WHEEL OF LIGHT: November 2012

Last month we discussed the transit of Saturn into Scorpio. This month, a harmonious connection between Saturn and Neptune highlights the beginning of that transit. There are no planets whose energy is more dissimilar than Saturn and Neptune. Saturn deals with concrete, goal-oriented activity that is designed to achieve status and control. Saturn prioritizes personal responsibility as a way of feeling empowered and productive. Although it is more active than contemplative, it prefers doing things in cautious, deliberate, methodical ways. However conservative and traditional it may be, Saturn is a major player on the physical plane.
Neptune, on the other hand, pertains to transcendence of the material world. Neptune guides and impels us to explore our inner being and higher self. To do so, Neptune offers such activities as psychotherapy, working with dreams and the spiritual connection to that which is greater than ourselves. Neptune is also the energy of fine art and the creative imagination, so we can also access our higher self through creative expression. Neptune teaches us the value of surrender to the universal forces and to let go of the illusion of control. At worst, Neptune can be spaced out, self-deceived or self-destructive to get anything accomplished at all. At best, its influence can enable us to see through any and all material plane phenomena as transitory and help connect us to that which is truly permanent – Divine Oneness. As we awaken to Neptunian influence, we also awaken to the way in which everything, including us, is connected and a part of that Unity.
Neptune entered Pisces, its home sign or sign in which it is of greatest strength and influence earlier this year, and will remain there for the next 14 years. This is a window of opportunity through which we can perceive and access our higher self. We can realize our place in the universal scheme of things even as we tune into the divine love with which we were created and within which we live. This transit will also enable us to perceive our being beyond the ego and material plane altogether. Saturn, of course, has a much different idea. It wants to develop a track record of success through productive, material manifestation. Saturn may tend to define Neptune as a useless waste of time just as Neptune could perceive Saturn as repressive and authoritarian. How can they connect in a positive way?
This month Saturn in Scorpio is trine (120 degree separation) to Neptune in Pisces. How we interface these influences this month can be especially significant to people born from 1957 to 1970. These are years that Neptune was transiting through Scorpio. Sooner or later, sometime over the next 2 ½ years, the length of Saturn’s transit through Scorpio, it will conjunct these folks’ natal Neptune. Some may feel this as a paradox that cannot be resolved. Saturn will either squelch the inner work of Neptune as being useless or Neptune will undermine the clarity of Saturn’s goals and prevent achievement and success.
Whether we are simply dealing with a month-long transit or something that may have significant and long-lasting effect, we need to define (good Saturn word) how to integrate these two forces. One way to do so is through spiritual discipline. The strength of Neptune is its ability to perceive and connect with the transcendent reality. Its tendency to be dismissive of the physical plane, however, can limit its ability to actually enable us to take advantage of the expanded awareness. Saturn may not particularly value this focus, deeming it an airy-fairy fantasy. Without Saturn’s help, however, Neptune is compromised. Without Neptune’s vision, Saturn may pursue goals that can’t be achieved or, if they are, not produce the desired result. Working together, Saturn can provide Neptune with the necessary discipline and grounding to develop higher consciousness. Neptune, in turn, provides Saturn with an “inner directive,” a plan set forth from our higher spiritual being. It’s almost like a spiritual calling or higher purpose in being. Ultimately, both planets are happy. Neptune is able to develop transcendent awareness even as Saturn is successful in achieving useful, meaningful goals.
In order to maximize the potential of this transit, spend quality time alone everyday. Meditation, yoga, chi gong, and spending time with art or music are just a few ways to do this. Some find that walking in nature can produce the same affect as being within the self. The methodology doesn’t matter. What does matter is the commitment to a lifestyle that affords that time and resources to take advantage of the opportunity that Saturn and Neptune are providing us.
Aries
From mid-month on, focus on new beginnings in the professional arena. This could be a new project, a new job or a new career altogether. As a rule, Aries is not a particularly patient sign. Growth for you this month comes from being deliberate in defining what you want to do and being patient, allowing the time necessary for the plan to unfold successfully.
Taurus
Early month is a time to increase both the quantity and quality of your social life. Aesthetics and the arts could also be part of this period. The last 10 days or so the focus may shift to activities that are practical, perhaps financial situations or relationships. Growth comes from being clear about material needs and affirming them to your partner.
Gemini
The full Moon on the 28th will be in Gemini. This challenges you to become more aware of your feelings than you normally do and also to communicate those emotional experiences to others. There will be a lunar eclipse on that day as well. This implies that unexpected or unusual events could take place. Pay attention and have an open mind for best results.
Cancer
The new Moon in Scorpio on the 13th provides opportunity to access deeper levels of emotion than you normally do. This can enable you to be more open to intuitively or mystically derived information about yourself and others. This is also a time to get serious about taking responsibility for your internal reality and to be clear defining emotional limits and boundaries with others.
Leo
New social connections and unexpected adventures could manifest from mid-month on. To understand their significance, and in order to take fullest advantage of them, balance the interactivity with introspective time. Spending internal and alone time can be used as a time of both creative expression as well as clarifying what you want to do with the expansive opportunities.
Virgo
Confusion could abound for you this month. You could feel overwhelmed by too much information, or simply unclear about what to do with the data. Communication could prove challenging and you may be misunderstood and may also misunderstand others. The way out can be through spending time in silent contemplation or even writing down the information as a way of gaining more understanding as well as who to share it with and how.
Libra
In early month, focus on the relationship to yourself. Pay attention to everything from personal appearance to outlook on life. Strive to balance all your interests and parts of who you are. Mid-month could bring some powerful creative inspiration. Late month brings the need to be more grounded and practical, especially in taking care of the necessities of your life.
Scorpio
Saturn in Scorpio could cause feelings of limitation, fear and depression. Respond to these feelings by striving to be more focused, organized and grounded. Increasing personal responsibility to include all facets and phases of your life will not only eliminate frustration but will increase productivity in areas that you want or need to be more affective in. Failing to do any of these things could lead to volatility and anger from the end of the month through early December.
Sagittarius
Social and artistic opportunities could be available to you this month. Balance the external pleasure and satisfaction with time alone in order to fully understand and benefit from these opportunities. This is a time of expanding your life experience. Deepening your connections will come at another time.
Capricorn
This is a good time to clarify your values, priorities and goals as some of them may have changed significantly in the past few weeks. Doing this affectively might require some down time engaged in activities that are more inwardly focused than externally productive. One step back now, done in comfort and with joy, can lead to greater advancement once clarity about these issues has been achieved.
Aquarius
Creativity and communication are highlighted for you this month. You might enjoy spending time with colleagues or find that contacts with clients are harmonious and enjoyable for all concerned. Pay attention to your physical surroundings, however, and slow down when doing things. Accidents could occur around mid-month if you are not focused.
Pisces
While others could use this time for introspection, you could use the time and energy of the month to be more interactive. You may have been involved in the internal process for the past few months and have new clarity about yourself and your life. If so, now is the time to start implementing the dreams and visions you have been experiencing.
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: www.starwatcher.com.