WHEEL OF LIGHT

June 2013
From ancient times, astrologers have been referring to Jupiter as “the great benefic.” It is the most joyful and optimistic of the ten planets that we track. By nature, it is expansive, positive and high-minded, preferring to do things in a principled and ethical manner. It is said to bring desirable opportunities, which could be based on having a good reputation or the possibility of prosperity. Some call Jupiter the lucky planet, but with that I disagree. I think we make our own luck through the power of positive thinking, or by being prepared and recognizing a good opportunity when it comes along or by creating good karma by what we do and how we do it.
Jupiter takes 12 years to transit through all 12 signs, about one sign each year. When Jupiter comes back to the place it occupied when we were born we call it a “Jupiter return.” More on that later.
This is the month in 2013 that Jupiter will change sign. It moves from Gemini to Cancer on the 25th. Gemini is not considered a beneficial sign for Jupiter to be in. Jupiter represents the principle of expansion and Gemini can be considered the sign of limitless interests. Jupiter in Gemini can represent too much of something – ideas, social activities, books or interests. We can get too busy and easily distracted with Jupiter in Gemini. Gemini is the sign of communication. Jupiter in Gemini can be so excessive and wordy when sharing information that the listener loses interest or the point of the conversation. The good news about Jupiter in Gemini, however, is that it can expand our awareness both intellectually and socially.
Jupiter in Cancer, on the other hand, is in the sign of its exaltation. It is stronger in Cancer than any sign other than the ones it is said to rule, Sagittarius and Pisces. Ironically, Cancer is one of the most focused of the 12 signs. What Jupiter in Cancer tends to expand is the warmth, caring, and nurturing human touch of the Cancerian nature. During the next 12 months, Jupiter will help to prioritize the life experiences that Cancer values – home, family and security. There can also be a certain quirkiness to Cancer, a quality that Jupiter will enhance with humor and joy. We can assume that people will want to connect, or reconnect, with their family of origin. This could also bring families back together that have been estranged for years. Neighborhoods may gather around community gardens, potlucks or barbeques. Old family grudges may dissipate as we see the big picture about the importance of family and feeling connected to those closest to us. The nuclear family may also receive added value as parents mend their issues and stay together in order to enhance the emotional well being and security of their children.
The downside of all this could be a tendency to get excessively maudlin and sentimental. Needs for security can cause one to become controlling and possessive, all in the name of “it’s best for you, or the children, or the family, or the nation, or the faith.”
The chart of the United States has Jupiter in Cancer, at 5 degrees. Jupiter will be at 5 degrees of Cancer from mid-July through mid-August. So, our country is having its Jupiter return this summer. This should enhance the sense of collective security we will feel as a group. On the practical side, this could happen as a result of property values increasing, employment increasing, and money flowing more readily. Hopefully, and ideally, this could also lead to us perceiving ourselves more as one people. In turn, this could impel us to act in ways that prioritize nurturing support and safety for the masses. By extension, however, it could lead to increased nationalism and a “circle the wagons” mentality, as we fear the wrath of whoever we are told is the threat of the month.
Cancer is a water sign. Metaphysically, water implies the inner life – emotions and the psyche. Saturn and Neptune are already transiting through water signs and the entrance of Jupiter into Cancer means that all three of the water signs will be occupied and activated. A theme that is already strong and prevalent becomes more so now and for the rest of the year, especially this summer. The highest option is that each will become more tuned into our own personal inner space. Becoming more emotionally self-aware, we can be more sensitive to and nurturing toward others. This could also suggest that we may want to look deeply enough within to connect with our core self. From that point, it’s a relatively short journey to deepening our personal connection to the Divine.
Aries: Creative communication is on the menu for you all month. Growth comes from being deliberate in what you say and to whom you say it. Impulsively “shooting from the lip” could cause you to misdirect anger and create animosity where none existed previously. Minimizing social activity could maximize creative inspiration.
Taurus: A very busy month for you. You may feel close and supported by friends and family even as you feel loyal and nurturing toward them. Conflicts could arise, however, if you insist that others meet your expectations or conform to your needs. Allowing others to be who they are actually strengthens the social and emotional bonds.
Gemini: The new Moon in Gemini on the 8th brings emotions right to the surface of your awareness. By checking in with yourself you could find clarity about things that provide you the most meaning and sense of security.
Cancer: This is a good time to clarify values and priorities. Be aware of financial changes with an emphasis on frugality. Some clarity may come as a result of challenges, either from partners, family or circumstances. Flow and change are not the problem, but make sure you have all the facts before making decisions or taking action.
Leo: An altogether pleasant month for you. Mid-month could bring desirable and beneficial social opportunities that could enhance your professional situation. Late month offers some creative inspiration coupled with feelings of stability and well-being.
Virgo: Emotional self-awareness is not the most obvious or comfortable place for most Virgos to go. This month begins a several-month period when opportunities for growth will abound. Some of it may be particularly uncomfortable as others who demand to know how you feel may confront you. Or you may feel confronted by unfamiliar feelings, both deep and passionate, that rise to the surface of consciousness.
Libra: Harmony and congeniality may take a back seat to the messiness of human emotion this month. Growth for you comes from honoring what you are feeling and acting from that point of awareness. Emotional honesty trumps diplomacy at this time. It’s more important for others to know the inner you than to simply like the outer you.
Scorpio: This would be a good month to take a trip or somehow get away from normal routine. There are good opportunities to expand your awareness that could be limited by the familiarity of habits. Tuning in to others, especially their feedback to you, enhances new awareness.
Sagittarius: Jupiter is your ‘ruling planet,’ so you may be more affected by its transit into Cancer than other signs. By nature, you tend to be one of the most honest and transparent of the 12 signs. With Jupiter in Cancer, honesty of emotional openness takes on increased significance. This is not easy as it can be risky and lead to feelings of vulnerability. That’s the price of the growth.
Capricorn: The full Moon in Capricorn on the 23rd may bring out many of the feelings you’ve been experiencing internally for months. Be selective about when, where and with whom you share your emotions. Growth comes from overcoming any fear and inertia and letting at least some people know what’s going on inside.
Aquarius: Being sensitive and emotionally aware is not your strong suit. This month, six planets transiting through water signs requires that you prioritize your inner space. As a result, you may experience a nice harmonious flow this month, both internally and interactively. Feeling connected to different people in different social contexts can bring feelings of joy and security.
Pisces: This is the first of several months when the world will be marching to the tune that you tend to be aware of most of the time. As a result, you may find others being more sensitive in their social interaction. Compassion and humanitarian thoughts may become more prevalent. Growth comes from validating your vast spectrum of intuitive awareness.
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. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website at www.starwatcher.com.