The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2014
Several interesting themes are emerging this month. One is the Grand Trine in fire signs that was discussed in last month’s column. This month the alignment is closest from the 4th-9th. Confidence, creativity, adventure and spontaneity are all supported at this time.
Another theme is retrogradation of Mercury from the 4th-25th. This is a time when communication can get fuzzy and we might misunderstand what is being said to us, or be misunderstood. Take the time to be clear about what you want to say and what you think you are hearing. Writing is furthered at this time. This could either be creative (taking advantage of the transiting Grand Trine) or simply to clarify your point of view to someone else. This is also a good time for research as well as improving or working on machinery.
There will also be two eclipses this month - a full Moon lunar eclipse on the 8th in Aries and a new Moon solar eclipse on the 23rd in Scorpio. Eclipses are rare events, taking place about four times a year. Astrology is based on the concept of “as above so below”, so we can assume that eclipses can portend unusual or unexpected activities. If an eclipse is in aspect (especially a conjunction or opposition) to a planet in your natal chart, something may take place or show up unexpectedly in your life. This would most likely show up the house (area of life) that that natal planet resides. It will rarely be life altering, but it could bring an interesting insight or opportunity. Most of the time, and for most of the people, eclipses indicate something unusual that might affect large groups of people, especially around the time of the full Moon lunar eclipse. This eclipse in Aries could suggest aggressive military force, possibly a peak of violence in one or more of the many conflicts going on in the world. It could also suggest something more domestic, such as the local police operating in a military-like way to counter frustration among a certain group of people. The solar eclipse tends to affect leaders of countries or corporations in ways that could be fairly extreme. Scorpio can also pertain to collective financial resources and, therefore, affect the stock market. October has traditionally been a month when the United States financial markets have suffered some of their worst losses.
Perhaps more challenging than either Mercury retrograde or the eclipses is the square between Jupiter in Leo and Saturn in Scorpio that will be with us most of the month. This is a classic conflict between the energy of expansion, optimism, enthusiasm, humor and generosity (Jupiter) and the energy of limitation, seriousness, responsibility and fear (Saturn). This conflict is even more exacerbated by the fact that Leo is an expressive, dynamic fire sign. It is oriented toward fun, spontaneity and bringing things out in the open. Scorpio, on the other hand, can be quite sensitive and secretive. One of the places this can apply is in personal relationship. Leo enjoys the romance and pleasure that can accompany spending time with someone special. Scorpio would prefer that time spent together was focused more on the serious work of getting to know each other on a deeper, more emotionally bonded level. A similar conflict might emerge relative to finances. Leo is one of the gamblers of the zodiac. This could manifest as enjoying time in one of the casinos, or investing in stocks. Playing with money either way. Scorpio is more focused on security than we might assume, leading to a more frugal lifestyle.
This is definitely a month to stay focused and pay attention. Lots going on and with that there is always the potential to open new doors of consciousness, creativity and positive behavioral changes.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries, combined with Mars’ involvement with the Grand Trine suggests that this could be an interesting month of new beginnings. One place that might take place is getting more in touch with your inner being and becoming more comfortable sharing your feelings with others.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Your artistic nature could be strongly activated this month inspiring creative output. Awareness of aesthetics could also enhance the harmony and pleasure you derive in doing the simple chores of everyday life. Working smarter not harder can enable us to be more productive even as we take more delight in the experience.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a wonderful time to engage in harmonious, enjoyable social situations. It’s also a time to peak curiosity and be open to new ideas and intellectual stimulation. However, your most interesting growth may come from slowing the mind down and tuning in to interesting intuitive insights, especially early in the month.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The eclipses involving the Sun-Moon relationship can significantly affect your interaction with life. You could feel more confident and act in ways that are more direct and self-affirming than usual. You could feel more comfortable taking risks and doing things that you might normally not be interested in. Whether these activities become new habits or something that you do just this month is your choice.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The high level of creative energy this month could inspire you to start new projects or even to get involved with a new medium or outlet. Being authentic and true to yourself could also be a way to utilize the energy available to you this month.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a good time to deal with any outstanding issues that need to be addressed either within your family or within your neighborhood. Being specific in terms of who, what and how would be important in order to resolve things or put awkward situations back on a harmonious and enjoyable track.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Personal appearance could be a point of focus for you this month. The way we present ourselves to the world may reveal how we feel about ourselves. Similarly, how we present ourselves could enhance our sense of well-being. Upgrading personal appearance could be a way to enhance and acknowledge an increase in self-esteem.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Saturn having been in Scorpio for the past two years could have made this time challenging to you. Saturn will leave Scorpio temporarily in December, but you may feel a new wave of difficulty with the Saturn-Jupiter square this month. Growth can come from lightening up and finding something fun and enjoyable to engage in.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a time to be firing on all cylinders. Adventure, athletic activity, travel, any could be opportune. Growth, however, comes from spending at least some time checking in to make sure that you are not getting overextended or excessive in your energy expenditure. The inner voice is not always the inner critic. It could also be the sound of inner wisdom.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Opportunities for expansion and fun this month might run counter to your serious nature or desire to always be productive. Take advantage of the openings to change your choices and behaviors, at least for a little while.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: New relationships or altering behaviors in a pre-existing one could be a theme for you this month. Although your drive for freedom from commitment may be particularly strong, so too could be your desire for sharing experiences with others in ways that are harmonious and mutually fulfilling. The challenge, and the growth, comes from shifting patterns in order to accomplish both.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Early and late month could bring opportunities for creative inspiration leading to artistic output as well as sharing intuitive insights with others. Your sense of service to others could also be at a peak this month. Remember, however, to be realistic about the amount of time and energy you realistically have to do for others.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. To make an appointment for a reading or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.