Wheel of Light Astrology by Rio Olesky - May 2019
Most people who are interested in astrology are familiar with planetary aspects. These are angular relations between two or more planets. Aspects such as the trine or sextile indicate energetic connections that are harmonious and mutually supportive. Other aspects, such as the square and opposition, suggest planetary conflict and energetic dissonance. This month there is an interesting alignment connecting four planets in what has been called a ”working wedge”. This is a configuration in which two planets are in opposition to each other while being harmoniously connected to another planet. In this case, Mars and Jupiter are in opposition to each other. Mars is in turn sextile to both Venus and Mercury. Jupiter is trine to Venus and Mercury. The benefit of the working wedge is that there is a way out of the tension created by the Mars-Jupiter opposition.
Mars represents initiative, assertiveness and physicality of any kind. Early in the month Mars will be in Gemini. This suggests interesting, stimulating conversation. Mars could take the lead to initiate both the curiosity that can lead to new information and ideas as well as the drive to share it. Jupiter is in Sagittarius. This is the planet that rules Sagittarius and when a planet is in its own sign its energy flows freely. This planet and sign pertain to higher learning and consciousness expansion.
The Gemini-Sagittarius polarity is about mental stimulation. Gemini tends to have lots of interests in lots of areas. It thrives on multiplicity of ideas and a variety of people to learn from and teach to. At best Gemini is a superb multi-tasker and networker. At worst is can be superficial in both mental pursuits and social interests. Sagittarius, on the other hand, prefers to look at the big picture. It seeks to integrate the little bits and pieces of information that Gemini provides into a larger context. Gemini is the journalist; Sagittarius is the philosopher.
With Mars in Gemini, we could be too aggressive seeking information and too assertive when expressing a point of view. Opposing Jupiter in Sagittarius, we could hammer a listener with whatever perspective or philosophy that we hold. Even if we think we have an open mind, our style of communicating could come across as arrogant, annoying even caustic. We may feel enthusiastic about sharing our ideas, but the listener could be turned off by how we are saying something whether we agree with them or not. Actual disagreements could quickly become explosive. The good news about this opposition is that it could lead to stimulating, if intense, conversations that can lead to breaking through to new points of awareness and perspectives. The bad news is that it could lead to people talking past each other. We can be so attached to our ideas being right that we assume others who disagree are wrong. In a time when people seem to be yelling at each other, rather than reasoning with each other, open-minded conversation could be problematic. The working wedge provides ways out.
Venus and Mercury are both in Aries. They both sextile Mars and trine Jupiter. In Aries Venus and Mercury will be clear in expressing their opinions. Aries tends to be direct, straightforward and authentic. Whether we agree with energy expressed through Aries there is no doubt about the intent or the meaning. Mercury is the energy of communication and Venus brings harmony, diplomacy and thoughtfulness. This combination is well suited to limiting the potential for contentious conversation of the Mars-Jupiter opposition. The sextiles to Mars will amplify the expression of one’s point of view and convey it accurately in a manner that prioritizes sharing of ideas rather than the need to be right. The trines to Jupiter enhance the potential be open minded and creative both in expressing ourselves as well as in the application of the information.
These aspects will be taking place the first half of the month. This is a good time to be open to new ideas, new topics and new perspectives. This could also be a good time for an exciting journey. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis is as open to new places as it is to new ideas. With Mars’ presence we could feel the physical drive and have the energy to be on the road to new places. This is another way of expanding horizons to consciousness at this time.
Aries: This is a good time to expand your mind by expanding your social circle. Growth can come from being open minded about both new people as well as new points of view. Sharing your previous concepts is a good way to get a conversation going. Listening to what others think is the way to learn and grow.