The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - December 2011
As the year winds down, let’s review some of the more significant transits of the year. They involve the three outer (or ‘trans-Saturnian’) planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
After dipping its toe in the sign Aries in 2010 (never going beyond 0 degrees) Uranus transited back into Aries in March of this year. It will remain in Aries until 2018. Simultaneously, Uranus also moved into a 90 degree angular relationship (a square) to Pluto in Capricorn. This aspect will remain until the summer of 2016. It represents the classic conflict between liberation (Aquarius) and control (Capricorn), and between the progressive and cutting edge (Uranus) and convention and tradition (Saturn). Politically we’ve seen this aspect at work in the so-called Arab Spring, where revolutions have affected several Middle Eastern countries and in some cases led to the ouster or death of dictator. This aspect is also playing a part in the Occupy Wall Street movement. In both the Arab countries and the United States, the people have joined in protest, sometimes violent, against a centralized state that has been offering limited power and/or freedom, political or economic, to the masses. Uranus in Aries can be quite comfortable with risk, assuming that the actions taken lead to greater freedom and autonomy for the protestors.
On a deeper level, at least in the US, Pluto in Capricorn can represent the hidden power behind our government, such as corporate capitalism in the form of banks, mortgage companies, investment brokerages or lobbyists. Under the current ‘rules of engagement’ the people of our country have less and less input about the direction of our nation. Hence, the response of protest which, at least as I’m writing this column, has been for the most part peaceful.
The outcome of this square is anything but certain. The last time this square occurred was the 1930s. In addition to economic collapse, and rise of labor unions, there was also an increase in global fascism. That pattern is repeating in the Middle East where military dictatorships are taking the place of a ‘cult of the personality’ dictator.
This year also saw Neptune enter the sign that it rules, Pisces. Like Uranus last year, Neptune only got to 0 degrees and then retrograded back into Aquarius. It will return to Pisces in February 2012 and remain there for 14 years. Even though we had merely a taste of this transit, it’s interesting to speculate about what it might reveal in years to come. We can assume a greater sense of compassion and sense of humanitarian concern among all people. This could lead to new forms of healing, involving new pharmaceuticals as well as using music as a healing modality. This could also include a renewed (if tardy) global concern about our environment. The last time Neptune was in Pisces was the mid 19th Century. At that time there was a huge increase in spiritualism around the world. Such things as séances and psychic readers became popular. Although similar patterns could emerge, one would hope that this time this transit will lead to more of a direct contact between people and the Divine. An increase in transcendent experiences could enhance a global spiritual awakening and lead to major changes in the political, economic and sociological philosophy of the major nations of the world.
As we get ready to let go of 2011, we also need to look ahead. In early 2012 the three innermost planets, Mercury, Venus and Mars will take a turn being retrograde. The first of these will be Mars, which turns retrograde on January 23 and direct on April 13. However, as I mentioned in my last column, the ‘shadow’ affects of a retrograde planet begin prior to the planet actually changing direction and remain even after that planet returns to direct motion. The shadow influence of Mars retrograde began November 17. These influences could include a gradual but noticeable decrease in our drive and overall energy level. It could also include difficulty starting new projects, habits or behaviors. In fact, during this entire period, including both the retrograde and the shadow, it’s best to review what has already started and to research and plan for new beginnings after the shadow of Mars retrograde is gone, which will be June 2012. This is a long time to be patient, which is not a Martian trait to begin with. But if we’re paying attention, and following the lead of the energy, we can make up for lost time by being extremely productive the second half of next year.
I would also like to invite you to my annual ‘Perspectives’ talk that will be held at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on Tuesday, January 10 starting at 7 PM. You can pay at the door; tickets are $15. I will also be teaching a class in beginning astrology through the Community Education Department of SRJC, starting Wed January 25 and continuing for 6 consecutive Wednesday evenings. You can call 707-527-4824 to register.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Mars is the ruling planet of Aries, so the entire time it is retrograde can be most significant to you. You can take good advantage of this transit by working to get organized. That could include such things as working on a consistent health maintenance protocol, creating a daily routine that enables you to do things affectively and efficiently. Growth can come from working to gradually refine your behaviors.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Early month is time to focus on your personal life, especially children and grandchildren. Later the energy shifts and you may like either putting more time and energy into your career or at least contemplating and researching what you’d like to accomplish next year.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The full Moon in Gemini on the 10th brings emotions front and center. As a left-brain focused sign you tend to think about or intellectualize emotions rather than actually feeling them. This full Moon is a good time to become more emotionally self-aware and., most especially, communicating to others what’s going on inside.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Home and family usually mean a lot to you and you often respond to those things with emotion and sensitivity. This month the new Moon in Capricorn on the 24th is likely to be a highly emotional time for you. One minute you’re feeling joy and gratitude, the next insecure or overwhelmed. Even out those mood swings by trying to get some quality alone time both before and during the Holidays.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
The month begins with you feeling an abundance of energy. Physical outlet is as important as expressing your love through generosity in order to release the energy is fulfilling ways. The holidays themselves could bring accolades and opportunities in your work, along with strong desires to transform what you do or how you do it in the New Year.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Mars, the planet of physicality and new beginnings, is transiting through Virgo and will continue to do so until early July 2012. This is a great transit to become more assertive and self-affirming. As an earth sign, Virgo often enjoys outdoor activities activities, so you probably have physical outlets available. Working on social self-confidence and expressing your desires and needs would represent growth for you during this transit.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Early month might bring deep introspective self-analysis followed by a significant transformation affecting your relationship to your family or to your home. The holidays could bring some pleasant, if unexpected, relief in the form of financial gain or fun and games with those you love.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Conflict with friends or colleagues in early month provide the opportunity to be more clear with them about who you are. Communication could prove challenging throughout the month, so take time contemplating exactly what you want to reveal, when, how and to whom before sharing. This could be a good time to clear the air with others with whom you have long-standing issues.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Situations you may have been waiting to change may finally get resolved, or at least moved forward significantly this month. In fact, things may flow so easily and comfortably that your sense of generosity gets excessive during the holiday. Growth for you this month can come from learning what is enough.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
The Sun enters Capricorn on the 21st. For most people this represents the time of year to give gifts and gather with friends and family. Not a bad thing, but not using the energy in the best way either. The Winter Solstice is a wonderful time to tune into core self, connect to Divine Source and feel renewed and refreshed for the New Year.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Spiritual inspiration could be readily available to you this month. Much of that could present itself though social contacts. This could be random and fleeing or with people with whom you have long standing relationships. This could also manifest as a result of your own efforts in meditation, going on retreat, or simply listening to some uplifting music.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
It’s not often that you feel grounded, especially during a season as emotional as the holidays. Yet, this year you may feel quite grounded and approach the season in measured and realistic ways. Consequently, this could be a good time to work on creating practical plans for the New Year, especially ones that could enhance your financial security.