The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - June 2024
In the 1940s the great American astrologer Marc Edmund Jones defined 8 patterns that the planets of a horoscope can conform to. One of those he called a ”Bundle”. This pattern occurs when all the planets line up within a 120 degree angle. The planetary energies activate just a few of the houses. The strength of this pattern is the ability to focus energy, which can lead to a lot of productivity in a relatively short time. The drawback is that there are also limited points of awareness. So while things may get done in some areas, there may not be much awareness, let alone accomplishment, in others. For the past several months, all the transiting planets have been forming a bundle shape pattern. This began in December, when all the planets were in signs Capricorn through Taurus. This month the planets will spread out as the alignment is from Aquarius to Gemini, with Mercury and Venus moving into Cancer around mid-month. So even though the alignment is not as tight as it was, there is both the continued ability to focus our energy now, as well as the experience of the past few months helping us to be concentrated on a few prioritized areas of interest. How can we take advantage of the positive potentials of this alignment while minimizing or eliminating the liabilities?
On the positive side, note which houses in your natal chart have the signs Aquarius through Cancer. This will enable you to be aware of where you can be most productive at this time. As I’ve mentioned many times in the past year, Saturn, the energy of goal orientation, is in Pisces, a sign whose direction tends to be more inward which can lead to confusion about what to do in the outer world. I’ve suggested using some type of spiritual discipline, or any type of quality time alone to look within for an “inner directive”. That is, a sense of purpose coming more from one’s higher self than through any type of analytical left brained process. Once we have that message we can put a lot of time and energy into being productive in those areas.
Furthermore, with Saturn and Neptune being in Pisces and Pluto in Aquarius, some of that focus could be on consciousness development as well as ways of interacting with others that can make a difference in collective social experience. With the other planets transiting through the personal signs Taurus, Gemini and Cancer we can also direct our energy to focus on activities that are more significant to us in a personal way. To connect or integrate the personal with the transpersonal would maximize our potential for both growth and fulfillment.
The negative potential is that there may not be much relational interaction, It’s one thing to want to impact the collective while simultaneously doing things for personal satisfaction, but what about how others are experiencing our choices? We could have tunnel vision that enables us to be highly aware of our desires and experience, and yet unaware of how those actions impact others. Or, how others may help us achieve our goals or block them altogether.
A wild card in all this is the Moon. As the fastest of the planets, the Moon circles the Zodiac each month. While the other 8 planets maintain the bundle alignment, the Moon will transit in opposition to them in order each month. Those oppositions can provide us with some perspective about both our choices as well as how others are responding to them. A good example of all this is the general state of political discourse in this country, highly polarized and tribal. The student protesters and counter-protestors highlight this pattern. Laser focused on their points of view they are less likely to be open to discussion, let alone being concerned about those students who are more interested in pursuing their education that in political action. Even if they are affective in getting their points across, they may be alienating some people. More productivity, less perspective. Although the protestors may have some impact on the political situation in the world, they may lack perspective about their own future education or professional opportunities.
We can benefit from the transiting bundle by being clear about our priorities. What are the things that are most important for us to engage in so that we can make significant, even major progress in achieving what we value. Using the transits of the Moon can be beneficial in enabling us to be aware of feedback. As it moves into the signs Leo through Capricorn it will oppose the other planets and we can become more aware of how our actions are being received and responded to. This will be most prominent on the Full Moon, which is on the 21st this month. Thus we take advantage of the focusing ability to increase our sense of purpose and fulfillment even as we can share them with others in a more harmonious and thoughtful way.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: This is a time to focus on practical necessities. Putting time and thought into financial planning would be a good example of this. Your desire for security and comfort may be the triggers that can lead to initiating a new budget. Once that has been established you will also know how much you have left over to play.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: With summer upon us, this is a good time for you to be physically active. Whether to improve health or simply to have fun being out of doors are ways of taking advantage of the transits this month. Late month would be a good time to share time with close friends and relatives.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This could be a busy and active time for you. Social time and creative time are highlighted. This is a good time to expand certain relationships that are flourishing even as you limit those that are not. There also may be those who pursue you. A good time for popularity!
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The New Moon in Cancer on the 6th can bring new beginnings of social activities or making pre-existing relationship closer and warmer. Rely on your intuition to determine with whom and how to get closer. Avoid intellectual conflicts at that time.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: Two themes emerge for you this month. One is the possibility of new beginnings professionally. This is a good time to implement actions that have long term implications. The second is focusing inward. This could be on practical research and development or on spiritual or artistic endeavors.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: Public activity is highlighted for you this month. This could be on networking or brainstorming with others or spending more social time with friends and colleagues. Professional opportunities should be opening for you in the next few months, so pay attention and take advantage of them.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: Expansion is a good key word for you this month. The focus should be on the mind and take any form from reading to taking a class to travel. Often the opportunities to do so may come your way and should be delightful. Growth can come from staying grounded and not drifting off into fantasy projection.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: Emotionally based relationships may get deeper and warmer this month. However, your passions may run high, especially in mid-month, which could lead to volatility. Growth can come from spending quality time on personal introspection. Note what is triggering you and work to nip it in the bud before it manifests overtly.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: Although personal projects and collective experience are highlighted for others this month, relationship could occupy a high priority for you. This could be in a variety of social situations but the theme for all of them could be similar: how to get your point across to each of those individuals and how you can be open to really hearing what they are saying. Learning and sharing are what leads to relationship success and fulfillment.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 21st brings perspective about your emotional state in both personal and professional relationships. Use this awareness to guide you in furthering those situations. Maximize those that feed you and minimize those that drain you.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: Because you tend to see “the big picture” this time of limited focus may be challenging for you. Although there may be many positive social opportunities, make sure you balance them with some self-focus. This will enable you to take advantage of the consciousness potential as well as the immediate social stimulation.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: The good news is good energy and opportunities to enhance relationships with family members. The bad news is that this may interfere with your need for alone time. Growth can come from developing the discipline to make sure you are taking the time you need even as you enjoy the family.
Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, A Manual for the Modern Mystic, and The Astroreader, Rio offers weekly classes through Zoom. You can call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.