The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - August 2007
Most months there is one planetary pattern or theme that stands out as the most important astrological event of the period. This is not one of those months. Instead, there are several smaller patterns that provide interesting opportunities for personal experience.
Some of these influences have been touched on in this column in the past, some are annual events, and one is specific to this month.
I’ve written previously about the mutual reception between Uranus and Neptune. Mutual reception is a term astrologers use to indicate that two planets are transiting through signs that are ruled by the other planet. In this case Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is transiting through Pisces, which is ruled by Neptune. And Neptune, the ruler of Pisces is transiting through Aquarius, ruled by Uranus. This transit has been going on since Uranus entered Pisces in March 2003 and will last until Uranus enters Aries in May of 2010. This mutual reception has implications that can affect consciousness change within the masses. Uranus and Aquarius pertain to the group mind and collective consciousness. Neptune and Pisces are more oriented to the group psyche and the collective unconscious. One way that this transit can be utilized is to look at ourselves both individually and collectively to reassess who we are both as people and a culture. We can use the potential of these transits to alter our definition of the proper place and mode of expression for individuals within a collective social construct. What makes this month unique, relative to the entire 7-year period, is that Uranus and Neptune are 30 degrees apart, an aspect called a semi-sextile. This implies that these shifts of perception and the ensuing manifestation are relatively smooth and harmonious. There could be unexpected help available to us this month that might provide a greater understanding of what’s going on. With increased clarity could come opportunities to take fuller advantage of the potential for change at both the conscious and subconscious levels.
On August 28 there will be a full Moon lunar eclipse in Pisces. Eclipses will tend to bring revelations about things previously hidden or unknown. For example, in George Bush’s chart the eclipse will be in his 8th House. The eclipse could bring to light anything from surreptitious financial dealings, to a secret sexual liaison, to hidden documents pertaining in some way to his administration. But generally lunar eclipses affect the public more than its leadership. In the chart of the United States, this eclipse falls in the 3rd House which pertains to communication. The eclipse could bring information out into the open that pertains to journalism, public education or some kind of malfeasance in the realm of trade and commerce. The stock market can also experience reversals around an eclipse. Since full Moon lunar eclipses happen twice a year, this is not a major event. But it is something to be aware of both this month and into the future. The influence of an eclipse could remain for a year or two. Its effects could be activated by transits of the Sun or Mars and ended by a Saturn transit. The Sun will square the eclipse point in late November. Saturn will oppose the eclipse point in July 2008. So it’s possible that this eclipse will not have the lasting influence that is often attributed to eclipses. Nonetheless, between August 2007 and March 2008 unexpected events could take place that pertain to Pisces, the sign of the Moon during the eclipse. This could bring a sense of unrest among the people, possible linked to current events (third house) or events that pertain to hospitals, prisons or religious institutions. This could also signal a problem with a drug or drug company. Weather problems related to water, such as severe hurricanes, could also accompany this event.
A third interesting event this month is a transit of Jupiter. It has been retrograde since April 5 and turns direct August 6. Whenever a planet is retrograde it’s time to reflect on our experience and expression of the energy associated with that planet. In addition, when a planet is retrograde we tend to feel its energy more personally, so our review of the energy is more subjective than usual. This can enable us to become more aware of our relationship to that energy, rather than just going along with what we assume is expected of us or what we assume others are doing. Jupiter pertains to the principle of expansion, especially of the mind. We could have used the retrograde period to contemplate how we are putting our education into practice, or whether and when we’d like to take some classes. Expansion could also imply higher mind in terms of morals and ethics. When retrograde, Jupiter affords the opportunity to make sure these factors are clearly defined and consistently providing guidelines for our choices and behaviors. We can reflect on whether we are being overly idealistic or excessively cynical. We could also have gotten clarity about our true feelings about other cultures and ethnic groups. Now that Jupiter is direct, it’s time to implement the shifts of perception and consciousness that happened during the retrograde period.
The final, and shortest lived of the transits, is a trine between Saturn and Pluto. This implies that there is a strong, harmonious bond between these two bodies. The trine suggests that this is a good time to make significant progress on a project that you are working on. The project would probably pertain to activities involving the houses that either or both of those planets are transiting in your chart. Make use of this transit by focusing on something that either takes a long time to transpire or on which you have been working for a long time.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a month to engage in a variety of social activities. None of them may be deeply meaningful, but taken together they can provide the opportunity to bring stimulation to your mind as well as expand your social circle. Growth can come from being open to engaging people whom you have tended to not interact with in the past.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Venus, your ruling planet, remains retrograde all month. This is a time to continue to introspectively review your social patterns, relationship dynamics, financial realities as well as your sense of style. This could be a good time to notice all the things in and around your house that feel outdated or shabby. Don’t buy anything new just yet, but planning and pricing would be fun and beneficial in the long run.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
This is time to be more physically active. Getting involved in a sport, working out in a gym or just going for walks or hikes would provide outlets for the physical energy that could be flowing more strongly than usual. You could also feel like being more aggressive or courageous in social situations. Growth for you this month comes from combining a strong sense of imagination and self-discipline with these new beginnings.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Leo on the 12th can bring heightened self-awareness, self-confidence and the desire to be more expressive. These influences will be available both several days ahead of and subsequent to the full Moon. The full Moon eclipse on the 28th can bring heightened intuitive awareness, lucid dreams and a desire for more spiritual activity in your life.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
With the Sun, your ruling planet, transiting through Leo most of the month the energy of creativity and self-expression is strong for you. Growth comes from being more receptive than you may normally be. Being open can provide access to unlimited amounts of creative imagination as well as opportunities to relate to others with harmony and compassion.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The challenge for you this month is integration. Strong desires to be of service to others need to be integrated with strong needs to be alone. Similarly, your tendency to be analytical needs to be integrated with an intuitive awareness that is stronger than usual. One way to accomplish the synthesis is by focusing on each activity one by one rather than trying to do them all at once.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This is a month to focus on being quiet and getting centered. Spending time alone can stimulate the creative imagination and promote spiritual inspiration. Most important is the contemplation that can bring clarity to relationships, financesyou’re your personal aesthetic. Growth comes from looking for feedback from your own higher self rather than from friends and partners.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
A high-energy time for you. Use it to initiate new behaviors, projects and relationships. This is a time to be physically and socially assertive and interactive. This is also a good time to persevere and make progress in areas that require a long-term commitment. Growth comes from balancing your time and energy in order to be able to engage in and benefit from these divergent patterns.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Jupiter is your ruling planet. Once it turns direct it can provide the impetus to be clearer in expressing who you are. This is the time to start implementing personal and behavioral changes you might have contemplated or theorized the past four months. Growth comes from not getting so carried away with your enthusiasm that these influences and drives lead to disappointment.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a period of congenial social interaction. It is a time when you should be able to clearly communicate ideas, concepts and perceptions that might otherwise feel too ponderous or profound to share easily. Similarly, this is a good time to continue to work at deepening your understanding of the nature of life and your place in the universal scheme.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Challenges in relationship can be met with clarity of feelings and needs. This information can be communicated in ways that are more caring and considerate than you may normally be. This doesn’t mean that the relationship difficulties will go away. But it does imply that you have tools available to respond to them.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This could be a period of contentious interaction. Much of this will pertain to your work situation and could involve colleagues, employer customers or clients. From mid-month on the conflicts could also include members of your family. In many cases the challenges are the same – being true to yourself regardless of how others want you to be.