Wheel of Light: March 2012

The number of degrees that separate planets form each other is
what astrologers call aspects. Some aspects (such as squares – 90
degrees, or oppositions – 180 degrees) can create tension either
within ourselves or between ourselves and others. These challenges
can impel us to grow and change as ways of reducing the stress.
Other aspects bring connections that are harmonious. The sextiles
(60 degree separation) and trines (120 degrees) provide positive
support that enables each planet to express itself in comfortable,
positive ways. A drawback to these aspects is that they can enable
us to remain in our comfort zones and not grow. Often growth is our
response to stress and tension. When things are comfortable or easy
we may tend to get lazy. The sextiles and trines, however, can be
used as tools that enable us to respond to life in ways that
produce positive changes. But since there is no inherent tension in
these aspects we must activate our free will to avoid laziness and
apply these influences to our lives in ways that produce growth and
not inertia.
This month four planets will line up in an aspect dynamic we call a
grand trine. This occurs when all three signs of a given element
have planets residing in them and each of those planets exists in a
120 degree relationship to the others. This month there will
actually be four planets in the grand trine because both Venus and
Jupiter will conjunct in Taurus. The other participants are Mars in
Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn.
With the earth signs so prominent, we should be able to get
grounded and be productive this month. There are a few things to
keep in mind, however, in order to use this grand trine
effectively. First, remember that Mars is still retrograde. Mars
pertains to action and new beginnings. When it’s retrograde,
however, the energy is going inward rather than outward. Hence,
it’s not a good time to begin a new project, activity or
relationship. This is a useful transit with which to decide which
things we have been doing are worth continuing to a point of
conclusion and which are we willing to just let go of due to lack
of interest or drive. With Mars in Virgo, a highly analytical and
discerning sign, we should be able to make realistic decisions
about these things. Beyond that, this a time to research and plan
for new projects or goals to begin after Mars turns direct.
Another factor that might restrict some of the harmony and ease
usually associated with a grand trine is Pluto in Capricorn. This
column has addressed this event many times already, since Pluto
first entered Capricorn in 2008 and remains there until 2023. Thus
the influences of this transit are profound and immense and go way
beyond the time and significance of the grand trine this month.
Pluto wants us to dig deep and root out any behaviors, goals or
ways of dealing with authority and control that no longer fit or
have meaning to us. Although the grand trine can certainly be
useful to those ends, it’s unlikely that abundant progress will
happen this month.
Both Mars retrograde and Pluto in Capricorn can actually provide
the resistance that limits the harmony of this grand trine but for
that very reason it can therefore be more productive of growth.
This is particularly true since the final two planets are Venus and
Jupiter in the Venusian ruled sign Taurus. Jupiter is about
abundance and expansion. Conjunct Venus it will bring the energy to
be affectionate, harmonious and joyful in our relationships. The
Jupiter-Venus conjunction is what I call ‘the aspect of amazing
grace’ because it enables us to perceive others in their most
positive light. Of course that can also suggest that we may be too
giving, generous or accepting of others based on their potential
rather than on the way they’re actually relating to us. In the
main, however, this is a great combination of energies.
It’s also a combination that can produce the awareness of where a
desirable, beneficial business or financial opportunity is
available. Remember that with Mars retrograde and Pluto in
Capricorn we need to proceed with great caution in any venture at
this time. Research and methodical planning may slow down our
achievements or our arrival at a desirable destination, but the
earth signs prefer deliberation to spontaneity anyway.
The week of March 12-17 is when these planets will be in their
tightest alignment, although we will be able to feel the influences
of it from the 6th – 24th. The houses in your natal chart that have
earth signs on the cusps are the areas of your life that are likely
to experience the benefits of this grand trine. In fire houses your
sense of self, confidence and creative energy will be strong and
solid. In earth houses the material, practical elements of your
life will be strengthened. In air houses your social activities
will be harmonious and functional. In the water houses you should
be able to establish a solid sense of emotional well being. However
the grand trine is affecting you this month, remember to proceed
with caution. Your actions should be methodical and your point of
attention is the bottom line. Then you can use the transiting grand
trine in ways that enable you to flow through life with harmony,
practicality and grace.
