WHEEL OF LIGHT

I normally use this space to delineate an important energy
pattern that is highlighted for the month. I am going to depart
from that format in this article and tell you about a new book that
I published in March of this year. Some of you know of it already,
some may have purchased it. Whether this is news to you or not, I
would like to discuss my book in this month’s article.
The title of the book is A Manual for the Modern Mystic, How to
Practice Being in the Presence of God. It is my attempt to connect
astrology to metaphysics in a way that promotes spiritual growth
and consciousness development. One of the realizations I have had
over the years is that each of the 12 signs of the zodiac is an
archetypal expression of a universal law. One of the most powerful
aspects of astrology is that it connects planetary cycles with
events on earth. Astrology, then, is a system that proves we are
each intimately connected to the Oneness of life. An individual
horoscope is a map that tells us how to get to different places in
life, either external or internal. It can indicate tools to work
with and challenges to work through in all areas of life and on
many levels of consciousness. If we work with our charts they
clarify what we need to do in order to achieve our goals. If one of
our goals is consciousness development, it’s useful to realize that
each sign provides a vast spectrum to facilitate that. We simply
expand our understanding of the sign so that it provides
information about and ways of working with a universal law.
Each chapter of the book connects a sign of the zodiac to a
specific universal law. I begin each chapter with a personal story
or anecdote; something I have experienced that is a human example
of that law. There is a short section on the astrological
correlation to the law. The third section provides practical ways
to access and utilize the law. There is also a section about the
results of not taking advantage of the law. The final two sections
are titled Spiritual Opportunity and Bottom Line. Each chapter is
headed and followed by a quote from a well-known spiritual teacher
or metaphysical book (the Bible, I Ching, the Koran, etc).
Here is list of the 12 laws I discuss in the book followed by
the astrological sign associated with it: The Law of Creativity
(Aries), The Law of Survival (Taurus), The Law of Both/And
(Gemini), The Law of The Eternal Present (Cancer), The Law of Love
(Leo), The Law of Service (Virgo), The Law of Harmony (Libra), The
Law of Eternal Life (Scorpio), The Law of Abundance (Sagittarius),
The Law of Karma (Capricorn), The Law of Impermanence (Aquarius)
and The Law of Transcendence (Pisces).
My first book, Astrology and Consciousness was relatively easy
to write. It contains the same information I teach in my class on
beginning astrology. I simply expanded my class notes into a
chapter format. A Manual for the Modern Mystic was different. Not
only does it go way beyond my normal “comfort zone” of information,
but it also challenged me to discuss concepts that are quite
complex and, for most people, overwhelming or confusing. I
therefore had to extensively delineate these concepts in a way
accessible to everyone. I use stories and anecdotes woven within
the fabric of each chapter that are designed to enable one to
understand each law and be able to integrate each into their life
in a pragmatic way.
I spent ten years working on this book. One advantage to taking
so long is that each time I reviewed and refined a chapter, so much
time had passed since the previous update that I had increased my
own understanding of each concept and law.
A Manual for the Modern Mystic is my effort to help those
interested in astrology to extrapolate their astrological
information in ways that promote consciousness development. For
those already focused on the metaphysical realties of life, this
book provides crossover information about how to use astrology in
pursuing higher understanding.
The book can be purchased through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com as well as through me. It costs
$23.95 plus tax and postage.
I must admit that this is not an easy read. When one of my
students (a professional editor) offered to edit the book for me,
her initial feedback was, “This book is like a tome!” Although she
didn’t say that dismissively, it wasn’t exactly a compliment
either. I replied by saying, “And?” This book reflects that process
of personal growth. It’s not easy, it takes commitment to the
clarity of intention and time. But if you are one who is drawn to
understanding and relating to life in a spiritual form and are
averse to joining groups or churches, this book may have a lot to
offer you. If nothing else, it reminds you that many others are
pursuing the same path with a similar degree of seriousness.
Collectively, as we progress on that path, we can experience
personal empowerment and liberation as well as work to improve the
quality of life for all living beings.
Aries: A quiet, sometimes introspective period
ends with a flourish mid-month. What begins is a period of
heightened creativity. You can also use the energy for spontaneous
fun and adventure, especially if being physical is required. Late
month in particular can be a time of change and inspiration doing
something that you enjoy.
Taurus: Early month, practicality and a desire
to be self-contained, shifts around mid-month. From that point
social activities and artistic endeavors become higher priorities.
Growth comes from being disciplined, orderly and detail oriented
even when engaged in playful or enjoyable activities. Mid-month
could bring some financial setbacks or challenges, so be cautious
with expenditures.
Gemini: This month provides opportunities to be
actively productive in grounded ways. Growth for you comes from
slowing down and doing things deliberately and methodically.
Failing to do so will limit what you can accomplish. One subtle
benefit that can accrue by being attentive to the practical
elements of you life is to also become emotionally self-aware.
Cancer: The energies are flowing in a gentle
way for you this month. Around the full Moon in Pisces on the 12th,
artistic and social energies are available in harmonious and
fulfilling ways. These themes can continue all month. Later in this
period, others may come who share similar interests and can provide
enjoyable companionship and positive support.
Leo: Mars transits into Leo on the 18th and
remains there until mid-November. This month in particular can a
time to utilize that energy to get involved in new and exciting
projects or adventures. The key is inspiration. When you feel it,
go with it. It could take you into social or creative activities
that open new channels of expression and fulfillment.
Virgo: A grand trine in earth signs during
mid-month serves to create a harmonious flow of energy for you. It
could help to feel confident in yourself and in your ability to
function in life efficiently and effectively. Growth comes,
however, from not limiting yourself to be productive in material or
practical ways. Strive to expand your output in life artistically
and intellectually as well.
Libra: The challenge for you this month is
keeping your internal sense of harmony in the face of social and
financial challenges. The way out is by being willing to let go of
the expectation of or attachment to harmony. Working in deliberate,
cautious ways can enable you to respond effectively to the
challenges while maintaining your inner peace.
Scorpio: This could be a harmonious period for
you, especially with friends and colleagues. They may support you
by providing useful information or personal encouragement. You may
also transform at least one of the relationships from something
relatively simple or superficial to something deeper and more
significant.
Sagittarius: The good news for you this month
is that the grounded, practical energies you have been dealing with
for most of the year continue to be strongly present. The bad news
is that you may feel bored by having to spend so much time and
attention on the mundane. Growth comes from realizing that what
enjoy most –learning- is taking place, just more slowly and
methodically than normal.
Capricorn: This is a period when social
activities could be quite harmonious and comfortable for all
concerned. This can be particularly true in professional
associations. Creativity and aesthetics are also highly energized
and prioritized. Growth comes from being willing to “go with the
flow” rather than feeling you have to control the outcome.
Aquarius: A month of stimulating interaction
between yourself and others. Much of the social sharing can take
the form of feedback from others that provides perspective about
how they experience your energy. You could also share your feelings
about them so that the relationships enable all concerned to have a
clearer understanding of patterns to maintain or to work on
changing.
Pisces: This is a month of intellectual and
analytical stimulation. In some situations you may find absolute
clarity. In others, you may feel confused. Growth comes from
acknowledging the difficulties, and working to find clarity through
them, even as you take advantage of more mental clarity. The full
Moon in Pisces on the 12th can bring extreme intuitive clarity than
can help you through any left brain challenges.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has
been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of
Aquarius Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and
Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through
SRJC and ongoing classes through New Horizons School. To make an
appointment or find out about classes, call Rio at 707-887-1820.
Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com and his
Facebook page for weekly blogs and updates at

ri*******@ya***.com











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