Wheel of Light Astrology by Rio Olesky - August 2018
Two interesting yet conflicting transits will be active all month. We have already experienced both of then, so they’re not new. One is a harmonious, supportive trine between Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces. This first occurred in November-December 2017 and has been back this year since May. The other is a challenging square between Uranus in Taurus and Mars in Aquarius. This first took place in May, but will be in orb for the next two months.
In addition to the fact that trines are supportive to the interactive expression of the two energies, the trine between Jupiter and Neptune is particularly congruent because they are the co-ruling planets of the sign Pisces. In the water signs Scorpio and Pisces these planets are bringing a gentleness that can enhance feelings of joy, humanitarian concern and the ability to tap directly into transcendent consciousness. This combination registers the impact of tragic events such as school shootings and the mass incarceration of children. Jupiter can act as the moral compass of the solar system. Neptune brings empathy and compassion. The combination reacts to human caused pain and suffering with outrage and a desire to ensure security for all. In a completely different context, these planets create positive feelings of optimism and enthusiasm that has produced continued growth in global financial markets. One note of caution in that arena, however, is the fact that Jupiter can also represent international events and Scorpio can represent taxation. The tariffs, a form of taxation, that have been initiated by Trump seem to be leading to an international trade war that will have a very detrimental effect on both those markets as well as the economy in general if they continue. Meanwhile, this trine is having a potentially positive effect on our psychological state. It can inspire us to look deeply into ourselves to find connection to Divine Oneness. This trine can inspire us to release and let go of drives and desires that keep us in a state of isolation, alienation and fear. We can feel both impelled and supported to engage in situations that can enhance our feelings of joy as well as being productive both spiritually and socially by recognizing the profound significance in the diversity of life, human and otherwise. This can lead to being more pro-active in the coming November election to make sure that the compromised state of our democracy is gotten back on track. If you aren’t running for office yourself, and don’t have time to work for a candidate, at least remember to vote in what may be the most important election in the history of our country.
The Mars-Uranus square is the antithesis of the Jupiter-Neptune trine. The most obvious reason is that whereas trines like to maintain a positive flow of energy, squares are unsettling. They can destroy or at least diminish any sense of comfort which, in turn, forces us to change and grow. Some research has indicated that certain Uranian transits coincide with global events such as earthquakes. When this transit took place in May, it coincided with the eruption of Kiluaea, the Big Island volcano. Since then there have been volcanoes in Central America as well. Any big earth change can certainly restrict one’s comfort to say the least. What makes this transit even more challenging is the fact that the square from Uranus to Mars can foreshadow anger, contention and violence. Whether this is local, as in a domestic conflict, or international, as in a war, this combination of energies can produce sudden, unexpected volatility. One of the things that Aquarius rules is the collective consciousness or group mind. This could have tragic implications considering how unpredictable Trump is in both words and actions. When the group mind of “his base” gets riled up based on what he says, regardless of the degree to which his words actually reflect the truth, this can be dangerous. The recent rise of global fascism is presenting similar patterns in both leaders and the masses in Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and certain countries in South America. Will the actions of dictators produce pushback from the masses or support from the masses?
One hopeful note is the Jupiter-Neptune trine. Because it brings compassion and humanitarian feelings and actions, the international community may resent and reject any decision or action that increases prejudice and bigotry let alone one that leads to armed conflict. As a side note, Mars will remain retrograde until August 27. Usually any act of aggression that begins when Mars is retrograde will end in failure and loss. So, if a nation or a person initiates hostility before that date, it may well prove to be a costly mistake. Especially since the Mars-Uranus square can bring a hair-trigger temper where one acts before fully thinking the action through. Remember, too, that with Saturn in Capricorn this year, the consequences of actions, personal or national, should be of prime concern.