our uniqueness. It is a time to explore, experiment with and express ourselves in ways that are progressive and liberating. We are less concerned with others (who they are, what they are doing, what they are thinking of us) than we are of breaking free from patterns of personal repression. It is a time to embrace more progressive ways of relating to ourselves, and others, in ways that enhance the potential for universal liberation in an atmosphere of inclusion and acceptance.
Neptune was discovered in 1846. Neptunian energy is more subtle than Uranus. Where Uranus can bring experiences that are lightning-like times of awakening, Neptune’s orientation is on the psyche and our connection to Divine Spirit. At the time of Neptune’s discovery spiritualism became very popular. In some places this took the form of séances, in other places spiritual communes were formed. People were coming together in order to feel more connected to the Oneness of life. A drawback to Neptune is the tendency to idealize or fantasize about a person, a movement or an idea. We see what or who we want to see rather than what is there. The self-deception leads to disappointment, disillusionment and sometimes bitterness.
When Neptune is retrograde it is time to look within to establish or deepen our personal connection to the Divine. One of the most revolutionary elements of monotheism (exemplified by Judaism, Christianity and Islam) is the potential that theoretically we all have the ability to establish a personal connection to God. The problem that has evolved is that the organized religions themselves have taken over the role of spiritual authority. They instruct us to go through them to make that spiritual connection. But with all their rules, strictures and dogmas it seems that the more we conform to the institutional expectations, the farther we are from God. Neptune retrograde is the time to eschew organized religion and establish a deep, meaningful relationship with Divine Oneness. We can do this through meditation, spiritual ceremony, dreams or creative expression.
Pluto was discovered in 1930. This was a time when humanity gained a little more knowledge about and control over the physical universe. It was a time that the atom was cracked and atomic energy was harnessed. It coincided with breakthroughs in psychology (psychotherapy, twelve-step programs), science (from medicine to astro-physics) and banking (the International Monetary Fund, the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Reserve Bank). These changes also brought some liabilities. The atomic bomb liberated power in ways that were heinously destructive. The various global or national financial institutions created a new way to control people’s lives. The good news is that Plutonian energy can bring about transformational healing. The bad news is that it can be insidiously manipulative.
Pluto is the energy of death and rebirth. On a personal level we can establish our own connection to the concept of eternal life. We can define the nature of death based on our own belief system or our personal experiences. Whatever taboos may exist culturally about death and transformation can be supported or not once we examine the issue from the clarity of our personal laboratory rather than just accepting the collective biases of our time. We can use the Pluto retrograde period to more deeply analyze our psyche and re-program whatever negative imprints we internalized at an earlier age.
Most people have at least one of these planets retrograde in their natal horoscope. But to have all three retrograde simultaneously provides an opportunity to re-establish the relationship to our uniqueness, our psyches and our place in the universe. Take some time over the next few months to tune in to these forces and take advantage of the opportunities for consciousness change that they offer.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Continue the creative projects you started last month. Inspiration is strong from the middle to the end of the month. You could also use the energy in playful or athletic ways. This is also a good time to review your relationship to or parenting of your children. The time of transforming, outdated parenting patterns, physical or creative outlets is at hand.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Early month could be a time of social interaction with relatives or neighbors. These interactions could be enjoyable but not particularly deep or meaningful. Things shift around mid-month and you may notice more emotional depth or at least sensitivity entering into your social activities. This would be a good time to spend at home and with close family members.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is a time to be self-expressive. Early month offers the energy to be engaged in self-discovery. Late month provides the impetus to share the results of that research with others. Writing, whether creative, journalistic or stream of consciousness, can be a good vehicle to enhance the dual process of self-awareness and self-revealing.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
This is a good month to focus on financial issues. Taking a class, reading a book or networking with others are realistic ways to help clarify and improve your situation. Spending time brainstorming with your partner, either personal or professional, can lead to insightful and accurate ways to establish a healthy, realistic budget and to alter your lifestyle so as to live within your means.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Self-awareness and the drive to express yourself artistically, athletically or sexually is very strong all month. However, make sure that the motivating force behind your actions is love. Otherwise there could be power struggles with others around mid-month. Being off center while you are being expressive could also lead to accidents or unexpected shifts in relationships.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Review your work situation in early month. This is a good time to alter behaviors and expectations. Minimize verbal interchanges by putting your ideas down on paper. This will bring more clarity of mind both to you and to others. In mid-month the energy changes. Pent up energies are released and frustrated goals can become achieved.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Curiosity and intellectual stimulation keep things moving in early month. In mid-late month, a confrontation or unexpected challenge could transform a habitual way of perceiving or relating to something. You could apply new information or points of view to your work in late month. Growth for you this month comes from being willing to deal with unpleasant interaction with others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This month continues the pattern that has been available to you since April: consistent and preserving movement in a practical direction. What’s different now is that the activity could be more aesthetically oriented or inspired and driven by greater self-confidence and a high energy level.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
The full Moon in Sagittarius on the 18th brings emotional self-awareness. It could also indicate an increase in your sensitivity to others and a desire to be emotionally supportive to others. In this context, you might find it fulfilling to spend more time with family. Unexpected times of humor and joy could make this a valuable time of the year for you.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
You are in a holding pattern. The year so far could have a time of direction, discipline, and productivity. That theme continues this month. But you could also take a break from the focused activities and use this as a time to be more spontaneous and enjoy your life. This could take the form of spending more time with your children, giving a party, being romantic with your partner or being playful and creative.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Early month could bring some confusion between what you want to do and what you feel you have to do. After that you might find value in spending quality time alone in ways that enhance your sense of self and your connection to Oneness. Humor and gratitude are two things that could result from your reclusiveness.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a month to get in touch with your anger. This is an emotion that you may normally have a hard time feeling. Often you may implode the anger and engage in some type of self-punitive or self-destructive behavior. Or you may act it out inappropriately. Growth for you this month comes from having access to the emotion, the source or cause of the emotion, and healthy, appropriate ways of discharging it.