The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - September 2019
When two planets are in opposition to each other and are both 90 degrees from a third planet, astrologers call that pattern a T-Square. It can be a highly challenging aspect that brings both internal tension as well as the potential for interactive conflict with others. The benefit, of course, is that if we do the work necessary to respond to the challenges, great growth can ensue. This month a major T-Square will form during the first two weeks. Four planets will line up in Virgo (the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars) and be in opposition to Neptune in Pisces. All five will in turn be squared (90 degree separation) to Jupiter in Sagittarius. The Jupiter-Neptune square has been addressed in this column before, since it has been ongoing for most of the year. It is one of if not the most challenging aspect we've been dealing with. It establishes tendencies to be highly idealistic about various situations. We could be deceived by others who make fantastic claims about future events. We could also deceive ourselves by inflating our potential to do something. This aspect proves the old adage that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.
There have been two antidotes to this confusion. One is to verbalize to others what our expectations are. They may notice the lack of reality and provide feedback to that effect. The other is to apply some critical analysis to our planes, asking "what is or could go wrong with this picture?" The good news about this transiting T-Square is that Virgo's nature is to notice the flaws and imperfections inherent in any situation. So even though T-Squares are challenging, this one has the potential to help us to see though the illusions of the Jupiter-Neptune square. The question is, how to do this work?
Jupiter in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces will tend to see the big picture. Within that frame there could be some possibilities that are fantastic, wonderful and highly desirable. Of course there could also be opposing possibilities, but Jupiter in particular is by nature positive, optimistic and joyful. Faced with numerous options, Jupiter will always be true to its nature. Virgo, on the other hand, is much more detail oriented. It will observe a situation analytically, striving to address is as efficiently, effectively and technically proficient as possible. As an earth sign, it will also want to make sure that any big ideas or expansive plans have a practical application.
One could make a case for being as positive as possible at all times. This can enhance our self-confidence and make success more likely. However, if the situation is in fact not what it appears (Neptune is the energy of illusion) we setting ourselves up for disappointment and drain of good energy by naively assuming that the positive is the only potential. By deliberately seeking the inherent flaws, we could still be positive and the outcome could be even better if we are armed with the reality of the situation. We are not being negative in our thinking or restrictive in our decisions or actions, we are simply honing in on the best way to be the most productive.
When Virgo energy is used off-center it can be highly reductive. Criticism is not constructive; nothing is good or positive One of the finer qualities of Virgo is its ability to engage in highly refined perception and analysis. This is the mark of the centered Virgo. The current transit suggests that if we are refined in our analysis of something or someone, we can take advantage of the realistically positive potential while avoiding the pitfalls of illusion. Giving up our idealized expectations isn't necessarily easy, but it can help us to avoid major mistakes that have long term negative potential. This is especially important in light of the most important transit that we will face in 2020: the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. This alignment is anything but joyful and optimistic. It will require each of us to increase our sense of personal responsibility, be more self-disciplined and serious with regard to achieving productive goals. Anything that we experience in the present that doesn't take those things into consideration is likely to be that much more difficult to deal with and undo in the future.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This month requires you engage in subtle contemplation. This is not a tendency that you normally have. So growth for you this month is to be less action oriented and more analytical. This is a good time to focus on health issues or to take the time to improve and refine your technical skills at work.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Take advantage of the T-Square this month by addressing issues that pertain to your children, your hobbies or your creative expression. This is a good time to develop and refine practical skills in each of those areas. This will promote long range feelings of competence that, in turn, can be utilized to enhance your social experiences with friends and colleagues.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The transiting T-Square will create a Grand Square for you. Stressful, yes, but the potential to overcome it is equally strong. One way out of the expanding delusional system that tends to come out of a Jupiter-Neptune square is communication. You are the sign of communication. By activating that quality you can network and provide feedback that can help others realize the illusions in their expectations.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Pisces on the 14th corresponds to two other planets (Mercury and Venus) changing from Virgo to Libra. Lots of changes in social dynamics that day can roil your emotional or psychological state. Growth can come from maintaining your internal equilibrium by spending time in meditation.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The challenges of the transiting T-Square could be felt financially. This is a good time to realign your material needs and expectations so that they correspond with both your inherent talents and abilities and your realistic expectations of financial remuneration. Cutting losses now can save greater losses later on.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This month you may feel as if the universe is finally in alignment with and supportive of your world view. This is a good time to bring your positive potential for refined, detail oriented perceptions and thinking to the forefront. Use them particularly in areas of self-awareness, primary relationship and home and family.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a time that will require a lot of adjustment. It's a time to learn and adapt. Some people will have a harder time doing this than others. Growth for you comes from staying in your own lane. Do your own thinking and adapting. It's not time to be focused on helping others to achieve or maintain their balance.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Since it is your nature to contemplate things deeply and methodically, the challenge of this months T-Square may be helpful to you. If it is, growth can take place by transforming certain social dynamics. This could be anything from changing your criteria for friendship or how you relate to those people. Challenges in the beginning of this process could lead to enhanced depth of connection.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Situations this month could pop your balloon of unrealistic optimism or excessive belief in something. Growth comes from remembering that one of life's priorities for you is to learn. The lessons may be hard to internalize this month, but they will nonetheless bring a more realistic and productive perspective in the long run.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The transits this month are in alignment with your desire for practical productivity. As illusion gives way to truth, you could be capable of capitalizing on it by being clearer in your goals and more prolific professionally.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: You have the ability to be both big picture as well as practical in your thinking and expectations. The transits this month provide support in being able to be grounded in your perceptions and productive in your work. This is a good time to deepen you connection to those things that provide you with meaning and value.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Criticism is the key word for you this month. Whether in the form of self-criticism or being criticized by others, the challenge for you is to stay positive and confident. Growth can come from prioritizing learning and consciousness development over the need to be right, let alone perfect.
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.