The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - September 2008
This month five planets will transit through the sign Libra. These are the five personal planets; the ones that travel fastest and influence people’s horoscopes in the most diverse ways. We can assume, therefore, that these transits will impact each of us differently depending on how much Libran energy is in our individual chart. The more planets we have in Libra, the more comfortable we will be and be most able to capitalize on the transits. If we have no planets in Libra, this is an opportunity to develop more skill in expressing it.
Libra is the sign of partnership and it places great emphasis on one-to-one interaction. If we are centered in this activity, we create harmony in our social activities and have the ability to make others feel comfortable in our presence. We are thoughtful, considerate, diplomatic and fair-minded in dealing with others. We prioritize esthetics, valuing both our own as well as others’ creative efforts. We strive to live a balanced life, in which all parts of ourselves get its an appropriate amount of time and energy.
When we are off-center, our self-esteem is poor. Consequently we look to others to validate who we are and what we do. We prioritize positive feedback from others to the point that we may manipulate a situation in order to achieve that goal. We speak and act in ways that are designed to please the other person so that they like us and offer that good feedback. If we are off-center we could also become so attached to being nice and pleasant, spreading harmony wherever we go, that if things in our life become unpleasant we may blame others. In this context Libra is the sign of “open warfare”. We attack others for creating our misery or for causing us to act in a less than harmonious way.
The Sun transits through Libra every year from late September through mid October. The Moon will join it for a new Moon on the 29th. The other three planets in Libra this month are Mercury, Venus and Mars and these are the influences I will focus on. These planets determine the primary ways we interact with others, regardless of the signs they occupy. Mercury pertains to sharing ideas and information through communication. Venus is the ruling planet of Libra. It provides information about our needs in relationship, social behaviors and esthetic tendencies. Mars is fairly weak in Libra, the sign of its “detriment”. This means that the direct, assertive, initiating action of Mars is limited in Libra. Mars likes to do its own thing. In Libra it is constrained to take others into consideration before acting.
Mercury and Mars are conjunct each other from the first through the 27th. This combination of influences should generate lively debates and discussions. This could be done tactfully, with respect for the “other side” and a willingness to learn from the process. Or we could attack our opponent with hostility and caustic language. This could also be a good time to share opinions or points of view that are normally awkward to discuss. Libra provides the sense of fairness and diplomacy that can enable us to communicate about things that are highly charged. It would be interesting, and quite revealing if Obama and McCain were to square off for a debate or two during this period.
Mercury and Venus are conjoined from the 6th-20th. This enhances the social charm and comfort for both self and others. It can create harmonious ways of communicating whether through writing, speaking or singing as well as arts and crafts. Although Mercury in not considered strong in Libra, it is a planet that values logic and linear analysis. Libra is a yang sign and therefore quite comfortable with left brain activity. Reading, studying, writing papers or taking tests are all enhanced through this transit.
Venus and Mars conjunct each other from the 6th-12th. This is the most interesting of the transits. It combines the two planets that are most oriented to interaction. Mars deals with self, and the authentic way that we direct our energies outward. Mars is physical, sexual and can be contentious if it feels limited. It is the masculine expression in relationship. Venus is the feminine. It is receptive, romantic and emphasizes sharing with others rather than direct expression of self. Note all of us, male or female, have both planets in our chart and therefore must relate to both Venus and Mars. Failure to integrate or balance those influences minimizes our prospects for a healthy, fulfilling relationship.
It is the opportunity to integrate these energies within ourselves that is the highest option during this transit. We can be direct, self-affirming and courageous (Mars) in ways that take others needs and feelings into consideration. We can also be accommodating and adaptable (Venus) in ways that preclude dependency on others’ feedback. Our sense of self (Mars) and our need to be in relationship (Venus) are balanced.
Similarly, this is a good time to balance your energy in relationship. If you tend to be too yielding, this is a good transit under which to become more defined and self-expressive. If you tend to be too aggressive or demanding, this is a good transit under which to become aware of your own needs and to become more receptive.
This is also a great time to engage with a creative art. The esthetic sensibility of Venus combined with the courage and confidence of Mars can either get us going in a new creative medium or simply provide the drive to be more productive in an already familiar one.
The theme for this month is moderation. Being productive by doing things comfortably and graciously frees us from extreme measures or behaviors.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This could be a challenging period for you as your natural drive is sublimated to thinking of how your words and actions will affect others. Extremes of behavior, from being exceptionally nice to exceptionally angry the first half of the month could give way to feelings of love and compassion that last half.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
A most comfortable time for you. You could feel as though everything is moving in a harmonious way, which give you the opportunity to move at your rate of choice – slow, deliberate and methodical. Growth comes from not being overly leisurely or overly generous towards others. This is a great time to begin art projects.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Balance is the keyword for you this month. In addition to balancing your own male and female energies, the opportunity exists for you to integrate your normally active linear mind with the intuitive insights of the right brain. Subtle stuff, but growth comes from paying attention to and learning to trust your intuition.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The impact and potential of the Libran transits may feel comfortable to you until the new Moon in Libra on the 29th. Prior to that, the planets in Libra could cause you to prioritize the social graces as motivating factors rather that interacting based on your emotional state. Growth comes from learning to be more objective about things.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Challenges for you this month are more internal than interactive. Self-analysis and personal process work avoids tendencies to be self-critical, guilty or ashamed. Sudden changes in your environment keep you on your toes and, hopefully, open to changing your expectations or behaviors spontaneously.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
This is a good time to work on and improve your primary relationship. There is an objectivity about things that may not be there often for you, so take advantage. This is also a good time to clarify your values. If you don’t know what is important to you, it’s hard to feel contented.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
With all this energy in Libra, you could feel comfortable and happy, as if the whole world is now relating to life as you do. The downside is experiencing some of the typical Libran challenges – being too indecisive, placating or phlegmatic. Growth comes from using these energies in proactive ways that lead to the fulfillment of your needs.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Although all these planets in Libra stimulate social interaction, you might find them more useful in activities that are more spiritual or artistic. The key is spending time alone, in either pursuit. The “partner” in this case is your own higher being. Growth comes from feeling internally harmonious and content.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
This is a month to be productive in working toward whatever goals you are prioritizing at this time. Professional opportunities are met with a clear sense of direction, self-discipline and a strong drive to achieve. Growth comes from being practical and not getting bogged down in theory or projections for the future.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This could be an extremely expansive time in which your desires and goals coincide with your philosophy or sense of right livelihood. The balance prioritized by Libra can help you feel happy and satisfied with your efforts and hard work.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This is a great time to be in school or at least taking a class, especially in something that bring out your creativity. Emotionally and psychologically you could feel strong and stable enough take some risks, either academically, artistically or socially. Unexpected changes or challenges to your finances could require some attention.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The full Moon is in Pisces on the 15th. This brings more self-awareness, especially emotional, and a natural desire to maintain those activities or relationships that make you feel good, while minimizing or eliminating those activities or relationship that drain you. Growth comes from focusing on you enough to take advantage of the opportunities for personal growth inherent at that time.