The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - October 2021
One of the more interesting transits this month is Mars in Libra. In astrology, the planets represent energies. Each of the heavenly bodies symbolizes a different type of force. Planets are said to reside in signs, which are constellations of fixed stars. The signs filter the energy of the planets. They tell us how the energy will be expressed. When the energy of a planet aligns with the sign in the most harmonious way, we say that the planet is in its dignity. When the planet is in the sign opposing its dignity, it is said to be in its detriment. The purity of the planetary energy is depleted in some way. Libra is the sign of Mars’ detriment. The nature of Mars is to be aggressive, initiating and physical. In Roman mythology Mars was the god of war. Its job was to ensure the continued military, political and economic dominance of the Roman Empire. Libra is the sign of harmony and balance. It wants energy to be expressed in ways that are thoughtful, considerate and diplomatic. When in Libra, much of the essential Martian nature is altered.
Mars in Libra will express itself in two primary ways, neither of which coincides with its patterns of being direct and self-affirming. One of those is a tendency to be pushy about establishing harmony. This can obviously undermine the Libran need for cooperation. One party establishes what it wants to have happen with the expectation that the other party will comply. This is not equality. It is a warmed over attempt at being control.
The other pattern is based on projection. Because Libra is oriented toward harmony, it may assume that if it doesn’t feel harmonious, it must be due to some outside force or influence. Thus it projects its own internal dissonance onto someone or something outside itself. In turn, this can create conflict even though the Libran desire is for harmony. In this case, we can relate to Libra as the sign of open warfare. This is not a characteristic of Libra that is generally known, but it is, or at least can be, accurate.
An example of this pertains to the chart of the United States. In July 2006, Mars turned retrograde in Libra in the US chart. It will remain in that direction for 80 years. Two possible expressions were projected. One assumed that the US would cease to be the policeman of the world and instead become a beacon of peace. We would lead the world in generating harmony by seeing situations more from others’ perspectives than our own. This could lead to decades of world peace.
The other theme is that we would internalize our aggression and turn on each other. When a planet is retrograde we tend to be more subjective in its experience and expression. In this scenario we project the cause of our anger, alienation and frustration onto “other”. Whoever is unlike us, in terms of nationality, ethnicity, religion or economic status is projected as the cause of our own misery. This creates what is commonly called tribalism. Those like us are OK. Those who aren’t deserve to suffer as we are suffering. Under these circumstances our common values, needs and expectations are lost. It’s been said that the only way our democracy can be destroyed is by internal forces, not by external attack. That seems to be true at this point.
How can we alter this pattern? One way is by looking within ourselves, individually and collectively, for the causes of our misery. Choices made in the past may need to be altered. We need to establish an internal harmony first, feeling good ourselves in the context of a greater social whole. It’s not enough to get all we need if others are suffering as a result. Libra generally avoids looking deeply or introspectively since those perspectives are not always pleasant. In order to achieve a greater degree of harmony in the world, however, it’s necessary to deal with immediate unpleasantness in order to achieve a greater, longer term collective harmony. This requires that we acknowledge how we have sewn the seeds of our own misery, consciously or otherwise. With that realization, we can make changes within ourselves and our lives that generate a deeper and more consistent sense of well being. Although we can still work to make collective or interactive improvements in the world, we can stop seeing others as the cause of our unhappiness. Ultimately, happiness is a personal struggle. Joy always lies within.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: The Full Moon in Aries on the 20th could lead to some acting out based on internal emotional dissonance. Use this event as a time to get some perspective on your emotional state. Rather than act out, work on altering behaviors that prioritize emotional self-awareness and self-nurturing.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a month to try new things. Be adventurous. This could manifest externally, in terms of job or career, or internally in terms of exploring deeper levels of the psyche. Growth can come from altering behaviors by seeing old things in new ways.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a good time to focus on creativity and self-expression. Try making it fun, a want to rather than a have to. Writing, crafts, even juggling could be ways to express yourself that are recreational and educational, both for yourself and those who can appreciate your originality..
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: This month is a good time to be more assertive and self-affirming socially. This is also a good time to do some deep introspection that will help to release any old resentments or anger that have been there for a while but overlooked and not dealt with.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Home and family life are front and center for you this month. This could manifest as starting a new project that pertains to the house. It could also mean being more open in letting family members know your thoughts, needs and feelings.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Early month is a good time to focus on your financial situation. This could involve strategizing about long range financial security or simply looking to increase one or more income streams at this time.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: The New Moon in Libra on the 6th is a good time to begin new activities. These could range from a new exercise program to being more confident in initiating relationships. Balance the physical and interactive with some time spent introspectively looking at things that need to be transformed in the context of your relationship to yourself.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Creativity, communication and confidence are all available to you this month. Use this combination as vehicles to enhance your sense of well-being through a process of self-awareness and personal growth.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Creativity and social activity are highlighted for you this month. In early month, use the energy for introspection that can lead to creative writing. Later month offers the energy to be more socially engaging. Avoid tendencies to be excessive in your idealism or generosity.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: From mid-month on is a good time to initiate projects you have been planning and strategizing about for several months. Begin cautiously in order to ensure steady progress and avoiding the need to go back and start over.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Early to mid month brings energy that can help harmonize and stabilize social activities. Late month could bring tendencies to engage in power struggles. Growth can come from prioritizing the harmony and letting go of the need to control an outcome.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: There is energy for social interaction for you this month, but so, too, is the potential to act from an idealistic point of view rather than one that is grounded and realistic. Growth comes from noticing and avoiding tendencies to idealize or romanticize the person or the situation.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic, Astrology and Consciousness and The Astroreader. He offers both private readings as well as classes for both beginning and intermediate students. Call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.