Wheel of Light Astrology by Rio Olesky - September 2019
When two planets are in opposition to each other and are both 90 degrees from a third planet, astrologers call that pattern a T-Square. It can be a highly challenging aspect that brings both internal tension as well as the potential for interactive conflict with others. The benefit, of course, is that if we do the work necessary to respond to the challenges, great growth can ensue. This month a major T-Square will form during the first two weeks. Four planets will line up in Virgo (the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars) and be in opposition to Neptune in Pisces. All five will in turn be squared (90 degree separation) to Jupiter in Sagittarius. The Jupiter-Neptune square has been addressed in this column before, since it has been ongoing for most of the year. It is one of if not the most challenging aspect we’ve been dealing with. It establishes tendencies to be highly idealistic about various situations. We could be deceived by others who make fantastic claims about future events. We could also deceive ourselves by inflating our potential to do something. This aspect proves the old adage that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.
There have been two antidotes to this confusion. One is to verbalize to others what our expectations are. They may notice the lack of reality and provide feedback to that effect. The other is to apply some critical analysis to our planes, asking “what is or could go wrong with this picture?” The good news about this transiting T-Square is that Virgo’s nature is to notice the flaws and imperfections inherent in any situation. So even though T-Squares are challenging, this one has the potential to help us to see though the illusions of the Jupiter-Neptune square. The question is, how to do this work?
Jupiter in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces will tend to see the big picture.Within that frame there could be some possibilities that are fantastic, wonderful and highly desirable. Of course there could also be opposing possibilities, but Jupiter in particular is by nature positive, optimistic and joyful. Faced with numerous options, Jupiter will always be true to its nature. Virgo, on the other hand, is much more detail oriented. It will observe a situation analytically, striving to address is as efficiently, effectively and technically proficient as possible. As an earth sign, it will also want to make sure that any big ideas or expansive plans have a practical application.
One could make a case for being as positive as possible at all times. This can enhance our self-confidence and make success more likely. However, if the situation is in fact not what it appears (Neptune is the energy of illusion) we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and drain of good energy by naively assuming that the positive is the only potential. By deliberately seeking the inherent flaws, we could still be positive, and the outcome could be even better if we are armed with the reality of the situation. We are not being negative in our thinking or restrictive in our decisions or actions, we are simply honing in on the best way to be the most productive.
When Virgo energy is used off-center it can be highly reductive. Criticism is not constructive; nothing is good or positive One of the finer qualities of Virgo is its ability to engage in highly refined perception and analysis. This is the mark of the centered Virgo. The current transit suggests that if we are refined in our analysis of something or someone, we can take advantage of the realistically positive potential while avoiding the pitfalls of illusion. Giving up our idealized expectations isn’t necessarily easy, but it can help us to avoid major mistakes that have long term negative potential. This is especially important in light of the most important transit that we will face in 2020: the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. This alignment is anything but joyful and optimistic. It will require each of us to increase our sense of personal responsibility, be more self-disciplined and serious with regard to achieving productive goals. Anything that we experience in the present that doesn’t take those things into consideration is likely to be that much more difficult to deal with and undo in thefuture.
Aries: This month requires you engage in subtle contemplation. This is not a tendency that you normally have. So growth for you this month is to be less action oriented and more analytical. This is a good time to focus on health issues or to take the time to improve and refine your technical skills at work.
Taurus: Take advantage of the T-Square this month by addressing issues that pertain to your children, your hobbies or your creative expression. This is a good time to develop and refine practical skills in each of those areas. This will promote long range feelings of competence that, in turn, can be utilized to enhance your social experiences with friends and colleagues.
