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 [email protected].