The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - August 2009
In the course of any 12 month period, there are times when the transits offer significant opportunities for creativity, growth and change and times when they don't. This month is one in which the positive potentials are not that strong. In the face of the challenging, unprecedented changes many of us have been faced with this could be a good thing.
What is happening this month is a series of transits that affect the inner planets, that is, the ones whose orbit is close to the Sun. These bodies move faster than the others, change sign more frequently but are also less profound in what they offer. The energy of these planets pertains to our immediate experience and interaction with each other. So when they change sign they don't require deep, introspective self-analysis or opportunities for major growth and productivity. What they enable us to do is focus on what we are doing here and now. Who are we doing what with? Are those activities and relationships enjoyable and fulfilling? If not, the transits this month provide the energy to make small shifts in how we function day-to-day, situation-to-situation and relationship-to-relationship.
What also makes these transits significant is that they all take place within 5 days of each other, from the 22nd to the 26th. Normally, when this many planets transit into new signs in so short a period, we can expect small changes to take place within that period. These are not earth shaking shifts, but, rather, opportunities for refining how we function in habitual or mundane situations. The planets involved are the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars.
The Sun changes sign every 30 days. What makes it unusual this month is that it is being accompanied into new signs by the other 3 planets. The Sun is passing from Leo to Virgo, which can be a difficult change. Leo likes to be spontaneous, expressive and playful. It is a good leader and organizer and likes attention. It carries itself with dignity and confidence. Virgo, on the other hand, is more shy and self-contained. Instead of focusing on the big picture that Leo sees, Virgo sweats the details and as such can be quite critical. If centered, this orientation helps to generate a refined, highly functional situation that is often geared toward helping others. The challenge of the Sun transiting from Leo to Virgo is that much of how we were functioning in Leo comes under the critical microscope of Virgo. Often one can feel so much self-judgment that all creativity and expressiveness is restricted. The challenge here is to continue to love yourself and your life, even as you strive to refine and improve that big picture.
Mercury transits from Virgo to Libra on the 25th. This is a much more harmonious and comfortable transit, since these signs are quite similar in many ways. They are both oriented toward quality of experience. They are both linear and left-brained. They are both gentle signs. They both prefer being subtle rather than overt. They can be critical (Virgo) and judgmental (Libra) when expressed in an off-centered way. One main difference is that, as an earth sign, Virgo wants to apply its knowledge to life in functional, serviceful ways that will enable a situation to flow more efficiently and productively. Libra, an air sign, wants to share the information with others in order to arrive at a consensus of mind before action is taken. Notice which house in your natal chart you have the last degrees of Virgo and the first degrees of Libra. That area of life is one that will probably see an increase in social activity the last few days of the month.
Venus transits from Cancer to Leo on the 26th. Again, very different signs. Venus pertains to relationship and the arts. Cancer prioritizes relationship to family members and one's home. Venus in Cancer can be oriented toward domestic arts like cooking and decorating. As a water sign Cancer is sensitive and often self-protective. Leo, the fire sign, is more dynamic and radiant both in relationship as well as creativity. It can enjoy the visual arts as well as theater arts and is often a natural performer, again, craving attention from an audience. In relationship Leo can be romantic, affectionate and highly sexual. Both Cancer and Leo are youthful, playful signs. See if you notice a change in your social tendencies as well as experiences the last few days of the month. If could be fairly subtle, but the pattern would be to be more externalized and expressive. One quality that is similar in both signs is that Cancer tends to be self-protective while Leo avoids doing anything that could put them in an embarrassing situation. Thus, Venus, a gentle, feminine energy may think twice in either sign before opening up and doing anything.
