The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - November 2018
One way we can notice the passage of time is through the planets changing sign. Since each planet revolves around the Sun at different rates, we can note shifts in everyday experiences as different planets transit from one sign to the next. For example, the Moon changes signs every 2-3 days. The Moon pertains to our emotional experiences in the moment. Neptune, on the other hand, changes signs every 14 years. Neptune is oriented toward shifts in the collective psyche that helps us with psychological clarity and spiritual growth. This month Jupiter will transit from Scorpio, where it's been since October 2107 into Sagittarius, where it will remain until December 2019. Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius, so Jupiter will be home for the next 13 months.
Jupiter represents the principal of expansion. This could be attitudinal, bringing optimism, enthusiasm and joy into our lives. It could also be in terms of consciousness which can involve anything from advanced academic education to travel to philosophical, metaphysical or theological understanding. Since Sagittarius focuses on similar issues, this transit should help us all to be more open minded, curious and willing to discuss and debate big picture concepts, theories and thoughts. This is a change from the way in which Jupiter has been expressing itself while in Scorpio.
Sagittarius is a fire sign. It is adventurous, confident and independent. It focuses on big picture concepts that help to expand our understanding of life. Scorpio, however, is a water sign and as such is tends to be more sensitive, private and security-oriented. One of the few qualities that these two signs share is a love of the truth. For the past year we have collectively focused on discovering what has been hidden from public awareness by some of our political leaders. Whether these are sexual scandals, collusion with foreign countries or research into where a person's wealth comes from Jupiter in Scorpio has brought out information that would have been otherwise hidden. This also includes conspiracy theories, weather valid or not, as well as bringing out into the open underlying themes of misogyny and white supremacy that have always been part of our cultural ethos but somehow don't get called out much. Now they have. Jupiter in Scorpio also has helped us to focus on our personal connection to the Oneness. We have had the opportunity to research the nature of life and our place in the universal scheme of things.
Like anybody else, Jupiter at home in Sagittarius should have significant impact on our lives, both personal and collective. Collectively we might focus more on the philosophical values with which our country was founded and which many of us believe pertains to such qualities as equality, diversity and personal freedom. If those are truly the guideposts of our society, we need a collective discussion about how to bring those principals into existence throughout the country. The tribalism and philosophical differences that are breaking this country apart along gender, racial, economic and ethnic lines are contrary to both the founding principals of The Constitution as well as to a healthy democracy. Hopefully these issues will surface in a national discussion. In the same vein, perhaps someone will show up on the national scene who is a statesman philosopher who sees the big picture and wants the wealth and opportunity of this country to be accessed by all.
On the personal level, the transit of Jupiter through Sagittarius can also be impactful. With its orientation to philosophy, we can become clearer in defining what our beliefs and values are. With its orientation to big picture thinking, we can realize that we all have a lot more in common that we do differences. All human beings are seeking the same things. It would be nice if we were all able to see our brothers and sisters striving for the same things we are instead of denigrating people based on nothing more than skin color or economic background. Jupiter and Sagittarius are generous, both in terms of acceptance as well as in terms of giving. These are influences that also tend to give others the benefit of the doubt although sometimes that can take the form of being overly idealistic in terms of both what we can accomplish as well as our expectations of others. Discernment about who really deserves a break and who doesn't can make the difference between using this transit wisely and effectively as opposed to and sloppily.
This transit could also impel us to travel more. That could be either literally going to new places or to simply be more open to learn about others' cultures, mores and ways of life. As a result of the technological revolution, the world is shrinking. Bringing differences into the light for appreciation and understanding is a better option for each of us than to judge, vilify and reject those whose lives and values are different form our own. Jupiter in Sagittarius could also bring a period of positive international relationships.
Beyond the Jupiter transit, another point of interest is that there will be 4 planets changing sign this month and three others changing direction. We can assume, therefore, that the shifting and altering of attitudes, experiences, expectations and habits in general will be challenged this month. Hopefully the Jupiter transit will enable us to navigate those changes by seeing the biggest, highest, most beneficial options and choosing those as opposed to making change that benefits only the self. In other words, this is a time to strive to see and implement the greatest good for the greatest number.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Challenges could come from mid to late month. You could feel confused, ungrounded or overwhelmed by situations from the past coming back to be accounted for. This is a time for some internal reflection to find the root causes of this stress. The frustration could lead to emotional growth and psychological clarity.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This could be a time of unexpected social or financial changes. You could feel abandoned by someone or you could realize certain expenditures were not well thought out. Growth can come from updating both your social and financial needs and altering certain strategies and habits that will lead to fulfillment in the future.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The full Moon in Gemini on the 23rd is a good time to verbalize your feelings and emotional needs. If you are selective about who you share what with you will find that the selected others will understand what you're conveying and provide appropriate support.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon in Scorpio on the 7th is a good time to deepen your emotional involvement with partners or children. Your intuitive insights into these people are quite accurate and complex at this time. Growth can come from initiating new behavioral patterns in these relationships, leading to deepening your connections.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Creativity and compassion in early month give way to desires for spontaneity and adventure later on. This could be a good time to start a class, take a trip or broaden your interest in a hobby.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: This is a good time to focus on home and family. In a practical sense, give attention to what needs to be fixed or at least refined that would enable things to function more effectively in your daily routine. With family, strive for honest communication as a way of sorting out confusion or challenges from the past.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Unexpected challenges or reversals could manifest periodically throughout the month. This could be specifically in primary relationship. It could also manifest simply in terms of feeling awkward and being less harmonious or diplomatic than normal. Growth comes from developing patience and being more detached from expectations.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Late month can bring pleasurable connections with family and good friends. This is a good time to be open with others about what's going on with you. Being heard as well as being understood are two ways that you can enhance and deepen relationships at this time.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: The transit of Jupiter into Sagittarius can bring a welcome breath of fresh air. Your attitude may get lighter and you may feel more positive about your life both now and in the future. Take advantage of this transit by seeking a broader understanding of your self and your prospects and possibilities. This could impel you to enroll in school, travel or get immersed in an inspiring spiritual activity.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is time of quiet productivity. There may not be a lot of excitement or inspiration, but your motivation and drive can enable you to accomplish things that could serve you well in practical terms in the future.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This month offers energy pulling you in two directions. One is getting things done on the material plane that are productive and practical. The other can enable you to re-establish your sense of identity within a relationship. Growth in the latter comes from letting others know what's going on with you so that they don't feel abandoned.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Your creative nature could be activated this month. Anything involving communication, regardless of the form or medium, is supported. Growth for you can come from balancing what you share that's purely personal with what is more artistic. To integrate the two would also be an exciting way to maximize the creative experience.
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.