WHEEL OF LIGHT

Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac are said to be ruled by a
planet. When a planet is the sign that it rules, its energy is
expressed in a pure way. None of its inherent qualities are
eliminated. Mutual reception is a term astrologers use when two
planets reside in each other’s sign. Planets in mutual reception
act as if they were in their home sign. They express themselves in
a present and powerful way. This column has noted over the past few
years the mutual reception between Neptune, transiting through
Aquarius which is ruled by Uranus, and Uranus transiting through
Pisces which is ruled by Neptune. This pattern has been ongoing
since March 2003 and will end this year when Uranus transits into
Aries. Uranus will retrograde back into Pisces from August 2010
until March 2011, so the mutual reception will continue to some
degree during that period. Once Uranus leaves Pisces next month,
however, it’s as if the seal has been broken and the potential
offered by this phenomena will diminish.
This month Uranus and Neptune are exactly 30 degrees apart. This
is an angular relationship we call a semi-sextile. This suggests
that we will have opportunities to take advantage of this pattern
that might not have been present before or at least not in as
obvious or convenient a way.
Before we discuss the supportive possibilities, let’s examine
the nature of these two planets being in mutual reception. In
general, Uranus and Aquarius pertain to the integration of the
unique, liberated individual interacting with a greater social
collective. This could be a group of friends, an organization or
even the pop culture as it’s presented by the mass market media.
Think of Uranus and Aquarius as influences that connect us to the
group mind and collective consciousness.
Neptune and Pisces are oriented toward inner space. They help
connect us to our subconscious mind and higher spiritual being.
They enable us to transcend the material plane and develop a
relationship with Divine Spirit. Neptune and Pisces enable us to
see the oneness of life and feel it flow through all phenomena.
These influences stimulate us by relating to the collective
subconscious and group psyche. 
The mutual reception has allowed each of us to become more
familiar with our place in the universal scheme of things.
Parmahansa Yogananda said, “Do not take life’s experiences
seriously. Play your part in life, but never forget that it is only
a role.” If we accept that we are all manifestations of Divine
Spirit, that the essence of life flows through everyone, we
perceive everyone as reflections of ourself. We can appreciate our
own uniqueness, even as we note how that individuated self connects
to everyone and how everyone provides the opportunity for us to
become truly who we are. We relate to others as brothers and
sisters regardless of race, nationality or religion. It’s as if we
have the opportunity to awaken our consciousness to the potential
of both who we are as individuals as well as the potential that
exists in collective humanity to create a reality that supports all
of us. The universe is providing the tools and resources for that
possibility to actually exist. The key to taking full advantage of
this mutual reception is to be open to transcending our small,
ego-based idea of reality. Instead, we have the opportunity of
being open to the limitless potential that we each carry to be
liberated in Divine Spirit. As such, we share the divined qualities
of life, light and compassion freely with everyone.
The semi-sextile, which peaks on April 13, suggests that this
month the opportunity, inspiration and support is available that
will enable each of us to be more aware of the potential of this
mutual reception. Individually and collectively we can actually
manifest the energies of inspiration, innovation and humanitarian
sharing. The key is to pay attention. In dealing with matters of
consciousness development the influences and results are usually
subtle. Take time to notice what is going on around you. What are
people saying? What kind of help, from what people and for what
activities, is being made available to you? We all have a lot more
in common than we do differences. This is a time to really become
aware of that truth. Don’t be discouraged by the daily news stories
that are designed to ratchet up our fears. Their goal is to get
consumers to pay attention to what they are saying, not to help us
awaken in divine awareness.
If these shifts in consciousness, at a collective level have
indeed been happening over the past 7 years, we might begin to
notice these changes once Uranus leaves Pisces and enters Aries in
late May. That would be a realistic time to assume the assertion of
new behaviors and activities. These could reflect a new paradigm of
thinking and perceiving about ourselves as unique individuals
involved in a collective social context. The fear-based ego can be
replaced with a spiritually-based ego, one that seeks to promote
the greatest good for the greatest number rather than just looking
to further and preserve our own wants or needs.
Aries: The frustrations of the past few months
may lift this month, but not without some last minute challenges.
Many of those will relate to communication and social interaction.
If you feel confronted by people or circumstances that are
seemingly trying to block you from doing what you want to do, you
could respond with abrupt hostility before seeing the whole
picture. Growth for you comes from developing an inner peace that
allows you to take your time to make thoughtful responses through
words or actions.
Taurus: Two themes emerge for you this month. One is aesthetic
appreciation and/or creativity. The other could pertain to money
and financial security. Certain challenges and/or unexpected
setbacks are balanced by the energy to make significant changes in
creative expression as well as in patterns of budgeting and
spending.
Gemini: This month could feel like there is a
disconnect between your intellect and your intuition. The logical
mind could be very clear about its opinions which could be counter
to how you feel. Growth for you this month comes from using one or
more methodologies to help you clarify and integrate information.
Journaling, creative writing, meditation and dream analysis could
be such activities.
Cancer: The new Moon is on the 14th, the day of
the peak of the Uranus-Neptune semi-sextile. Spend some time that
day doing something that would take advantage of this aspect.
Anything from a meditative retreat to volunteering to help someone,
friend or stranger, could help you become more aware of these
planetary influences. It is the actions themselves that will help
to alter your consciousness.
Leo: Lots of energy available to you this month
that could be useful professionally. Doing something creative at
work, making harmonious social connections and sharing your
information with others can help you get positive recognition and
help further your career goals. Make sure, however, that you are
also taking some personal time away from work, preferably doing
something physical.
Virgo: This is a good month for intellectual
stimulation. Taking a class, teaching a class, taking time to read
a book or writing, are all supported activities. In either the
learning or sharing process strive to be thoughtful of others.
Growth for you comes from integrating the pragmatic with the
harmonious.
Libra: This is a good time to be making
positive, comfortable changes within your home or with your family.
Residentially, this is a good time to do a major, deep spring
cleaning. Domestically this is a good time to bring previously
unspoken feelings or unacted upon desires out into the open. You
might be surprised that things you’ve kept secret, not wanting to
hurt others, can be accepted by them more easily now.
Scorpio: The full Moon in Scorpio on the 28th
provides the opportunity to be more emotionally expressive than you
usually are. There may be some people with whom you need to be more
careful or discriminating in terms of what you say, but in general
this is a good time to bring things out, let them go and move
on.
Sagittarius: You could feel as if you’re
floating this month. At times that could cause you to feel spacey
and ungrounded. At other times you might experience this as being
spiritually quite connected. Growth for you this month comes from
spending quality time alone daily and to minimize the
responsibilities you take on or projects you try to manifest.
Capricorn: Your ruling planet, Saturn,
retrogrades back into Virgo this month. This is putting you in
major review mode. Instead of moving forward in new projects,
contemplate the ones you are already engaged in or ones you are
planning. Virgo will help you learn or develop techniques that will
enable you to be more efficient and productive once Saturn turns
direct.
Aquarius: The humanitarian and collective focus
of your energy is very high this month. However, you might find
difficulty maintaining interest in or connection to specific
friends or partners. This is a good time to do something that has a
big picture focus that can be beneficial to others in a collective
context. The support as well as the inspiration to do so should be
available.
Pisces: This is a good time to look for
spiritual inspiration as well as social support. Growth comes from
prioritizing service to others even at the expense of your own
desires or needs. To make that work in ways that are realistic and
non-codependent it may be necessary to spend time alone in
meditation, creative expression or out in nature in order to keep
centered and clear about what you are doing.
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. To make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at
707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com