The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - November 2010
This has been a challenging year for many people. Whether those difficulties were internal or external, personal or professional many of us are being called to make difficult and often unprecedented choices. Sometimes they force us to let go of something or someone sooner than we had intended. Other times, the letting go can lead to creative opportunities that enable us to open ourselves to new, exciting adventures. At times it can overwhelming, as if life is speeding up so fast that we are being bowled over and forced to think things through and act before we feel ready. Even in such challenging times, however, there are respites, periods when we get a break. This month could be one of those times.
Many of the hard aspects we have been experiencing for several months, or even a few years, are either completely over (Saturn square Pluto and opposition Uranus) or haven’t yet come back into orb (Uranus square Pluto). In addition, three planets (Sun, Mercury and Mars) will be in the expansive, joyful, optimistic sign Sagittarius. If nothing else, this could help us to have a more expanded and positive perspective. Sagittarius can provide both humor and a philosophical viewpoint that can help to solve problems in a clear and centered way.
One interesting aspect that is still with us is Jupiter conjuncting Uranus. The last time we discussed this combination they were in Aries, promising new beginnings and the willingness to take risks. Now, however, these planets have retrograded to Pisces, suggesting that we can be more contemplative and intuitive in seeking both understanding and ways out of problems. They will return to Aries after the first of the year, but for now the emphasis is more on knowing than it is on doing.
These patterns are further supported by a series of harmonious aspects (angular relationships between the planets) that will help us to slow down, feel more stable and make good decisions. For example, Saturn will sextile Mercury, suggesting the ability to think things through in a thorough manner and at a deep level. Saturn will also sextile Mars, which implies deliberate, methodical, stable, productive action. Similarly, Jupiter (the ruling planet of Sagittarius) will trine the Sun and Mercury. These aspects provide confidence, enthusiasm and the willingness to engage others in open-minded conversation. How refreshing in an election season in which the candidates spend more time vilifying their opponent than they do espousing their own plans and solutions to the seemingly endless series of problems that confront the nation and the world at this time.
The full Moon in Gemini on the 21st offers the potential to network with others. This can lead to gaining new information as well as perceiving familiar situations from new points of view.
The economy, however, is harder to predict. I’m writing this column prior to Venus turning retrograde. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, the financial markets will usually change direction at least once during Venus retrograde (October 8-November 18). If the stock or bond markets are going up prior to the 8th, they may go down either during the retrograde or immediately after. If they are doing down, they turn up. Given that the politicians who have some control over these things will try to keep the economy as stimulated and as strong as they can, primarily to increase job availability, things may get skewed prior to the election in early November. So, like the nature of Sagittarius, we want to keep an open mind and strive to see the biggest, longest range picture of the situation at this time and not get sucked into acting based on immediate shifts and changes.
On the personal level, a nice trine from Pluto to Venus this month offers the energy to work through any relationship changes that Venus retrograde also may require. The bottom line is that if we are paying attention, and want to meet the challenges of this time head on, without denial or diversion, the energy will available to us throughout this month to respond to our issues in clear, confident, creative and effective ways.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This could be a time of open-minded learning and responding to life in a very positive and optimistic way. You might be able to act on new ideas and integrate them into your life in grounded, productive ways. Growth for you comes from not getting carried away with too many expectations of what you can do and how you can do it. This could lead to frustrations and a tendency to get angry that will limit the productive potential.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
With your ruling planet Venus retrograde until the 18th, this month is a time for internal adjustments. Focusing on relationship and finance, you will note values, priorities and behaviors that you need to update and then slowly, consciously integrate them into your life. Work on intimacy issues in early month and artistic expression from mid-month on.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month may bring feelings that you walking hip deep in water. You’re working hard but not getting very far. Growth for you during this period comes from looking within to clarify your feelings about various people in your life. From the second week, however, you may feel lighter and clearer. Communication opens up to the point of inspiring others and being inspired by others. Take advantage of the energy by grounding new ideas and information into practical activities.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Scorpio on the 5th brings the energy to deepen emotional involvement in relationships, enabling you to feel safer and more secure. This is a good time to open up and become more vulnerable in a primary relationship. The full Moon in Gemini on the 21st brings a broader range of social activities, but not necessarily as deep or as meaningful.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
During most of this month you may notice two energy patterns that might be difficult to integrate. One brings a positive perspective about your values and priorities. Feeling comfortable with your uniqueness, you can open to others in ways that promote learning and support for all. There may also be, however, vague feelings of disappointment in yourself or others based on idealistic expectations that are difficult to live up to.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
This is a good time to make positive, creative changes either in the home or with your family. Avoiding contentious conversations involving religion or politics, you could bring useful information to those closest to you as well as learning more about who they are. Growth for you this month comes from suspending your need for perfect knowledge and being willing to look at big-picture concepts and theories.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra will often blame others for feelings of disconnection or disharmony experienced in relationship. This month provides the energy to make progress in being more introspective. Being able to assess the underlying problems in the situation, you can create solutions based on a clearer sense of self and your needs in the relationship. Changing the self can facilitate meaningful change with others.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
A unique opportunity is available to you this month. Being self-aware about relationship needs, and what you have to offer, connects with the desire and ability to communicate this information to others in clear and confident ways. This in turn can lead to feelings of greater closeness and security. Growth comes from not being overly demanding that others accept what you are saying immediately, without giving time to draw their own conclusions or make changes that are appropriate for them.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You may suffer this month from taking in too much information and feeling confused or overwhelmed. One way out, and to stop the incessant mental chatter, is to make sure to engage in expansive physical activity. Mental and verbal clarity of early month may be supplanted by either mental confusion or frustration making your point later on. Writing can be more beneficial than speaking at this time.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Activities flow in an easy and effortless manner this month provided that you are doing things with the intention of being fair with others and striving to create harmonious, egalitarian relationships. This is especially true in professional situations. It’s a good time to institute new beginnings in gradual yet practical ways.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
A time of social opportunities. You could expand previously existing relationships as well as have opportunities to create new ones. Growth comes from not overextending and trying to be all things to all people or simply being open to too many social situations. Spend more time people with whom you share practical, grounded interests and activities. It may also be time to move on and leave certain people behind.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Creative energy and the drive to be of service to others could be strong all month. Challenges could come from stabilizing your sense of self-confidence (could come and go quite suddenly) and being mentally confused or ambivalent or at least experiencing difficulty communicating your ideas to others. Growth comes from being comfortable in your alone time and staying there until clarity and confidence show up consistently.