The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - January 2011
The New Year brings an interesting blend of transits that could be helpful in enabling us to dig out of the various holes that many of us have fallen into. Both Jupiter and Uranus will return to Aries, Jupiter this month and Uranus in March. Neptune enters the sign it rules, Pisces, in early April. While these planets lack the intensity and control of Pluto or Saturn, they may help in ways that don’t require heaviness or power struggles.
Many of us would agree that the human race is going down the wrong track. Some of us even feel that the train is tilting and riding on only half of its wheels. Disaster may seem inevitable. One way to right the vehicle and get things moving in a direction that supports the greatest good for the greatest number is changing consciousness. That’s exactly what Uranus and Neptune help us to do. The fact that one is entering the sign of new beginnings (Uranus in Aries) and the other the sign of its dignity (Neptune in Pisces), suggests that a new awareness is not only possible, but indeed, probable.
The way in which humanity defines and relates to life is arbitrary. “Consensus reality” is what we assume life on Earth to be. The only one possible. Yet the physical plane is merely the embodied manifestation of the consciousness of the beings on it. I remember in the 1960’s the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi stated that if only 3% of people meditated on a daily basis it would change reality. I don’t think enough people believed his theory to the point that they actually incorporate meditation into their daily routine. The point is that the material plane is not solid and permanent. Everything is constantly changing. Even in objects that appear solid, their molecules are continually spinning and shifting. In quantum physics the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that whenever we observe something, we change its inherent nature. Thus we can’t be sure that what we call reality is the only possible way to relate to the material plane. It seems, therefore, that if we put our collective minds to the task, we could change at least our perception of and relationship to the life. The way to begin that process is through expanding our consciousness about the nature, purpose and potential of life and the rightful place of humanity in the universal scheme of things.
Uranus awakens us. It can help us break out of the standard, expected, traditional version of reality to become aware of the impermanence of life. It offers inspiration to be comfortable with our uniqueness and to experimentally explore and invent new ways of relating to each other. Uranus is a good trouble- shooter. As an iconoclast and contrarian, Uranus enjoys seeing things in new ways as well as being on the cutting edge of changes that affect the masses. For example, Uranus has a lot to do with technology. In Aries, we can assume that new inventions in the computer industry, the mass media and even medical technology will take life in new directions and with increasingly interesting results. Uranus is the energy that reminds us that we all have a lot more in common that we have differences.
Neptune functions primarily on the inner planes. It is comfortable exploring the psyche through psychotherapy, dreams and the creative imagination. If Uranus reminds us of our human commonalities, Neptune can bring transcendent connection to the Divine. Neptune unites with the radiant love and light that is the core of life. Neptune is the energy of faith. This is not wishing and hoping but, rather, the knowingness that we are loved and supported by the beneficent forces of the universe far more than we can possibility imagine. We can call on that energy or simply feel it gently nudging us in a certain direction down a certain path. These experiences remind us that we are each part of the Oneness that is life. They also teach us that everything and everyone else is similarly connected. We realize that what we do affects and is affected by everything. With Neptune in Pisces, the essence of its message is going to be experienced loudly and clearly for the next 14 years.
These and other topics, including potentials in the areas of economics, politics and international relations, will be discussed in my annual Perspectives talk which is held at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Perspectives 2011 will be held on Tuesday January 4 from 7-9 PM. Tickets will be available at the door.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
With Jupiter entering Aries on the 22nd life could become quite expansive both in terms of attitude as well as opportunities for you for the next 5 months. Feelings of confidence and a desire to improve the condition and quality of your life could combine with a strong sense of integrity to propel you forward in defining and realizing your intentions this year.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Early month could bring deep feelings of transformation affecting you in both primary relationship and spiritual clarity and growth. This is a time to go inward and root out behaviors and beliefs that have become stagnant or dogmatic. Tune in to your intuition to solve problems and to get clarity about other people. Beware of projecting idealized expectations onto people and situations.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Early month might bring confusion between thoughts and feelings. Mid-month offers the potential to develop a deeper perception and understanding that actually integrates the intellect with the intuition. Late month will challenge you to deliver your conclusions to others who don’t necessarily agree with you or don’t even share your interests.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
A solar eclipse of the New Moon on the 4th sets this up to be both a unique month as well as interesting year. The challenge is to develop a long term perspective and goal. One theme for your year is self-discipline in defining where you’re going then moving in that direction with consistency. Growth comes from effectively integrating the goals with your natural tendency to focus more on the here-and-now.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Early month could bring a sense of being restricted. You could respond by getting into power struggles or by becoming authoritarian and demanding that others live by your rules. Growth comes from realizing that this is a time to work on yourself. Define the rules that you want to live by, regardless of what others are doing. Late month brings a great deal of energy, drive and motivation to start implementing your goals for the year.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Early month is time to focus on relationship and family. Issues may require you to let go of the need to have analytical clarity and the accompanying need to be right, You must be willing to be inclusive and accepting of others’ ideas or feelings. Late month could bring challenges with children around issues of discipline and responsibility.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Financial concerns may persist through early month. Now, however, you might find ways out, or at least new ways of perceiving the situation, that are positive and harmonious. Wait until you feel confident, however, before acting on them. Late month could bring some delightful creative inspiration. You could also be too open to the wrong people during this time. Be mindful and discriminating.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Your drive and energy level should continue strong in early month. Use that energy to implement ideas, or make changes in your behavior that enable you to integrate your spiritual ideals and goals into your life in practical, everyday ways. Things may mellow out later in the month, although you could also feel frustrated that things are not happening with the same intensity, or the same result, as they were previously. It’s time to lighten up and spend time with those closest to you.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Jupiter is the ruling planet of Sagittarius. As it transits into Aries you should feel an increase in your readiness for adventure and new beginnings in academics or travel. This is a great transit to help you bring lofty concepts and ideals down to a level that enables you to realize them, benefiting both yourself and others.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
The solar eclipse in Capricorn on the 4th brings you a tremendous amount of spiritual energy and information. Take time out of your everyday life in order to tune in and take full advantage of the potential. The full Moon in Cancer on the 19th heightens emotional awareness. Use that as an opportunity to integrate the serious with the playful parts of your life.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Social harmony, financial gain and creative inspiration combine to create a potentially exciting and fulfilling month. Growth comes from allowing yourself to be more available to others in a personal and emotional way. Helping others through affection or artistic inspiration are good ways to take advantage of the transits at this time.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Jupiter is considered the “classical” ruler of Pisces. That is, prior to the discovery of Neptune in the mid-Nineteenth Century, Jupiter was the sole ruler. With Jupiter entering Aries this month, and remaining there for several months, your inherent feelings of independence, desire for adventure, openness to learning about other cultures or other spiritual paths are all strong. What you may feel initially is a strong sense of self, combined with confidence. Could be an interesting and creative year!