WHEEL OF LIGHT – April 2013

One of the most interesting and dramatic times of the year is Spring Solstice. The Sun passes from Pisces to Aries, leaving the sign with the least focus on self and the greatest awareness of Self and entering the sign that brings renewal to the individual expression of the life force. While Pisces can be dreamy and ethereal, Aries is assertive and present. This pattern is reflected in the transits this month as six planets will be in Aries at various times. The most significant of these alignments is a conjunction of the Sun and Mars.
We define the planets of our solar system as representing different types of energy. The signs of the zodiac filter that energy. Depending on the nature of the energy and the filter, more or less of the inherent juice of a planet will manifest in a pure way. When a planet lines up in a sign whose filter is an exact match to the energy of the planet we say that that planet ‘rules’ that sign. When a planet is in a sign that almost matches its energy we say that it is exalted in that sign. Mars rules Aries and the Sun is exalted therein. Those planets will be conjunct to each other all month.
The good news is that it’s time for action and new beginnings. Uranus, the planet of change, inspiration and innovation was also conjunct the Sun and Mars the last 10 days of March. So a lot of unexpected, perhaps even extreme, events may have already taken place. Uranian influence can cause us to wake up and become aware of things we had not known or been aware of previously. Uranian energy is edgy, progressive and avant-garde. In Aries, Uranus brings a comfort level with risk and the courage to forge into unchartered territory that one might normally be hesitant to do. Mars enhances the willingness to risk and the boldness to strike out into activities that are challenging and adventurous. These are not transits for the faint of heart.
Mars represents physical energy and is named after the Roman god of war. In that culture at that time, Mars was a hero, the one who would defeat the enemy and keep the homeland safe. In the contemporary world, Mars can be used as an excuse to keep the military-industrial complex wealthy beyond measure while people around the world suffer. Aries is impatient and impulsive.  Globally, this could be a time when a new war breaks out somewhere, indicating that the leaders of some country got bored with and tired of the constraints of diplomacy and the sanity of sanctions.
On the personal level, this could be a good time to break out of our fear-based habits or comfort zones. The drive and energy are available to be more direct in expressing our needs, such as owning our sexuality. We can be more authentic in presenting ourselves in terms of who we really are rather than allowing others to define us. This obviously requires courage which the Sun, Mars conjunction provides. This is a combination of energies that only looks forward and makes no apologies for its actions.
The downsides to all this are twofold. First there is the impatient, impulsive tendency to act before we think through the consequences of choices and behaviors. They may bring an enhanced sense of personal freedom in the moment of action. Others, however, could also see those actions as insensitive, impolite or even confrontational. We will have to deal with the responses later on.  The second potential problem is that Aries is about beginnings. At this time of year, whether we are starting a new, exciting and creative chapter of our lives socially, professionally or creatively or simply planting our annual garden, there is more than enough energy to make it happen. However, Aries is not about endings. As long as the new activity is vibrant and fulfills the need for spontaneity and adventure Aries is on board. But when it becomes familiar, even habitual, Aries can loose interest and go on to the next project.
In many ways, the key to maximizing the potential this month comes from activating the shadow side of Aries – the need for balance. This means to hold back some of the drive that gets us going to make sure we’ll have enough to continue and complete. Similarly, we should strive to balance the driving force that gets us moving in new directions with an eye to make sure that we aren’t stepping on others’ toes. We can get more done with people joining us collaboratively rather than building obstacles that limit our potential for creativity and achievement.
Aries
For you, action in the moment is always the easy part. The challenge lies in being more deliberate and patient in both starting and maintaining. That challenge is the key to this month for you. Although being methodical is not easy, it does help to increase both the quality and depth of your experience.
Taurus
Your ruling planet, Venus, will also be conjunct the Sun and Mars for half the month. This could provide the impetus and motivation to finally getting around to doing things you’ve been planning or at least contemplating for a long time. Much of it may be done quietly or behind the scenes, to be revealed later. In any case, be bold and take action without caring what others may think of you breaking away from old patterns.
Gemini
You may feel inspired to express yourself about things or in ways that you have considered taboo. Go for it. Sometimes the shock value of the words or their content can get an important point across, even as being polite and diplomatic can enable others to dismiss us.
Cancer
The Moon joins in the Aries parade during the new Moon on the 10th.  Being direct, assertive and up-front are not your preferred behaviors. Remember, this is a time to break old habits and strike out into new territory. For you during this period that could be especially true professionally.
Leo
Balance is the key for you this month. Even as the Martian energy drives your creative, competitive fire, Venus wants you to generate harmony and love. Both are possible, but it will take some contemplation, patience and awareness of others and your environment to be able to pull it off.
Virgo
This is a good time for you to take some risks, especially in terms of an intimate relationship. Being more expressive of what you need, how you feel or the limits of your willingness to accommodate and serve are valid and viable places to begin. Owning your sexuality is another place you rarely go comfortably. Now is a good time express your passion.
Libra
Your comfort zone often involves fitting in to what is happening around you. This is a time to take initiative. Rather than check in with others about what they want or need you to do, tell then what you are going to do. No apologies. Your natural tendency toward politeness can make even a brazen action seem diplomatic.
Scorpio
Forging new paths at work, in self-care or in daily routines is up for you this month. You can often be bold in action, but quiet in word. This is a good time for you to be self-affirming in both areas. Growth for you can come from being more up-front about your intentions than you normally tend to be.
Sagittarius
 Much of the past year may have been taken up with expanding your knowledge base and social contacts. This month is time to tap into your adventurous side. Artistically, romantically, sexually or parentally, the energy this month challenges and supports you doing new things that are fun and enjoyable.
Capricorn
You may have been experiencing challenges to change habitual ways of doing things for several years. This month the challenges could feel overwhelming. Keep two things in mind. One is that this period will pass fairly quickly. The other is, why not go for it? A radical change could alter your perspective in such a way that something you have been resisting for a while might not seem so bad.
Aquarius
Slow down. The energy this month could feel so good, and flow so easily for you that you go with it without any sense of forethought or direction. What goes up must come down. With even a little deliberation prior to action you could get a lot done, especially in the realm of communication and dealing with your immediate environment at home or in the workplace.
Pisces
The energy in March was delightful for you. You could have anything from transcendent spirituality to endless creative inspiration, to the perception of beauty and love in all people and all places. Most of that energy has moved on. Growth for you this month comes from not falling into an emotional hole. Keep the feelings and experiences of the recent past close to your heart, to experience with joy in quiet moments of contemplation.
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. To make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website at www.starwatcher.com.