The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - July 2010
This could be one of the most interesting months of the year. There will be the ongoing build up of the challenging T-square that will peak in August. There will also be a series of harmonious, supportive influences this month that can help us to be productive, both personally and interactively. As we strive to balance those patterns we will also have to contend with a new Moon solar eclipse on the 11th.
The challenging aspects involve oppositions from Mars and Saturn to Jupiter and Uranus. In general, oppositions generate tension between the self and others. In short, these oppositions present the dilemma of being independent and doing things that we feel inspired to do that may take our lives in new and exciting directions (Jupiter and Uranus in Aries). We could also follow the precedent of our own past decisions or going along with the consensus reality that is keeping things controlled and static (Mars and Saturn in Libra). Helping to harmonize the oppositions are trines and sextiles from the personal planets the Sun, Mercury and Venus all in the sign Leo. This suggests that by prioritizing Leonine qualities we can resolve at least some of our conflicts this month. This implies doing things spontaneously that free us to be more creatively expressive in our lives and more loving in our relationships. The four planet opposition is a collective issue. That is, we are all being challenged by this aspect. One way out can be by tuning in to what we are each drawn to do instinctively. The more honest we are with ourselves and others about who we are (Sun in leo), the better our chances of growing through this period rather than feeling blocked or blindsided by the energies in play.
Mercury’s involvement suggests the importance of open, honest communication. Letting others know who we are by expressing ourselves creatively enables us to integrate the inventiveness of Jupiter-Uranus within a defined structure (Mars, Saturn in Libra).
Venus brings clarity of values (and by extension priorities). Venus adds more artistic inspiration and the willingness to share with others in ways that are thoughtful and harmonious.
The ways out provided by the inner planets reminds us that, just because planetary patterns may be difficult, the experience we have doesn’t have to be bad or negative. Any aspect (angular relationship between planets) is merely a connection between two different energies. Sometimes the energies blend harmoniously and sometimes they don’t. When they don’t, we need to find new ways of combining, integrating and expressing whatever the combination is. By finding realistic, appropriate ways of melding disparate influences we are creating our lives, rather than allowing the energies to create it for us.
Eclipses are relatively rare, occurring four times each year. Twice a year they take place at the full Moon, twice at the new Moon. An eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are in the same place both latitudinally and longitudinally. As a result of their rarity, we often notice that things take place at or shortly after the eclipse that are unusual. Two eclipses each year coincide with something called the nodes of the Moon. Astrologers have known about the importance of eclipses, and consequently the nodes, for thousands of years. Some schools of thought have defined the nodes as representing a karmic indication of where we have been and what we have done in past lives. They also indicate what we are here to do this time around. Other traditions speak of the nodes as representing a place of loss (south node) or of gain (north node). This month the new Moon is in Cancer on the 11th. This indicates a time to look within ourselves for guidance based on seeing clearly where we have been and what have done in the past in this life. With that clarity we are better able to create goals and strategies for the future.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a time to refine your actions and relationships. Be careful not to be too demanding or controlling with others. Demanding that others conform to your expectations leaves you open to be blindsided when they do their own thing. Growth comes from seeking clarity about your needs in various relationships and noting what you do in seeking to fulfill those needs.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Early month is a good time to feel artistic inspiration. This is a good time to work on creative projects that might require some time to complete. Mid-month is a good time to work through challenging relationship issues. Make sure that the other person or people involved are also doing the work. Without everyone working on this together there is little chance of things improving.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early to mid month brings intellectual openness, curiosity and inspiration. Being part of a group can enhance the experience. Or, new ideas and perspectives can be shared with friends or colleagues. Late month could bring some confusion. One way out of that can come from doing something meditative that enables you to look within yourself for clarity about your thoughts and how to share them.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon solar eclipse in Cancer provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into yourself. You could become aware of feelings about something or someone that you were previously unaware of. Or you could get in touch with the motivation that underlies certain choices and actions. The new Moon would be a wonderful time to spend some private time over the course of several days.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
You could be a valuable leader or problem solver for others. They will probably seek you out, so don’t try to foist your advice on others. This is also a good time to be open to new metaphysical ideas and concepts that can help you tounderstand the nature of life and your place in it. Growth comes from figuring out how to put your insights and realizations into words that can be beneficial to others.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Early to mid-month provide clarity about intimate relationship. You could feel inspired to be more open with others than you normally are, sharing parts of yourself that you usually keep to yourself. You could be excited and courageous about taking the relationship in a new direction without fearing co-dependency or loss of self.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Saturn transits back into Libra on the 21st and remains there until October 2012. Use this time to work on yourself. Improving self-esteem can lead to establishing and achieving important goals. This transit will enhance your self-discipline and ability to organize your life. Failing to do any kind of personal process work can lead to feelings of limitation, inhibition and self-criticism.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Early month could bring harmony in your social life leading to deep and meaningful relationships. There could also be a tendency to either expect more from the situation than is realistic or to give more of yourself than you can realistically afford. Growth comes from being willing to work on the relationship even as it’s flowing in a mutually comfortable and beneficial way.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
A plethora of influences this month could leave you feeling confident and courageous but acting in ways that are contentious and confrontational. Growth comes from using this energy to bring clarity and honesty to various relationships while avoiding the tendency to assume that your feelings or needs are more important than anyone else’s.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
New beginnings and creativity at work is furthered this month. There could also be opportunities for promotion or some type of recognition based on past achievements. Growth could come from noticing how the opportunities coincide with your desires or goals.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The full Moon falls in Aquarius on the 26th. This could lead you to be more sensitive and emotionally expressive than you normally are. This also implies feeling less detached and more emotionally available to others, at least at that time. In turn, this could lead to finding ways out of relationship conflicts that have existed for a while.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Shifts and changes in your financial situation could manifest for you this month. They could be unexpected and suggest a major change in how you generate money. Or it could indicate being more inspired and creative in providing material security for yourself and your family. In either case keep your expectations low, at least for now. This is as much a time to strategize as it is to act.