The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - September 2014
So far, this has been a very challenging year in a series of challenging years. Astrologically there were the retrograde inner planets early in the year. There was the Grand Square that peaked in April. These transits reflected what seems like wars in every continent and an Ebola epidemic in Africa. With the seasons changing the energy is cooling and shifting as well.
Beginning in late September and continuing through the first two weeks of October, there will be Grand Trine in fire signs. There was also a Grand Trine in 2013, but that one was in water signs. Water is the element that tunes us into right brain experience. We tend to be more receptive, more sensitive and more psychic. Our intuition, indeed our entire inner world, receives more attention. Our dream life is more lucid and our spiritual connections more profound. Metaphysically, water is a feminine element. Fire, the element of this year’s Grand Trine, is masculine.
This suggests that we are entering a period where our energy will be more outgoing. The expressive, assertive and instinctive parts of our nature will be more highlighted. Fire brings courage, adventure, spontaneity and the willingness to take risks. In a time when the people of the world seem to prioritize destroying each other, it can be comforting to know that new, creative solutions to some of the problems are forthcoming. The dynamic of the Grand Trine is not without risk, however.
The main problem with fire is that we can become blinded by our own light. The sense of self may override awareness of others. This may cause us to burn others by the radiance of our own egos. We could also be drained by others who may be attracted to our light and our energy but don’t care about us as people. They are merely oriented to taking advantage of the energy we are putting forth.
The Grand Trine is an aspect, or angular relationship, between three planets, each of which is 120 degrees away from the other two. It sets up a flow of energy that is extremely harmonious and in which all the planetary energies are totally supportive of each other. The main problems with the Grand Trine are twofold. Either we don’t take advantage of what is essentially a relatively short period of time. Or, we could allow the energies to flow without awareness of their potential or their effects on others.
This Grant Trine combines the energies of Uranus in Aries, Jupiter in Leo and Mars in Sagittarius. Uranus has been in Aries since 2010 (briefly) but continuously since 2011. I have written about this transit many times since then, primarily in context to its square to Pluto in Capricorn. Jupiter entered Leo in July and Mars enters Sagittarius on the 13th of this month.
To take advantage of this alignment, note what houses (areas of life) in your horoscope are being activated by these planets at this time. Where are the fire signs? These are the areas where you could start new projects, feel confident going forward in ongoing situations or in which you want to be more present or assertive. Uranus can be innovative, inspired and experimental. Jupiter can expand and bring a sense of integrity to whatever we do and Mars activates the whole thing. This could be a time when we do something that is only designed to be of short duration. We could also start something at this time that we have been waiting to do. We could use the energy of the Grand Trine to jump start something and use it get us further down the line in accomplishing something.
There are also cautions with this alignment. Uranus and Mars can be quite self-absorbed, only concerned with what they find exciting (Uranus) or being true to themselves (Mars). Jupiter expands the nature of the other two with no sense of principal or ethics. In addition, Uranus’ nature is to be comfortable with change. Sometimes the changes can be erratic or extreme. Jupiter can help to expand that tendency so that we could manifest a series of unpredictable changes that are fun at the time but lead nowhere.
Mars pertains to anger. Uranus could cause the anger to erupt in a sudden, unexpected burst. Jupiter expands the explosion. The fire element can provide the sense of rightness that enables us to feel justified in our hostility. Upon further review, however, we may note that what triggers our outburst is not being paid enough attention to or not getting our own way.
Beyond these caveats, this can be a wonderful aspect that can enable us to be more self-aware and more present in expressing ourselves to others. Fire illuminates. It brings out in the open ideas and creative projects that may otherwise lie dormant due either to lack of confidence or lack of drive. This Grand Trine provides the energy to overcome the inertia of both and spur us to new and exciting activities.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: As a fire sign and ruled by Mars, you could take full advantage of the Grand Trine. You could be more direct, self-affirming and authentic than you usually are. Therein lies the problem. Growth comes from being honest and creative without appearing self-absorbed and unfeeling.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: The Grand Tine could enable you to illuminate parts of yourself that you many normally keep hidden. The first person you need to apprise of these things is you. Becoming more self-aware about sensitive or subtle aspects of yourself is a good way to grow with the help of this alignment.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The Grand Trine could inspire you to be more adventurous in your social life. This could mean making new friends, taking pre-existing relationships in new directions and, above all, being more honest with others about who you are.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The Full Moon in Pisces on the 8th could heighten your intuition, dream life and creative imagination. This is a good time to go within yourself to discover subtle elements of who you are. The New Moon in Libra on the 23rd heightens social awareness. This, combined with the emerging Grand Trine at that time, can enable you to be more confident and forthcoming in your social life.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: The playful, spontaneous part of you is well supported by the Grand Trine. This would be a good time entertain others, as in giving a party or getting up on stage. Growth comes from really feeling the joy and opportunities available to you at this time. Have fun and enjoy the flow of energy.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Even as the Grand Trine is impelling you to get out and do something playful, there are three personal planets transiting through Virgo this month. This could cause you to feel more reserved. You could choose to focus on certain details of self-improvement. Growth comes from giving yourself the time and energy to work on personal refinement as you also enjoy your life.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Sometimes you can be too thoughtful and considerate of others. Codependency is not a prescription for healthy relationships. The Grand Trine this month helps you engage others in ways that are direct and honest. Growth comes from being more concerned with letting others know who you are than with getting them to like you.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: The Grand Trine can be useful to you by helping you get clarity about practical issues. You could take advantage of positive opportunities at work, new beginnings in a health care protocol or creating a realistic financial forecast. Growth comes from not overdoing it, especially in the area of spending money.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: During the year that your ruling planet Jupiter will be in Leo, the next two months are when you could use it to best advantage. This is a great time to take a trip, start a course of study or have opportunities for creative expression. Growth comes by remembering to take others’ needs, feelings and interests into account when making plans.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The Grand Trine could provide an underlying sense of confidence to help you in two areas. First, is feeling good about yourself. This is not about doing, it’s more about being. Second, this is a good time stabilize a significant relationship or to realize how stable and meaningful it already is.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Stability is not usually word we associate with Aquarius. Yet this could be a time when you feel your activities and projects are moving along in a smooth and consistent way. Growth for you comes from going with that flow and not undermining what you’ve been working toward in a fit of frustration or restlessness.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The full Moon in Pisces on the 8th heightens your emotional self-awareness as well as your intuitive clarity. In combination with the Grand Trine, your creative nature could be stimulated in terms of both the drive and confidence to put yourself out there.
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 or to find out more information about classes and lectures, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.