The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - February 2008
This is a year to get grounded, practical and serious. Three big planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto) are in earth signs. Jupiter and Pluto are in Capricorn. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn is in Virgo. This suggests that this is a year in which each of us needs to learn how important it is to take personal responsibility for all our feelings, thoughts and actions. One major tool of liberation is the willingness to define our direction and pursue it with diligence and discipline.
The most important of these transits is Pluto in Capricorn. The last time Pluto was in Capricorn was 1762-1778. One of the most notable events taking place during that period was the founding of the United States. So during the next one and a half decades we will experience our first Pluto return. The return of any planet provides the opportunity to take the energy in a new direction. How the United States deals with this event could portend our viability as an economic, political and moral leader of the world both during and beyond this period.
Pluto represents transformation. It looks deeply into a situation and tests it for functionality. If the situation is meaningful and truthful it remains and we can address it at a deeper level of understanding. If it proves to be hollow, boring and valueless it is either destroyed, released or transformed to a new, more significant experience. Often these transformations can be painful. We are faced with letting go of something that has been part of us for a long time. Regardless of how timely it might be to let it go, we may feel a nostalgic attachment that prevents us from letting go. Or we may feel fearful that we could let go of something only to find that it isn’t being replaced by anything new or more beneficial. The problem with hanging on to what is old and out moded is the energy acts in chaotic ways. Turbulence rather than transformation is created.
I’ve noted in previous columns that the two most obvious areas of collective life experience that are likely to be most impacted by this transit are the environment and the corporate climate that governs much of the world. We know that the physical health of the earth is in jeopardy, at least as far as mammals are concerned. Certain technologies already exist that we can use to both limit the effects of global warming as well as reverse some of the losses we have already experienced. Hopefully, the transit of Pluto into Capricorn will wake up the collective human family to generate the political and economic will to implement these technologies as well as inventing new ones. Without that will being generated we could be faced with environmental chaos and disaster.
The same could apply to corporate capitalism. It seems to me that during the Reagan years it became trendy and acceptable to be greedy. Get the most that you can, as fast as you can, and don’t worry about who you may be injuring. Pluto is the energy of hidden power so its transit through Capricorn could bring a period of extreme corporate dominance. The industrial movers and shakers remain comfortably behind the scenes, while they rape the resources and people of the world. However, the Pluto in Capricorn transit could also bring to light not just the specific rule breakers, but the entire ethos that permits and cultivates the selfish few over the welfare of the more moderate majority.
Right now Pluto is at zero degrees of Capricorn. This point is also where the Sun resides on the Winter Solstice. To many ancient people the Winter Solstice was the highest holiday and the most important event of the year. This was the day the Sun reached its nadir, and now it was beginning its journey north. This day brought the promise of the light returning. The light symbolizes The Divine, and all the creative potential inherent in that concept. The Winter Solstice is the day that the Sun is reborn each year. Pluto is the energy of rebirth, so the transit of Pluto into Capricorn could likely bring a sense of renewal to our collective spiritual foundation of being.
The only way real change is going to affect the quality of life is by enough individuals altering the consciousness that the resulting shift will take humanity in a new course of evolutionary development. This is a course in which consciousness itself becomes the desirable goal. With expanded consciousness it will be easier for each of us to know our place in the universal scheme of things and to realize that the material plane is a place of concrete learning. It is not a place of permanent residence or a place to merely amass money and possessions. It is an environment in which to realize our connection to Divine Source. With that realization can also come the ability to function as the Divine, with all of its creative and healing potential.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if the year in which the element earth is so strongly emphasized that humanity learns to transcend its attachment to this temporary plane and remember its connection to the eternal past and re-awaken to our spiritual inheritance?
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This is a month to slowly begin to make new contacts. They could be either personal or professional but the focus should be on networking and data gathering rather than trying to accomplish a certain goal. Mid-month may be the most prolific in terms of making the most significant connections and when you are likely to be most creative in taking advantage of them.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
In early month, spend time learning something that will have practical benefit in your life. Late month is the time to implement the lessons in useful ways, especially if they pertain to work or career. Growth for you this month comes from utilizing your network of friends and colleagues to make progress in achieving your goals.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
If the past few months have been a period of confusion and blockage, this is the month that things could turn around. If you have been spending time recently contemplating ideas and strategies for the future, start implementing them anytime after the 18th. Growth for you this month comes from realizing that you control your life by having a receptive mind and by creatively implementing the ideas that result from that openness.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The full Moon lunar eclipse in Virgo on the 20th amplifies the earth-sign theme noted previously. For you, this brings the possibility that unexpected activities may take place, especially involving travel. This is also a time when prioritizing the communication of your emotions to those closest to you will lead to relationships that are more honest and fulfilling.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Early month provides the energy to be more expressive, more creative and more spiritual. In mid-month the focus might change to include, even prioritize, physical activity as well as the drive to initiate new social activities with friends and colleagues. Late month could bring challenges that could be either temporary and circumstantial, or from people who are essentially telling you to slow down and be more conscientious in your actions.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
The full Moon will be in Virgo on the 20th. This challenges you to become both more emotionally self-aware and, especially, more vulnerable in sharing how you feel. Growth for you comes from doing the work innately feel.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
This is a time to be verbally expressive in creative ways. Singing or reciting poetry are two ways to take advantage of the energies this month. In addition, playing games or expressing romantic thoughts are activities that can bring fun and enjoyment to you. This is a good time to try different ways to enjoy your life and different activities to share with lovers and children.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Creativity abounds for you this month. This could take the form of artistic self-expression, or it could involve more practical activities such as altering the environment in your home. You might even feel drawn to revising your financial plan for the year, emphasizing creativity in generating as well as investing money. Growth for you this month comes from feeling the energy of new beginnings and applying it to your life in balanced ways.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
This is the first month that Pluto has not been in Sagittarius since 1995. Although it will return in April, tune in to absence of the intensity that has been part of your life for 12 years. Hopefully it has produced significant, growth oriented transformations. If not, you may feel the chaos you have been experiencing begin to dissipate. It’s not too late to get clear and be honest with yourself about what changes to institute. The opportunity to actually do so will return in the spring, summer and early fall.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Pluto will be in Capricorn for the next 15 years. During that time you will be challenged to examine yourself in infinite detail, searching for anything that feels vulnerable, shameful or stagnant. The energy is available to own your sensitivities, work through any feelings of shame and to regenerate any parts of your life that have grown toxic. These energies are real, as can the growth and consciousness development that ensues through doing this deep inner work for so long.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
The new Moon in Aquarius on the 6th offers the opportunity to look within to discover what emotions may be lurking, unknown and unexamined. The real point is just to become aware of what’s going on, but you could also take advantage of this period by working to overcome any discomfort that has prevented you from being emotionally open with others. Growth for you this month comes from letting others know in what ways and areas you feel sensitive.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
The first two weeks of the month offer ample energies to be socially interactive. This could involve personal or impersonal situations. It could also allow you to be active in initiating some relationships even as it may feel more comfortable to be more receptive to others. Growth for you comes from being open to new people in new situations and finding new ways to relate to them.