WHEEL OF LIGHT December 2012

As the year draws to a close, let’s review some of the more important transiting energy patterns that have been, and will continue to be. In general, we can discern two primary themes emerging. One is transformation. Saturn transits indicate where we have work to do. Saturn entered Scorpio, the sign of transformation, in October. Whatever house (area of life) we have the early degrees of Scorpio in our natal chart needs to be worked on. The intention should be letting go of whatever is  old and stagnant in order to prepare for new beginnings in that same area in the future.
Meanwhile, Pluto, the energy of transformation, is in Capricorn, the sign ruled by Saturn. So whatever house we have the early degrees of Capricorn in our natal chart also needs to be updated and clarified. Catharsis and purgation are priorities for all of us. This is not easy work. We are often challenged to look at some painful or uncomfortable, elements of who we are and what course our life has taken. How do we influence others and why do we allow ourselves to be influenced by others in the ways that we do? What are our basic values, beliefs and priorities? What about social needs and behaviors? What about career and financial situation? Even though the house placement of these planets might narrow our transformational focus once started on that path we could easily realize how the various parts of our lives are interconnected to the degree that updating one leads to another and another. Even as these issues can be difficult, they also require significant quality time so that we can go through the issues thoroughly and our catharses are complete. Failing to take the time to engage in this process could lead to volatility and ultimately crisis. No real transformation, just a bunch of breakdowns.
The other theme involves knowledge and wisdom. Jupiter arrived in Gemini in June. Jupiter represents expansion of consciousness. This could be through travel (Gemini pertains to short trips) or academic activity. Jupiter loves to learn either independently or through taking classes. Gemini thrives on variety of intellectual stimulation and can have a broad range of interests. The good news about Jupiter at this time is that it can cast a huge net over the amount of information we are being inundated with in order to develop a broad understanding of what’s going on. The bad news, however, is that Gemini can be somewhat superficial in what it knows. Don’t assume that because we have knowledge about something that we therefore have a complete understanding of the topic.
Gemini can pertain to journalism. Jupiter by nature is oriented toward honesty and integrity. I would like to be able to report that the transits of Jupiter through Gemini has increased journalistic transparency in our country, but that would not be the truth.
Neptune, the energy of the subconscious mind and higher spiritual being, entered its home sign, Pisces, in February. While Jupiter and Gemini gather information to analyze in the left – brain, Neptune and Pisces are more right-brained, meaning more intuitive. While Jupiter and Gemini need data, or at least an intriguing concept or theory, Neptune and Pisces are comfortable tuning in to the flow of energy that they are experiencing at any time or place. One challenge that these influences present is to accept information, and ultimately truth, wherever or however we discover it. If logical ideas are available we can accept what they are and understand the situation accordingly. If, on the other hand, we have a dream or an intuitive insight about something or someone and it feels solid, we can accept it even though there may be no evidence to support it. The left – brain doesn’t do flow and the right brain would feel limited by data. The integration of knowledge with intuition can be a good definition of wisdom.
If we are able to use the wisdom in our pursuit of transformation, there is a greater probability that that process will be successful and lead to increase in the quality of our lives. For a more complete delineation of these and other significant transits I invite you my annual Perspectives talk. It will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 7 p.m. at The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Call me (707-887-1820) or the center (707-527-7006) for more information.
Aries
Practical concerns are a point of focus for you this month. This is a good time to define financial goals for the New Year, what they are and how you are going to accomplish them. On a lighter note, issues of relationships with colleagues or sprucing up the esthetics of your workplace could also be improved at this time.
Taurus
Early month focus on deepening the emotional bond in your primary relationship. The sensual/sexual connection could be a priority, but be careful not to be carried away with the romantic or physical attraction to your partner. Later month the focus shifts to activities that could clarify both your independence and individuality as well as intellectual or philosophical interests.
Gemini
The good news is that this month could bring an incredible amount of new information. The bad news is that there could be so much coming in that you feel confused or overwhelmed. Try to balance the time and energy used in gathering the data with some down or alone time, especially in mid-month.
Cancer
The full Moon in Cancer on the 28th highlights two themes. One, is a feeling of emotional stability. This is a good time to be clear about which situations in your life feed you and which drain you. The second theme, based on the sense of security, is the potential to confront others about your interaction with them. The intensity and passion could be quite powerful at this time, as is your sensitivity. However, being open about your feelings could lead to a powerful shift in the relationship.
Leo
The Winter Solstice is like a birthday for your ruling planet, the Sun. Use this as a time to go within. A private retreat so to speak. Energies of joy, gratitude, compassion and unconditional love add to the potential of a powerful personal transformation combine to offer you a powerful sense of renewal and rebirth.
Virgo
Involving yourself in some type of community service this holiday season could prove deeply gratifying. If this is not a focus for you already, wait for the light of inspiration to spark your interest in a particular situation. The only caveat is to make sure that your idealism is not causing you to go overboard in what you are giving or to whom.
Libra
Clarification of financial issues, both challenges and goals, is a good focus early in the month. After that the priority might involve traveling, studying or preparing to begin either one in the future. A main pattern for the month is working on independence and individuality. Beyond time spent with family, immediate or extended, you might find the holiday season most enjoyable or beneficial when experienced alone.
Scorpio
Spend time with extended family and good friends this month. In fact this would be a good time to organize a gathering or function that would bring together people in your life who don’t often spend time with each other. The emphasis should be on creating a pleasant, harmonious situation for others. Relate to them, and the event, with detachment. Attachment to expectation leads to disappointment.
Sagittarius
The new Moon in Sagittarius on the 13th suggests that this is a good time to go within and clarify your feelings as well as your emotional connections to others. In addition, use your well-established tendency to be honest by letting others know what’s going on within. The caveat is to share only with those who actually care.
Capricorn
As the year draws to a close, update your Rolodex. Who do you enjoy spending time with and why? If they feel the same, a stable, loyal connection exists which is worth maintaining. If you feel stuck in a situation, or if your good intention is not being returned, this is a good time to shift gears. You could either let the person go or at least reduce time spent with them.
Aquarius
After what may have been a challenging year, you might find some grace and harmony at year’s end. This is a good time to take a relationship in a new direction or to have an inspiring adventure with a good friend or partner. You may also notice a deepening of the emotional bond in that relationship. This is a good thing.
Pisces
Vitality, creativity and confidence are strong for you this month. Challenges could come from fuzzy thinking or confusion in communication. Being overly idealistic about people or your involvement with someone could also prove troubling. Growth for you this month comes from being open to and accepting of life even as you develop a sense of discrimination about how much to be open or available in different situations and relationships.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness. 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.