Wheel of Light Astrology by Rio Olesky - July 2018
We tend to pay attention to challenging planetary alignments. Their difficulty catches our attention since we’d prefer harmony overstress. If we resolve the difficulties and solve our problems we feel better. Plus, the work required enables us to grow. Occasionally, however, the planets connect in ways that are more comfortable, harmonious and productive in ways that are easy and effortless. This can take place when planets are 120 degrees apart, an aspect we call a trine. Sometimes 3 planets connect such that each one is 120 degrees away from the other two. This is called a Grand Trine. This month 2 Grand Trines will available for us to work with. One is in the water element. It connects the Sun in Cancer, Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces from July 1-12.
This is an alignment that generally enhances our sense of emotional well being as well as spiritual connection. The optimism of Jupiter can benefit the financial markets by keeping them strong and growing. The compassion of Neptune stimulates interest in selfless service as well as the desire for closer awareness of and connection to Divine Spirit. The presence of the Sun illuminates the energies, rendering them strong and creative. Jupiter and Neptune are the co-ruling planets of Pisces, the sign of transcendent consciousness. This Grand Trine can enable us to become clear and expressive of our emotional needs as well as impelling us to be sensitive and nurturing to others.
The other Grand Trine is in the earth element. It connects Uranus in Taurus, Venus in Virgo and Saturn in Capricorn and will exist from the 8th to the 17th. The most important part of this alignment is the Uranus-Saturn trine, which will be in effect from July through the end of October. The outer planets, Uranus and Saturn, tend to focus on big-picture perspectives involving our need for freedom within a context of striving to achieve long-term goals. The presence of Venus enables the other energies to be more accessible to be used in everyday situations. Let’s focus just on the Saturn-Uranus trine, since it will be with us for most of the rest of the year. Saturn is the energy of personal responsibility. Its transits tell us where (by house) work needs to be done. Uranus deals with our need for individuation. It can inspire us to explore, experiment with and express our uniqueness in ways that help to be free and to encourage others to engage in a similar process. It’s also another aspect that supports strong financial markets.
This Grand Trine can help to create harmony in any type of relationship in grounded, practical ways. The Saturn-Uranus trine enables us to integrate the uniqueness of who we are, how we feel and what we need in a relationship that is clearly defined both in its structure as well as its direction. It limits co-dependency because all parties can be clear in defining who they are in the context of the interaction as well what they offer to and need from it. Venus is the energy of relationship. In Virgo, it can be self-contained, expressing love by being of service to the partner. If that service is appreciated and returned in kind, it may feel fulfilled. If not, it can cause resentment and withdrawal from the relationship. Virgo is also process oriented. If a relationship isn’t working and creating mutual satisfaction, this is a good transit to roll up our sleeves, define the issues of all concerned and work to resolve them harmoniously to the benefit of all. The trine from Saturn suggests that the work can be done in ways that enhance the long-range stability of the relationship. The trine from Uranus implies a strong foundation of friendship that can support innovative ways to enhance the health and mutual benefit of the association.
The combination of these Grand Trines could ensure continued growth both in financial markets as well as our sense of material security. They can support us in feeling clear and stable both as individuals and within a family or relationship context. They could also enhance the drive for harmonious interaction that can lead to beneficial outcomes of situations involving personal health. Collectively, the Grand Trines can lead to the creation of new collective social contracts involving racial and religious matters as well as breakthroughs in international relations.
Two issues can skew a Grand Trine.Instead of it being a time of harmonious, supported manifestation, the energy gets stuck. One reason is that energies are so comfortable that there is no challenge to apply them productively. The second is that the energies move in a closed circuit. Things that already exist are easily maintained, but there is no new growth. For example, the watery Grand Trine opts for emotional safety and protection rather than emotional expression and process. One can become so aware of their emotional state as to become overwhelmed by it. The earthy Grand Trine can focus on material security and attachment rather than productivity. Possessions are seen as having intrinsic value rather than as useful tools. As we tune in to these beneficial flows this month, we should seek to use them as tools to move beyond our comfort zones and access new points of awareness both internal and external.