The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - May 2019
Most people who are interested in astrology are familiar with planetary aspects. These are angular relations between two or more planets. Aspects such as the trine or sextile indicate energetic connections that are harmonious and mutually supportive. Other aspects, such as the square and opposition, suggest planetary conflict and energetic dissonance. This month there is an interesting alignment connecting four planets in what has been called a "working wedge". This is a configuration in which two planets are in opposition to each other while being harmoniously connected to another planet. In this case, Mars and Jupiter are in opposition to each other. Mars is in turn sextile to both Venus and Mercury. Jupiter is trine to Venus and Mercury. The benefit of the working wedge is that there is a way out of the tension created by the Mars-Jupiter opposition.
Mars represents initiative, assertiveness and physicality of any kind. In early month it will be in Gemini. This suggests interesting, stimulating conversation. Mars could take the lead to initiate both the curiosity that can lead to new information and ideas as well as the drive to share it. Jupiter is in Sagittarius. This is the planet that rules Sagittarius and when a planet is in its own sign its energy flows freely. This planet and sign pertain to higher learning and consciousness expansion.
The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is about mental stimulation. Gemini tends to have lots of interests in lots of areas. It thrives on multiplicity of ideas and a variety of people to learn from and teach to. At best Gemini is a superb multi-tasker and networker. At worst is can be superficial in both mental pursuits and social interests. Sagittarius, on the other hand, prefers to look at the big picture. It seeks to integrate the little bits and pieces of information that Gemini provides into a larger context. Gemini is the journalist; Sagittarius is the philosopher.
With Mars in Gemini, we could be too aggressive seeking information and too assertive when expressing a point of view. Opposing Jupiter in Sagittarius, we could hammer a listener with whatever perspective or philosophy that we hold. Even if we think we have an open mind, our style of communicating could come across as arrogant, annoying even caustic. We may feel enthusiastic about sharing our ideas, but the listener could be turned off by how we are saying something whether we agree with them or not. Actual disagreements could quickly become explosive. The good news about this opposition is that it could lead to stimulating, if intense, conversations that can lead to breaking through to new points of awareness and perspectives. The bad news is that it could lead to people talking past each other. We can be so attached to our ideas being right that we assume others who disagree are wrong. In a time when people seem to be yelling at each other, rather than reasoning with each other, open-minded conversation could be problematic. The working wedge provides ways out.
Venus and Mercury are both in Aries. They both sextile Mars and trine Jupiter. In Aries Venus and Mercury will be clear in expressing their opinions. Aries tends to be direct, straightforward and authentic. Whether we agree with energy expressed through Aries there is no doubt about the intent or the meaning. Mercury is the energy of communication and Venus brings harmony, diplomacy and thoughtfulness. This combination is well suited to limiting the potential for contentious conversation of the Mars-Jupiter opposition. The sextiles to Mars will amplify the expression of one's point of view and convey it accurately in a manner that prioritizes sharing of ideas rather than the need to be right. The trines to Jupiter enhance the potential be open minded and creative both in expressing ourselves as well as in the application of the information.
These aspects will be taking place the first half of the month. This is a good time to be open to new ideas, new topics and new perspectives. This could also be a good time for an exciting journey. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis is as open to new places as it is to new ideas. With Mars' presence we could feel the physical drive and have the energy to be on the road to new places. This is another way of expanding horizons to consciousness at this time.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a good time to expand your mind by expanding your social circle. Growth can come from being open minded about both new people as well as new points of view. Sharing your previous concepts is a good way to get a conversation going. Listening to what others think is the way to learn and grow.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: As many as 5 planets will be in or transiting through Taurus this month. This is a good time to review your values and priorities. Is the application of your inherent resources in alignment with your basic principles? This is a good time to maintain those activities that give your life meaning, while eliminating those that don't.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: The working wedge this month can bring new ideas as well as the confidence to share what you know with others. This is an alignment that can enable you to be more creative in expressing yourself even as you remain open to listening to and learning from a variety of people, places and activities.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The new Moon in Taurus on the 4th and the full Moon in Scorpio on the 18th may bring finances into high priority for you. This is a good time to assess what you have and what you need from others. Growth can come from finding a healthy balance between self-reliance, and sharing what you have, while also being aware about what you need from others.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: You can certainly share the love of learning and communicating with several other signs this month. In addition, you can also apply the ideas to productive activity on the physical plane. Growth can come from listening to others even as you find new, creative ways to communicate.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: One of your strengths is being detail oriented. The problem with that is that is can also narrow your perspective. This is a month to expand your perspective. This could especially apply at work and at home. Finding creative solutions can help with productivity in the former and opening lines of communication in the latter.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Family needs or your responsibility to family could undermine the harmony you might normally have. This is a time to be less focused on pleasing others and being liked by them and more oriented toward expressing your ideas and opinions in clear, direct and self-affirming ways.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: The full Moon in Scorpio on the 18th could heighten your sensitivity. This is a good time to share what you feel rather than keeping it bottled up inside. Others whom you trust, and who care about you, should be available for a meaningful conversation. In turn, this deepens the bond and the intimacy between you.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Early month is a good time to expand your physical activity. This could be ways that are highly competitive or not competitive at all. This is also a good time to be direct in letting others know what you think and how you feel. Avoid wishful thinking or tendencies to idealize people or situations later in the month.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: Your sense of power, perseverance and productivity are strong all month. Your mind should be open and active as you pursue new information and share old ideas with others. Growth comes from being humble in what you do and say. Your personal power is on the ascent and others could be offended if you come across too strong.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: A mellow month for you. Putting time and energy into home and family can lead to harmonious relations, creative expression and practical productivity. Being spontaneous can lead to interesting and fulfilling adventures. Spending time with children can prove enjoyable.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: Early month could bring mental clarity, social activity and creative expression. Late month could bring some confusion or at least lack of clarity. This is not a good time to make major decisions as your compassion and idealism could prevent seeing things in clear and accurate ways. If something you are doing seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Rio Olesky has been a professional astrologer since 1976. He is the author of A Manual for the Modern Mystic and 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.