WHEEL OF LIGHT

Subtle shifts in energy this month portend bigger changes later
in the year. The more we tune in to these influences the better
equipped we will be to handle what may confront us later on. One
change is Mars turning direct on the 10th after having been
retrograde since late December. Mars pertains to new beginnings,
assertiveness and our energy level in general. When Mars is
retrograde physical energy tends to be low. That lethargy can block
the drive or desire to do much of anything, let alone start new
projects or relationships. It can, however, bring clarity as to
what to finish from the past and how to do so. It can create a
desire to research new projects to begin in the future and an
effective strategy that can enhance its potential for success. Once
Mars turns direct, it’s time for action. Start implementing those
plans but be patient with the process. It will take time for Mars
to get back to normal speed. Although it may be frustrating in the
beginning, deliberate action will bring greater success and
fulfillment in the long run.
Many of us are aware of the challenging alignment of planets
that will peak this year from late spring through early fall. This
combination includes Saturn, Uranus and Pluto with help from Mars
and Jupiter. Not everyone will experience big challenges this year
from this alignment. Those of us with planets or horoscope angles
in the early degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and
Capricorn) will. However, this month the inner planets Sun, Mercury
and Venus will each take a turn forming a challenging aspect
(angular relationship) to Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. This suggests
that we all might feel at least minor inconveniences from the
interaction between the inner and outer planets. For those who may
not be as challenged this year, the transits this month can
indicate what some of their friends and family might be dealing
with.
Most of these challenges will occur in mid-month as the Sun,
Mercury and Venus enter Aries and immediately oppose Saturn and
square Pluto. Just prior to their ingress into Aries they will each
conjunct Uranus in late Pisces. So here we have Mars, the ruling
planet of Aries, finally direct and ready to go. The Sun, Mercury
and Venus conjunct Uranus, suggesting both the readiness and energy
for big changes and new beginnings. Then they enter Aries, which is
ready to help them with their plans and activities. Suddenly they
run into the restrictions of Saturn and the questioning of
Pluto.
It’s important to note where the Saturnine limitations are
coming from. Are they from external sources like authority figures
who have the right and power to restrict us? Or are they coming
from people to whom we have given our power but who don’t
inherently have the ability to alter our plans? Whatever the cause
of limitation, take the time to figure out what or who is blocking
and then in a methodical, cautious way work to remove or overcome
the blockage. Be patient with this process. Saturn has a lot to do
with time and often it takes time to move beyond the influence of
Saturn.
This is a year to become more self-aware. In that process
opportunities for personal growth and consciousness development can
flourish. By responding to the challenges we face, expected or
otherwise, we ensure the greatest realization of that
potential. 
Aries: The transiting challenges this month
could be most difficult for you. This is your time of year! A time
when spring is bursting forth in flowers and blossoms and when we
start feeling the drive to be and express who we are. Due to the
presence of Saturn and Pluto, however, you may have to curb your
enthusiasm and learn to be more thoughtful or strategic in your
actions than is normally the case.
Taurus: In both early and late month creative,
romantic and sexual energy abounds for you. In mid-month, however,
you may feel more inhibited or at least like spending significant
amounts of time alone. Go with those feelings but use your alone
time wisely. Meditation, retreats, or being creative in your studio
can be useful in finding your way in what might otherwise feel like
a restrictive or boring period.
Gemini: The first two weeks of the month could
bring inspiration as well as time for exciting and opportune
changes at work. Watch out for traps of feeling undeserving (and
not taking advantage of the opportunities) or being excessively
egocentric in accepting and acting on them. The last two weeks of
the month bring the challenges, especially in spontaneous
activities or those involving playful or recreational activities
with friends or family.
Cancer: The new Moon in Pisces on the 15th can
bring feelings of freedom and inspiration, especially academically
or spiritually. Go with that energy but remember that at the full
Moon in Libra on the 29th you could feel more restricted by
personal inhibitions or external circumstances. Growth comes from
applying the stimulation of early month to overcome the
difficulties later on.
Leo: Your experience this month could be
similar to that of Aries. Mars has been in Leo since last fall and
now that it is direct you go all out to implement projects or to
simply be more physically active. The inner planets in Aries
usually provide support to express that drive. This year, however,
you may feel conflicting energies. Some give you the green light,
others put up the stop sign. Growth for you this month comes from
being true to the energy you feel, but expressing it cautiously and
methodically.
Virgo: Financial challenges could surface for
you this month, especially in either a marital or business
partnership. To resolve them it would be useful to question your
values about money and other fundamental resources. With clarity
about these issues, and the willingness to change established
patterns based on old values, harmonious resolution should
manifest.
Libra: Conflicts and challenges could come from
relationships this month. This is a good time to work on
co-dependency by being more self-affirming about your needs and
points of view. Growth comes from taking more responsibility to be
clear with both yourself and your partner. Define your limits and
boundaries as well as the goals you’d like to see the relationship
strive to achieve.
Scorpio: Work to get things done this month.
Activities at work or at home could draw your attention. Growth
comes from prioritizing what needs to be done and from making sure
that you are doing what you want to do as much as what you need to
do. Balance the time spent in productive manifestation with
activities oriented more toward the creative or the spiritual.
Sagittarius: You may have the easiest path of
all the signs this month. Feelings of joy combine with
opportunities to be creative and playful. Much of the focus of good
energy can be at home and with your family. Growth comes from
taking advantage of the opportunities in a spirit of gratitude.
Capricorn: You may feel pulled in two
fundamental directions this month. The greatest pull could be from
your family or issues involving domestic responsibilities. They are
matched by requirements at work that are likely to surface in late
month. The way out comes from remaining centered and focused. Even
though others may demand this or that from you, your primary
responsibility is to continue to work on personal growth.
Aquarius: This is a good month to be open to
new connections with people, especially in your work or business
and financially related areas. Clear thinking on your part could
help you meet people who are willing to work with you to create
win-win situations.
Pisces: The new Moon in Pisces on the 15th can
bring feelings of emotional and spiritual renewal. Heightened
emotions at that time can lead to a more transcendent connection to
life. Social connections made both in early and mid-month can
provide reassurance and useful feedback in your journey.
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 Crystal Channels
in Santa Rosa. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website at
www.starwatcher.com.