The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - August 2024
Last month we focused on oppositions, planets 180 degrees apart. We noted that this can create tension between the self and others, but can also provide perspective on who we are and where we need to go in order to alleviate that tension. This month there is another significant opposition between Venus and Saturn. In addition, these planets are being squared (90 degree angular separation) by a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter. While the opposition tends toward interactive tension, the square is usually about internal conflict with the self. This opposition-square aspect is called a T-square. It begins the first week of the month, peaks the third week and will continue, but with less tension, until early September.
We discussed Jupiter transiting through Gemini in the May column. It can enhance our social activities, bring more joy to our state of mind and prioritize learning and academic activities. Fundamentally Gemini is the sign of communication and with Jupiter there all forms of communication will be prioritized and stimulated. This month, Jupiter will be joined by Mars. Mars is associated primarily with physicality, anger and sexuality, but can also provide energy for new beginnings, competition and motivation. The combination will bring the drive to express our thoughts, whether written or verbal and can create stimulating debates and discussions. However, it can also bring heated exchanges that could be grounded in ego and lead to physical confrontations.
Before we tie the Mars-Jupiter conjunction to the square to the Venus-Saturn opposition, let’s focus on that opposition. Among other things, Venus pertains to social behaviors, relationship needs and to money. Saturn is a conservative force. It can provide healthy limits and boundaries, but can also bring circumstantial restriction, often based on authoritarian control. Its highest expression is experienced through personal responsibility. In opposition to Venus, we have the opportunity to gain perspective about everything from financial goals to relationship needs. If we are centered, we can use this transit to define to ourselves and our partners or friends what we need in that social context and what we offer.
With the square to Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, we can engage in meaningful dialogue with others in ways that can clear up confusion, eliminate relationship blockages and lead to greater fulfillment for all concerned. This would also be true with regard to financial needs and realities. We can dialogue with others so that we become clearer about our financial needs and goals, thus creating a strategy that will enable us to become more materially secure and successful.
T-squares are inherently challenging, however. Although the scenario mentioned is possible, it will require work to implement due to the conflicts that arise between Venus, Mars and Jupiter, and Saturn.
Saturn wants Venus to restrict its tendency to love or express affection. Jupiter squaring Venus wants it expanded. Saturn may be fearful of being too generous or vulnerable. Jupiter wants to expand humor and joyfulness. Sometimes Jupiter squared Venus can cause us to relate to others in excessively optimistic ways, based on seeing others in a much too positive light. Saturn may tend to see others as a threat, thus preferring to be being armored in social situations.
Mars in Gemini may think about sex a lot and want to communicate about it. Venus will be in Virgo, a sign that prioritizes service over sexuality. Thus there is also a conflict between Venus and Mars. This can lead to one partner being of service by consenting to being sexual even if they don’t want to do so for themselves. The Mars-Jupiter conjunction squaring Venus can also lead to profligate spending either for the self or by being generous with others. Saturn, of course, would be aghast at such needless expansion.
The Mars-Saturn square is a classic aspect of conflicts with authority figures. It brings up the fundamental question: who is the prime source of approval and recognition in your life? The only right answer is the self. If we define anyone else as that person, we are giving them our power, and the right to control who we are and what we do. One way to ensure that we are empowered and in control of our reality is to clearly define, and consistently enforce, limits and boundaries between our self and others.
This is not a major T-square since it will last only a few weeks. But it’s a good opportunity to get clear about your emotional, social, financial and sexual needs. We can use that clarity to interact with others in ways that enhance our sense of personal empowerment. This can lead to fulfillment of emotional, social and sexual needs and create a strategy designed to meet our financial needs in the future.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
Aries: Since your ruling planet is Mars, you may be more affected by the T-square than other signs. Use this as a time to communicate and negotiate with others. Growth can come by being self-affirming while learning to adapt to other’s needs.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Taurus: This is a good time to play, express yourself artistically and contemplate long-term investment strategies. Balance activities that are enjoyable in the present with those that can provide longer term satisfaction. Nature holds a lot of fulfillment for you this month.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Gemini: This is a good time to initiate new activities especially if the focus is physical. Contemplating and defining what you want to learn, or share, in the future can also make good use of the energy available to you. Growth can come from balancing immediate physical enjoyment with clarification of your intellectual interests and points of view.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Cancer: The New Moon in Leo on the 4th is a good time to think about financial goals and other ways of fulfilling long range material needs. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 19th is an opportunity to get clear about relationship needs and deriving a clear perspective on which ones are being satisfied and which ones aren’t.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
Leo: There could be an internal struggle this month between the part of you that wants to play and enjoy socializing with the part that wants more focus on the practicalities of life. Growth can come from spending some time with friends discussing the practical and other time expanding social satisfaction.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Virgo: There is a natural square between Virgo and Gemini that is highlighted this month. Virgo tends to be self-contained, humble and engaged in practical analysis. Gemini is more playful, social and communicative. The challenge for you this month is to integrate some of the Geminian energy. Be open to new ideas and activities and look at familiar things in new ways.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Libra: In a year when intellectual or consciousness expansion could be both an interest and a possibility, this month could bring a peak of those activities. Exploring new interests is a strong possibility for you this month. That could also involve an exciting journey.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Scorpio: This month could challenge you to clarify social needs versus physical needs. This could pertain to any conflict between your emotional expression and sexual behavior. Power struggles with children or partners could also come up. Seek to resolve them by being clear with yourself and them about limits and boundaries.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Sagittarius: This could be a stressful month as you strive to balance and integrate activities in your professional, domestic and social life. One way out is to be open to new information and adapting your choices and behavior accordingly. However, it’s also important to limit how much new information you are open to. Expansion with selectivity.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Capricorn: As you address the challenges of the T-square this month, it would be helpful to spend some time in quiet contemplation. This will provide you with powerful tools to integrate the disparate energies and resolve any conflicts that emerge from them.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Aquarius: The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 19th can bring energy for creative or physical activities as well as opportunities for clear communication with a partner. That communication could lead to changes in the relationship. This might not be easy but in the long run can lead to feeling and acting in a freer way.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Pisces: There may be several challenges in your personal life this month. Many of them could be based either in your sense of responsibility for others in your family or a sense of being restricted either by the people or that sense of responsibility. Growth for you this month can come from putting you first and the service you want to provide others in a lower priority.
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.