The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2020
With the year half over, let's take another look at the main planetary event of the year - the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. At the beginning of 2020 we theorized that this abundance of energy in this sign could lead to major transformations in government, economy and global leadership. Indeed, losses in those categories, from major corporation bankruptcies and economic recession have come to pass. The two categories of change that were not taken into consideration were the pandemic and the social protests. All of which has led to the extreme posturing in the political blame game.
I updated the alignment and how it pertains to the pandemic in a recent article connecting the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and the polio epidemic of the 1940s-50s to previous conjunctions of Saturn and Pluto. But where are the protests coming from in the context of the current transits?
One of the biggest problems, and major disconnects of this period in history, not limited to the 2020 alignment is the definition of the truth as it pertains to our social collective. Pluto can indicate things taking place secretly, behind the scenes. This can explain the never-ending series of conspiracy theories about where the coronavirus came from, geographically (i.e. China) or personally (anyone from the medical community to Bill Gates to the Democratic Party).
Saturn, the ruling planet of Capricorn, represents personal responsibility. Another aspect of the quest for truth involves ascribing responsibility for the pandemic to one person, one governmental body or agency. It's as if we're are all playing the "gotcha" game, calling out nefarious interests who are seeking to undermine our values, security and way of life.
If we are really searching for the truth, however, the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction which has been in full effect since March, provides the clues and the energy to discover it. Pluto represents a penetrating, obsession with digging out everything that is mysterious and unknown. It is often associated with research for example. Jupiter can pertain to philosophy or theology, an intellectual quest for understanding the nature of life. Putting them together as they are now can lead to a quest for the truth. Not a personal truth, or one based on prejudice or judgment, but one grounded in spiritual or universal truth. That which can be seen, understood and assimilated by anyone. Failing to penetrate the surface of a perception or a concept, the truth ultimately resides in the attitudes and behaviors of individuals in their relationship to other people. Capricorn is a sign that is oriented toward tradition and hence tends to be conservative. It is not given to question authority and in fact tends to like to be in positions of power. So the real question in our search for the truth is how do traditional authority figures behave and what is their motivation for doing so?
Too often those figures align their policies and behaviors on the status quo – beliefs and behaviors are maintained because of underlying and unexamined expectations. Such as, "These people are like this" or "Those people do that". We tend to group people in a certain demographic, regardless of whatever free will choices some of "those people" have made that don't coincide with traditional expectations.
Capricorn can pertain to governmental bodies and because it tends toward traditional attitudes and behaviors, many of them become institutionalized within the governmental system. Some people uphold those traditional values as being patriotic and therefore should always be maintained, while others experience them as restrictive and arbitrary. These values and behaviors can, have and are leading to racism, sexism, nationalism and by extension income and gender inequality.
So, what is the truth? Is it that which seems to always have been present and can't be changed? Is it what we are told from some media platform such as Facebook, Twitter or television news? Or is it that which we uphold to enable us to maintain our security and place in the world?
Our search for truth ultimately must end by looking within ourselves. The ultimate truth, from my point of view, is that we are all manifestations of Divine Creation. Scientists studying human DNA tell us that at that level there is no difference between the races. Therefore, in the interest of truth, we must each discover and dissolve any tendency to project our own darkness, fears or anger onto someone simply because they don't look like us or because they are part of a group that has been traditionally demeaned. That could apply to someone from a different race, nationality or religion. It could also pertain to someone who is mentally ill.
Old patterns of defining and acting out traditional behaviors will not change in a year or two. Nor will they change with a new administration in Washington, although that would be a good start. The alignment this year has a shelf life of several years to come. It is certainly possible that new attitudes and behaviors will emerge in time, but they will not happen solely due to political change or new legislation. Only when people's consciousness changes will a new order of values and perceptions come about.
I believe that we are in the beginning of a New Age, commonly called the Aquarian Age. One of the archetypal qualities of Aquarius is that is inclusive. Centered Aquarians can be color blind in that they don't base their perceptions or relationships on arbitrary or superficial qualities like skin color, religion or nationality. The alignment this year provides a push, a catalyst to help us collectively move in that direction.
The highest option of manifesting this powerful alignment this year is for each of us to release and let go (Pluto) of our own negativity directed primarily at ourselves, but projected onto others. When we feel good about who we are and how we perceive and relate to others, individually and collectively, we are well on our way to transforming our planet into a place of caring, concern and compassion for all.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Your physical energy is strong right now so get lots of exercise. Start projects that have short-term trajectory. Hold off major projects until after the first of the year.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Continue to re-evaluate and re-prioritize such things as values, spending patterns and relationship needs. Communicate with those closest to you about any significant changes in these areas.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Harmonization of relationships and emphasis on esthetics would be two things to prioritize this month. Be open to new ideas that can satisfy your curiosity.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon in Cancer on the 20th could bring deep, intuitive insights into the nature of your partner. This can further discussions which deepen the intimacy of your relationship.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Intellectual or spiritual insights in early month could give way to power struggles in mid-month. The focus should be on truth and reality, not on who is right.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a good time to verbalize issues you have with friends or colleagues. Strive to be diplomatic, but be persevering in letting others know what you think.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a time to be discerning about new relationships. Romantic fantasies or idealizing other people could lead to disappointment or being taken advantage of.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Deep contemplation and research are highlighted for you this month. Truths of all kinds could be revealed. Focus on things you have a passion for.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Untangling social alliances could be a focus for you this month. Strive for clarity about the balance of interaction to make sure your needs are being met.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: It's time to get to back to work, or at least to making plans about the future. After a few months break, or at least seeing a bigger picture than usual, now is a time to formulate concrete strategies.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a time to integrate progressive concepts into grounded actions. Intellectual inspiration in early and late month could impel new activities.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a good time to feel connected to a group of positive, open-minded and generous friends. Quarantine permitting, get out and socialize. Otherwise, use social networking to establish or expand relationships.
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.