The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2020
On of the most important Presidential elections in the history of the United States is a month away. This column doesn’t provide enough space to look at the charts of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, but we can assess Election Day by looking at the energetic climate leading up to it. There are three key events to keep in mind. Two of them are ongoing and we have addressed them in previous columns. These are the Mars retrograde in Aries and squaring the conjunction of Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn. The third is an opposition between The Sun and Uranus that will begin in late October and continue through the first week of November.
In reviewing the former, there are a few things that can affect the election. One is the potential for violence. This could be on either end of the political spectrum and be based on the Mars retrograde tendency to direct violence at each other rather than at the rest of the world. Mars retrograde can have a tendency to release anger that was previously repressed or unconscious. Since we have already seen violent protests against police forces, and violent responses to the protestors, this is not good news.
The square from the Mars to the Capricorn Stellium provides more background for the violence. Some will be acting out against a government that they see as overstepping its authority. What’s confusing is that some people feel that the state or federal governments are acting in fascistic ways by requiring people to wear masks to avoid spreading Covid, and in doing so are limiting individual freedom. Others are acting out against police departments that support racist policies and procedures. Still others are violently confronting protestors, whether they are violent or not. One point to keep in mind is that when Mars is retrograde, the attacking elements almost always lose.
The Sun-Uranus opposition adds another layer of potential chaos. The opposition is an aspect that creates interactive tension between self and other. One way to look at this is that the Sun can represent authority (either the President or the government as a whole) while Uranus can represent the social collective, that is, the people. It also can pertain to revolution or unconventional behavior. So again we see more potential for acting out. Another facet, however, is that Uranus brings the unusual, the unexpected and the unpredictable. This could pertain to something that transpires just prior to the election that could be perpetrated by either the government or by masses of people that throw the election into disarray. This opposition is happening along the Taurus-Scorpio access, which can deal with financial issues. So another possibility is that economic news or unexpected changes disrupt the election. Or it could be that the challenges presented by mail-in ballots and a Post Office that seems dysfunctional could disrupt the final results, at least temporarily. This aspect can also suggest that as election draws near the people realize that neither party nor the candidates are really speaking to or about them. There are many, many problems that the common person is challenged by in their lives at this time. If the politicians merely preen for the media and make grand pronouncements that don’t speak to the real issues, who do we vote for?
One answer can lie in the placement of the Moon in the United States chart. It is in the sign Aquarius and in the Third House, the house of communication. Aquarius is the sign of the unique and independent. It suggests that our fellow citizens are free thinkers who draw their own conclusions about issues when presented with facts. Aquarius is also the sign that is most associated with technology and the Internet. One form of communication that is particularly important is journalism. We hear criticism of the “liberal media” or “conservative media” but they are never supported with facts. We are, however, being continually bombarded with information shared over the Internet that is neither factual nor provable. They are conspiracy theories that in many cases would be comical if they weren’t so dangerous. Some are perpetrated by foreign governments who seek to swing the election one way or the other. Some simply want to sow confusion and divisiveness.
I would like to think that the US Moon in Aquarius indicates that we are big hearted people who relate to our fellow humans, both American and otherwise, with a sense of inclusion, acceptance and empathy. If that’s true, then we can’t let small minded factions either domestic or foreign, to close us off from each other or from the rest of the world. Since the Third House represents communication, this election calls on us to communicate with each other in a typical open-minded Aquarian way. It’s OK to disagree and even have significantly different perspectives about national priorities. But we at least need to talk to each and listen to each other. We might not change anyone’s mind, but at least we will hear each other and understand what’s important to “the other side”. In this process, we might also realize that we have more in common than we thought. In any case, it’s important that after a period of research and due diligence, we tune out mass media and the Internet and make up our own minds.
Regarding this election, it’s important that we trust the process. Our democracy isn’t perfect and never has been. Democracy is a relatively new form of government and as such it is still in the experimental stage. Trusting the process means making sure to vote and having the faith that the person who has the best interests of the greatest number of people, both in this country and beyond, will win.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The Full Moon in Aries on the 1st , combined with Mars retrograde in Aries, could lead to impulsive emotional outbursts. This is a good time to be in nature or to find some other physical outlet that enables the release in healthy ways.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Long range planning can lead to productive activity, especially in school or career. This is a good time to see a bigger picture and to feel the confidence and clarity that can lead realization of your goals.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a time of review for you. It could pertain to your friends, your job or even health maintenance issues. Take your time. Reflect deeply. Best time to act on realizations gained through this process would be next month.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The challenging transits could affect you most in relationship and career. Growth can come from not taking things too personally. Be supportive of others without getting in the line of fire.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: You could be one of the signs most impacted by the Sun-Uranus opposition. Things could suddenly erupt in primary relationships. Don’t overreact. Strive to see your part in the dynamic and make behavioral changes where appropriate. It isn’t necessary that you put up with bullying or threats.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: While the world seems to be falling apart around you, this is good time for you to act in the cause of peace and harmony. Avoid co-dependency even as you function as a mediator. Your sense of discernment can be helpful both to you and others.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: With all the chaos in the world, this would be a good time for you to go inward. Spending time alone in meditation or artistic expression would be beneficial. This would also be a good time to volunteer at the local food bank or at your local polling place.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Autumn has officially begun. This is a time of introspection. Use this as a time to review values, behaviors and finances. A transformation or rebirth of a relationship is possible once you have brought your contribution to it up to date.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: In a time of low energy and interactive challenges, you can be an encouraging influence by pointing out a positive big picture. Your sense of humor can go a long way to alleviate others’ concerns or fears.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The stress and challenges you have been experiencing this year could actually increase this month. A healthy response to them could be by adopting a humble and receptive attitude. It won’t be easy, but growth can come from acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Your independent and contrarian tendencies could get exacerbated this month. At a time of chaotic change you could provide a clear vision of a path forward. The motivation to do so, however, should come from compassion and a sincere desire to help, rather than just the need to be “right”.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Mid-month could bring powerful feelings of humanitarian compassion and the desire to be of healing service. Growth comes from making decisions about what to do and how to do it by emphasizing practicality over idealism.
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.