This month there is an abundance of harmonious aspects. Normally this column looks at the challenging aspects for the month, the ones that test us and help us to grow and change. There are a few of those this month, as well, but let's use this as an opportunity to understand and work with the ones that are so pre-emminent this month.
The harmonious aspects are the sextile (60 degree angular separations) and the trine (120 degree separations). Usually sextiles and trines connect planets that are signs that are supportive of each other by element. For example, in the first three weeks of November, the Sun will be in Scorpio, a water sign, and will be sextile to both Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, an earth sign. Earth and water are compatible. The Sun in Scorpio will also be trine to Neptune in Pisces, both water signs. When planets are linked by signs of similar polarity they mutually support each other in their respective manifestations. This can provide us with tools that enable us to be more productive in whatever activity we engage in. The problem with the sextiles and trines, however, is that the energy can flow so easily that we don't take advantage of the opportunities that they provide. This could be due to an attitude of "I can do this anytime so what's the big deal" or to simply not realizing the positive potential due to lack of challenge.
So what are some of the positive potentials this month? The main aspects are the Sun and Mercury sextile Saturn and Pluto and trine Neptune. There is also a sextile between Saturn and Neptune. These aspects connect planets that focus on personal, immediate activity in the world (the Sun and Mercury) with planets that are more geared toward defining and achieving long range goals (Saturn) and those that focus more on activity in the inner planes (Neptune and Pluto). These connections can support is in a variety of areas and activities. One is being able to bring confidence, creativity and clear thinking to our material plane intentions. This can heighten both the potential to be successful as well as the enjoyment we derive from discharging our responsibilities in fulfilling and harmonious ways. These aspects suggest that there will be positive connections with others as well as the discipline and organization to get things done. Finishing long range projects we have been working on this year or getting a good start on projects for the new year would be good examples of using these aspects productively.
The aspects to Neptune and Pluto bring another focus to these transits. The sextile between Saturn and Neptune can bring discipline to our inner journey. Examples could be finally acting on your intention to start therapy, or following through on what your therapist suggests. Similarly we could become more consistent in a daily meditation or deepen our connection during meditation. The aspects involving Pluto (transformation) could help us in both our inner work as well as a need to get our financial activity more in line with our income and material needs.
Pluto is also involved in one of the two challenging aspects this month. It is square to Mars, which can create volatility, hostility and ensuing power struggles. Mars will also oppose Uranus. Pluto and Uranus are the most changeable and explosive of the planets. Mars can act as a trigger. So, while the harmonious aspects can be productive and fulfilling in relatively comfortable ways, the challenges could either disrupt the ease or undermine the productivity. Two things would help to keep these influences in balance. One is to engage in physical activity that will keep Mars in check. The other is to deal with problematic issues as soon as possible. The more we allow things to build up the more likely it will lead to an explosion and the wasting of what could otherwise prove to be a happy and constructive period.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Relationship issues could be a focus for you this month. The general theme is to address feelings of frustration and the emotion that underlies them. Before lashing out, look within yourself to see if changes in your behavior would be beneficial. Late month is a good time to act on the internal shifts with the intention of bringing more emotional truth into the light.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The full Moon in Taurus on the 12th is a good time to express feelings that would lead to a deepening of a relationship. Growth can come from allowing yourself to be vulnerable by expressing your needs. Accepting support and help in personal matters would maximize the growth potential.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Spending time cleaning your space and refining your routines are good ways to take advantage of the transits this month. Implementing new habits designed to maintain or regenerate your physical health is also supported. Focused introspection during the first 3 weeks of the month can lead to deepening self awareness, especially is terms of feelings and emotional needs.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: Interacting with friends and relatives is a good way to take advantage of the energy this month. Deep, meaningful conversations can lead to profound transformations of important relationships. Group activities could be particularly interesting and fulfilling.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Most of the energy this month is directing you inward. Your personal life is the priority. It could be your emotional, psychological or spiritual foundation. It could also be working with family members to create an environment that is accepting and supportive of all. It could also be in terms of useful physical changes in or around the house.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Spending time in quiet contemplation can prove beneficial in several ways. It could help you notice your state of mind and any blockages that prevent happiness and well being. It could help you deepen your spiritual connection. It could also help you get clear about conflicts with neighbors or relatives. Communicating with those people can significantly eliminate conflicts that have been building up.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: This is a good time for expansion and adventure. It could take the form of taking up a new topic for study, or sharing ideas with new people and in new ways. It could manifest writing, either in a journal or in creative writing. Growth for you this month can come from realizing which of the exciting possibilities is real and which are illusions.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: At times this month you could feel overwhelmed by the emotional impact of various situations in your life. Healing, transformational help is at hand both physically and psychologically, but to access it requires time alone. This is a good time to understand yourself, your motivations and dreams at deep levels and in profound ways. Avoid feelings of victimization as they could cause upheaval by lashing out at others.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This is a good time to relax. Enjoy the lessons you've learned throughout the year and apply them to harmonizing important relationships. Growth can come from expressing your optimistic attitude in ways that create positive, concrete outcomes. This is a good time to separate the meaningful from the frivolous.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is a good time for you to enhance the internal facets of your life. Working on emotional health, psychological clarity and spiritual growth are activities that take advantage of the transits for you this month. Take advantage of the potential by defining the areas of intended attention and focusing on them with diligence and self-discipline.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Your social activities and interaction should be pleasant and productive for you this month. However, you may be or at least feel challenged in some way by a person or external circumstances. Respond with grace and humor and by trying to find common ground. Otherwise the situation could become quite volatile quite suddenly.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: This could be a period of creative fulfillment and spiritual attunement. A combination of inspiration with self-discipline can be a winner for you. The challenge could come in personal relationship. Avoid romantic idealization and replace it with clear insight into the other person with the willingness to express that awareness in clear and forthright ways.
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.