The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2018
When planets are retrograde, we experience and express their energies in personal, subjective ways. Consequently, when there are numerous retrograde planets events and life experience can seem strange and disjointed. This was true this summer when as many as six planets were retrograde. This month, we are down to 3. Two of them are outer planets (Uranus and Neptune) which have already been retrograde for several months. The third is Venus, which turns retrograde on October 5 and direct on November 16. We can assume that the activities triggered by Venus will be somewhat askew during that period.
Venus pertains to values, money, beauty and relationship. When any planet is retrograde it's time for each of us to be more attuned to its energy in ways that are more personal and subjective than interactive and objective. Collective ways of relating to the energy are superseded by the individual.
Values give our lives significance. The greater the significance, the greater the quality of life. We are at a time in our country when our collective values are under attack. This is a time to tune in to what is important to us. Hopefully, what we decide is important to us individually will reflect the collective. For example, the United States was founded on a philosophy of diversity. That diversity can pertain to religion, ethnicity or race. The question at hand is whether we, individually and collectively, are continuing to embrace those ideals. We are the only county in the world that I know of that espouses those values, even though many others might like to emulate them. Whether those ideals have ever really manifested is not the point. What matters is whether we are still on a path to create that reality or not. With Venus retrograde, it's time to recommit to living out those values, or be clear and upfront about what we should be basing our culture on.
Finances can also be up for review at this time. Collectively this is usually a time when the financial markets shift. If they have been going up, they may go down during the retrograde and then back up again. It can also work in the opposite direction. The more important issue is what is each of us doing relative to our personal budgeting and spending patterns? This is not a good time to make major purchases for two reasons. One is that our values are under review. What we might find to be a useful purchase when Venus is retrograde may not be the same when Venus is direct. Similarly, major purchases are often based on aesthetics, which are also under review at this time.
Venus pertains to beauty. What we find attractive during its retrograde period is often at odds with our perception when direct. This is a good time to avoid buying expensive jewelry or art or re-painting the house. The term "buyers remorse" could have been coined by someone buying something that proved to be an embarrassment a few weeks later. Although, to be fair, they might agree with their decision every eighteen months, the duration between Venus retrograde periods.
Perhaps the most compelling and personal experience to be reviewed at this time is relationship, especially since Venus will be in Scorpio and Libra, the two prime signs of relationship, during this retrograde.
The sign and house position of Venus in our natal chart reveals fundamental social behaviors. These can include what we need and what we offer in relationship. This can pertain to any type of social interaction, although primary, romantic relationship is usually what we associate with Venus. Remember that retrogrades can skew perception. What we might find attractive in a partner during Venus direct may seem not important when Venus is retrograde. We might also realize that some of our needs are not being met.
This is especially true now since Venus will be transiting through Scorpio and Libra. With Venus in Scorpio the focus is often on deep emotional bonding. This can include being open and honest with each other in order to experience transformation through the relationship. With Venus in Libra the orientation can be more about equality and harmony. If we notice that our needs in these areas are not being fulfilled there are several things to keep in mind. One, is the need realistic in the context of the relationship? Two, if it is, how and when do we bring it to the partner's attention? The important things are one's awareness and the willingness on the part of both people to address it. There doesn't have to be complete resolution and hence fulfillment of the need during the retrograde period. As long as the conversation begins, and both parties agree to continue it after the retrograde, positive change can occur. Remember that the partner may be having similar realizations about you and will have other issues they want to address. As a result of all this, there should be no decisions about major changes in the situation during the retrograde. This is a time of research, review and remedial care.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: There could be challenges in social activities for you this month. Although there could be the intention to make new friends, possibly even being open to different kinds of people. However, there could also be confusion about the nature or depth of the relationships. You might want something deeper, they might prefer something more casual. Be open to the flow rather than trying to create a certain result.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Not only is your ruling planet, Venus, turning retrograde, but the full Moon on the 24th will be in Taurus. This is a month to tune in to your inner, emotional needs and desires. Growth comes from expressing those things, but be careful and discerning about when, how and why to be open. Being to forceful could leave you feeling vulnerable or misunderstood.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a good time to focus on the details of your life. Some of them could pertain to health issues, some to work issues and some to striving for more consistency in your daily routine. Researching ways of resolving health issues and trying to be more technically proficient at work are two ways to work with the energies this month.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon will be in Libra on the 8th; the full Moon will be in Taurus on the 24th. These are the two signs ruled by Venus. The focus for you this month is on relationship. The new Moon brings attention to family; the full Moon focuses more on friends and colleagues. In either case, this is a good time to get clear about your experience and sense of fulfillment in those situations.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: You may feel pulled in several directions this month. The need for deep connection with family may be at odds with changes or new challenges at work. Romantic relationship also needs attention because you and/or your partner may feel the need for alteration in the dynamic of the situation. Growth can come from acknowledging the importance of each of these things, but also in prioritizing the time and energy you choose to give each one.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a month for deep, introspective research. This could focus on your needs for emotional well being in various relationships. It could also be oriented to investigating a subject that you are passionate about. Growth can come from communicating some of the results of these projects to those who are interested either in your or the topic.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Venus retrograde can really hit home with you, since aesthetics and relationship tend to be prime priorities. You many often look to others to define or affirm your reality. This is a time to focus within and to get clear about how things look and feel to you regardless of feedback from others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: You may tend to focus on the deeper levels of life experience. This month brings that tendency front and center. There could also be the drive to let others know your understanding of things. Growth can come from not being too heavy handed or forceful in the communication process.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: You may have been focusing on deeper, more profound issues or feelings this year than usual. This month is like final exam time in which your new realizations need to be integrated. This could pertain to your behaviors, values and life style in ways that are real and can be maintained over time.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: You may feel somewhat centered and peaceful this month, allowing situations to unfold without feeling the need to control them. One area that may need attention, however, is your relationship with friends and colleagues or with groups of which you are a member. Focus on your feelings about the people or the group itself. The point is to get clear about how much you value them rather than trying to control them to get your needs met.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Late month could bring challenges, especially on the home front. You may feel as if your authority, creativity or autonomy in the family is being challenged or at least questioned. Growth can come from looking within in order to fashion a cogent and appropriate response rather than just responding by lashing out.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This is a time for clear thinking and communicating. If you are a student, research projects are supported. The full Moon on the 24th can bring emotional clarity that needs to be shared with those closest to you. This is a good time to integrate mental clarity with your usual clear intuition.
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.