The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2018
We tend to pay attention to challenging planetary alignments. Their difficulty catches our attention since we'd prefer harmony over stress. If we resolve the difficulties and solve our problems we feel better. Plus, the work required enables us to grow. Occasionally, however, the planets connect in ways that are more comfortable, harmonious and productive in ways that are easy and effortless. This can take place when planets are 120 degrees apart, an aspect we call a trine. Sometimes 3 planets connect such that each one is 120 degrees away from the other two. This is called a Grand Trine. This month 2 Grand Trines will available for us to work with. One is in the water element. It connects the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces from July 1-12.
This is an alignment that generally enhances our sense of emotional well being as well as spiritual connection. The optimism of Jupiter can benefit the financial markets by keeping them strong and growing. The compassion of Neptune stimulates interest in selfless service as well as the desire for closer awareness of and connection to Divine Spirit. The presence of the Sun illuminates the energies, rendering them strong and creative. Jupiter and Neptune are the co-ruling planets of Pisces, the sign of transcendent consciousness. This Grand Trine can enable us to become clear and expressive of our emotional needs as well as impelling us to be sensitive and nurturing to others.
The other Grand Trine is in the earth element. It connects Uranus in Taurus, Venus in Virgo and Saturn in Capricorn and will exist from the 8th to the 17th. The most important part of this alignment is the Uranus-Saturn trine, which will be in effect from July through the end of October. The outer planets, Uranus and Saturn, tend to focus on big picture perspectives involving our need for freedom within a context of striving to achieve long term goals. The presence of Venus enables the other energies to be more accessible to be used in everyday situations. Let's focus just on the Saturn-Uranus trine, since it will be with us for most of the rest of the year. Saturn is the energy of personal responsibility. Its transits tell us where (by house) work needs to be done. Uranus deals with our need for individuation. It can inspire us to explore, experiment with and express our uniqueness in ways that help to be free and to encourage others to engage in a similar process. It's also another aspect that supports strong financial markets.
This Grand Trine can help to create harmony in any type of relationship in grounded, practical ways. The Saturn-Uranus trine enables us to integrate the uniqueness of who we are, how we feel and what we need in a relationship that is clearly defined both in its structure as well as its direction. It limits co-dependency because all parties can be clear in defining who they are in the context of the interaction as well what they offer to and need from it. Venus is the energy of relationship. In Virgo, it can be self-contained, expressing love by being of service to the partner. If that service is appreciated and returned in kind, it may feel fulfilled. If not, it can cause resentment and withdrawal from the relationship. Virgo is also process oriented. If a relationship isn't working and creating mutual satisfaction, this is a good transit to roll up our sleeves, define the issues of all concerned and work to resolve them harmoniously to the benefit of all. The trine from Saturn suggests that the work can be done in ways that enhance the long-range stability of the relationship. The trine from Uranus implies a strong foundation of friendship that can support innovative ways to enhance the health and mutual benefit of the association.
The combination of these Grand Trines could ensure continued growth both in financial markets as well as our sense of material security. They can support us in feeling clear and stable both as individuals and within a family or relationship context. They could also enhance the drive for harmonious interaction that can lead to beneficial outcomes of situations involving personal health. Collectively, the Grand Trines can lead to the creation of new collective social contracts involving racial and religious matters as well as breakthroughs in international relations.
Two issues can skew a Grand Trine. Instead of it being a time of harmonious, supported manifestation, the energy gets stuck. One reason is that energies are so comfortable that there is no challenge to apply them productively. The second is that the energies move in a closed circuit. Things that already exist are easily maintained, but there is no new growth. For example, the watery Grand Trine opts for emotional safety and protection rather than emotional expression and process. One can become so aware of their emotional state as to become overwhelmed by it. The earthy Grand Trine can focus on material security and attachment rather than productivity. Possessions are seen as having intrinsic value rather than as useful tools. As we tune in to these beneficial flows this month, we should seek to use them as tools to move beyond our comfort zones and access new points of awareness both internal and external.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: With Mars still retrograde, pursuing new activities should be limited. Expectations of what you want to do or can do should similarly be restricted. This is a good time to review your social life. Focus on who you spend with and the degree to which that association is fulfilling. This will help clarify which situations to maintain, which to alter and which to let go of altogether.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The Grand Trine in earth signs could have a meaningful and stabilizing effect, especially in terms of your work, health, creativity and relationships to children. Take advantage of the opportunity by aligning your habits with your values. This should enhance both social as well as practical activities.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Creative communication is enhanced for you all month. This could take the form of creative writing, teaching or being very effective in sales. Growth for you can come from striving to be succinct in sharing information. The listener can get bored or overwhelmed with too much information, regardless of how important it may seem to you.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The New Moon on the 12th (in Cancer) and the Full Moon on the 27th (in Aquarius) will both be eclipses. This suggests unexpected or unusual events taking place in your life, especially in the houses in your natal chart where the signs Cancer and Aquarius reside. The New Moon is a time to spend some time alone, getting clear about deep underlying emotions as well as downloading some spiritual inspiration. The Full Moon can be a time of stimulating and unanticipated social interaction.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Spontaneous creativity and adventure could manifest for you this month. This is also a good time for getting in touch with your feelings and sharing them with those who care about you. Growth comes from being as receptive to receiving from others as you generally are generous with others.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Too much analytical thinking could lead to poor judgment and making bad decisions. Similarly, if your mind is tightly wound with information and opinions, communicating with others could lead to conflict. Growth for you this month can come from striving to balance the intellect with information derived from the intuitive mind.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This could be a period of significant internal activity for you. Some could impel creative expression. Some could inspire volunteer service. Some could lead to powerful spiritual insights. Growth for you this month comes from being less focused on social interaction and feedback and more oriented to activities that are impelled from within.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: With both your co-ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, retrograde this month, it's a time to review and reflect about certain areas of your life. Specifically, these could pertain to your community, your family or your home. Deepening the connection to your core self through spiritual and emotional processing is also supported at this time.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a good time for a journey. This could be physical in the form of traveling or it could be spiritual, by striving to deepen your connection to and understanding of Spirit. Growth can come from also deepening your social connections by sharing more about your inner life and emotional needs.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is a good time to relax. This is a year when your goals should be clear and your motivation to achieve them very strong. But balance is also important and this month you could balance a powerful work ethic with the desire to enjoy what comes your way that may seem harmonious and fulfilling, yet liberating and exciting at the same time.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The Full Moon lunar eclipse on the 27th will be in Aquarius. With Mars also in Aquarius, and retrograde, this suggests the benefits of going within the self and focusing on you. Getting in touch with feelings and emotional needs as well as reviewing habits, behaviors and values is a good way to take advantage of the energies available to you this month in ways that enhance well being and personal growth.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a month when your spiritual connection could be palpably strong. Be open to inner guidance and feel the harmonious interaction between yourself and others. You may feel really good, but may also notice that trying to share what you feel or know with others could be challenging. Rather than striving to uplift or inspire others, wait for them to approach you. That should lead to clearer communication for all.
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. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.