Mars represents drive and physicality. It can be courageous, direct, competitive and sexual. It is self-affirming, assertive and potentially contentious. It passes from Gemini to Cancer on the 25th. In Gemini, Mars will be oriented toward sharing information with other people. This could be through the spoken or written word. At times, Mars in Gemini can be too exuberant in this sharing to the point where one might come across as being arrogant, caustic or contentious. Although this is a definite possibility, more often the person will just be filled with excitement and enthusiasm in the communication process. Don't confuse style with substance. In Cancer, Mars has a problem. Mars' nature is to be direct. Cancer prefers being indirect. Mars in Cancer may think it has made a specific point about a specific topic, whereas the listener discerns only vaguely worded sentences that might actually mask both topic and main point. When Mars is in Cancer our emotions tend to be heightened and we tend to act out of emotion rather than logic. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it may be different than our normal behaviors. So pay attention in late month to see if you are being more emotionally self-aware, self-nurturing and self-expressive in the house (area of life experience) in your chart that contains the last few degrees of Gemini and first few of Cancer. If so, congratulations. You are paying attention and taking advantage of these transits.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Early month brings energy for communication and social interaction. Growth for you comes from maintaining balance in these activities. It will probably seem comfortable for you to relate to a variety of people and share a variety of ideas with them. Too many people and ideas lead to superficial connections and understanding. You may feel scattered and disorganized. Not enough people or information can leave you feeling bored and frustrated. Being thoughtful and deliberate are the keys.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Focusing on home and family this month can lead to both the sense and experience of emotional stability and well-being. Having a neighborhood barbecue, beautifying the house in some way and spending time with relatives are all realistic and fulfilling ways of dealing with the transits this month. Growth comes from experimenting with new behaviors in dealing with others, especially friends and extended family.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month is a good time to be open and direct. Let others know your points of view without sounding contentious or confrontational. Growth for you this month comes from being open to new ideas coming from others and then striving for a deeper understanding of those ideas. If you are applying information in practical ways that are beneficial to you and those closest to you, you are successfully taking advantage of these transits.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The full Moon in Aquarius on the 5th is a time to really tune in to yourself. The focus can be on your emotional life, but it also be an opportunity for you to clarify your goals. Growth comes from being honest with yourself in assessing who you are. The new Moon in Leo on the 20th, falling close to the range of other planetary changes mentioned above, is a wonderful opportunity for profound transformation either in your primary relationship or in your relationship to yourself.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Self-awareness is the key for you this month. Two qualities are especially in high focus. One is your generosity. Are you motivated by compassion or the need for recognition? The other quality is your spiritual connection to Divine Spirit. Do you have one? Can you see beyond yourself to connect with that which is greater than you are?
Whatever your answers to these questions, this month presents opportunities to expand your relationships so that increased selflessness, charity and unconditional love are the priorities.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The Sun and Mercury in Virgo this month provide the energy to be more expressive in revealing yourself and your ideas. Growth comes from minimizing self-criticism and replacing it with personal process work. They may feel similar but in fact are quite different. When we process we are acting constructively, in a centered and self-loving way to improve our relationship to self and others. When we are being critical we are usually just seeing ourselves in a negative light and leaving it at that.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This is a month to work on harmonizing and improving relationships at work. With clients or customers, focus on being your normal thoughtful, diplomatic self. With colleagues, strive to find common ground. We can all be more productive by seeking collaboration rather than the contention of having to be 'right' or 'in control'. You can also apply the energies this month to improving the aesthetics of the work place.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This is a good month for you to be looking inward, getting in touch with the deep feelings that abide there and sharing them with others. Normally you may shy away from being that vulnerable. This month, however, you may notice that the opportunities to reveal are easy, comfortable and relatively risk free. This could especially be true in relationships with your primary partner, your teachers, neighbors or members of your extended family.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Joyfulness, creativity and altruistic interaction are qualities you are likely to experience this month. This is a time to really illuminate all the positive and expansive qualities of your nature. Growth for you comes from not being excessive in your generosity to others or your expectations of others. Learn the difference between exuberance and discrimination.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Work on your body this month. A daily routine that includes some kind of workout is beneficial. If nothing else, spend some time learning about health maintenance. Accidents affecting hands or fingers could set you back, so be careful in dealing with tools. Beyond that, this is a good time to have a harmonious meeting of the minds with a significant partner.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The full Moon in Aquarius on the 5th brings more emotional self-awareness than you are usually comfortable with. Growth for you this month comes from accepting your sensitivity and learning how you to express it in important relationships so that your fulfillment is enhanced.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This is a good time to develop a positive perspective on your self-image. By paying attention in your relationships you will notice that you are a kind, gentle person who gives others the benefit of the doubt and relates to them with compassion and generosity. You also may notice, however, that you tend to go overboard and try to do too much for others. Growth for you comes from acknowledging your positive relationship skills even as you learn to set limits on yourself in order not be too accommodating or co-dependent.