WHEEL OF LIGHT

Saturn opposition Uranus is a challenging combination of
energies locked in a contentious aspect. We experienced this from
October of 2008 through March of 2009. It returns for a third and
final passage March-August 2010. This month it re-appears briefly.
What it will bring and how those energies will play out is the
question of the month.
Two previous oppositions of these two planets can provide keys
as to how their energies can be expressed. The first of these
occurred in the mid-1960s. It was a time when reality seemed to be
backwards, standing on its head while it was being turned
inside-out. At that time anything that was traditional or accepted
as normal was at least called into question and quite possibly
eliminated, at least from the lives of many people. Collectively
this was the period that began what later came to be called the
culture wars. It seems as if from that point on the culture and
consciousness of this country was split into two rival factions. On
the left were the hippies, yippies and everyone else who broke out
of the boredom and stability of the 1950s and early 1960s.
Revolution (Uranus) was in the air. For those people this was an
exciting time, filled with anti-war protests and civil rights
legislation that changed this country and ultimately led to the
first African-American being elected President. On the right people
became alarmed at the growing sense of independence exhibited by
the students and intelligentsia. Those in the right wing camp
became supportive of the USA being the world’s policeman. They
flocked to their churches to become reborn in the name of Jesus and
many eventually sought to transform the country into a theocracy.
The forces of the progressive left (Uranus) and the forces of the
conservative right (Saturn) were locked in battle. When Ronald
Reagan was elected President it seemed as if the pro-Saturn faction
had won. In fact, it was only a temporary victory.
Fast-forward 40 years. The Presidential election of 2008
reversed the previous decision. That was when the forces of
innovation finally overcame their conformist opposition. Barack
Obama won the election and became an international cultural
sensation. So what happens this month? How will these forces
interact this time? And what can we as individuals do to take
advantage of this transit?
The reason that this opposition is back is due to the
retrogradation of Saturn. It was retrograde in the spring and now,
moving direct, caught up with Uranus. The latter is retrograde and
will turn direct and catch up with Saturn in March 2010. When
planets retrograde it provides an opportunity to review what we
have done during its period of direct motion. So now we can review
and, if necessary, revise what we did last fall through early
spring. One of the points of consideration is President Obama
himself. How is he doing? Is he still the Golden Child of the left
or are there enough blemish-based decisions that have us scratching
our heads and wondering if he’s got it right after all. Or maybe
some of the flash has faded, and we are able to be more realistic.
We can accept the job he’s doing and even approve or agree, while
still seeing him more as a person and less as a hero. The times are
too complicated and demanding to assume he will still warrant high
approval ratings, but hopefully a majority of the electorate will
appreciate the intelligence and effort he is putting out.
On the personal level, we are each still battling the demons of
restriction. If we find that we are inhibiting our freedom in some
way, hoping to gain favor from some person of authority in our
life, we are off center. If we are acting as the authority figure
and attempting to control and restrict others, we are off center.
The challenge of this opposition is to integrate the energy of
freedom, uniqueness and inspiration (Uranus) with that of
direction, structure and goals (Saturn). One way to do this is by
noting what house axis this opposition is triggering in our
personal horoscope. This will provide direction about what areas of
our life that require attention.
One of the keys to working with Saturn is to realize that it is
the energy of personal authority and personal responsibility. The
more responsibility we take for ourselves the more authority we
have to create the life we choose to live. The degree and manner in
which we accept limits (Saturn) the more freedom (Uranus) and
empowerment we will feel. One effective methodology is to establish
a structure in our life that coincides with the house axis
mentioned above. If we define something we would like to achieve
and how we propose to achieve it, we affirm that we are in charge
and are the prime authority figure in our lives. In so doing, we
are also providing ourselves with the freedom necessary to
creatively, inventively succeed.
Similarly, by noting which house Uranus is located in we can
work with the perspective provided by the opposition to notice the
ways we may be stuck by fear, habit or lack of imagination. These
qualities can limit or block us from being true to who we are and
accomplishing what is important to us. Once again, we prioritize
personal responsibility. This time we do so in ways that enable us
to experimentally break out of old patterns and bring excitement
and inspiration to our lives.
