The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2010
All the planets, with the exception of the Sun and Moon, periodically go retrograde. This means that the planet appears to slow down, eventually stop, turn around go back in the direction that it came from. This is an optical illusion based on the difference in orbital shape and rate of a planet relative to the earth in our respective journeys around the Sun. We can take beneficial advantage of the retrogradation by similarly slowing down and reviewing what we are doing and how we are expressing that energy.
The rarest retrograde is Venus. It changes direction approximately every 18 months and remains retrograde for five weeks. This month Venus turns retrograde on the 8th and remains in that direction until November 18. During this period it is time to review what we are doing with Venus both individually and collectively.
Venus pertains primarily to four things: relationship needs and social behaviors, aesthetics, finances and values. The first two we need to deal with individually. For example, we can look at what we need in our various relationships. Are those needs realistic in the context of who we are interacting with? If so, does the other person or people involved know what we need? This is a good time to see how we set ourselves up for fulfillment or frustration. It is not time to point a finger at others with the attitude that “they aren’t doing it right.”
In terms of aesthetics, this is a good time to get clarity about what we find attractive, harmonious and comfortable. But not a good time to make decisions about major purchases based on our personal aesthetic. Retrograde times call for review, not new beginnings. This ties into finances in that we can review what are spending money on. Are those objects or services really important, especially in a down economy? This is a good time to create a strategy that will enable us to be more frugal.
This also ties into the collective misery many of us are experiencing around money and security. If you are unemployed, this is a perfect time to take stock of your tools, skills and talents. Work on what needs improvement or upgrading even as you acknowledge the positive qualities you would bring to an employment situation. In that sense, update your resume and research the companies or businesses you’d like to apply to.
The issue of collective financial concern also has to do with values, especially our shared values as a society. There are a lot of people calling on the populous to return to our values and vote accordingly in the election next month. Sounds good, but the problem is, what exactly are our national values? When our country was attacked on Sept 11, 2001 Pluto, the energy of transformation, was exactly conjunct the United States ascendant. These two events combined to challenge us to rediscover and redefine who we are. But it’s a challenge that hasn’t been addressed seriously or realistically by our leaders or by the people. We hear lots of hyperbole about our “enemies”, be they terrorists or simply those from a different political party or religion. We are exhorted to return to the roots of God and country without being told exactly how that will alleviate our current state of economic doldrums. We are having crisis of values. What exactly does the United States prioritize and find meaningful?
We are taught in school that this country was started as a haven for religious freedom. Now, that seems to limited to different forms of Christianity. But even that seems like a cover for something else. After all, if Christianity is committed to following the teachings of Jesus why isn’t peace, love and charity prioritized over pummeling non-Christians into submission in the New Crusades? Or focusing on the sex lives of those who live differently that others?
Two of the qualities that made this country a powerful and deserving world leader are generosity and sacrifice. We worked hard, sacrificing immediate gratification in order to provide a safe, secure future for generations to come. Yet nowadays it seems as if the bottom line on the corporate financial statement and the profit gaining by the officers and shareholders seems to trump everything else. It seems as if the only people we want to be generous with are ourselves. This isn’t munificence, it’s greed. Pluto can be dark and secretive. It’s as if we are hiding from ourselves and our children’s future by not speaking out openly and, possibly contentiously about the very core beliefs of our country.
A sense of entitlement seems to have replaced tolerance and acceptance of others. This attitude is causing us to use the resources of our planet too quickly and too thoughtlessly. It is undermining the education of our children, demeaning us in the eyes of the world and suggesting that our economic recovery is going to be very slow. With Venus retrograde for the next 5-6 weeks, we would all be benefitted by contemplating these issues. The clarity derived could help determine the outcome of the election next month as well as the course of our country for at least the next 18 months, when Venus again will turn retrograde.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Looking at deeper aspects of relationship helps to promote greater intimacy and emotional connection for you this month. This could also include deeper psychological insight into yourself. Growth comes from being willing to deal with the actual feelings that are invoked rather than an idealistic projection of the person or relationship.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
The full Moon in Taurus on the 22nd helps to bring clarity to your emotional experiences and relationships. Your intuition will be quite strong for a few days both prior and subsequent to the full Moon, so pay attention and take advantage of insights into yourself and others. This could also be a good time to feel spiritually and creatively inspired.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month brings a lot of creative energy your way. Inspiration, and confidence should be accompanied by opportunities and a willingness to take some risks in being open to new expression. There is also a measure of discipline available that can help prevent you from taking on too many projects at once. It can also enable you to maximize your productivity on the projects.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The new Moon in Libra on the 7th and the full Moon in Taurus on the 22nd put emphasis on relationship and the arts this month. In early month, focus on family relationships and beautification of the home. Later month, the social focus shifts to friends and colleagues. The creative energy will tend to be more collaborative and less individual.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Early month brings the energy to focus your attention in consistent, disciplined, productive ways. As the month goes along, creativity and social harmony will be available. By the end of the month the harmony will be joined by affection and devotion that can be shared with your primary partner.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
A lot of push-pull in early month. You feel challenged or at least stimulated by outside influences to make changes that feel simultaneously exciting and destabilizing. Yet you may be too stuck or frightened to respond. Growth comes from flowing with the energy of change, but doing so in ways that are fairly cautious and well thought out. The strategy of response is more important than the eventual outcome.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Four planets will transit through Libra this month, including the new Moon. Hence, this is a good time to focus your energy on yourself. Venus is your ruling planet, so during its retrograde period this subjectivity can enable you to notice any tendencies you have to taking on more than your fair share of responsibility in relationships. What do you need and what do you realistically offer? Answers to these questions provide growth opportunities this month.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Make sure you have physical outlets this month. The more aerobic and intense the better. Even if that means taking a daily walk around the block, the activity provides an outlet for a high level of energy. It can prevent you from suddenly exploding or from being consumed by sexual feelings. Athletic outlets or being productive by building or producing something is furthered for you this month.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Some early month confusion, due to being over-extended, gives way to powerful feelings of spiritual inspiration and connection to that which is greater than we are. Opportunities to be helpful to others in your family or community provide a way to express yourself and share with others in high-minded ways.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
This is a time to focus on professional experience and that could take several forms. You could seek to create more harmonious relationships with colleagues or customers. You could also feel inspired to be more creative or artistic in your work. You could also simply find ways to manifest your goals in such as way as to be quite comfortable and harmonious without limiting your achievements.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
If you are plagued with financial issues, this is a good time to respond to those problems by following intuitively derived inspiration. Think outside the box when dealing with financial matters. Finding new income streams or ways of enhancing old ones offer growth for you this month.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Access to deep emotion is nothing new to you. This month, however, that awareness should bring feelings of well-being. This, in turn, can lead to greater self-confidence and the willingness to express yourself both physically and socially in ways or situations that you may normally avoid. Growth for you comes from being open to feeling different about yourself and acting accordingly.