WHEEL OF LIGHT

March 2013
Four planets will transit from Pisces to Aries this month. Considering that Neptune is in a long transit through Pisces and Uranus is in a long transit through Aries, and that the new Moon will be in Pisces, that’s pretty much the menu for the month. These two signs are extremely different, yet have certain qualities in common. Let’s explore the differences first.
Pisces is the twelfth sign. It represents the dissipation of the ego, the defined, identified, individuated self, so that we can expand our consciousness and connect with the Divine. Piscean traits such as compassion, selfless service and comfort with seclusion all contribute to that end. When off-center, Pisces can be needy, self-destructive and self-deceptive. They can prefer to relate to an idealized reality rather than the one that most other people perceive. When centered, however, they can be highly independent world travelers who constantly seek to expand their awareness of life in a variety of ways. One activity that Pisceans gravitate to is the arts. This could be by appreciating the beauty and emotional pull of a painting, play or musical composition. It could also involve being actively engaged in creating the work itself. Visual artists, musicians, composers, dancers, choreographers, playwrights and actors will often have Piscean energy somewhere prominent in their charts.
For most people the inner work focus, seeking emotional health, psychological clarity or spiritual growth is more challenging than getting grounded and taking responsibility for their mundane reality. Pisces, however, can be just the opposite. Telling a Pisces to be alone and go within is like telling Br’er Rabbit to go back into the briar patch. The problem Pisces must confront is the tendency to be ungrounded.
Aries, on the other hand, is often quite physical. By nature she can be bold and forceful, especially in terms of expressing her self-awareness. After we have freed ourselves from ego-identification and tasted transcendence, it’s time to re-enter a self-defined reality and start the cycle over again. That’s what Aries contributes to the human experience. To be engaged in the process of self-awareness can lead to self-development and ultimately self-expression. One form that can take is through physical pursuits such as competitive sports, working out or engaging in passionate sexual activity. Aries is the sign of new beginnings. That could pertain to the newly emerging self, to new projects or relationships. Comfortable with action, Aries can have a hard time being patient and waiting for things to develop. Aries’ comfort zone is much more the active and the physical. It’s easy for Aries to get grounded, but not so easy to engage in quiet contemplation. Pisces prefers the safety of the inner planes and may tend to avoid the physical.
However, like the centered Pisces, Aries tends to be extremely independent. It enjoys being who it is and doing what it wants to do. The complexity and subtlety of Pisces gives way to the directness and authenticity of Aries. One thing they can have in common, however, is creativity. Pisces may have a broader range of creative interests or outlets. Aries likes to focus more on visual art and movement that is associated with dance.
Whether we have energy in either of these signs or not, this is a good month to be creative. If we have an “outlet of choice” the energy and inspiration should be there to impel us to engage in what we enjoy. If not then use the Piscean energy in early month to tune in to the inner voice that may whisper where to look for creative inspiration. Late month can bring the more confident, high-energy focus of Aries that can drive the inspiration into actual creative self-expression. The former can bring inner-voice clarity from our higher self, the latter the means to manifest it in the world.
This month brings the spring equinox, the day each year when the Sun begins to spend more time above the horizon each day. It is a time to allow the radiance of the Sun to illuminate who we are. It is also time to re-acquaint ourselves with the world around us, to revel in the beauty and abundance in and of the natural world. Even as we engage in the renewal of our personal cycle, let’s take time to notice how nature reflects the same rebirth. From the darkness of winter, and inner journey of Pisces, we rediscover the strength of Aries and the vital life force returning to this hemisphere and offering us the confidence and courage to join in the creative process of life once again.
Aries
With so much energy in Aries, your job consists of not getting too carried away and storming through too many activities. Growth for you comes from taking some time to deliberately and discerningly choose your new beginnings in ways that take other people as well as your own big picture into consideration.
Taurus
Many of your new beginnings may be behind the scenes. This could simply pertain to your innate caution. You might take a little extra time to think completely and strategize thoroughly before acting. The seeds are being sewn but others may not be aware of the sprouts for a while.
Gemini
You may feel ambivalent about moving forward at this time. Whether due to confusion, lack of enough information or simply the desire to have a bigger picture understanding of what you want, you are wise to proceed with caution. Patience can also help you separate information which is useless or at least superficial from what is more important or profound.
Cancer
The full Moon on the 27th provides energy to connect with many people and many parts of your life in ways that can feel joyful and exciting. Growth comes from integrating each of those facets of yourself in balanced ways. This is a good time to get clear about your priorities.
Leo
The creative and artistic are highlighted for you this month. For most people this is more about the fun of the creative process and less about the recognition for being the artist. If both are be true for you, that is a great blessing and something to be experienced with gratitude and humility.
Virgo
Mental confusion can be a root cause of making bad decisions. This is a good time to brainstorm with others to make sure that you are seeing things in their proper perspective. What may appear obvious to you may not be so for others. You could also feel overwhelmed with too much information. Growth comes from working on mental discrimination rather than on rash action.
Libra
The full Moon in Libra on the 27th highlights two of the most important things in your life – the arts and relationship. Put your creative energy to work this month by focusing on creating the kind of relationship you want, the one that meets your needs. Being more emotionally self-aware and sharing your feelings is an important part of that process.
Scorpio
You may feel more stable within yourself and secure in your relationship this month. This can enable you to take more risks in the sense of making behavioral changes that you have been wanting to make for some time. In turn, this can lead to an enhanced sense of being seen and fulfilled in the situation.
Sagittarius
As one of the more independent of signs you may tend to be wary of emotional exposure. This month, however, you may feel more romantic and affectionate than usual. It may not last, so take advantage of it while it’s available. Those feelings and actions can take important relationships into new and very satisfying territory.
Capricorn
Much of your creativity this month can go into practical, home improvement projects. It’s a good time to start a project that may take longer than a weekend to finish. Attending to harmony within the family can also lead to long range development of intimacy.
Aquarius
Early month is time to focus on practical and financial matters, especially those that may have long range significance. Mid-month brings a shift of energy and focus. That’s the time to engage in new social activities or to begin a creative writing project.
Pisces
The potential internal transcendence peaks for you around the new Moon, in Pisces, on the 11th. This would be an ideal time for a spiritual retreat or to begin or expand your time of spiritual focus. The inner voice can be quite distinct for you this month and can provide a clear sense of direction in many areas going forward.
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 private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. To make an appointment for a reading or to inquire about classes, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website at www.starwatcher.com.