The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2007
This is a month of endings and beginnings. The opposition between Saturn and Neptune, which started in October of 2005, is finally drawing to a close. This aspect represents the classic conflict of form and substance (Saturn) versus the formless and ethereal (Neptune). When used effectively, this transit has been beneficial for finding inner clarity about where to go and how to get there. It has provided a concrete plan for investigating the inner space of our emotional, psychological and spiritual reality. It has enabled us to feel safe while opening psychically to others. And it has brought clarity to see the limitations of our fear-based patterns of behavior and shift them to those based on faith. It has enabled us to notice our patterns of substance abuse, and the strength of will to eliminate those tendencies.
If we have avoided the time and toil necessary to work with this aspect, we might have felt confused about the direction of our lives. We might have felt disappointed with the results of our efforts or undermined by circumstances. We may have alternately found ourselves uplifted by a creative muse, only to feel restricted by the practicalities of life or by external authority figures. We might also have felt undermined by flaky, irresponsible people while we were working hard, playing by the rules and trying to do the right thing.
Whichever scenario is more familiar to any of us, the window of opportunity presented by this aspect is closing. If we have taken advantage of it, grown and changed, we can still access the combination of these influences to continue our progress as and when we choose. If we didn’t take advantage of it, we can breathe a sigh of relief that it’s over.
The new beginning that is offered this month is an opportunity to review some basic issues and make changes in our lives based on the results. The beginning is actually more of a time to look backward rather than to move forward. It involves a transit of Venus, which is turning retrograde on July 27th, and remains in that direction until September 8.
Venus symbolizes what we relate to and how we function in those relationships. Primarily these involve people, especially those with whom we are in primary or romantic involvements. But Venus also pertains to our relationships to money, the arts and our values in general. Whenever a planet is retrograde, it’s time to reflect on how we are utilizing the energy of that planet. We can access it more personally than usual so we can understand how we are using it affectively and where or how we may be dropping the ball.
The biggest issue with Venus retrograde, however, tends to involve personal relationship. We may feel frustrated and unfulfilled in the situation, assuming that our partner is taking advantage or somehow not “doing it right”. We suddenly start to notice that there are significant problems in the relationship that may seem overwhelming or at least unacceptable. In order to avoid blaming someone else for these problems, take a step back from the relationship. Examine what we need in that situation, what we are doing to get those needs met or what we are doing to thwart the fulfillment of them. Are the needs clearly defined in our mind? Have we affectively communicated them to the partner? Are the needs realistic? Are we being successful in defining and consistently enforcing limits and boundaries in order to prevent ourselves from feeling drained or being co-dependent?
During the 6 weeks that Venus is retrograde, if we can get clarity about these issues, make some changes, and begin an open and honest dialogue with the partner, we are taking beneficial advantage of this transit.
A similar pattern could also pertain to a review of our values about life in general and about spending patterns and aesthetics. This is a good time to review the household budget to make sure that we are spending, saving and investing wisely. We could get clear about where to allocate discretionary capitol in order to maximize satisfaction without undermining long range security. This is also a time when the financial markets often turn around, so be cautious when making an investment or even changing one during this period. Spending large sums of money should be discouraged when Venus is retrograde because our values and aesthetics are often skewed at this time. We may see something as highly desirable and well worth the price during the retrograde only to discover we are stuck with a hideous overpriced whatever when Venus turns direct. So avoid major purchases.
Venus brings harmony. When it is retrograde harmony becomes rare. We may feel clumsy or say or do things that are tactless. Sometimes, when an inner planet like Venus retrogrades it’s a good time to check our sense of humor. Usually these are not big deals, so we should try to see the big picture and find a way to laugh at our selves. Reviewing our concept of the social graces could prove liberating as we trade shoulds and shouldn’ts for behavior that is more authentic in letting others know who we are.
Venus retrograde is not a major transit for most people. But is can be a time where some inner work now can lead to greater fulfillment in our personal lives down the road.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a good time to review your financial situation. The primary focus should be on ways to increase the flow of capitol and your level of earned income. Early month could bring productive, harmonious contacts that could benefit you in this area. Later month will bring some practical clarity of goal and the understanding of what you need to do to achieve your financial goals.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Avoid being overly critical and perfectionistic, especially during the Venus retrograde period. Growth for you comes from being willing to analyze your relationships and investments logically, not emotionally. This is a time to let go of the need to control the outcome of the situation by processing within yourself and with your partner about how to improve things.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Relying on your intuition could bring clarity, especially around financial issues in early month. This could also be a good time to start a creative project or to develop a new aspect to your spiritual journey. Late month could bring unexpected, but desirable, changes in your professional life.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
You may be somewhat withdrawn or sensitive and in need of lots of alone time in early month. This is a good time to check in with yourself in order to take care of some personal issues. Things may start to open up for you after the new Moon on the 14th. In general, this could be a relatively quiet month, a perfect time for self-nurturing.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Early month could bring some unexpected changes in relationship, either personal or in business. The essence of the shifts could involve the willingness to experiment with new patterns or definitions of the situation. This could be useful in light of the discontent that often accompanies Venus retrograde and might manifest at the end of the month and throughout August.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Creative or spiritual focus in early month could give way to attention to personal appearance later on. Remember that with Venus retrograde (and especially in Virgo) you could feel dissatisfied with your appearance, your wardrobe or your body. Growth comes from creating a plan to be more consistent in eating right and exercising regularly. With that commitment the self-criticism will probably dissipate.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Feelings of restriction or confusion in early month could be resolved by doing some contemplation about values. What are the most meaningful and significant parts or your life? That information can make the Venus retrograde period smoother for you. Use that time to focus on ways to improve the progress on your spiritual path.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Prosperity, creative drive and social harmony should be present for you the first half of the month. After that, you may feel somewhat blocked or challenged at work and possibly confused about domestic issues. Growth for you comes from striving to be fair and balanced in your dealings with others, regardless of the nature of the relationship.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction around work issues could surface in late month for you. Respond to them by seeking clarity about your professional goals as well as the limits and boundaries within which you feel comfortable. Letting your feelings be known to others could be valuable. Be patient. Incremental change is good if it’s headed in the right direction.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Difficulties, challenges or confusions around financial issues or about basic values could start to lessen this month. This is a good time to work at creating clarity and harmony in your personal relationships. Growth for you comes from noticing that things are lightening up and in being ready to take advantage when they do.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The full Moon in Aquarius on the 29th can bring some clarity about your emotions and help you to respond to people in a more sensitive way. Growth for you comes from taking the time to actually tune in and become aware of yourself in a new way. The energy at that time could feel very joyful, generous and optimistic. Take some time to share those qualities with others.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Family problems could surface this month, especially in your extended family. Growth for you comes from being clear about your stance in the situation and expressing it in a self-affirming way. Your clarity and confidence may not completely alleviate that contentiousness, but at least it enables you to avoid being pushed around by others.