The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2008
One of the more interesting planetary patterns this month is a conjunction between Mars and Saturn that will remain in effect the first half of the month. Although each of these bodies provides us with masculine energy, they are extremely different from each other. Mars represents physical energy. Think of it as the drive wheel of the zodiac: the influence that causes us to act. The sign placement of Mars in the natal chart can indicate our energy level. Are we hyper and wired? Mellow and relaxed? Aggressive? Shy? Mars provides clues that answer those questions. Usually, Mars energy will take a physical form. Sports and sex are two of the most popular manifestations. But Mars can also provide the drive to be competitive in any field. It can also pertain to anger, especially the way in which we express it.
Saturn can be experienced differently, depending on our degree of centerdness. The more centered we are, the more we will experience Saturn as the energy of personal responsibility. It will provide clarity of direction, the diligence and discipline to move in that direction and the power to achieve our goals. Saturn is about power and control. When we are centered, Saturn enables us to realize that we are the prime authority figure in our lives, the source of permission, approval and recognition. If we are off-center, we experience Saturn as fear. This can cause us to hold back in self-limiting or self-inhibiting ways. We could give our power to others, allowing them dominion over our lives. Or we could take on unnecessary, and usually inappropriate, responsibility for others. Sometimes that can be an attempt to control them before they control us. In any scenario, the off-center or lower octave expression of Saturn prevents us from actualizing who are, who we would like to be and achieving what is important to us.
The Mars-Saturn conjunction combines two planets that like to be control and have their own way. If we are centered, conscious of ourselves and our motivations, this can be a highly productive transit. Note which house in your natal chart these planets are passing through at this time. In what house are the first few degrees of Virgo in your chart? That’s the area that is being highlighted by the influences and in which you can get a lot done. Saturn provides a clear sense of direction and Mars offers the energy to achieve the goal. It doesn’t have to be a long-term goal, it could be something you’d like to accomplish within the next few weeks. That achievement could provide a foundation from which more can be manifested later on, but that’s not necessarily true.
However, if we experience this aspect in an un centered state, the combination of Mars and Saturn can be like driving your car with the brakes on. Mars is pushing to make something happen, but Saturn (limitation) is holding us back. It could be that fear (of failure? Of success? Of recognition?) is preventing action. Or it could be lack of a clearly defined goal. Or maybe we are waiting for someone else to approve or validate what we are seeking to accomplish. In any case, the frustration caused by inaction at this time could lead to inertia-based depression. Or we could be excessively controlling of others, acting in extremely authoritarian ways and seeking to make them as miserable as we feel.
These planets are transiting through Virgo. The off-centered expression of energy in Virgo often comes across as being reductively critical of others. We could use the energies in more positive ways by striving to improve the skills that we apply to our lives daily. These could pertain to either our personal or professional lives. We could also apply this combination to being more serviceful to others. Another option is being more physical by taking more time to be out in nature.
Whatever you choose to do with this conjunction, remember that this is a good time to get things done in ways that are grounded, efficient and productive. The achievements could be immediate and/or have lasting significance.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Since Mars is your ruling planet, you may feel the effects of this conjunction more than most people. This is a good time to develop more discipline, especially in relationship to your work and your health maintenance. Focus on the details of what you are doing and strive to be more discriminating in your choices.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Early month is a good time for expansion, possibly through travel or education. You could feel inspired to experiment with new social activities. These are great energies so strive to take advantage of them. Growth comes from being more disciplined in your physical and artistic expression.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
You may experience challenges to your ideas, perspectives or mental interests. Some of them may be self-created by being too domineering in conversation or simply assuming that you are always right. Growth comes through analyzing your ideas before you share them. Strive to deepen and have a more thorough understanding of the information before you communicate.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in early month coincides with the Mars-Saturn conjunction. This combination of influences provides a balance between your fundamental sensitivity and the ability to act in a more logical, analytical way. Integrate that combination in ways that will enable you to be more effective in deepening the emotional flow in personal relationships.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Mid-month provides an interesting confluence of energies that promote expansion, innovation and experimentation. Growth comes from waiting for a clear inspiration and then following it wherever it takes you. Your confidence is strong and opportunities are available. The conjunction in Virgo can provide the humility that prevents the positive influences from being used in excessive ways.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Confrontations in mid-month, especially with family members, challenge you to be more honest and self-affirming in those relationships. Late month brings some interesting and unexpected changes. The work you do in early month, clarifying who you are, what you are doing, and your limits and boundaries with others, will enable you to take fullest advantage of the inspirations later on.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Professional opportunities could be available to you in early month. They could provide inspiration that will make your work more creative and satisfying. They also challenge you to be more innovative in what you do. Colleagues could prove stimulating and supportive as well. Balance the social and professional development with some alone time every day. Spiritual growth makes material success more rewarding.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
You could benefit from the Mars-Saturn conjunction by being more focused on public activities. Professionally, this could be a highly productive period, provided your goals are clearly defined. Personally, this is a good time to be selective about who you spend time with. Time-honored associations and loyal friends should be the ones you opt to interact with.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Social interactivity is highlighted for you this month. You could experience this as confrontational or opportune. The difference will be determined by how much you want to be right as opposed to choosing to grow through the relationships. Assuming you choose the latter, you will find that the other people are actually quite supportive to what you want to do.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a year of cautious, grounded, practicality. All qualities with which you should be familiar. This is a hallmark month for you in that the energies are at hand to really make some major progress in achieving significant goals. The energy may flow in a comfortable way, but taking advantage of and working with them will enable you to get a lot done in a relatively short time.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
An interesting combination of influences for you this month. The social and creative energies are very strong and should be flowing easily and effortlessly. The other main theme is practical achievements. Growth comes from integrating the social and creative with the grounded and methodical. Discipline is one key. The other is having goals that you are striving to achieve in one or more material contexts.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a month to seek clear perspectives on what you are doing creatively, socially or romantically. It is a time to make sure you are doing what you want to do and going in directions that coincide with your needs and values. If changes need to be made, there should be lots of support to make them. If you are comfortable with your previous decisions, this is a good time to make some major strides in productivity.