WHEEL OF LIGHT

In the course of any 12 month period, there are times when the
transits offer significant opportunities for creativity, growth and
change and times when they don’t. This month is one in which the
positive potentials are not that strong. In the face of the
challenging, unprecedented changes many of us have been faced with
this could be a good thing.
What is happening this month is a series of transits that affect
the inner planets, that is, the ones whose orbit is close to the
Sun. These bodies move faster than the others, change sign more
frequently but are also less profound in what they offer. The
energy of these planets pertains to our immediate experience and
interaction with each other. So when they change sign they don’t
require deep, introspective self-analysis or opportunities for
major growth and productivity. What they enable us to do is focus
on what we are doing here and now. Who are we doing what with? Are
those activities and relationships enjoyable and fulfilling? If
not, the transits this month provide the energy to make small
shifts in how we function day-to-day, situation-to-situation and
relationship-to-relationship.
What also makes these transits significant is that they all take
place within 5 days of each other, from the 22nd to the 26th.
Normally, when this many planets transit into new signs in so short
a period, we can expect small changes to take place within that
period. These are not earth shaking shifts, but, rather,
opportunities for refining how we function in habitual or mundane
situations. The planets involved are the Sun, Mercury, Venus and
Mars.
The Sun changes sign every 30 days. What makes it unusual this
month is that it is being accompanied into new signs by the other 3
planets. The Sun is passing from Leo to Virgo, which can be a
difficult change. Leo likes to be spontaneous, expressive and
playful. It is a good leader and organizer and likes attention. It
carries itself with dignity and confidence. Virgo, on the other
hand, is more shy and self-contained. Instead of focusing on the
big picture that Leo sees, Virgo sweats the details and as such can
be quite critical. If centered, this orientation helps to generate
a refined, highly functional situation that is often geared toward
helping others.
Mercury transits from Virgo to Libra on the 25th. This is a much
more harmonious and comfortable transit, since these signs are
quite similar in many ways. They are both oriented toward quality
of experience. They are both linear and left-brained. They are both
gentle signs. They both prefer being subtle rather than overt. They
can be critical (Virgo) and judgmental (Libra) when expressed in an
off-centered way. One main difference is that, as an earth sign,
Virgo wants to apply its knowledge to life in functional,
serviceful ways that will enable a situation to flow more
efficiently and productively. Libra, an air sign, wants to share
the information with others in order to arrive at a consensus of
mind before action is taken. Notice which house in your natal chart
you have the last degrees of Virgo and the first degrees of Libra.
That area of life is one that will probably see an increase in
social activity the last few days of the month.
Venus transits from Cancer to Leo on the 26th. Again, very
different signs. Venus pertains to relationship and the arts.
Cancer prioritizes relationship to family members and one’s home.
Venus in Cancer can be oriented toward domestic arts like cooking
and decorating. As a water sign Cancer is sensitive and often
self-protective. Leo, the fire sign, is more dynamic and radiant
both in relationship as well as creativity. It can enjoy the visual
arts as well as theater arts and is often a natural performer,
again, craving attention from an audience. In relationship Leo can
be romantic, affectionate and highly sexual. Both Cancer and Leo
are youthful, playful signs. See if you notice a change in your
social tendencies as well as experiences the last few days of the
month. It could be fairly subtle, but the pattern would be more
externalized and expressive. One quality that is similar in both
signs is that Cancer tends to be self-protective while Leo avoids
doing anything that could put them in an embarrassing situation.
Thus, Venus, a gentle, feminine energy may think twice in either
sign before opening up and doing anything.
Mars represents drive and physicality. It can be courageous,
direct, competitive and sexual. It is self-affirming, assertive and
potentially contentious. It passes from Gemini to Cancer on the
25th. In Gemini, Mars will be oriented toward sharing information
with other people. This could be through the spoken or written
word. At times, Mars in Gemini can be too exuberant in this sharing
to the point where one might come across as being arrogant, caustic
or contentious. Although this is a definite possibility, more often
the person will just be filled with excitement and enthusiasm in
the communication process. Don’t confuse style with substance. In
Cancer, Mars has a problem. Mars’ nature is to be direct. Cancer
prefers being indirect. Mars in Cancer may think it has made a
specific point about a specific topic, whereas the listener
discerns only vaguely worded sentences that might actually mask
both topic and main point. When Mars is in Cancer our emotions tend
to be heightened and we tend to act out of emotion rather than
logic. So pay attention in late month to see if you are being more
emotionally self-aware, self-nurturing and self-expressive in the
house (area of life experience) in your chart that contains the
last few degrees of Gemini and first few of Cancer.
