Wheel of Light Astrology by Rio Olesky - April 2019
Astrology is the study of new beginnings. For example, a natal horoscope is a picture of the energy patterns existing at the time of one’s birth. It will reveal the tendencies and characteristics of that person. Western astrology divides the annual cycle of the Sun into four sections. Each section coincides with one of the four seasons of the year. By studying a horoscope cast for the four annual “cardinal points” of the year we can determine some of the major patterns for that season. The spring equinox took place this year on Wednesday March 20 at 2:59 PM PDT. The planetary positions for that chart can reflect the energies available to each of us for the next 3 months.
Several patterns are contained in the equinox chart. One is the abundance of the earth element. With 6 of the 10 planets residing in earth signs we could assume that this spring will be one of practical focus. Through a combination of methodical habit, persevering application and attention to detail we can maximize our potential for productivity. Clarity of goal is important but, with Uranus in Taurus very close to the tenth house cusp, we should be open to unexpected experiences and desires that may challenge us to get out of our comfort zones and do something significant, inspiring and counter to past experience. A paradox in this chart is that even though the earth signs like the predictable and consistent, the prominent placement of Uranus implies surprises and challenges not usually associated with the earth signs. By combining the thoroughness of earth with the openness of Uranus, this could prove to be a stimulating quarter in which innovation and change accompanies the practical and productive. For example, with Uranus in Taurus, we might see attention placed on new technologies that are designed to help us combat some of the threats of climate change. On a personal level, we might choose to experiment with new ideas and concepts pertaining to our work.
A second pattern that emerges from this chart is a conjunction of Neptune and Mercury in Pisces in the eighth house. Pisces and the eighth house both partake of the water element, the element that deals with our emotions and our drive and our ability to connect with the divine presence. This conjunction provides the opportunity, as well as the challenge, to integrate our left brain (Mercury) with our right brain (Neptune). If we are successful in this process, we could download significant information that will help to sharpen our intuition and expand our consciousness. Failure to do so could lead to mental confusion, miscommunication (Mercury is also retrograde) and difficulty in separating fact from fantasy.
Building on the positive potential of the Mercury-Neptune conjunction, another pattern revealed in this chart is the conjunction of the Sun with Chiron. Chiron is an asteroid that can indicate where we feel inadequate or wounded in some area. In this chart Chiron is in Aries and in the ninth house. The ninth house pertains to higher mind learning and growth. Ultimately this can involve a philosophical drive to know the truth, especially in a metaphysical or theological way. This chart indicates that this is a good season to not only pursue the truth as a goal, but to also realize how much we are already cognizant of and plugged into that truth. This is important because Chiron can also reveal a blind spot, that is, something that we can actually do quite well, but fail to perceive ourselves as such. Thus, this season may not only bring us new consciousness, but also support us in affirming what we already know.
The spring equinox chart helps us touch many bases, from the mundane to the ethereal. Growth for us this season can come from striving to integrate our higher mind thoughts with our material plane activity in ways that enable us to be productive while remaining honest and ethical in our pursuits.
Aries: This is a good time to refine your social situations. It could start with being more attentive to personal appearance. It could also include being more thoughtful and considerate of others’ points of view. Growth can come from focusing in harmonious interaction. When engaging in conversation, remember to listen.
Taurus: Your spiritual and creative interests are heightened especially during the first half of the month. Social situations can stimulate compassion but be selective about who you relate to and why. Too much compassion can lead to confusion of pity with love. Late month you could take a relationship in a new direction, or at least being more verbal about your needs, is another potential for you at this time.