The Wheel of Light
Monthly Newsletter - December 2008
There are four signs that are defined as “cardinal”. Cardinality means action oriented. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. In their own way each of them enjoy new beginnings and the process of trial and error. When a major planet transits into a cardinal sign it usually indicates some major changes due to the activity and the proclivity to move in new directions and start new projects. Pluto is one of the major planets. Pluto entered Capricorn in January 2008, but retrograded back into Sagittarius in June. On November 26 Pluto again transited into Capricorn, and will remain there this time until 2023.
Pluto is the energy of transformation. Its tendency is to dig deeply into whatever it is looking at or dealing with. It wants to find out what is still meaningful and alive. It seeks to reveal the truth about a person or situation. As such, it likes to dig up anything that has lost its value, is not based on truth or has become toxic. When it separates the viable from the invalid it purges the garbage. It strives to keep things healthy and functioning at peak potential.
Capricorn is an earth sign. Its function is to ground our activities in ways that are goal oriented and productive. It is cautious and conservative. It thrives in structured environments where things are clearly defined and predictable. It is comfortable and competent working within groups in ways that produce results. Thus Capricorn is very effective in politics and government and by extension is also associated with such things as the banking industry.
We anticipate that Pluto in Capricorn will bring about fundamental changes to both our governmental and financial structures. Sometimes, though, there is resistance to making the changes that Pluto deems necessary through its research and analysis. Under these conditions, the energy builds up to a point of volatility. For example, Pluto entered Sagittarius in 1995. Sagittarius is the sign of higher mind. It tends to focus on things like religion. The potential extremes of Pluto are illustrated in the experiences of religion over the past 13 years. There has been the outing of the pedophile priests in the Catholic Church. We have also seen violent extremism in the Western monotheistic religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It’s as if the leaders of these institutions would rather fight to uphold their belief system than to examine and purge it of its dogmatic, authoritarian and antiquated patterns or behaviors.
We could assume a similar resistance from politicians who value their job security over the principles upon which the United States is founded. This could lead to more rigidity in governmental policies that lead us ever closer to a military presence in the country or even to a fascistic police state.
The leaders of the financial industry may not have such an option. That segment of our population is comprised of two factions. One is the banks and investment companies, many of whom crashed and were taken over by other institutions earlier this year. They are now beholden to the government and, ultimately, to we the people. But the other faction is the corporate culture and its influence on the banking system. They may currently feel as if they have options, but in fact probably don’t. It’s interesting to see them within the context not only of the current Pluto transit through Capricorn but also in light of the transit of Neptune through Capricorn (1984-1998). This period coincided with increased power, both economic and political, of corporations. This was the development of multinational corporations whose influence spread beyond national borders. It’s as if it became a force so powerful and global that it surpassed the control of any one government. Neptune is by nature idealistic. During this period these international entities were seen as positive role models. The movie Wall Street preached the value of greed. We were in awe of the power and creativity of these corporations who were so autonomous and made their shareholders so wealthy.
Pluto tends to look beyond the idealized projection and see what is actually happening that which runs counter to deeply held values. With Pluto in Capricorn, the culture of corporate capitalism is going to be analyzed as deeply and as thoroughly as possible. The same is true for governments. Anything that is revealed in the research that is not honest and truthful will be purged and transformed. It’s doubtful that the “no-bid” contracts and lack of oversight of government contractors or the money paid to them for work that may or may not have been done, so popular with the Bush administration, is a thing of the past.
When Capricorn is centered, it prioritizes a sense of personal honor and responsibility. When it is off-center is can be manipulative and controlling, affirming the belief that the ends justify the means. Let’s hope we all work to get and remain centered during this period so we can all have voices that demand accountability, transparency and truth from our leaders in both government and industry. Otherwise the next 15 years are liable to be ones of extreme darkness, highlighted periodically by ruthless wars and economic meltdowns. We can avoid that by doing the same purging, catharting and transforming in our own lives. The more we operate from a point of clarity, honesty and honor, the more we have the right to demand the same from our leaders, even as our consciousness changes the climate within which they are chosen and within which they act.
New actions are the mantra of the next few years. So hold tight, we may not have seen the end of the changes.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
This could be a challenging month for you. You could feel pulled in different directions, especially at work or in a situation requiring moral judgment. The options are to either stay the course or move in a new direction. Making the decision as early in the month as possible could avoid a major explosion or power conflict mid to late month.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Career and profession occupy your attention this month. In general, the energy is very positive and harmonious, especially with co-workers. New opportunities, some creative while others could lead to increase of control, expanding your level of income and reputation. The caveat in all this is that you need to be open to changing certain things. Embracing, even creating, the changes will enhance the probability of success.
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
The full Moon is on the 12th this month, and in Gemini. This suggests an opportunity to become more emotionally focused to the extent that you can be more expressive of your feelings. Tuning into your inner space, and acting from a point of clarity, can help you avoid situations that are challenging, unpleasant and potentially explosive.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The Moon is your ruling planet, so paying attention to the monthly lunar cycle is important. This month the full Moon on the 12th will bring a short-term grand square. You could feel extremely tense and stressed out for a few days before and after the full Moon as well as during. Growth for you during this period can come from being strong and inwardly clear to that you can be self-affirming and direct in standing up for yourself in the face of power trips dumped on you by others.
Leo (July 23-August 23)
You need a lot of outlet this month. Physical outlet is extremely important throughout the month in order to release feelings of hostility and frustration. Sexual outlet would be beneficial as well, in order to enhance feelings of love that can overcome any feelings of rage or revenge. If you suffered financial losses in the fall, this is a good time to find creative, innovative ways to recoup some of them and to avoid it happening again.
Virgo (August 24-Sept 22)
Unexpected challenges and feelings of unsettledness cause a sense of insecurity in early month, especially in areas of primary relationship and domestic life. From mid-month on, there is more energy available to play, be creative and have fun. Lots of sexual energy available in mid-month. Feelings of relationship security and commitment surface in late month.
Libra (Sept 23-Oct 23)
Domestic harmony in early month and lots of artistic inspiration and follow through available at the end. This could be a delightful period in which harmony in the home and creative self-expression, two qualities that you tend to prioritize, are present.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
This could be a significant period for you. You could feel as if you are confronted with a situation that requires you to hold the line, being strong and steady, or be open to change that is destabilizing but exciting. The way out involves integrating the two potential methodologies. Ultimately there is only one choice, not two. If you are successful with the integration, late month will bring a peak experience of consciousness and self-awareness that catapults into the New Year.
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
This month brings social harmony and an opportunity to expand your income. This is a time to focus on grounding, specifically in terms of being budget conscious and thrifty. Physical activity is also recommended as another way of relating positively to the material plane.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Not only is Pluto back in Capricorn, but so is the new Moon on the 27th . The challenges of the past few months may become exacerbated at this time. The key is to be open to changing certain parts of yourself or your life, even while you remain committed to behaviors that are still meaningful. In addition to that, you may feel some internal conflicts. Doing the inner work helps to clarify the other tensions and leads to a desirable outcome.
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
This is a good time to focus on your social life. Being friendly in an accepting and inclusive way feels good to you and to others. Spending some time refining your appearance, becoming more style conscious perhaps, could lead to feeling more comfortable with others. Growth for you this month comes from opening to others in a spirit of compassion and service.
Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
This could be a month of harmony and security. Compassion and feelings of devotion could impel you to be of service to others in this holiday season. You could feel artistically inspired. Growth comes from organizing your time and energy in order to make room for both activities, as each will provide its own form of fulfillment.