Wheel of Light - September 2011

I normally use this space to delineate an important energy pattern that is highlighted for the month. I am going to depart from that format in this article and tell you about a new book that I published in March of this year. Some of you know of it already, some may have purchased it. Whether this is news to you or not, I would like to discuss my book in this month’s article.

The title of the book is A Manual for the Modern Mystic, How to Practice Being in the Presence of God. It is my attempt to connect astrology to metaphysics in a way that promotes spiritual growth and consciousness development. One of the realizations I have had over the years is that each of the 12 signs of the zodiac is an archetypal expression of a universal law. One of the most powerful aspects of astrology is that it connects planetary cycles with events on earth. Astrology, then, is a system that proves we are each intimately connected to the Oneness of life.

An individual horoscope is a map that tells us how to get to different places in life, either external or internal. It can indicate tools to work with and challenges to work through in all areas of life and on many levels of consciousness. If we work with our charts they clarify what we need to do in order to achieve our goals. If one of our goals is consciousness development, it’s useful to realize that each sign provides a vast spectrum to facilitate that. We simply expand our understanding of the sign so that it provides information about and ways of working with a universal law.

Each chapter of the book connects a sign of the zodiac to a specific universal law. I begin each chapter with a personal story or anecdote; something I have experienced that is a human example of that law. There is a short section on the astrological correlation to the law. The third section provides practical ways to access and utilize the law. There is also a section about the results of not taking advantage of the law. The final two sections are titled Spiritual Opportunity and Bottom Line. Each chapter is headed and followed by a quote from a well-known spiritual teacher or metaphysical book (the Bible, I Ching, the Koran, etc).

Here is list of the 12 laws I discuss in the book followed by the astrological sign associated with it: The Law of Creativity (Aries), The Law of Survival (Taurus), The Law of Both/And (Gemini), The Law of The Eternal Present (Cancer), The Law of Love (Leo), The Law of Service (Virgo), The Law of Harmony (Libra), The Law of Eternal Life (Scorpio), The Law of Abundance (Sagittarius), The Law of Karma (Capricorn), The Law of Impermanence (Aquarius) and The Law of Transcendence (Pisces).

My first book, Astrology and Consciousness was relatively easy to write. It contains the same information I teach in my class on beginning astrology. I simply expanded my class notes into a chapter format. A Manual for the Modern Mystic was different. Not only does it go way beyond my normal “comfort zone” of information, but it also challenged me to discuss concepts that are quite complex and, for most people, overwhelming or confusing. I therefore had to extensively delineate these concepts in a way accessible to everyone. I use stories and anecdotes woven within the fabric of each chapter that are designed to enable one to understand each law and be able to integrate each into their life in a pragmatic way.

I spent 10 years working on this book. One advantage to taking so long is that each time I reviewed and refined a chapter, so much time had passed since the previous update that I had increased my own understanding of each concept and law.

A Manual for the Modern Mystic is my effort to help those interested in astrology to extrapolate their astrological information in ways that promote consciousness development. For those already focused on the metaphysical realties of life, this book provides crossover information about how to use astrology in pursuing higher understanding.

The book can be purchased through Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com as well as through me. It costs $23.95 plus tax and postage.

I must admit that this is not an easy read. When one of my students (a professional editor) offered to edit the book for me, her initial feedback was, “This book is like a tome!” Although she didn’t say that dismissively, it wasn’t exactly a compliment either. I replied by saying, “And?” This book reflects that process of personal growth. It’s not easy, it takes commitment to the clarity of intention and time. But if you are one who is drawn to understanding and relating to life in a spiritual form and are averse to joining groups or churches, this book may have a lot to offer you. If nothing else, it reminds you that many others are pursuing the same path with a similar degree of seriousness. Collectively, as we progress on that path, we can experience personal empowerment and liberation as well as work to improve the quality of life for all living beings.

Aries: A quiet, sometimes introspective period ends with a flourish mid-month. What begins is a period of heightened creativity. You can also use the energy for spontaneous fun and adventure, especially if being physical is required. Late month in particular can be a time of change and inspiration doing something that you enjoy.

Taurus: Early month, practicality and a desire to be self-contained, shifts around mid-month. From that point social activities and artistic endeavors become higher priorities. Growth comes from being disciplined, orderly and detail oriented even when engaged in playful or enjoyable activities. Mid-month could bring some financial setbacks or challenges, so be cautious with expenditures.

Gemini: This month provides opportunities to be actively productive in grounded ways. Growth for you comes from slowing down and doing things deliberately and methodically. Failing to do so will limit what you can accomplish. One subtle benefit that can accrue by being attentive to the practical elements of you life is to also become emotionally self-aware.

Cancer: The energies are flowing in a gentle way for you this month. Around the full Moon in Pisces on the 12^th, artistic and social energies are available in harmonious and fulfilling ways. These themes can continue all month. Later in this period, others may come who share similar interests and can provide enjoyable companionship and positive support.

Leo: Mars transits into Leo on the 18^th and remains there until mid-November. This month in particular can a time to utilize that energy to get involved in new and exciting projects or adventures. The key is inspiration. When you feel it, go with it. It could take you into social or creative activities that open new channels of expression and fulfillment.

Virgo: A grand trine in earth signs during mid-month serves to create a harmonious flow of energy for you. It could help to feel confident in yourself and in your ability to function in life efficiently and effectively. Growth comes, however, from not limiting yourself to be productive in material or practical ways. Strive to expand your output in life artistically and intellectually as well.

Libra: The challenge for you this month is keeping your internal sense of harmony in the face of social and financial challenges. The way out is by being willing to let go of the expectation of or attachment to harmony. Working in deliberate, cautious ways can enable you to respond effectively to the challenges while maintaining your inner peace.

Scorpio: This could be a harmonious period for you, especially with friends and colleagues. They may support you by providing useful information or personal encouragement. You may also transform at least one of the relationships from something relatively simple or superficial to something deeper and more significant.

Sagittarius: The good news for you this month is that the grounded, practical energies you have been dealing with for most of the year continue to be strongly present. The bad news is that you may feel bored by having to spend so much time and attention on the mundane. Growth comes from realizing that what enjoy most –learning- is taking place, just more slowly and methodically than normal.

Capricorn: This is a period when social activities could be quite harmonious and comfortable for all concerned. This can be particularly true in professional associations. Creativity and aesthetics are also highly energized and prioritized. Growth comes from being willing to “go with the flow” rather than feeling you have to control the outcome.

Aquarius: A month of stimulating interaction between yourself and others. Much of the social sharing can take the form of feedback from others that provides perspective about how they experience your energy. You could also share your feelings about them so that the relationships enable all concerned to have a clearer understanding of patterns to maintain or to work on changing.

Pisces: This is a month of intellectual and analytical stimulation. In some situations you may find absolute clarity. In others, you may feel confused. Growth comes from acknowledging the difficulties, and working to find clarity through them, even as you take advantage of more mental clarity. The full Moon in Pisces on the 12^th can bring extreme intuitive clarity than can help you through any left brain challenges.

Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Aquarius Manual for the Modern Mystic and Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes in beginning astrology through SRJC and ongoing classes through New Horizons School. To make an appointment or find out about classes, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com and his Facebook page for weekly blogs and updates at rioolesky@yahoo.com