Astrology October 2009 - Rio Olesky

Saturn is one of the movers and shakers of the solar system. It provides us with the energy to take responsibility for our lives. It enables us to feel empowered in the creation of our reality. The transits of Saturn tell us where work needs to be done. It indicates what area of our life that needs definition and something to achieve. If we are successful in realizing the goals, we remove blockages from our path and avoid feeling fearful and limited.

Saturn transits through each sign for approximately 2 years. On October 29th, Saturn will move into Libra. It will remain there until April 2010 when it retrogrades back into Virgo until July, at which time it moves into Libra and stays there until October 2012.

Libra is the sign of harmony and balance. Two of its primary points of focus are social interaction and the arts. Socially, Libra is oriented toward one-to-one relationship in the personal life and justice and equality collectively. Artistically, Libra is sensitive to aesthetics, either nature-made or human-made. It can also be drawn to creating beauty in various mediums.

With Saturn in Libra, therefore, we will be challenged to define specific goals that we would like to achieve both socially and creatively in the next few years. If we don‚t define any goals, or do any work in these areas, we are liable to feel blocked in them. For example, we could feel limited in our options to either begin a new relationship or improve an existing one. One way out of that involves taking responsibility to define what we need and what we offer to a partner. Then define a strategy that can be employed in very concrete ways that is designed to alter behavioral patterns and achieve the goals. This could pertain to any important one-to-one relationship, personal and romantic or professional. This could also involve our desire to become active in a cause that pertains to social justice. Change will occur when we are clear about our goals, pursue them diligently and are realistic about our limits and boundaries. Without those parameters, we might project the cause of our frustration onto the partner or the situation in general. We might even feel too fearful of rejection to even address these issues within ourselves, let alone interactively. Sometimes, lack of awareness and work in this area can leave us in a codependent state, feeling that if we can at least satisfy our partner‚s needs and desires that somehow that will bring us happiness and satisfaction. In fact, that strategy leads to increased frustration.
Similarly, strive to become aware of creative goals. Think of the arts in a broad context, not limited to the so-called plastic arts‚ writing, painting, sculpting or music. Flower arranging, cooking, interior design (even a new coat of paint in the kitchen) are also artistic endeavors that can bring increased harmony and pleasure. Without clearly defining a format and a goal, we could feel creatively stuck. We might fear that others won‚t enjoy or appreciate our efforts and judge us as not being good enough or acceptable in some way.

The lower octave of Libra is experienced through indecision, often accompanied by valuing others‚ opinions or needs above our own. We put the creation and maintenance of the harmony of a relationship or an environment as the only important goal to achieve. The main problem with that goal, however, is that it can gloss over our own needs and feelings. The higher octave of Libra enables us to be thoughtful of others and relating to them with tact and diplomacy. Negotiation and compromise are prioritized over the need for positive feedback from others. Saturn in Libra is a transit that enables us to find an internal balance point. First we tune in to ourselves. Then, we define our needs. Then we share that information with others with the intention of creating a relationship that is equitable and fulfilling for both parties. By extension, we also work to create a harmonious environment that is aesthetically pleasing, and maximizes the potential for many people to function effectively in that context and benefit from our efforts.
Remember to personalize this transit by noting what house in your natal chart is occupied by the sign Libra. That is the area of your life experience wherein this work will need to be done over the next few years.

Aries: Early month is a good time to try new things, especially if they involve home and family. Be open to inspiration that may require some innovation or experimentation on your part. Later in the month, be careful that your natural tendency to be your authentic self at all times doesn’t push you into narcissism. Growth for you this month comes from being willing to negotiate and compromise with others while remaining true to yourself.

Taurus: Many challenges for you this month, mostly occurring mid-month. One of the points of contention will revolve around your need for stability in the face of unexpected and possibly destabilizing changes. One way out is to be clear about where you are and are not willing to compromise. Another important point involves self-discipline but stops short of being excessively self-limiting.

Gemini: Working on mental discipline in early month enables you to take advantage of opportunities for change, either at work or in family matters. Mid-late month brings the energy for self-exploration and the ability to understand yourself at deeper levels. Joy, faith and compassion are available throughout the month. Tuning in to them can bring clarity and awareness of opportunities in other areas.

Cancer: The full Moon in Aries on the 3rd could bring issues at work to a head that have been simmering for a while. Growth for you comes from knowing yourself and speaking your truth. The new Moon on the 17th in Libra brings feelings of joyfulness and optimism and opportunities for positive social activities, creative inspiration or expansion of faith.

Leo: This is a month when your natural tendencies to be joyful and generous can be expressed. Social activities involving partners and family should bring fulfillment. Your energy level should increase significantly from mid-late month. Use this to be physically active in whatever ways you choose, but be careful to avoid gross ego-centrism that would lead to contention between yourself and others.

Virgo: Creative and social energy abounds for you this month. Growth comes from developing the self-awareness that will enable you to be confident enough to openly express what you feel in either context. This is also a good time to find solutions to health or financial issues. Mental discipline is strong during this period, but avoid tendencies to focus only on the negative.

Libra: Six planets will be passing through Libra this month, so the information about Saturn‚s transit is particularly important to you. The key is to find or create balance in your life. Strive to be thoughtful but not co-dependent, diplomatic but not superficial, artistic but not dilitantish. The most important component of these transits is you. Try not to externalize the energy to the point where you are seeing yourself through others.

Scorpio: Intellectual or spiritual inspiration could be profound, especially early in the month. Challenges could come from the desire to be expressive, combined with your natural tendency to be private. Growth comes from taking the time to get clear about your need to feel safe to share, with whom and at what time. Transformation can come from being open in the right time and place.

Sagittarius: This is a time to implement changes in your social life that you might have been contemplating for several months. There should be the support from others to do this, either in the form of opportunities that enable the integration of new patterns or from those who notice and appreciate your changes.

Capricorn: Early to mid-month is the time to put some finishing touches on projects you have been working on for some time. Refine and perfect what you have already done. Late month, the Saturn in Libra transit challenges you to start the work on relationship stated above. Failing to do so could lead to power struggles and control issues in important relationships.

Aquarius: You may feel pushed, pulled and prodded for most of this month. Much of the struggle could involve areas that have been challenging for about a year, namely finance and relationship. Growth comes from clarification of your values. Get in touch with your inherent resources that provide the clarity and strength to know that you can overcome the difficulties and, in the long run, prevail.

Pisces: While others around you may be challenged at this time, you might find smooth sailing. Growth comes from being compassionate and serviceful to those who need your support, without falling into the martyr role. Take advantage of the harmonious, supportive energies to enhance both your social and spiritual lives.

Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and been a practicing professional since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through SRJC and ongoing classes through Crystal Channels in Santa Rosa. His next class at the JC begins Wednesday October 14. Call 527-4824 to register. To make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: http://www.starwatcher.com/.