 Aries: Early month brings energy for
communication and social interaction. Growth for you comes from
maintaining balance in these activities. It will probably seem
comfortable for you to relate to a variety of people and share a
variety of ideas with them. Too many people and ideas lead to
superficial connections and understanding. You may feel scattered
and disorganized. Not enough people or information can leave you
feeling bored and frustrated. Being thoughtful and deliberate are
the keys.
Taurus: Focusing on home and family this month
can lead to both the sense and experience of emotional stability
and well-being. Having a neighborhood barbecue, beautifying the
house in some way and spending time with relatives are all
realistic and fulfilling ways of dealing with the transits this
month. Growth comes from experimenting with new behaviors in
dealing with others, especially friends and extended family.
Gemini: Early month is a good time to be open
and direct. Let others know your points of view without sounding
contentious or confrontational. Growth for you this month comes
from being open to new ideas coming from others and then striving
for a deeper understanding of those ideas. If you are applying
information in practical ways that are beneficial to you and those
closest to you, you are successfully taking advantage of these
transits.
Cancer: The full Moon in Aquarius on the 5th is
a time to really tune in to yourself. The focus can be on your
emotional life, but it can also be an opportunity for you to
clarify your goals. Growth comes from being honest with yourself in
assessing who you are. The new Moon in Leo on the 20th, falling
close to the range of other planetary changes mentioned above, is a
wonderful opportunity for profound transformation either in your
primary relationship or in your relationship to yourself.
Leo: Self-awareness is the key for you this
month. Two qualities are especially in high focus. One is your
generosity. Are you motivated by compassion or the need for
recognition? The other quality is your spiritual connection to
Divine Spirit. Do you have one? Can you see beyond yourself to
connect with that which is greater than you are?
Whatever your answers to these questions, this month presents
opportunities to expand your relationships so that increased
selflessness, charity and unconditional love are the
priorities.
Virgo: The Sun and Mercury in Virgo this month
provide the energy to be more expressive in revealing yourself and
your ideas. Growth comes from minimizing self-criticism and
replacing it with personal process work. They may feel similar but
in fact are quite different. When we process we are acting
constructively, in a centered and self-loving way to improve our
relationship to self and others. When we are being critical we are
usually just seeing ourselves in a negative light and leaving it at
that.
Libra: This is a month to work on harmonizing
and improving relationships at work. With clients or customers,
focus on being your normal thoughtful, diplomatic self. With
colleagues, strive to find common ground. We can all be more
productive by seeking collaboration rather than the contention of
having to be ‘right’ or ‘in control.’ You can also apply the
energies this month to improving the aesthetics of the work
place.
Scorpio: This is a good month for you to be
looking inward, getting in touch with the deep feelings that abide
there and sharing them with others. Normally you may shy away from
being that vulnerable. This month, however, you may notice that the
opportunities to reveal are easy, comfortable and relatively risk
free. This could especially be true in relationships with your
primary partner, your teachers, neighbors or members of your
extended family.
Sagittarius: Joyfulness, creativity and
altruistic interaction are qualities you are likely to experience
this month. This is a time to really illuminate all the positive
and expansive qualities of your nature. Growth for you comes from
not being excessive in your generosity to others or your
expectations of others. Learn the difference between exuberance and
discrimination.
Capricorn: Work on your body this month. A
daily routine that includes some kind of workout is beneficial. If
nothing else, spend some time learning about health maintenance.
Accidents affecting hands or fingers could set you back, so be
careful in dealing with tools. Beyond that, this is a good time to
have a harmonious meeting of the minds with a significant
partner.
Aquarius: The full Moon in Aquarius on the 5th
brings more emotional self-awareness than you are usually
comfortable with. Growth for you this month comes from accepting
your sensitivity and learning how to express it in important
relationships so that your fulfillment is enhanced.
Pisces: This is a good time to develop a
positive perspective on your self-image. By paying attention in
your relationships you will notice that you are a kind, gentle
person who gives others the benefit of the doubt and relates to
them with compassion and generosity. You also may notice, however,
that you tend to go overboard and try to do too much for others.
Growth for you comes from acknowledging your positive relationship
skills even as you learn to set limits on yourself in order not be
too accommodating or co-dependent.
– 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 in early October. To inquire about
classes or to make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at
707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.