The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - August 2022
We refer to a planet being “retrograde” when it appears over time to slow down in its orbit until it appears to stop. Then it slowly moves back in the direction that it came from. All the planets with the exception of the Sun and Moon take a turn being retrograde. Although this is obviously an optical illusion, it also allows to pause, reflect, review and revise how we experience and express the energy associated with that planet. This month the outer five planets are all retrograde. These are the heavenly bodies that pertain to consciousness development and group interaction. This is a month, therefore, when we need to hit the reset button in five areas.
Jupiter pertains to expansion. It helps us to expand our intellectual understanding of life so that we can be joyful and successful. It relates to subjects that enable us to have an overview of life in a systematic way. Topics such as metaphysics and theology are Jupitarian interests. Now is a time to review our philosophical understanding of life especially in terms of the ethics of our behavior. Are we honest in our relationships? Do we tend to be overly idealistic or cynical? Do we care about the truth at all? Now is a good time to review our understanding of these issues and alter our expectations of ourselves and others. We can bring our awareness of life and an honest expression of that truth up to date. Now is a good time to align philosophical theory with effective, productive and ethical activity.
Saturn is the planet of personal responsibility. It helps us establish and achieve realistic goals. We can establish and maintain healthy limits and boundaries between ourselves and others. When Saturn is retrograde, it’s a good time to check our plans and long-range goals. Are they practical and realistic? If not, update them. If so, also check to make sure that the methods we are employing to achieve those goals are actually working. We could be headed in the right direction but taking the wrong road to get there. So now is a good time to update methodologies and systems in order to more successful. Saturn is in Aquarius right now, the sign of the social collective. A lot of focus, therefore, could be on achieving things in one’s social life. This could either be by connecting with the right people or working with them to achieve a collective goal.
Uranus is an archetype of change. Ideally the changes would be born of inspiration and lead to personal liberation. Sometimes, however, it could be change for the sake of change. Rebellion from the known into an unknown. The results could be exciting, but also lead to chaos and insecurity. Now is a good time to see if your behaviors are oriented to the liberating potential of Uranus or simply a form of avoiding difficult situations. Uranus is in Taurus, a sign that focuses on long term financial security and material comfort. So while Uranus is retrograde, we can check in to see how aware we are of our material needs and how successful we are in meeting them. Uranus can pertain to the unique and individuated. The question is whether we are using our unique tools and talents effectively enough so that our finances are stable and growing. At this time of inflation and with the potential for recession, these are relevant questions to address at this time. Uranus also pertains to the collective consciousness, so we can anticipate changes therein as well.
Neptune is the energy of the subconscious mind and of transcendent consciousness. One of the confusing things about retrograde planets is their energy tends to be expressed in very personal ways. As mentioned earlier, these 5 planets pertain to collective experience. Having a personal experience can interfere with our collective interaction. Neptune tends to focus more on inner space, one’s personal connection to their psyche. When retrograde, Neptune, the energy of faith, provides a channel for a deep and personal connection to Source. It’s what I call “a hot-line to God”. This could impel us to engage in some type volunteer service or to make significant strides in deepening and solidifying our connection to the Divine. Neptune is in Pisces, the sign that it rules. Thus it’s potential for spiritual connection is multiplied both by sign and direction. Pisces is the sign of the collective subconscious. Since this is pretty subtle stuff, we might not see an immediate change in how the collective expresses spiritual energy. If enough individuals do their inner work, however, qualities of compassion and unconditional love can become more present in the world.
Pluto pertains to transformation. It asks the big questions such as why we are who we are and what is the nature of life? When retrograde, we can look beyond societies answers to those questions, whose answers may tend to be limited or superficial. Most people don’t want to look deeply into the main qualities of Plutonian priorities which are birth, sex and death. Transiting Pluto retrograde provides an opportunity to look at these fundamental issues from a personal and internal point of view. The three primal experiences that Pluto focuses on are complicated. But they also provide ways of connecting with Eternal Spirit in ways that can help us feel connected to life in deep and meaningful ways. Births and deaths can be messy. Sex can be transformational or not. However uncomfortable it may be to think about these concepts, they are fundamental to life and now is a good time for us to get clear about them in ways that are personal and meaningful.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Start the month by working on completing projects already underway. There may be some challenges in that process so it’s important to take your time and be patient. Late month is a good time to be open to new ideas, experiences and points of view. Completion in early month can provide a solid foundation to exciting changes later.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Family is a good focus for you this month. Early month is a good time to connect with extended family, which could include good friends and even neighbors. Later month can be spent at home with immediate family. Entertaining others at home or working on creative projects in the home are good ways to take advantage of the energy at this time.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Lots of new experiences and ideas available to you this month. Growth can come in three ways. One, is to strive to implement this information in practical ways. Two is by being open to intuitively, as well as logically, derived information. Third is by being prepared to defend your points of view if they are challenged, which could happen from mid month on.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon on the 11th is a good time to focus on intimate relationships. Being able to define your needs, as well as your limits and boundaries, is a good way to feel more seen and fulfilled. Be detached as you an in the conversations so that issues can be resolved to mutual benefit.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: With the Sun, your ruling planet, in Leo until the 20th, this is a good time for you to shine. Being playful and creative is great. So, too, can be acting on your organizational and leadership skills to inspire others in various ways. Doing these things with detachment, not looking for recognition, puts the spotlight on others and enables them to feel good about the experiences you share.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a good time to integrate the mind with the hands and get some practical work done. The more challenging the better as there is energy available that can provide innovative, experimental and intuitive insight. This is good for both problem solving as well as feelings of inspiration and competence.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Early month is a good time to focus on job-related activities. This would be a good time to either set new intentions or to complete ongoing projects. Mid-month the focus shifts to more social activities. This could be with colleagues, thereby extending the career focus. But it could also be with friends and just being playful.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Emotional intensity could be powerful in early month, requiring some type of conscious outlet in order to avoid a volatile outburst. When confronted by others this month, engage in quiet discussion rather than bombast trying to prove you are “right”. Growth comes from being open-minded even as you express your truth to others.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Lots of opportunities for creative outlet and expression for you especially in late month. Growth can come by staying grounded and being practical about what you can and cannot do. Excessive expectation can lead to disappointment even if the situation is positive and offers opportunity for fulfillment.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Challenges could come from either or both of two places this month. One comes in early month when you find your ideas challenged by others. Respond with a clear, methodical analysis. Late month challenges may be to your authority. If this is a professional or public situation, be willing to adapt. If it’s personal, respond with clear expression of limits and boundaries.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 11th challenges you to get in touch with feelings and to express them clearly. Aquarians don’t often or easily access this part of their inner life, so that alone could be difficult. Figuring out who to share this information with and how is another challenge. Growth can come from being open and vulnerable in the right relationships.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Harmonious connections with others can manifest in early to mid-month. This is a good time to have fun with others doing things are or could be creative, athletic or romantic. Best results happen when you are being realistic about the people and situations and avoid idealization.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.