The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - June 2022
June 21 is the longest day of the year. The Sun reaches its northern most point of its annual journey through the zodiac and begins to head south. This is called the Summer Solstice and is, in fact, the first day of summer. It is also the first day of the sign Cancer. Each of the four seasons of the year start with the Sun entering a cardinal sign. The cardinal signs also begin each of the four quadrants of the zodiac. Cardinality implies action. It’s as if the cardinal signs set the intention for the season. The intention this year is significant because it challenges us to integrate three things that aren’t usually associated with each other and which have quite different priorities.
Much of the challenge comes just prior to the Solstice. From June 13-20 the Sun will be in Gemini and square (90 degree angle) to Neptune in Pisces. Gemini is a sign that is oriented toward left-brain, analytical thinking. Gemini is the data gatherer, the networker and the communicator. It thrives on a variety of social contacts and a multiplicity of intellectual interests. Pisces, on the other hand, is right brained and intuitive. Earlier this year Neptune was conjunct Jupiter. These are the co-rulers of Pisces, hence they combined to provide us with limitless information about activities that Pisces prioritizes: transcendent spiritual connection, artistic creativity and humanitarian service. So just prior to the Solstice we are confronted with the challenge of integrating the need to have logical understanding of something while simultaneously accepting something as true based on our intuitive sense of it. The integration of the left and right brains can lead to wisdom about the nature of life and our place in it. However, there is the possibility that either option overpowers the other. We can be so insistent on a logical understanding that we block the intuition altogether. Or we uphold the intuitive to the point that it clouds our thought process and can lead to confusion and bad decisions. Leading up to the Solstice is a good time to explore different stages of consciousness.
Once the Sun enters Cancer, however, the priority shifts from understanding an idea or a concept to acting on it. This is especially true this year because, just after the Solstice, the Sun in Cancer will square Jupiter in Aries. Aries is the sign of new beginnings. By nature it is courageous, self-affirming and independent. Cancer counters those qualities by being sensitive, nurturing and security-oriented. Aries is direct and straightforward, Cancer tends to be more introspective and indirect. So it’s not easy or obvious how to integrate two powerful energies in these signs. Two main possible themes can emerge. One is to avoid impatience by being comfortable with internal contemplation that can enable us to create an effective strategy to employ in order to be successful in any new venture. Second, maintain the diversity of attention that was present with the energies in Gemini and Pisces even as new activities are embarked on. The spiritual potential suggested by the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction can still be acted on, perhaps with a new type of meditation or the connection to a new philosophy. Another path takes into consideration that security oriented Cancer tends to focus on home and family, making sure that primal needs are being met. Aries thrives on adventure and can be comfortable with risk. At this time when so many basic issues from the economic challenges of inflation to the ongoing concern of climate change to the imminent threats to women’s health and the ongoing war in Ukraine, we could be torn trying to make sure we are safe while at the same time trying to make affective strides in responding to these threats. Too much focus on security could leave us paralyzed by fear and impotent in our responses. Too much confidence could lead to exacerbating the problems without finding any realistic solutions.
Keep in mind that the Solstice signals that this is a time to act. Hopefully we have done enough contemplating that we have a clear and effective strategy to act on. The cardinal signs are comfortable with trial and error, so don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Mistakes can be useful learning opportunities. Most especially, however, is to rely on the spiritual energy and information that we downloaded earlier in the spring. Listen to the Divine guidance. If we were paying attention to that option, we can have an active inner voice. A voice that can provide clarity and direction about how to take advantage of the energy while maintaining our desire to act in accordance with Divine Law and the instincts of our own higher self.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Abundant energy is available to you this month. Be sure to find at least one physical outlet to release it. This is especially true early in the month. Growth can come from being deliberate and focused in what you do. Without that patience there could be a lot of spinning your wheels without actually getting anything done.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Midmonth is a time for big changes. They could include breaking old habits, experimenting with new parameters of life style or getting clear about relationship needs. Liberation, empowerment and transformation are three keys to use in creating your reality this month.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Your ruling planet, Mercury, went retrograde on May 10 and will turn direct on June 3rd. Mercury retrograde is a time to reflect, striving to see things from different perspectives. Now is the time to manifest any changes that became clear during the retrograde period. From mid-month on, opportunities to enhance both your social life as well as personal growth could appear.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon will be in Sagittarius on the 14th. This is a good time for a fun adventure which be anything from exploring your environment to reflecting on abundance or gap could s in your knowledge base. The new Moon on the 28th will be in Cancer. This is a good time to set an agenda pertaining to your home, your family or your relationship to yourself.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early to mid month provides energy for social interaction. From mid month on the focus shifts to internal awareness. Use the inward focused energy to enhance spiritual growth as well as providing inspiration for creative activity.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: The focus for you the past month or so could have been on career and public activities. Last month could have brought the need for rethinking your direction or methodology for achieving it. Now is the time to start implementing any new goals. This could also include more clear communication with others. New ideas could be met with understanding and approval from others.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Focus on financial matters in early month. There may be an opportunity to make changes, perhaps somewhat radical. Be careful, however, because this may not be anything that prevents big mistakes. Late month brings more caution in general, especially to either investments or your romantic life.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a good time for a variety of social activities. Some could be with family, some with friends and some even with perfect strangers. The focus should be enjoying and being comfortable with the interaction. Even though the conversations may seem lighthearted, there could be a deeper level of communication going on that is not addressed directly but could prove transformational to one of the people.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: The full Moon in Sagittarius on the 14th could bring to consciousness things which have been lurking in the psyche for some time. Take some time to look within to ascertain what needs exploration. This is a good time to get perspective on your personal life and how things are flowing for you emotionally.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is time to review previous achievements and future goals. Focus particularly on personal issues involving home and family. Previous mistakes can be rectified through clear and honest communication. Growth can come from seeing things from others’ perspectives and with a willingness to compromise.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Initiating domestic changes are supported at this time. This could involve anything from redecoration to a major renovation. You may also feel that you need changes in terms of your own or the whole family dynamic. Express your feelings and needs and watch the surprised responses from others.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: There may have been some powerful, even primal, changes in consciousness this year. Now is a time to reflect on what they were and how they are, or could be, impacting your life. Consciousness change is exciting, but figuring out how to implement those shifts into normal, everyday activity is not easy or obvious. This is a good time to begin the process of grounding your recent spiritual advancements.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.