The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2017
In my May column, I focused on a trine between Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries. The trine suggests a positive, harmonious flow of energy between the heavenly bodies. They tend to support each other in their manifestation. This aspect has continued since that time and will remain through this month, returning again in November. The reason that this transit is again the topic of the column is that another component has entered the energy dynamic. The north node of the Moon is transiting through the latter degrees of Leo, forming a Grand Trine with both Saturn and Uranus.
The nodes of the Moon indicate where eclipses take place. In fact, there is a very intriguing eclipse coming up in August that will be the topic of next month's column. The Grand Trine will not be present at that time, however, so let's address the north nodes significance in the context of its relationship to Saturn and Uranus.
In general, the position of the north node in a person's natal chart can indicate a direction to pursue, or area of life to develop, in order to enhance potential for personal growth. We can anticipate opportunities, support and recognition coming to us as we activate the house (area of life experience) wherein our north node is located. If we have planets close to the north node, that task is easy and obvious – activate those planetary energies and positive results should follow. If there are no planets around the north node the situation may seem daunting. It's not uncommon for a person to look at an isolated north node and assume that activating it is too hard. Often, however, by around mid-life the issue may seem less overwhelming and more enticing. Maybe a powerful transit occurs that activates the potential of the north node in a comfortable and seamless way. This month offers such a transit especially if your natal node is in late Leo. If not, we can still take advantage of the transiting Grand Trine by noting what house in our natal chart where the latter degrees of Leo are located. It is in that house that opportunities for support and growth lie.
The trine between Saturn and Uranus offers a unique opportunity to comfortably combine two energies that are usually somewhat antagonistic of each other. Uranus, especially in Aries, enjoys risk and can thrive on change and new beginnings. There is a strong current of independence and revolution in thinking and action. Saturn prefers doing things in methodical, cautious ways. By nature it is conservative and prefers things to follow a traditional pattern. Uranus is innovative. Saturn is practical. Uranus thrives on individuality; Saturn is hierarchical. During the course of the trine between them, which has been operative all year, the potential to integrate these two influences has been outstanding. It has afforded opportunities to ground our inspiration in ways that can be productive professionally, socially and politically. The latter, for example, could be one reason why the "Resist" movement has been so present, outspoken, spontaneous yet remarkably organized.
The addition of the north node enhances the planetary trine in several ways. First, it brings the third fire sign, Leo, into the picture. Leo is expressive, creative, spontaneous and playful. It has wonderful organizational and leadership potential while being generous and supportive to others. Remember that the north node indicates where positive opportunities and support may come our way. If we are looking at this collectively, we could assume that charismatic leaders could arise who capture the attention of the public. Individually, we should pay attention to three houses of our personal chart. One is the house where the latter degrees of Leo are located. This is the area where opportunities and support to be self-expressive, manifest your leadership or simply to have fun could take place. Second, note which house, or houses where the sign Aquarius is on the cusp. Saturn and Uranus are the co-rulers of Aquarius. Since they are trine at this time, it represents a period of harmonious, productive, creative activity in an area that may often be challenging.
One note of caution, however. As creative, dynamic, interesting and productive as this Grand Trine could be, sometimes energy flowing in this dynamic is too easy. There are no obvious or inherent challenges to the expression of the energy. This is especially true in fire signs because fire is not a receptive element, its nature is to radiate. This can create warmth, but can also burn. If we look at this aspect in the chart of Donald Trump, we see an example of someone for whom a Grand Trine could create problems. The north node is very close to a conjunction of his natal Mars and Ascendant. It doesn't take much imagination to see him feeling the power and control (Saturn) he has in his office to perpetuate his spontaneous, usually inappropriate and damaging tweets (Uranus) while assuming that his minions will applaud either in awe of his magnificent brilliance and caring leadership (Leo rising) or out of fear of being fired or voted out of office or simply labeled "bad". This type of arrogant opportunism and narcissistic sense of entitlement could lead him to do something so egregious that other people in power decide to remove him. Similarly, anyone could be guilty of having such an inflated sense of self-importance that this transiting Grand Trine could cause a person to be seen as offensive, arrogant or annoying by those who are feeling burned by an out of control ego.
This is a wonderful transit. But we should strive to balance its energy in ways that are as thoughtful and considerate as they are creative and confidence promoting.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: As a fire sign, you can take full advantage of the transiting Grand Trine. Using it to stimulate your creativity and playfulness would be enjoyable as well as beneficial. Engaging with children or activating the spontaneity of your own inner child would be fun as well as enhancing the relationship with that child.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time to address your financial situation. Learning ways to enhance you material security, either by reading and studying or communicating with experts in the field can help you become aware of options of which you were previously unaware.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: You can take advantage of the transiting Grand Trine by being more creative in communication. You can provide useful grounding and practical understanding in some situations and offer exhilarating inspiration in others. Being understood and receiving support for your ideas and insights is finding personal benefit at this time.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Capricorn on the 8th offers the potential for significant transformation in an important relationship. Avoid being dogmatic, and don't tolerate others who are. Be willing to overlook some emotional challenges in the situation. The new Moon on the 23rd in Leo provides beneficial business or financial opportunities.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: This is a good time to be active and expressive. Being physical through gardening, sports or hiking can provide fun and fulfillment. Doing things that are outside the box of your normal activities can open the door to new perceptions and points of understanding. Sharing newfound realizations can prove supportive to others.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a good time to be engaged in behind the scenes activities. This could involve a research project, spiritual retreat, volunteer service or a creative activity. You could receive some nice feedback for some of those things. Others could see you glowing in those activities even though you may not be aware of nor intending to do so. Growth can come from being aware of and accepting the recognition.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time to stretch your mind. Traveling would be one way to do this. Working to balance your analytical mind with intuitive insights would be another. Perhaps most important, and productive of the most growth, is being to confront others who are attempting to control or limit you.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Emotional triggers could manifest in your life this month. This could happen with family or neighbors and could involve challenges to your personal belief system. This is not a good time to debate politics or religion with those who have different points of view. Pursuing physical outlets can help eliminate emotional build-up that could lead to conflict.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Conflicts with friends or colleagues could arise this month. The challenges could center around value differences but could also involve financial issues. Growth can come from listening and being adaptable without sacrificing your core beliefs. The more you acknowledge others' perspectives the more you will be heard.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The full Moon in Capricorn on the 8th provides the opportunity to become more emotional self-aware. This could lead to also becoming more intuitively aware of others. It could also lead to being confrontational with someone who you feel is disrespecting you. The more self-aware you are, the easier it will be to resolve the situation to the benefit of all.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Saturn and Uranus are the co-rulers of Aquarius. The trine between them can help you to integrate the extremes of your nature: the need for control and the need for freedom. The key is realizing that the more self-control and internally self-directed you are, the more free you will be. This minimizes the need to control others in order be feel like the authentic you.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a good time to apply creative solutions to practical challenges. Growth can come from feeling confident in yourself and applying that quality in the face of issues that might seem overwhelming at other times. Staying confident in the context of a power struggle will usually lead to the bully backing down.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness and The Astroreader. 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.