The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2016
Two interesting patterns emerge this month. The first takes place the first two weeks of July, when four planets will be transiting through Cancer, highlighted by the new Moon on the 4th. The second begins when Uranus turns retrograde on the 29th.
Cancer is the most personal of the signs. For example it tends to be sensitive to immediate social interaction. As a result it can be moody. One minute feeling calm and happy, the next upset after a word or a look from someone else. It also tends to be home based and family centered. By nature it is warm, caring and nurturing. When upset, however, the crab can pull into its shell and seem quite cold or at least unavailable.
The Moon is the ruling planet of Cancer, and it is the only sign that it rules. Being new in its own sign is liable to heighten the sensitivity and emotional responsiveness beyond its normal range. This could be true for all of us, regardless of the amount of Cancerian energy we have in our natal chart. For those who do have planets in Cancer, especially the Sun or Moon, the new Moon could impel an increase in all of the primary Cancerian traits.
New Moons are good times for new beginnings. What might all this energy in Cancer at the time of the new Moon bring?
The United States is said to have been "born" on July 4, 1776. That is the date astrologers use to define both the horoscope of this country as well as the how the transiting planets are affecting us during various periods of time. An extension of the home based tendencies of Cancer is a tendency for this country to be nationalistic. Granted this has been balanced out by humanitarian idealism and compassion, but our xenophobic qualities surface from time to time and among certain social demographics. We might assume, therefore, that a new Moon on Independence Day, combined with 3 other planets in Cancer, could generate a renewed, even extreme, expression of patriotism, at least in certain areas. The Republican national convention takes place from July 18-21. Considering who the nominee is, and how so much of his rhetoric and appeal is based on his negativity directed at other cultures and countries, that convention could be explosive. This is especially true given that at the time of the new Moon the Moon will be in direct opposition to Pluto and square to Uranus.
This potential can be balanced out. We need to integrate our need for national security with a bigger picture understanding of the condition of world at this time. There is a need for wise and compassionate leadership in the world rather than a circle the wagons mentality that isolates us from the rest of the world community. This is a time to discuss how to be nurturing at home to all our citizens even as we provide international guidance through our policies and diplomacy. It certainly seems probable that the Republican convention is going to focus more on the anti-immigration, anti-Moslem theme while the Democratic convention might be more oriented toward dealing with issues such as climate change (the REAL security issue) and income inequality.
When Uranus turns retrograde on the 29th, it will join the other trans-Saturnian planets, Neptune and Pluto, seeming to move backwards at this time. These planets deal with both collective experience as well as consciousness development. When they are retrograde we have an opportunity to experience their energies in a personal way. For example, with Neptune retrograde we can tune in to transcendent consciousness more clearly. Pluto retrograde can help us to understand the nature of the cycle of life, death and rebirth in ways that are significant but not scary. Uranus pertains to the collective consciousness, the group mind. By nature it can be oriented toward the creation of utopian-like social structures and institutions. When retrograde, we can each become aware of what we as individuals can do to implement such a reality. Uranus retrograde is forward looking, even revolutionary in its thinking and conceptualization.
The intersection of the two main themes of the month can inspire each of us to take personal action to implement emerging philosophies that move humanity along a path that unites security with liberation. We can start en mass to conceive of humanity not as disjointed nationalities and religions but as manifestations of the same primal life force. This is a time when people can become truly aware that we all have a lot more in common than we do differences. The political question of the season is, therefore, to discuss and understand how we can do small things in our personal lives that, when taken collectively, can move us along the path of improving the quality of life for all living beings.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The alignment in Cancer could trigger desires to be closer to family or to work on projects in the home. Growth for you this month comes from being receptive to the needs of others. Getting in touch with your own feelings and emotional needs is another way to take advantage of the energies this month.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time to demonstrate your domestic interests. Having a family or neighborhood barbecue or putting time into household harmony and beautification are further examples of how to take advantage of the energies this month. Creative expression can be strong from mid-month on.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Focusing on issues of financial security could be a priority for you this month. Growth can come from making a plan, and sticking with it, that will enable you to create a sense of material well being that manifests from your own resourcefulness. This is s good time to become aware of all the resources available to you that can serve the goal of long range financial stability.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The first of the month could bring extreme and unpredictable flows of emotion. This is a good time to stay close to home or to at least be very discerning of whom you spend social time with. Your sensitivities and emotional reactivity could be at an all time high. This is a good time to begin a project that has a great deal of personal significance.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The Sun, your ruling planet, aspects each of the outer planets this month. This suggests a time when your higher consciousness could get stimulated. You could manifest this either creatively or through actions that prove beneficial to collective humanity in some way. In either case, growth can manifest by being open to new awareness and implementing it in some inspiring way.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: A lot of changes for you this month. Spend the holiday with family or very close friends. The emotional triggers could feel foreign or cause you to feel awkward in certain social situations. Growth can come from getting over tendencies to be shy or self-contained and allowing emotions to surface both in consciousness and communication.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time for you to focus on new beginnings at work. This needn't be a new job or career path. Starting a new project or simply developing a new attitude about what you do would be beneficial. Being in alignment with one's daily focus should bring joy and fulfillment. If you don't feel that, then perhaps it is time to think in a bigger context that will enable changes to take place, even if not now, that will bring a greater sense of well being.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Your ruling planet Mars is finally direct after being retrograde for 10 weeks. Now is the time to start implementing projects you have planning to do. Your physical drive will also be increasing, so make sure you have outlets for it. Similarly, your intensity could be greater than usual, so be cautious and sensitive in social situations.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This could be a time to make significant progress toward achieving long range goals. This could involve increased levels of earned income. Putting creative energy into a project can lead to feelings of joy and satisfaction that nicely compliments the material gain.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The full Moon in Capricorn on the 19th can enhance your emotional self-awareness. You could use this event to get clearer about what situations in your life feed you and which drain you. From that point on you can maximize the former and minimize that latter.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Mental challenges in early month can be resolved in later month. The resolution might require that you look at a situation from a new perspective which will enable you to see new solutions to the dilemma. Curiosity about new things can abound both in late July and early August.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The Neptune-Saturn square is almost exact all month. This challenges you to focus internally. Increasing or beginning a spiritual practice can provide clarity about moving forward, especially in practical matters. Early month can bring creative ideas and harmonious connections at work.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. To make an appointment for a reading or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.