The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - December 2019
The New Year begins with a major alignment of planetary energies. On January 10, there will be an eclipse of the Full Moon in Cancer. The Moon in turn will be in opposition to the Sun, Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and the South Node of the Moon all in the sign Capricorn. Jupiter will also be in Capricorn but not quite connected to these other planets. Having 5 planets in one sign is rare, having them opposing an eclipsed Full Moon is far rarer. What does this alignment suggest in terms of tools or challenges and how can we best respond to them?
The Full Moon is a time to become more aware of what is happening in our emotional body. It’s a time to derive perspective on how we are feeling and what are our responses to those feelings. An eclipse can bring unexpected realizations or changes in our internal experience as well as our overt expression. The Moon will conjunct the North Node of the Moon, implying that this clarity and openness is the direction to pursue. However, while the Full Moon in the sign Cancer suggests being open to the flow of internal energy and how we express it, the opposition to the 4+ planets in Capricorn does not. Capricorn prefers that things are in control and focused no achieving clearly derived goals in disciplined and organized ways. Although Capricorn can enjoy functioning in groups, it usually prefers to be in a position to direct the group. No flow or spontaneity allowed.
The alignment of planets in Capricorn is the big story both for this month as well as the whole year. As noted in previous columns, the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn brings accountability to a high priority. As such it can cause loss of power or control of those individuals who have been avoiding personal responsibility in order to achieve personal power. This would be especially true in such organizations as governmental bodies and major corporations such as banks, or international conglomerates. Some might respond to this call for transparency, making sure that the movers and shakers of the world are in fact following tradition and law. Others could respond by seeking to consolidate their power even more than it already is. This could lead to power struggles in legislative bodies, executive offices and big business organizations. The presence of Saturn indicates that there will actually be little room for error or malfeasance being acceptable. Pluto implies that things will transform one way or the other. Either the group dynamic re-organizes or consolidates its power structure and manifestation. The former could lead to more egalitarian leadership. The latter portends more patriarchal dominance. One positive note is the presence of Jupiter. While Saturn and Pluto can be confrontational and competitive, Jupiter brings a higher mind focus to the situation.
Jupiter is about expansion of consciousness. It can be principled, honest and integral. Its influence will modify the intensity and rigidity of the other planets and the sign Capricorn. The question is, will it be enough to channel this major alignment into a direction that improves the quality of life for a majority of the populace or will it be co-opted into bringing philosophical justification into the realm of those striving to enhance their power?
For example, over the past several years “populist” movements have gained traction throughout many nations. This has led to strong authoritarian leaders emerging in Europe, Africa, southern Asia and the Americas. This year, however, we have demonstrations that are calling for more freedom and democracy in such places as Hong Kong and France. This year could bring the direction of our world and its governance into clearer focus and quite possibly greater contention.
Another issue, which some claim is the most pressing issue of all, is climate change. The year begins with 5 planets in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus. Six of the ten planets in our solar system are in earth signs. That suggests that our collective response to the extreme environmental challenges we face is crucial. There may be more major disturbances such as through earthquake, volcano, hurricane and tornado. But our collective political and economic will could coalesce around a clearly defined and organized plan that a majority or the people and nations could actively support.
The bottom line is that we all need to become advocates for peace and well-being both in our relationships to ourselves as well as to others and our environment. However, this can’t be in a manner in which everything becomes acceptable or we become overly thoughtful of others. Capricorn doesn’t function that way. There are rules of engaging others and ways of achieving goals that need to be clearly defined. There is the risk of being rigid and dogmatic, but we can avoid that by taking two things into consideration. One is the importance of taking as much personal responsibility (Saturn and Capricorn) for all our thoughts, feelings and actions that we can. The other is to integrate ethics (Jupiter) into our behavior so that we don’t get stuck in allowing the ends to justify the means. Being clear in defining and consistently enforcing limits and boundaries is important so that we own our own personal authority and achieve goals in ways that make us feel good about ourselves in the process of healing our planet and our relationships with each other.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time look at the big picture of your life, a time to envision where you want to be, both physically and philosophically in the future. Growth can come from not being derailed by idealistic expectations. Being realistic by integrating desirable goals within a practical framework is the path to success.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The New Year brings focus on career. This is a good time to experiment with new possibilities. Conflicts with colleagues could emerge after mid-month. Growth comes from being clear about limits and boundaries in the workplace.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month is a good time to contemplate, research and plan long-range financial goals. This could lead to reforming old plans or reallocating resources. Later month brings energy for bigger picture thinking. Sharing ideas and philosophical concepts are good ways to share with others and learn from them.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon in Cancer could heighten your already emotionally sensitive nature. Challenge could come from feeling restricted either in sharing your feelings or by the need to be more focused and less flowing. Growth can come from recognizing realistic, circumstantial limitations and allowing your personal expression to stream through them.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Early month brings opportunity to refine your daily routines, especially as they pertain to health maintenance and work. Major renovation of either or both is a possibility. Later month the focus could shift to the social aspects of your life, either in primary, romantic relationship or in sharing with others professionally.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: In a time that calls for practical focus and productivity, you may feel more like being adventurous or creative. In fitting with a major them for the year, you could apply those feelings to working with others who seek to respond to our environmental challenges. The Full Moon eclipse could bring insight as to what this might entail.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Focusing on innovative and experimental creative expression in early month can bring a powerful sense of well-being. Later month the focus shifts to service. Growth can come from being motivated by compassion but also by being practical and realistic. Establishing limits and boundaries can help to avoid self-sacrifice.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This is a good time to focus on nurturing. One of the “secrets” that you could maintain is your ability to emotionally sustain others. Developing your ability to do that, combined with seeking to understand what type of emotional support, and from whom, you need is a good way to take advantage of the energy this month.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Start the year by focusing on financial issues. One issue is long range financial security. Another is make sure that you are utilizing your tools and resources in ways that will enable you to achieve stability in this area. Practicality, not theory or idealism, should be the priority.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The alignment in Capricorn could enable you accomplish great things throughout this year. However, it’s as important that you focus on a bigger picture than just what to do. Intention without integrity can lead to feeling hollow rather than successful.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This New Year is a good time to start implementing changes you’ve been contemplating for several months. Sharing ideas in early month can lead to others being inspired to help you. Growth can come from refining your communication so that others feel they have choices rather than being dictated to.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Compassion, humanitarian service and creative inspiration can all be strong draws for you this month. Growth can come from avoiding romantic fantasies and by seeking deeper insight into others before you offer them your support.
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.