Aries
Use the grand trine to enhance your physical well being. Focusing
on health, either in preventive maintenance or recovery can help
work through a time that may be low energy. Refining skill and
learning new techniques at work can actually enhance financial flow
immediately. Developing long range goals will pay off down the
line.
Taurus
From the 5th on focus on you. This could take the form of attending
to physical appearance, to refining your creative and romantic
activities. The satisfaction that these personal points of focus
provide can help sustain you in your longer journey to establishing
a meaningful academic experience and/or spiritual path.
Gemini
With Mercury retrograde from the 12th until early April, your focus
this month should be more internal. Spending time writing or in
quiet contemplation or meditation will enable you feel more
grounded and ultimately more productive. Looking within this month
can provide the interesting information that you normally look for,
and find, outside yourself.
Cancer
The new Moon in Aries on the 22nd provides the energy to be direct
and assertive in your professional activities. By so doing you may
shake things up a bit. You could surprise others by your candor,
but you could also feel the backlash from those who prefer you to
be accommodating. Growth for you this month comes from being
authentic in relationship to others and thicker skinned in your
responses to them.
Leo
This is a month to focus on practical matters, especially finance.
There may an opportunity to enhance your income. Use it to solidify
your own base rather than using it as an exercise in being generous
to others. In fact, growth for you this month can come from
learning to be more selective and discerning in expenditures.
Virgo
Any time you have spent focusing on you could start paying off this
month. The full Moon in Virgo on the 8th enhances emotional
self-awareness. As you express those feelings you could experience
a deep sense of emotional well-being. You also might feel a deeper
emotional connection in your primary relationship. This can
increase feelings of joy as well as benefit both of you in feeling
more intimate with each other.
Libra
Your artistic sensibilities could be stimulated this month. You
could also seek and find sensual gratification. The grand trine
could serve you well as long as you remember that some selectivity
in what you do and who you do it with is important. As harmonious
as the energy may flow for and feel to you, it will not bring the
same sense of satisfaction in all areas or at all times.
Scorpio
Two planets are said to ‘co-rule’ Scorpio, Mars and Pluto. Since
they are two of the four planets aligned in the transiting grand
trine, we can assume that you will have opportunities to reap many
benefits at this time. One main area of increased harmony and
fulfillment could be your social life. Activities with colleagues
could enhance both the atmosphere and performance on the job. Your
primary relationship may feel romantic and harmonious.
Sagittarius
Your ruling planet, Jupiter, has been in the earth sign Taurus for
almost a year. That period could have brought increased
productivity leading to opportunities for advancement at work. It
also could have brought up feelings of frustration since Taurus is
not as adventurous as Sagittarius. If you have been working to
stabilize the structure of your life, you may find rewards in that
context at this time.
Capricorn
The transit of Pluto in Capricorn is intense, profound and
passionate. You might be dealing with many serious issues and
changes in your life. This month it’s time to relax a little. Do
things that make you feel happy and joyful. Creative expression,
sports or romantic experiences can help balance out a time in your
life when big changes are happening which may not be easy or fun to
deal with.
Aquarius
In the midst of exciting changes and new beginnings, now is time to
slow down a bit. Working to develop domestic harmony perhaps by
being creative at home could bring much joy. Looking at your
financial picture with a discerning, analytical eye can prove
beneficial in stabilizing that part of your life. The grand trine
is useful to all, but for you to benefit from it, you need to be
grounded and pay attention to those activities that you value the
most.
Pisces
Artistic expression and harmonious social contacts could combine to
bring about feelings of joy and fulfillment. Spending time with
neighbors, relatives or good friends will be beneficial. Be careful
about volunteering your time, energy or resources, however. The
abundance and generosity you feel this month may not last beyond it
.
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. For information about
classes or to make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at
707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.