The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - November 2016
This month the campaign to elect the next President will, thankfully, be over. For at least this month we can put aside the rancor and rhetoric that has been spewing throughout the media for far too long. So, what do the transits suggest that we can turn our attention to this month? Interestingly, there are very few challenging aspects this month. Each year there are a few periods when things seem to flow fairly seamlessly, and this month is one of them.
The dominant aspect this month is the sextile. This is a sixty-degree angular relationship between planets. It is considered a harmonious connection in which each planet supports the expression of the other. I think of the sextile as indicating help close at hand. This could manifest as a neighbor offering assistance or information that we need being revealed or a tool that we are looking for showing up in an opportune way. Sextiles can help us feel that we are in the right place at the right time. It could also be easy to overlook these benefits because they manifest so easily and effortlessly. In order to appreciate the perks of a sextile, therefore, it's helpful to be centered in a state of gratitude at all times. Then we can notice, appreciate and take full advantage of the opportunities.
The most important sextiles are between planets in Scorpio and Capricorn, and those in Libra and Sagittarius. The Sun and Mercury in Scorpio will be sextile Mars and Pluto in Capricorn. These aspects can provide drive and perseverance. They support researching the most efficient and effective way of being productive in fulfilling certain goals. For example, there could be technological breakthroughs that will enable us to offset some of the problems caused by global warming and climate change. On the personal level, these aspects also suggest the ability to communicate on intimate levels in ways that enable us to connect with others in deep, meaningful and honest ways. By extension this suggests the potential to transform relationships. These sextiles will be most prevalent early in the month.
Another sextile that will be present throughout the month is Jupiter in Libra sextiling Saturn in Sagittarius. The new Moon will also be in Sagittarius this month. Due to both the longevity of this aspect as well as the planets and signs involved, this may be the most significant of the sextiles. Jupiter and Sagittarius both have to do with travel and international relations. There is the potential that this connection could have collective relevance. Libra is the energy of harmony, equality and balance. It thrives on diplomacy and effectively uses tact as a tool for sharing one's points of view. Jupiter by nature is positive, optimistic and joyful. It can be generous in allowing others to state their positions even as they intelligently express their own. Perhaps the resolution of the most rancorous, contentious political campaign in memory can release some of our domestic hostilities. Hopefully, that could in turn could help us globally to agree on solutions to the threat our survival from the ever-increasing problem of climate change. Sextiles don't usually indicate a time of profound change. So a US-Russia détente or an end to the horrendous conflict is Syria might be too much to expect. To reaffirm out international treaties with our allies, however, is more realistic.
On a more personal level, a Jupiter-Saturn sextile is a nice energy balancing aspect. Jupiter keeps us buoyant and hopeful even as Saturn keeps us grounded and productive. Jupiter focuses on the future, Saturn keeps us grounded in the present. Jupiter offers confidence, Saturn provides criticism. Perhaps the most profound potential of this aspect lies in consciousness development. Jupiter and Sagittarius pertain to higher education. Saturn deals with discipline and focus. This is a great time to be a student. There is energy to be confident and optimistic about one's ability to learn and be effective in accomplishing the requirements of tests and papers.
Jupiter and Sagittarius can also pertain to philosophy, theology and metaphysics. The transit of Saturn through Sagittarius requires that we be clear about what philosophy or spiritual path we are following. Saturn represents authority. It can be seductive, therefore, to look outside ourselves to find the answers to metaphysical questions or to connect with "the right path". However, that could lead to being limited in our understanding as well as of our advancement. We could feel safe in a fear-based pattern that leads to judgment and demagoguery. On the other hand, if we define ourselves as the prime authority figure, the one who we rely on for defining our practical path as well as our spiritual reality, we can use the discipline and focus of Saturn to greatly enhance our progress on the path.
Another way to configure this is to make a distinction between morals and ethics. The former tends to be what the collective consciousness defines as the way to behave. The latter pertains to our own definition of right and wrong and the behaviors attended to that definition. In the best of all possible worlds the two should coincide. This, however, is seldom the case. With this sextile we have the energetic means to decide for ourselves which is which and what to pursue.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time for new beginnings at work. It could be a new job, a new attitude about your current position or being more self-affirming in being more creative. Feelings of ambition and competitiveness can also come into play. Growth for you comes from taking advantage of the time without being too controlling or feeling entitled.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The full Moon in Taurus on the 14th is a good time to be more emotionally self-aware. Sharing your feelings and emotional needs with others enhances the growth potential. Similarly, you may notice a reticence to being too vulnerable. This is a good time to understand those inhibitions more clearly so as to minimize them.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: A plethora of connections can enable you to be effective socially, professionally and creatively. Growth can come from taking advantage of your inherent ability to multi-task without getting overextended. Prioritize your interests and establish a framework that provides the proper amount of time and energy for each or your pursuits.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Taurus on the 14th can provide clarity about your friends. You could be able to clearly see the depth or lack thereof of both the people and the relationships. The new Moon in Sagittarius on the 29th provides information about both health as well as opportunities for career advancement.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early month is a good time to dig deep to realize clear insights into the emotional and spiritual foundation of your life. This is also a good time to work through and let go of festering issues with family members. Late month can bring opportunities for profound spiritual insights and growth, assuming the aforementioned has been accomplished.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Early month is a good time to work through issues with neighbors and siblings. Mid-month brings practical focus and productivity. Late month can bring opportunities to do something outside the box.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time to explore new interests and behaviors with an important partner. Late month could bring some second thoughts about what you chose to do. There may be certain breakdowns of previously established harmony, but in the long run the changes and experiments should lead to greater growth and happiness in the relationship.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Clear communication is enhanced for you all month. You could take advantage of this potential by writing or speaking. Getting your points across is not a problem. If writing appeals to you, doing some creative writing could open doors to self-awareness as well as the realizations of how effective you could be in that modality.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: With your ruling planet, Jupiter, in Libra and with the abundance of sextiles this month, your attitude could really soar. Be careful though about being either excessively optimistic or idealistic, especially socially. This is also a time to watch tendencies toward over-indulgence.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Making plans that pertain to future career goals is enhanced for you this month. Balance your efforts between research, which could involve quiet contemplation, and concrete planning. In the long run this will prove to be a winning combination. Being patient if things aren't coming together as rapidly as you want them to will help to clarify what you're doing and enhance potential for success in the long run.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This is a good time for physical activity. This could involve getting more exercise, paying more attention to your health or focusing more on sexual needs and desires. Being less aloof and more engaged is a good combination for happiness, growth and well being for you this month.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: You may have been feeling very connected spiritually during the past few months. This month is a time to integrate that awareness in your life in social and practical ways. It isn't easy being a spiritually minded person involved in mundane world activities. The energy this month offers the opportunity to be more effective in doing so.
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. 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.