The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2015
The word aspect, when applied to astrology, refers to a significant angular relationship between two or more planets. Depending on the angle that separates the planets their connection could be blending, harmonious and mutually supportive. Or, it could present challenges that must be addressed. The prime harmonious aspects are 60 degree (sextiles) and 120 degree (trine) connections. They enable situations to remain flowing in a stable way. The main challenging aspects are the 90 degree (square) and 189 degree (opposition) connections. These challenges occur either in our relationship to ourselves (squares) or to others (opposition). There is also a fifth major aspect called a conjunction. This is when two or more planets are very close together. The opportunity, and challenge, of a conjunction is to blend or integrate each of the separate planetary energies into a more focused, flowing unit. If we are successful in that process, conjunctions can help us get a lot done in a short time because we have a lot of energy in the same place at the same time, all doing the same thing. If we don’t affectively blend the energies, each of the planets will tend to do its own thing in its own way and time. This leads either to confusion or dissipation of the energies involved.
This month the most interesting aspect is a conjunction between 3 planets, all in the sign Virgo. In August, this column focused on the transit of Jupiter into Virgo. This represents the principle of expansion (Jupiter) entering a sign that focuses on details, service and health. We discussed how this could lead to anything from feeling overwhelmed by the minutiae of life to learning about ways to maintain or regain good health. We could exaggerate tendencies to be compulsively idealistic and reductively critical of anything or anybody (including ourselves) who fail to life up to that idealized standard. Jupiter in Virgo can also put emphasis on joyful service as well as helping us learn about ways to heal our environment. This month two other planets, Venus and Mars, combine with Jupiter to form a small Stellium, or cluster of planets in one sign.
The Venus-Mars conjunction has also been a topic this year in this space. This is the third time this year that these polar planets have been conjunct. The first one was in February, when they were in Pisces and Aries. In late August and early September, when Venus was retrograde, they were conjunct in Leo. Polar planets rule opposite signs. They also pertain to opposite influences. For example, Venus has to do with affection and sensuality. Mars is more focused on sex. Both are important parts of a relationship, but one is more receptive while the other is more assertive. Conjunctions can be times of blending the separate energies into a larger block. So Venus and Mars provide the opportunity to integrate our feminine and masculine characteristics. We can be aesthetically aware (Venus) even as we feel a drive (Mars) to execute an art project. We can be harmonious and thoughtful (Venus) even as we are self-affirming (Mars) letting others know what our needs and desires are. This is the aspect of the inner marriage in which we have an opportunity to integrate our feminine and masculine selves. This can enable us to realize where we fall on the gender spectrum. We don’t have to be limited to a binary (all male or all female) sense of self. We can find out where we fall within that spectrum. Once discovered and defined we can be more comfortable and authentic sharing ourselves socially and romantically in ways that can lead to successful, fulfilling relationships.
Into this mix comes Jupiter. The conjunction of Jupiter to Mars will essentially last all month, but the peak of influence will be from the 10th-25th. Venus enters the picture toward the end of the month, being conjunct Mars from the 26th-November 9th and Jupiter from 0ct 21st-29th. Keep in mind that neither Venus nor Jupiter are comfortable in Virgo. By nature Virgo is a sign that seeks efficiency in applying analyzed information to practical situations and in serviceful ways. Virgo can be austere, self-contained and focused on process and technique. Venus and Jupiter prefer things to be pleasurable and joyful. It’s not that they can’t function in Virgo. It’s that their nature is not coincident with the focus on hard work and accurate understanding that is the hallmark of Virgo.
If we are off-center at this time, we might find ourselves being fretful and frustrated and the expansive nature of Jupiter constantly reminds us of our imperfection of knowledge or performance. This could be especially true in the area of life (house) that these planets, in the last ten degrees of Virgo, are transiting. We could also overdo any assumptions that we are not attractive or loveable enough. This could be due to physical imperfections or because our clothing style is not in alignment with the fashion police of the day. In a similar but exact opposite manifestation, we could feel a tremendous sense of duty to engage in activities that are designed to save the planet (saving the environment for human habitation is really the issue; the planet itself will be fine). In a relational context, we could try so hard convince someone else of their attractiveness and loveability that the relationship becomes awkward. Finally, watch out for being caustic in communication. Mars (anger) and Jupiter (expansion) can prove volatile and override the natural Venusian tendency to be diplomatic. This could also manifest as passive-aggressive if we smile and pretend all is well as we subtly criticize someone else. This is a good transit to note ways that we project the shadow of our own inadequacies and things we don’t like about ourselves onto others.
