WHEEL OF LIGHT

Most of us have heard the dire predictions for the Winter
Solstice of 2012. Whatever that event may bring, it is ironic that
this month the planetary alignment is far more challenging than
anything that will take place two years from now. This month is one
of the most difficult configurations that any of us have ever
experienced. I have mentioned, over several columns, the various
squares and oppositions involving the ‘movers and shakers’, Saturn,
Uranus and Pluto. This month Mars and Venus will conjoin Saturn;
Uranus is still conjunct Jupiter and Pluto is close to the Moon’s
North Node. All these planets are in the early degrees of cardinal
signs. This creates a pattern that astrologers call a T-Square.
Change is always with us. Sometimes we could delude ourselves
into thinking that we can stop or at least control these changes.
Not now. This is a time to make creative, dynamic new beginnings in
whatever areas of life experience (houses) are being triggered by
these transiting planets in your birth chart. Trying to resist the
changes will lead to behavioral or emotional road rash. Not only
will there be nothing gained, but struggling to maintain the status
quo will prove futile.
Although this month may be the peak of the tension producing
transits, their effects will continue for several years. During
that time we will be challenged both collectively and individually.
Collectively, this alignment could challenge some basic
institutions that we tend to assume are permanent, such as the US
economy and even our basic lifestyle and form of government.
The financial markets could react by creating a downward trend
in a particularly volatile way. Some economists are even predicting
a market crash. Politically, unprecedented challenges to
governmental structure and leadership could take place globally.
This could either be a bi-product of or lead to new international
alliances. Following the alignment this month there will be a Full
Moon on the Fall Equinox and a Lunar Eclipse at the Winter
Solstice, further suggesting big changes that will affect both the
people of the world and our leadership.
Individually, our challenges will be determined by how and where
the T-Square aligns with the planets and houses of our personal
horoscope. In general, however, we could assume that there will be
a lot tested through relationship. The more primary or romantic the
relationship, the greater the potential difficulty. The main issue
is creating an interactive dynamic that allows for mutual
independence while striving for mutual openness, vulnerability and
intimacy. How can we maintain our individuality within the context
of a deep, meaningful relationship?
Similarly, how can we maintain our identity in a world that
increasingly demands conformity to a reality created by
multi-national corporations and supported by the narcissistic
demands of a culture that prioritizes materialistic consumerism
above anything else?
One answer to both questions is to be clear about our goals and
intentions. Goals refer to where we are going. Intention pertains
to how we are going to get there. One key in doing that is
balancing our needs for security within a traditional social
construct with our need to creatively initiate new, inspirational
activities that enhance and support our individuality. It isn’t
necessary to abandon all conventions that were individually or
collectively created prior to doing this. We do, however, need to
actively, consciously update and upgrade our behaviors so that our
lives reflect who we authentically are and who we are striving to
become.
Three of the transiting planets are in Libra. This suggests that
we have the opportunity to create these changes in ways that are
gradual and harmonious. We can initiate new projects or
relationships by being as thoughtful of others as we are committed
to our own goals. The T-Square is like a dance through which we
affirm both our own uniqueness as well as our connection and
responsibilities to a greater social order. This could be anything
from a relationship to a family to society at large.
The current challenges are unprecedented in my lifetime. From
foreclosures and job loss to government run by corporations and
wealthy officials, and from environmental disaster to the threats
of global warming humanity is at a precipitous crossroad. How we
respond individually and collectively to this planetary alignment
over the next few years could determine the viability, as well as
quality, of human life for a long time. The most important thing to
remember is that this is a time of action. The cardinal signs are
quite comfortable with trial and error. So have at it. It’s better
to do something, learn from the mistakes and try again than to just
sit on the sidelines waiting for something to happen. The more
passive we are the more victimized we may feel. The reality,
however, is that if we are not choosing our changes and new
beginnings at this time the universe will do it for us. Under those
conditions, our potential for fulfillment and happiness are not
great. Seizing the time and having the courage to be ourselves and
go for what we want has more positive potential and a greater
feeling of fulfillment.
Aries
You are usually comfortable being self-affirming and action
oriented. In some ways, the current T-Square fits into your way of
being. Growth for you, however, comes from being more aware and
considerate of others. Don’t force others to be as you want them to
be; accept them as they are. Similarly, don’t feel limited by
others. Be yourself in ways that are also supportive to others
being themselves.
Taurus
Challenges abound for any sign that loves continuity as much as
you do. You might assume that stability represents control. At this
time the only thing we can control is what we do, how and where we
do it. So growth for you comes from breaking out of your comfort
zone and starting new patterns and projects that will open new
avenues of experience.
Gemini
Normally one of the more social signs, you may feel somewhat
disconnected this month. Social activity may either not be there at
all or, if it is, not feel particularly interesting or fulfilling.
The way out is to develop activities that will enable you to feel
comfortable being by yourself. Learning and inspiration can come
from looking within rather than through social interaction.
Cancer
The New Moon on the 9th challenges you to be more open and
expressive. It’s a good time to take a risk or two and boldly do
something new and exciting. The Full Moon on the 24th is a time to
focus on the inner planes. This is a good time for a spiritual
retreat or an opportunity to spend some alone time in pursuit of
spiritual or metaphysical information.
Leo
The biggest challenge facing you this month is staying on task.
You could experience confusion about what to do or you may tend to
trust the wrong people who are providing you with answers to that
question. Growth comes from finding clarity within yourself rather
than from others. This is a good time to focus on creative
expression. A sense of direction could emerge from that type of
endeavor.
Virgo
Frustration could surface this month. You may feel as if you
have a lot on your mind and want to share it with others only to
find that there is no one to share it with. This could generate
feelings of loneliness and isolation. Growth comes from finding
other outlets of communication. Writing to others or journaling are
ways to express yourself even with no one there to listen.
Libra
Since you are all about relationship and this is a time of
challenge in that area, this period is filled with growth potential
for you. Staying centered and focused on your point of view or your
needs is key. You already have the tendency and ability to be
thoughtful and have the ability to see things from other’s
perspective. This is a time to learn how be true to yourself even
when involved with others.
Scorpio
Family or neighborhood problems that have been festering for a
while or have been open and in your face are now culminating. This
is a time to take action that would help resolve the situations.
Being nice or cordial in this process is desirable and beneficial.
The priority, however, is bringing the situation to a close. Better
to do this inharmoniously than not doing it at all.
Sagittarius
This is a good time to start reflecting on what you’ve been
doing all year. This review may last a few months, so take your
time and be thorough. Pay special attention to activities taking
place within the home and family (especially with parents or
children). You may find the need to gather more information before
you alter any previous decisions.
Capricorn
A very challenging time for you. You may feel the need to help
other people deal with their issues, almost as if it’s your
responsibility. Growth comes from letting go of the need to control
other people’s reality. This may cause you to shake up your social
life and let go of certain relationships. This could even involve
relatives.
Aquarius
Social interaction provides opportunities for growth this month.
Normally you may feel comfortable maintaining a distance between
yourself and others. That helps you to keep your sense of
individuality but may limit you in getting your needs met. This is
a month to take some risks and let others know who you are. It may
feel awkward and scary, but should be worth it if the relationship
is solid to begin with.
Pisces
The Full Moon in Pisces on the 24th provides a wonderful
opportunity to enhance your spiritual awareness. Even a day or two
prior to the Full Moon, spend time alone and focused on the inner
planes. Creative inspiration, intuitive insights into yourself and
others and spiritual clarity are available.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has
been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of
Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning
astrology through SRJC and ongoing classes through New Horizons
School in Santa Rosa. To make an appointment for a reading, call
Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.