The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - December 2022
As we approach the end of another year of conflict, chaos and confusion it would helpful to review some of the major astrological alignments of the year. This could provide both clarity about what happened as well as an opportunity to make sure we have taken advantage of the potentials for personal growth, regardless of the ways in which the collective has responded.
We can begin in early year, from late January through late April. During this period all the planets were direct and all aligned within a 120 degree arc. This type of angular separation is called a trine, an aspect that can create a harmonious and mutually supportive interaction among the planets. When all the planets line up in a trine, it is called a bundle. A bundle creates an energy dynamic in which there is tremendous focus and potential for achieving major things. It would have been a good time to initiate projects or activities. Did you take advantage of the bundle? Did you finish what you started? If not, there is still the potential to do so as we will note later.
In April Jupiter and Neptune were conjunct in Pisces, the sign they co-rule. A conjunction between these planets takes place about every 13-14 years but hadn’t occurred in Pisces since the mid-nineteenth century. Pisces is the sign of the subconscious mind and higher spiritual being. It is the sign of transcendent consciousness. Conjunctions are times of new beginnings. A conjunction in Pisces suggests that seeds were sewn that can create new opportunities for spiritual growth and consciousness development. These are subtle seeds, however. We must be mindful and focused on the potential in order to feel the energy and take advantage of the possibilities. If these seeds germinate and sprout in a significant enough way to effect collective human interaction by the end of the decade I will be thrilled. One can, however, choose to tune in to the energy at any time. Even if only a limited minority of people do take advantage of this opportunity, it could lasting and significant influence. In the 1960s a spiritual master from India, The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, came to the United States. He went on a lecture tour and initiated people into his spiritual lineage. One of his teachings was that if only 3% of humanity meditated on a daily basis it could change the world. Let’s hope he was right, that at least that many people will take advantage of the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction in ways that can enhance their progress and catalyze the collective to do the same.
The most significant transit in 2021 was a square between Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus that was in effect most of the year. This year, that square returned from last August through late November. This is a classic conflict between the progressive (represented by Uranus and Aquarius) and the conservative (represented by Saturn and Taurus). During this period the conflict between the forces of the political and economic left and right have been in an extreme and existential duel. At times it has seemed like an unsolvable dilemma that is leading us to either civil war, the end of our democracy or both. Hopefully, with this transit ending this year (although Saturn doesn’t leave Aquarius until next March), the extremes will meld with more mainstream or moderate tendencies, values and goals. One of the important take-aways from this transit, however, is that it provides a perspective on where we are as a civilization. Not just a national or ethnic culture, but the functionality of the entire species. These are dark and challenging times. This is to be expected when old patterns are coming to their end of their functionality but the new ones haven’t emerged yet. Or, if they have, we can’t quite perceive them yet. Taurus and Aquarius are fixed signs. They are primarily oriented toward values and priorities, which tend to be extremely different from each other. In addition, the values and priorities of both the left and right are changing. Being as close to ground zero in terms of these changes as we have been, not enough time has elapsed to provide clarity about the ultimate outcome. Sense of direction for both, yes, but not a definitive end point. Even as we roll with the punches of our times, we can as individuals work to remain current with our own reactions to external events and make decisions about changing values and priorities in our lives. I will be addressing this topic more thoroughly in my annual Perspectives talk which will be held on January 10, 2023, on Zoom.
Finally, there is Mars retrograde which began on October 30 and will end on January 12, 2023. Mars represents our physicality, our drive, ambition and competitiveness. It is the energy of new beginnings. When retrograde, however, Mars is about the past and the future. In terms of the past, this is a good time to work on what is broken in your life. It is a time to reassess projects or situations begun in the past, but which are incomplete. If we address those issues and find them uninteresting, let them go. If they still are meaningful, spend time completing them. In terms of the future, this is a good time to research and plan strategy so that when Mars goes direct and our energy level returns to normal, we are ready for productive action. This is a good time to look back at the bundle of late winter and early spring. If we didn’t take full, or even just enough, advantage of the potential we can circle back to do so now. This could include how to take even further advantage of the focused energy to make plans for projects to begin shortly after the first of the year.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a time for you to slow down. Reviewing relationships with friends, neighbors and extended family could bring clarity and new directions to pursue in the future. Emotions could be highlighted around the Full Moon on the 17th. Growth can come from avoiding impulsive actions or judgments.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Early month provides the energy to deepen both the emotional content of your primary relationship as well as your metaphysical understanding of life. Financial issues could surface at this time. Review and research are appropriate behaviors. Unless this is an emergency of some kind, this is not a good time to make major changes to your financial situation is not.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Mercury turns retrograde on Dec. 29 and remains in that direction until January 18, 2023. In combination with Mars also being retrograde and in Gemini, the focus for you is internal. A time to pause, reflect, review and revise everything from state of mind and point of view to intellectual interests. Early month provides new input, but growth can come from prioritizing contemplation over communication.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon in Gemini on the 7th, can activate your psyche in ways that can bring emotional and psychological clarity. Creating or participating in some type of retreat or ritual would be a good way to take advantage of this event.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Adventures, creativity, fun and entertaining can take up much of your time in early month. From mid-month on, however, the focus shifts more inward. Spending time during the Holidays to enhance your internal clarity and spiritual growth are excellent ways to take advantage of the transits at that time.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Changes or at least movement in the professional area could surface this month. This is not a time of action, however. It is a time of contemplation, research and review. New beginnings in this area may not start until after January 1 and maybe not until early February. Growth can come from developing the patience to do the inner work and the faith that the right decisions will be made.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Early month could find interesting and stimulating social activities. Clarity of relationship needs can emerge at that time. Mid-month could bring social challenges as the reality of a relationship could replace an idealization. Late month can bring transformation by both deepening your emotional awareness and altering some primal patterns of relating.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Artistic and creative energy is strong for you, especially in early month. Remember, our energy level is going to be lower than usual due to the Mars retrograde. So keep the project small. Relationship issues could also surface this month. The theme is how aggressive or receptive to be at different times and different situations.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Abundant energy in early month can activate curiosity and communication.
Avoid overextending yourself by staying grounded and keeping your focus on practical matters. Idealism and excessive expectations will lead to disappointment and loss of enthusiasm. Opportunities for new beginnings either at home or relative to your spiritual life could emerge around mid-month.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is a good time to work on strategy and plans pertaining to your finances. Figuring out your budget for the New Year would be beneficial. So too, would be drafting a strategy that looks at your long-term financial situation with the objective of maximizing the potential for material comfort and security.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: This month could bring some relaxation of the tension you’ve been experiencing during the past two years. The storm is not entirely over, but the pushes and pulls you’ve been feeling are starting to wind down. Use this time as an opportunity to re-center yourself, giving consideration to some of the challenges and changes of the past 2 years.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Neptune will turn direct on December 3. This marks a time when you can move forward on activities involving creativity, spirituality and service. Use the clarity that emerged over the past few months to provide you with an inner directive to help take fullest advantage of the transcendent realizations during that period.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.