Wheel of Light

September 2013
The nodes of the Moon have fascinated astrologers for thousands of years. These are points in the sky near to where an eclipse takes place. There is a north node and a south node and they always are at the same degree of opposite signs. The nodes have been referred to as the head (north node) and tail (south node) of a dragon. The head brings in new energy in the form of opportunities and activities while the tail eliminates that which is old and in need of release.
Contemporary astrologers discuss the nodes in terms of an evolutionary sense of direction. In our natal chart, the south node indicates where we’ve been in past lives and the qualities, traits and characteristics we developed in those times. If we keep activating those tendencies we may stagnate in this life by taking the course of least resistance.
The north node represents where we need to go to maximize our evolutionary potential. Often the north node can indicate where we experience positive, supportive and beneficial relationships. The south node may suggest where we may experience loss and loneliness. Interestingly enough, however, the opportunities of the north node can lead to greed, materialistic desires and attachment to the ego. The south node, on the other hand, can lead to selfless service and a wonderful opportunity to burn old, negative karmic patterns in order to enhance our spiritual growth.
This month transiting Saturn will conjunct the north node in the sign Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of transformation. It can pertain to deep, internal process work though self-analysis or the personal changes that we can experience by forging a deep emotional bond with another person. Scorpio can also pertain to collective financial resources, within a relationship or within the culture in general. The IRS is a Scorpionic institution, for example.
Saturn can pertain to authority. Collectively this could imply leaders of industry, politics or financial institutions. Personally, this suggests the importance of taking responsibility to become the prime authority in our own reality, the prime source of approval and recognition. The more centered we are, the more responsibility we take for the creation of our own reality. Saturn is the Lord of Karma. If we don’t like ourselves or our lives in whatever way, we need to take responsibility for having created it. The more we do, the more power we can claim to change what we don’t like. The more off-center we are, the more we tend to blame others for our misery. Off-center and unempowered, we don’t have the necessary power or authority to make significant changes.
The conjunction between Saturn and the north node could bring corporations, especially financial, back into the news in one of two ways. One is that they continue to get a pass on having to deal with the karma they created in the housing and ensuing economic collapse. Sometimes, however, the nodes bring unexpected changes or at least unusual events. It is possible, therefore, that we might see at least some of the modern day robber barons actually being forced to deal with their karma in fairly painful ways.
On the personal level, this conjunction provides an opportunity for each of us to look deeply into our psyches to discover old wounds that center around power and control. These might have to do with a parent, a partner or even an authority figure at work. In any case, once we connect to the source or origin of the wound, we can take steps to heal ourselves. There may even be unexpected opportunities and support from others to do so. Through this transformational process we may emerge feeling freer and more empowered. This may also lead to having to take more responsibility for ourselves in two ways. One is in the creation of new behaviors in relationship to the concept of authority. Who is the most important authority figure in your life? There is only true answer to that question and it’s the same answer for everyone. Once we realize we are It, we are home free. The second point of awareness is that we also have the responsibility and power to create our own internal reality–emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Saturn can also pertain to time. Generating internal architecture takes time. In fact, it takes all the time we have in our life. Some may posit, however, that it is one of the most important tasks and opportunities we can take advantage of during an incarnation. This month provides a rare opportunity to make some significant progress in that direction.
Aries
This could be a month of playfulness and creativity. What do you like to do for fun? Romance and sexuality could also be emphasized. Growth comes from remembering to take other’s needs and feelings into consideration. There is a lot of good energy flowing in your direction. You can afford to be generous with your time and resources.
Taurus
Early month’s focus can be on creating harmonious relationships with others on the job. From mid-month on, social activities could get a little more challenging, but potentially a lot more rewarding as well. The key is to take responsibility for what you bring to a situation in terms of what you need and what you offer. Be clear, be honest and allow things to develop methodically.
Gemini
The good news is that you could feel an abundance of creative inspiration, especially from mid-month on. The bad news is that you also feel confused or overwhelmed by too many interests and activities. Or, you may have to take some time to dig deeply and research something in order for it to come to completion in a satisfying way.
Cancer
 New social activities or situations could begin in early month. It may not be with many people, but those with whom you do share time should be those with whom you have a significant and interesting mental connection. Mid-month could bring opportunity to expand your world-view through travel or valuable and expanding spiritual awareness.
Leo
Lots of physical energy combined with increasing self-confidence can enable you to create new beginnings in your life either socially or artistically. Be careful, however, because your energy level may be much higher than normal this month and you could overwhelm others. Growth comes from being humble in the face of abundance.
Virgo
Early month’s social interaction could give way to more practical matters around mid-month. This could be a good time to review and revise budgeting and spending patterns. New insights and inspirations could also lead to redefining values and priorities.
Libra
You may often tend to look outside yourself to discover self-value. This month is time to look within. Start by defining what’s important and meaningful. Then discover what inherent tools and resources you have that will enable you to develop self-esteem as well to provide basic qualities of stability and comfort. This eliminates the need to look to others to supply these things for you.
Scorpio
This is a good time to create a new beginning in your work. Creativity, confidence and energy level are all strong. The first two weeks of the month could also bring challenges and conflicts with an authority figure at work or someone who considers themselves to be in a controlling position even if they’re not. Growth for you comes from defining both to yourself, and to them, your limits and boundaries. This helps define what you’re doing and minimizes any threat that they may feel.
Sagittarius
Supportive situations at work could lead to productivity and increased confidence. Mid-month could bring some mental confusion or at least a tendency to have poor judgment. Growth for you comes from being subtle in your thinking and discriminating in your decision making process.
Capricorn
 Friendship is furthered this month, especially with those who you feel close to. Deepen the bonds of loyalty and connection by displaying a willingness to be vulnerable. Be careful in this process, however, because some of these people may feel challenged and respond with hostility. You may be pushing an internal button in them. Being slow and methodical could prevent that from happening.
Aquarius
This could be a good time to initiate a new, important relationship. You could also create more harmony, affection and closeness in a pre-existing one. Growth comes from being more open and vulnerable than may be your norm. Rely on your communication skills to make sure that the other person is comfortable with the changes.
Pisces
This has been a year of opening for you. Opening your incredible psychic channel, your creative imagination and your compassionate flow. This month continues that pattern. It’s not as strong as earlier in the summer, but there nonetheless. Travel is also furthered. This could be by visiting other places or by traveling through corridors and classrooms.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of “A Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness.” He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. Rio can be reached at 707-887-1820 or through his website: www.starwatcher.com.