The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2025
Two planets change direction this month. Jupiter, which turned retrograde on October 9, 2024, turns direct on February 4. Mars, which turned retrograde on December 6, 2024, turns direct on February 23. When a planet is retrograde it provides opportunity to review. We can begin that process by tuning into the energy itself. When a planet is retrograde it is closer to the earth in our respective orbits than when it is direct. So we have access to a more pure form of the energy. Jupiter represents the principle of expansion. That fundamentally deals with learning and the expansion of consciousness. It can also influence our attitude by bringing joy, optimism and enthusiasm into our state of mind. It can also expand through adventure as the energy of travel.
Mars is about physical energy. It can literally pertain to our drive, our ambition and our competitiveness. By extension it also deals with anger and sexuality.
After getting in touch with the basic nature of the planet, its retrograde period requires that we subjectively analyze the degree to which we are effectively addressing it in our lives. For example, are we using the potential of Jupiter to learn? Are we using it to have adventures? Are we using it to create a philosophy of life that enables us to tune into the Divine Presence and feel the joy that accompanies it? IIF the answer is yes, the retrograde period is a good time to make sure we are learning, traveling and worshiping in the most meaningful ways. In the review, we might want to refine in one area even while expanding in another. Or, we simply find that we are maximizing the potential already.
However, if we answer these questions in a negative way, as in we are not taking advantage of the potential at all, the retrograde period provides the opportunity to change. We can use this time to alter both attitude and action in order to be more positive both attitudinally and behaviorally. We might decide to take a class or two, or possibly read more. We might even realize what we want to study and research where and how to do so. Or we could contemplate a journey that could expand our world view. Or we could get in touch with a desire to connect more with Spirit and think about how to do so. In general, when a planet is retrograde it’s more a time of contemplation and review than action.
Thinking and reflecting is especially true of Mars. Usually Mars is about doing. It loves to start new projects and can be bold by courageously putting the self into intriguing, if slightly dangerous situations. But when it’s retrograde, new beginnings are off the table. It’s a time to review the past and prepare for the future. In terms of the past, it’s time to finish previously incomplete projects. It can be a time to fix things that are broken, from material objects to human relations. Or, upon review, realize that those things no longer hold any interest and to just let them go.
We can also use Mars retrograde to research things to do after it turns direct. Included in that research project needs to be the strategy of how to implement the new projects.
With those planets turning direct this month, it’s time for action. Start slowly, since during the Mars retrograde period our energy level may have declined. But we should have clarity about a number of things we want to do, from the intellectual to the social to the spiritual to the physical. Now is a good time to start acting on those desires, using the clarity gained during the retrograde periods to help us make the right choices. From this point on, the year can start to be filled with new, exciting activities that can help to enhance our sense of fulfillment.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time to focus on harmonizing important relationships. Getting more involved in artistic pursuits could prove satisfying.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: Spending some quality time alone could release previously hidden creative expression. It could also yield some exiting new spiritual realizations and psychological insights.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: Early month is a good time for some type of job training that could become useful from midmonth on. Curiosity and open mindedness are strong early on. Use the new information to overcome challenges in the workplace.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: Two things to focus on this month. One is healing. Exercise is important, but so too is nutrition. The second focus is more practical – your financial picture. Think strategically about what you want it to look like.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The Full Moon in Leo on the twelfth brings emotion to the surface. Growth can come from being internally clear enough that you can effectively communicate feelings and emotional needs to others.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: It’s all about partnership for you this month. Love, adventure, commitment are all in high focus. Try to bring some new or unexpected ideas and behaviors into the situation around mid-month.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Focusing on the arts can bring satisfaction and a sense of well being. This could be either your own expression, or appreciating that of other people, such as attending a concert or going to a museum.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Two main points of focus for you this month – learning and service. The former should be about furthering knowledge in a field in which you are already involved. The latter should be done in a spirit of love and harmony.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Mental clarity the first week of the month can indicate it’s time to implement some of the plans you had been working on. Start slowly and exercise patience getting things off the ground.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: This is a good time to be thinking big picture and long term. Not necessarily a good time to actually engage in a project, especially a new one. Plan on getting things ready for action next month.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Two energetic patterns for you this month. One is practical. Focus on long range financial goals. Doing research can help generate a plan. The second is dealing with some unexpected changes in the home. There may be a connection between the two.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The New Moon is in Pisces on February 27. This suggests a burst of spiritual and creative inspiration. Plan to take some time out of your normal routine in order to have the time and energy to tune into and take advantage of what should be feelings of joy and enthusiasm.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.