This aspect will be in play through August of next year, but
after this month it will be a mere shadow until it returns in full
force next spring. Use this month as a time to create both
structure and freedom, a time to create viable rules to live by
that will be supportive to our process of awakening and
liberation.
Aries
This is a time to look within. That implies both on the inner
and outer planes. On the inner, strive for a new relationship to
yourself. Spend some time getting to know your true-self, from the
inside out. How do you feel about the different situations and
relationships in your life? What works and what doesn’t? On the
outer planes, spend some time with family and close friends. This
could also be a good time to start a major project that pertains to
your home.
Taurus
A highly creative period for you. This could be expressed
artistically, financially or in a relationship with children. In
addition, the door of your heart is wide open, especially in
mid-month. Growth for you this month comes from freely sharing the
love (and creativity) that is given to you unconditionally from the
universe, but in ways that are healthy and appropriate for all
concerned, including you.
Gemini
Abundant challenges for you this month require that you take
some time getting centered daily. In early to mid-month, difficulty
around money, possibly in relationship to your children or partner,
could generate some stimulating, but unpleasant conversations.
Mid-late month, questions around limits and boundaries between
yourself and others, especially family members or employer, make it
crucial that you know who you are and what your intentions are in
the situation.
Cancer
The new Moon in Virgo on the 18th could bring to light feelings
or thoughts that you’ve had about certain family members or good
friends. These issues could run the gamut between someone’s
expectations and someone else’s needs. Pay attention to being
undermined this month. Anyone attempting do to so should be
confronted. Depending on their willingness to engage could
determine the future of that relationship.
Leo
Financial issues could surface in mid-month between yourself and
a partner. It could be business or personal. Growth for you comes
from engaging in open-minded debate in which you both get to
express your opinions and values. Being willing to compromise now
will minimize more intense confrontations later on.
Virgo
The Saturn-Uranus opposition is along the Virgo-Pisces axis.
Saturn, a grounded, practical energy, is in Virgo, an earth sign.
That part is easy for you. Hard work, conscientiousness and a
sharp, analytical mind is what Virgo is all about. Dealing with the
subtleties and sensitivities of Pisces is another matter. Growth
for you this month comes from opening up to others emotionally, and
relating to them accordingly.
Libra
Your aesthetic nature runs strong this month. Early month could
bring the orientation to be artistically expressive in ways that
will bring recognition from others. Late month creativity should be
expressed more for its own sake, regardless of the feedback.
Throughout the month the creative imagination is providing powerful
impetus for expression. Growth comes from taking the time to let
the energy flow.
Scorpio
Problems that you have been ruminating about for a while could
surface this month. Growth for you comes from thinking through the
issues so deeply and thoroughly that you can afford to reveal your
opinions calmly and let the listener perceive the truth on their
own. Failure to have such certainty could lead to caustic remarks
and a proliferating conflict.
Sagittarius
This is a good time to review your relationships. In the recent
past you may have been overly generous to someone, or overly
expectant of something from them. Instead of feeling drained or
disappointed, re-assess your opinion of who they are. It probably
won’t change the relationship overtly, but the reality check will
help you feel better and in the long run make the relationship
function more realistically.
Capricorn
Since Saturn is your ruling planet, we might assume that you
will be slammed by its opposition to Uranus. That may be partly
true, but what is also true is that the aspect can provide a
tremendous amount of creative energy. This is a great time to do
some major troubleshooting in your life. Define problem areas and
creatively find solutions. Thinking in new ways about old problems
helps to find new solutions as well.
Aquarius
Saturn and Uranus are the co-ruling planets of Aquarius. So the
opposition brings into clear focus the paradox of your nature. On
the one hand, you love freedom – being who you are and doing
whatever you choose. On the other hand, you like structure,
stability and being in control. Growth for you this month comes
from working on self-discipline as the means to personal
liberation. Let others have the same freedom you crave.
Pisces
The full Moon in Pisces on the 4th provides a short-term
opportunity to look within for spiritual and artistic inspiration.
This would be a good time for a retreat or to block out some time
from your normal routines in order to strive for a more
transcendent connection to life.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and been a
practicing professional since 1976. The author of Astrology and
Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through
SRJC and ongoing classes through Crystal Channels in Santa Rosa.
Rio’s next JC class will begin October 14.
For more information about classes, or to schedule an
appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820.
Check out his website at www.starwatcher.com.