In a more centered expression, this conjunction can serve to expand the opportunity to be honest in sharing our social selves with others. What do we offer? What do we need? What behaviors accurately portray our sense of social, sexual and gender identity? Jupiter needs emotional honesty in personal relationships and Venus and Mars are the planets of relationship. Virgo can be refined in its interests, orientation and expression. Venus can aid that tendency and thereby soften some of the Martian tendency to be too contentious.
Conjunctions can be good times for new beginnings. The alignment this month can be a good time to research a project that pertains to work, a new modality of healing or a system within which you can be of service. You could follow this up rather quickly by actually implementing what you are learning. This could also be a good time to bring relationship issues out in the open. Virgo likes to process and refine. We can use this conjunction to initiate a time or methodology through which a relationship could improve over time to the satisfaction of all concerned.
This is a time of year when nature reveals her most radiant colors. Virgo is a sign that appreciates the natural world. Take some time this month to get outdoors. Whether we are putting the garden away for the winter, going on a hike or simply driving around the countryside, this conjunction can impel a new or expanded appreciation of our Mother Planet.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The triple conjunction this month gives you the opportunity to make progress on the job. It could be in the form of a beginning a new one, or developing new skills in an existing one. Growth can come from being humble in new beginnings and being patient in both learning and applying new tools.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The full Moon in Taurus on the 27th provides a unique opportunity to tune in to the higher self. Clarity through dreams, during meditation or artistic inspiration could all manifest at that time. Growth comes by being willing to look deeply within in order to understand yourself better.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Challenges or conflicts at work or in personal relationship requires you to be honest in response. Don’t be afraid to confront the problem or the person openly. Exchanging truths with each other can make a significant difference in bringing about necessary changes.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full and new Moon’s will make significant contact with the transpersonal planets this month. This can afford you the opportunity to notice insights and inspirations that can enhance consciousness development. It could also bring changes in behavior and experience dealing with groups and organizations.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Creativity is strong in both early and late month. In between, there could be power struggles in relationships and unexpected changes and challenges with neighbors or extended family. Growth comes from engaging difficult people with openness, honesty and love.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: The alignment in Virgo this month can stimulate you to be more self-affirming and assertive than you may usually tend to be. Feelings of confidence can combine with drive, ambition and a powerful sense of physicality that can enable you to be affective and fulfilled in both practical and social matters.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: The new Moon in Libra on the 12th can provide an opportunity to derive deep, useful insights into your feelings. It can also help you change habitual ways of responding to others so that the priority is being emotionally honest rather simply focused on keeping things nice.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a good time to work with friends and family to refine both the dynamics and quality of your relationships. Growth comes from being open and honest about what you want and how you feel. Hiding that information could lead to frustration, volatile behaviors and impulsive choices.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: In general the next year could bring opportunities for success in the professional arena. This month is a particularly good time to begin something new, whether a job or simply bringing a new sense of openness and curiosity to the job. Approach these changes in deliberate and methodical ways to avoid overextension and resulting confusion.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: You could feel limited this month by either or both of 2 things. One is financial. The other is relationship. In the former, use early month as a time to re-assess needs for assets in the future. In the latter, work with the partner in order to be clear about your respective needs and expectations.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This month can bring perspective about how others perceive you as well as your own sense of uniqueness. Growth comes from working with the feedback from others rather than just detaching from them or responding with aloofness. Listen to the feedback, but consider the source. If you don’t respect the person, why internalize their perspectives?
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This could be an important month for you in terms of personal relationships. Motivation, confidence, clarity and the ability to be self-affirming and straight forward are qualities that are strongly present. They can enable you to let the other person know who you are as well as working to develop, refine and improve the relationship.
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.