The wheel of light

Saturn is one of the “movers and shakers” of the solar system.
It provides us with the energy to take responsibility for our
lives. It enables us to feel empowered in the creation of our
reality. The transits of Saturn tell us where work needs to be
done. It indicates what area of our life that needs definition and
something to achieve. If we are successful in realizing the goals,
we remove blockages from our path and avoid feeling fearful and
limited.
Saturn transits through each sign for approximately 2 years. On
October 29th, Saturn will move into Libra. It will remain there
until April 2010 when it retrogrades back into Virgo until July, at
which time it moves into Libra and stays there until October
2012.
 Libra is the sign of harmony and balance. Two of its primary
points of focus are social interaction and the arts. Socially,
Libra is oriented toward one-to-one relationship in the personal
life and justice and equality collectively. Artistically, Libra is
sensitive to aesthetics, either nature-made or human-made. It can
also be drawn to creating beauty in various mediums.
With Saturn in Libra, therefore, we will be challenged to define
specific goals that we would like to achieve both socially and
creatively in the next few years. If we don’t define any goals, or
do any work in these areas, we are liable to feel blocked in them.
For example, we could feel limited in our options to either begin a
new relationship or improve an existing one. One way out of that
involves taking responsibility to define what we need and what we
offer to a partner. Then define a strategy that can be employed in
very concrete ways that is designed to alter behavioral patterns
and achieve the goals. This could pertain to any important
one-to-one relationship, personal and romantic or professional.
This could also involve our desire to become active in a cause that
pertains to social justice. Change will occur when we are clear
about our goals, pursue them diligently and are realistic about our
limits and boundaries. Without those parameters, we might project
the cause of our frustration onto the partner or the situation in
general. We might even feel too fearful of rejection to even
address these issues within ourselves, let alone interactively.
Sometimes, lack of awareness and work in this area can leave us in
a co-dependent state, feeling that if we can at least satisfy our
partner’s needs and desires that somehow that will bring us
happiness and satisfaction. In fact, that strategy leads to
increased frustration.
Similarly, strive to become aware of creative goals. Think of
the arts in a broad context, not limited to the so-called ‘plastic
arts,’ writing, painting, sculpting or music. Flower arranging,
cooking, interior design (even a new coat of paint in the kitchen)
are also artistic endeavors that can bring increased harmony and
pleasure. Without clearly defining a format and a goal, we could
feel creatively stuck. We might fear that others won’t enjoy or
appreciate our efforts and judge us as not being good enough or
acceptable in some way.
The lower octave of Libra is experienced through indecision,
often accompanied by valuing others’ opinions or needs above our
own. We put the creation and maintenance of the harmony of a
relationship or an environment as the only important goal to
achieve. The main problem with that goal, however, is that it can
gloss over our own needs and feelings. The higher octave of Libra
enables us to be thoughtful of others and relating to them with
tact and diplomacy. Negotiation and compromise are prioritized over
the need for positive feedback from others. Saturn in Libra is a
transit that enables us to find an internal balance point. First we
tune in to ourselves. Then, we define our needs. Then we share that
information with others with the intention of creating a
relationship that is equitable and fulfilling for both parties. By
extension, we also work to create a harmonious environment that is
aesthetically pleasing, and maximizes the potential for many people
to function effectively in that context and benefit from our
efforts.
Remember to personalize this transit by noting what house in
your natal chart is occupied by the sign Libra. That is the area of
your life experience wherein this work will need to be done over
the next few years.
Aries: Early month is a good time to try new
things, especially if they involve home and family. Be open to
inspiration that may require some innovation or experimentation on
your part. Later in the month, be careful that your natural
tendency to be your authentic self at all times doesn’t push you
into narcissism. Growth for you this month comes from being willing
to negotiate and compromise with others while remaining true to
yourself.
Taurus: Many challenges for you this month,
mostly occurring mid-month. One of the points of contention will
revolve around your need for stability in the face of unexpected
and possibly destabilizing changes. One way out is to be clear
about where you are and are not willing to compromise. Another
important point involves self-discipline but stops short of being
excessively self-limiting.
Gemini: Working on mental discipline in early
month enables you to take advantage of opportunities for change,
either at work or in family matters. Mid-late month brings the
energy for self-exploration and the ability to understand yourself
at deeper levels. Joy, faith and compassion are available
throughout the month. Tuning in to them can bring clarity and
awareness of opportunities in other areas.
Cancer: The full Moon in Aries on the 3rd could
bring issues at work to a head that have been simmering for a
while. Growth for you comes from knowing yourself and speaking your
truth. The new Moon on the 17th in Libra brings feelings of
joyfulness and optimism and opportunities for positive social
activities, creative inspiration or expansion of faith.
Leo: This is a month when your natural
tendencies to be joyful and generous can be expressed. Social
activities involving partners and family should bring fulfillment.
Your energy level should increase significantly from mid-late
month. Use this to be physically active in whatever ways you
choose, but be careful to avoid gross ego-centrism that would lead
to contention between yourself and others.
Virgo: Creative and social energy abounds for
you this month. Growth comes from developing the self-awareness
that will enable you to be confident enough to openly express what
you feel in either context. This is also a good time to find
solutions to health or financial issues. Mental discipline is
strong during this period, but avoid tendencies to focus only on
the negative.
Libra:  Six planets will be passing through
Libra this month, so the information about Saturn’s transit is
particularly important to you. The key is to find or create balance
in your life. Strive to be thoughtful but not co-dependent,
diplomatic but not superficial, artistic but not dilitantish. The
most important component of these transits is you. Try not to
externalize the energy to the point where you are seeing yourself
through others.
Scorpio: Intellectual or spiritual inspiration
could be profound, especially early in the month. Challenges could
come from the desire to be expressive, combined with your natural
tendency to be private. Growth comes from taking the time to get
clear about your need to feel safe to share, with whom and at what
time. Transformation can come from being open in the right time and
place.
Sagittarius: This is a time to implement
changes in your social life that you might have been contemplating
for several months. There should be the support from others to do
this, either in the form of opportunities that enable the
integration of new patterns or from those who notice and appreciate
your changes.
Capricorn: Early to mid-month is the time to
put some finishing touches on projects you have been working on for
some time. Refine and perfect what you have already done. Late
month, the Saturn in Libra transit challenges you to start the work
on relationship stated above. Failing to do so could lead to power
struggles and control issues in important relationships.
Aquarius: You may feel pushed, pulled and
prodded for most of this month. Much of the struggle could involve
areas that have been challenging for about a year, namely finance
and relationship. Growth comes from clarification of your values.
Get in touch with your inherent resources that provide the clarity
and strength to know that you can overcome the difficulties and, in
the long run, prevail.
Pisces: While others around you may be
challenged at this time, you might find smooth sailing. Growth
comes from being compassionate and serviceful to those who need
your support, without falling into the martyr role. Take advantage
of the harmonious, supportive energies to enhance both your social
and spiritual lives.
– 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.
His next class at the JC begins Wednesday October 14. Call 527-4824
to register. To make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at
707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.