The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - September 2017
People have been observing the movement of the planets for thousands of years. For most of that time we have been able to track 5 five heavenly bodies, plus the Sun and Earth's Moon with accuracy and predictability. Astrologers have constructed a system in which planetary movement has been correlated to human activities and events. In 1781 that system was altered by the discovery of the planet Uranus. That was followed by the discovery of Neptune in 1846 and Pluto in 1930. Although astrologers have been able to integrate these new influences into the system, there remains controversy over what they represent and how they can be utilized as dynamic forces. There are two points, however, about which most astrologers agree. One is that these outer planetary energies pertain to collective experience. The other is that they can inspire or stimulate development of higher consciousness. If you are interested in learning more about astrology, I will be teaching a class in beginning astrology through Santa Rosa Junior College Community Education starting on Wed. September 20 at 7 PM and continuing for 6 consecutive Wed. evenings. Call 707-527-4582 to enroll.
Uranus pertains to the group mind and collective consciousness. It suggests the various ways that we can be influenced by such things as mass media and technology. Neptune has to do with the group psyche and the collective subconscious. Pluto brings our awareness to the big picture and ways of relating to the ongoing process of transformation as it manifests socially, psychologically and metaphysically. This month all three of those planets will be retrograde. This implies that we have the opportunity to feel those energies and apply them our life experience in ways that are less collective and more personal than when they are direct.
Uranus pertains to freedom. In the collective sense this can manifest politically through democracy. Scientifically this can relate to invention and experimentation. In the personal sense Uranus is about our uniqueness, the ways in which each of us is different from everyone else. Sometimes one might try to hide their uniqueness and pretend that they are like everyone else. Now, we have the opportunity to explore, experiment with and express our individuality without apology or pretense. We are free to liberate ourselves from old patterns of social behavior. Instead of looking outside ourselves for clues about who or how to be, in order to fit in and be accepted, we can look inside to find an inner spark that inspires us to be comfortable in being who we are. This enables us to move beyond previous limits of behaviors and decisions. In so doing we can be wayshowers to others. Not in the sense of wanting or inspiring them to be like us, but to provide them the support of being true to their uniqueness. The more accepting we are of ourselves, the easier it is to accept others and the more willing others can be to accept themselves as well.
Neptune is more ethereal. Where Uranus can focus on our social and mental activities, Neptune prioritizes the inner planes. Through Neptunian energy we can work toward emotional health and psychological clarity. These are two requirements that must be addressed in order to develop our consciousness in more spiritual ways. For many people the concept of spirituality means religions. The focus is on a deity that is external to themselves; a force that must be obeyed. Religion has rules and dogma and to follow them means being in God's grace. Neptune, however, offers more of a personal, transcendent connection to the Divine. When Neptune is retrograde we can become aware of the "hotline to God" that is available to each of us at all times but especially now. There is no need for creeds or doctrines when we can feel the presence of the Divine. This feeling supports us in knowing that we are each connected to and part of the Spirit that unites everything. It's as if each of us is a pair of arms, legs, eyes and ears of The One manifested in a defined form. This awareness provides opportunities to follow inner guidance. One of the keywords I like to use to describe Neptune is faith. This doesn't mean to follow something or someone blindly. Faith is not about close your eyes, hold your nose and jump into the unknown. It's about having the wisdom to listen to the inner voice, knowing that it is a source of wisdom and guidance. It can direct us to be compassionate and serviceful to others. It can impel us to do things that will give us great fulfillment and satisfaction. It is the force that awakens our higher self so that our happiness is not limited to material plane activities but, rather, to perceiving and relying on higher values to provide meaning.
Pluto is about transformation, a powerful form of death and rebirth. Transformations require that we let go of something that we had been doing, or someone with whom we've been involved or a way of functioning. They often involve dealing with emotional patterns that function at the deepest levels of human experience. This is not easy and sometimes can be messy and painful. Collectively, we may believe that it's acceptable, even preferable to avoid dealing with situations or feelings that produce anxiety or fear. This pattern produces a cyclical life in which the same things keep happening over and over with no release or advancement. Another option is to address those parts of ourselves and our lives that have become old, boring, stagnant or dysfunctional. It's rarely easy or pain free to address and resolve these issues, but in doing so we can liberate ourselves from toxic patterns and reprogram the deepest levels of our psyche. With Pluto retrograde we can eschew the collective preference of burying and avoiding. We can dive into the depths of our being to discover what is alive and meaningful and what needs to be released. In turn this allows us to choose new patterns and ways of feeling, responding and relating. We are controlling our personal cycles of life and creating a spiral-like pattern of growth.
Pluto is the taboo breaker of the zodiac. Now is a good time to break out of societal taboos in order to address our deepest level of emotional passions and psychological needs. In turn, this can lead to a personal transformation and a renewed sense of meaning in our lives and our relationships.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Early month is a good time for adventure and fun. From mid-month on, turn your attention to practical activities that require attention to detail. Working to improve your health or becoming more technically proficient on the job are good ways of taking advantage of the energies available at this time.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time for emotional clarity. Part of this requires inner work and part pertains to sharing your feelings openly with those closest to you. Growth comes from striving to be neither too open and vulnerable nor too methodical and deliberate. Combining planning with courage is a good way to strike that balance.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month could bring projects around the home or changes within it. Don't make elaborate plans because there could be some setbacks or blockages from mid-month on. Growth can come from having back up plans and implementing them if necessary.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The full Moon in Pisces on the 6th and the new Moon in Virgo on the 19th bring two themes into high focus for you this month. One is service. This could involve family or volunteering to implement a cause that's important to you. The other is focusing on school and learning. Analytical thinking is strong for you this month.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Focus on financial matters or other issues that have practical significance, especially early in the month. There may be a sense of being blocked in some way or you might realize a shortage. Some of this could be based on misinterpreting certain facts. Taking time to clarify things can lead to shifting assets and resources as the month continues.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Self-affirmation could be a strong theme for you this month. This could help you implement enjoyable social situations. You could also use the energy of the month to engage in some type of fulfilling physical activities. Staying grounded while experimenting with new things produces growth and change.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Social and creative activity in early month can give way to a desire to spend more time alone. This could involve more creativity or it could focus more on service to people, animals or the environment. There could also be some insights and inspiration that pop up while alone. These things tend to be subtle, so pay attention.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This could be a relatively harmonious yet productive period. Creativity and communication is strong throughout the month. Pay attention during social activities, however, especially with those you don't know well. There is a possibility of not seeing a person or situation as clearly as you should. If something seems too good to be true, especially during mid-month, it may very well be.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Social opportunities and harmony abound for you this month. You might feel like organizing a social event involving friends or colleagues. There could also be some unexpected yet interesting adventures that come up. These could involve children or something that pertains to a recreational activity.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is a good time for long range thinking and planning. Obstacles that come up in early to mid-month can be effectively dealt with if you set up the right strategy. Support and opportunities for relatively easy changes can come from unexpected sources.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Hitting all the right notes in the relationship arena should be easy and enjoyable for you this month. Planning a romantic get away can lead to fulfillment in and through the relationship. Growth can come from being more effusive and affectionate in demonstrating your love.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The full Moon in Pisces on the 6th can enable you to tune in to some deep emotions. You may feel blocked from expressing your feelings in certain areas, which will show you areas to work on. This is a also a good time to let go of old emotions and old ways of responding to certain people and situations.
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. To make an appointment for a reading or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.