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WheelAries: The planet thatrules Aries is Mars. Itenters Aquarius on the 4thand conjuncts Jupiter onthe 11th. This offers thepotential to expand yourof Lightchanges that are oriented to new, liberating 3/21-4/199/23-10/22states of consciousness and patterns ofwww.starwatcher.comRio OleskyFebruary 2009Jupiter is the archetype of expansion.It can expand attitudinally, being positive,enthusiastic and joyful. It can suggestexpansion in terms of opportunities. Andit can bring expansion to the mind throughacademic as well as spiritual learning.Jupiter transits through each sign inabout 12 months. Last month, on January5, Jupiter entered Aquarius, where it willremain until January 2010.Aquarius has been called the sign ofhumanity. It represents the desire to reachout to everyone and perceive all of us aspart of the human family. It is inventiveand inspiring and prefers to be on thecutting edge of change. Yet, for all of itstendency to be inclusive, it is also one ofthe most independent of the signs. TheAquarian paradox is the challenge to beopen and friendly while maintaining asense of individuality.Another paradox is that Aquarius isco-ruled by Saturn and Uranus. In its loweroctave influence, the Saturnine influenceindicates a tendency to be controlling. TheUranian influence can be detached andaloof. The combination can cause Aquariusto have an „above it all‰ attitude.In a more centered way, Uranuscan provide a big picture, conceptualunderstanding to what is, and aninspiration of what could be. Saturnprovides the discipline and structureto actually embody what could be arevolutionary concept.The influence of Jupiter in Aquarius,therefore, could have the followingmanifestations. If we are centered, wecould feel ourselves inspired to break outof old patterns of thinking and behaving.We could change by being open to differentkinds of people and experiences than weever have been. We could relate morereadily to new forms of technology and beready for new techniques of consciousnessdevelopment.If we are off-center, we could getcarried away with too much enthusiasmfor new ideas or social situations andget overextended. We could relate toothers so idealistically that our potentialfor fulfillment or satisfaction in thosesituations is minimized. Alternatively, wecould get carried away with our concept ofthe way things are or should be and relateto anyone with a different mind set in ademeaning or reductive way.Any of the patterns come into veryhigh and clear focus in mid-month, asMars moves into a conjunction with Jupiterfrom approximately the 11th -24th. Thisaspect will provide more drive, energy anda sense of independence to the enthusiasmof Jupiter. It could also bring more courageor willingness to take risks and makebehavior. One of the challenges at that timeis to not get carried away with too muchtheory or idealism. This aspect could alsobring a sense and attitude of entitlementthat actually limits, rather than liberates.Meanwhile, the co-rulers of Aquarius,Saturn and Uranus, remain in opposition toeach other all month. This aspect began inSeptember and will continue until Marchand returning again from late Augustthrough mid October. As mentioned inprevious columns, this aspect representsthe classic conflict between the traditional,conservative, authoritarian elements oflife with those that are more progressiveand innovative. Saturn is the box of rulesand regulations we are supposed tofollow. Aquarius is always outside thatbox, looking at life through the lens ofthe outsider, the rebel. This month, withthis aspect complimented by Jupiter andMars, these forces could become morecontentious or even bombastic. Some olderastrology books refer to the Mars-Jupiterconjunction as productive of tremendousanger or rage.A way to avoid the downside potentialof these influences is by integrating theirvarious energies in a cohesive way inwhich neither neither the old nor thenew elements of your life dominate at theexpense of the other. Certainly the forcesof change have the upper hand here. Butit is not time to forget about the old andtime honored just to start somethingunencumbered by our past. In fact, byincluding the wisdom of experience inthe equation of strategic change, we aremore likely to be successful in whateverchanges we make.In the chart of the United States, Jupiteris transiting the second house. Amongother things, this area of life experiencedeals with resources and assets andthe way in which we use them to creatematerial security. Jupiter in this area cancreate a positive, even abundant flowof resources. In the face of numerableaspects that suggest a very dark time forus economically, this is one transit thatsuggests otherwise. It provides energy toutilize our collective resources in waysthat coincide with our traditional valuesof thrift and financial self-reliance. It alsooffers the possibility of expanding theflow of income throughout the country.This could come from expanding ourinvestment in technology (Aquarius) andspecifically, technology that is orientedto things such as clean energy andenvironmental health. However, the senseof entitlement referred to above could alsoexpand our recent history of greed andcontinue the economic downturn bothfor families and the government. It willbe interesting to see how this energy willbe utilized as the year unfolds.40 - www.westcountygazette.com - 1/15/09life socially. This is a goodtime to initiate either new relationships ornew elements in pre-existing ones. Yourconfidence, enthusiasm and willingnessto take risks are very strong this month.Growth comes from integrating thesequalities into your life in ways that enhancethe relationships, not your own sense of self.Taurus: This is a timeto foc u s on h a r mony.This could be t hroughrelationships, the arts or evenspending time on personal4/20-5/20appearance. Growth comesfrom avoiding emotionalextremes. Becoming obsessively attachedto a person, feelings about that person,or to the state or nature of a relationshiplimits the potential for harmony. Similarly,seeking to avoid closeness altogetherprevents any opportunity to connect in adeep, meaningful way.Gemini: This is a goodtime to undertake a newstudy, take a trip or sharewhat you know with others.The sharing could take the5/21-6/20form of writing as well asspeaking. Teaching couldalso prove exciting to you,inspiring to others. Your mind is ultrainventive, but the challenge is to not get socarried away with the ideas that they don‚tmanifest in practical ways.Cancer: The full Moonon the 9th will be a lunareclipse. The bad news aboutthis is that we usually feel apeak of energy and clarity6/21-7/22at the time of the full Moonwhich is often minimizedwith the eclipse. The good news is thatthere could be insights and inspiration thatmanifest spontaneously and that pertain toconsciousness development, compassionrelating to others or creative expression.Leo: Early month couldb r i n g t h e d e s i r e f o rincreased alone time. Thiscould be spent in creativeexpression or pursuing a7/23-8/22spiritual discipline. Midmonthbrings physical andsocial energy and lots of joyful enthusiasmabout your life both now and in the future.Growth comes from using these influencesin ways that both enhance your own senseof individuality as well as provide supportand encouragement to others.Virgo: This is a good time tolearn new work-related skillsor to refine and improveold ones. Learning moreabout health maintenance8/23-9/22or actually implementinga new health care regimenis also supported. It could also be a goodtime to hire new employees. Growth comesfrom avoiding worry that comes fromhaving either idealistic expectations abouta situation or getting over extended andfearing you can‚t honor commitments.Libra: Relationship is invery high focus for youthis month. This is a goodtime to either start a newrelationship or to initiatean element or behavior intoa pre-existing one. Growthcomes from maintaining your sense of self,and equanimity. When the emotions getintense, which they could in early month.This is a good time to work on being moreemotionally open and honest in yourprimary relationship.Scorpio: A mont ho f e x t r e m e s . O n einfluence involves socialactiv it ies, espec iallywith family, neighbors10/23-11/21or good friends. Growthcomes from relating inthoughtful, harmoniousways even when the energies get intense.Simultaneously you may feel moreexpansive toward your family in newways. You could be open to making, eveninitiating, domestic changes that enableeveryone in the family to feel more seenand accepted.Sagittarius: Jupiter isyour ruling planet and itstransit through Aquariusshould feel comfortableto you. Like Aquarius,11/22-12/21Sag it tarius is h ighlyindependent. They arealso similar in their embrace of the bigpicture. Growth for you this year comesfrom being more outgoing socially, evenwilling to take certain risks in that area. Atthe same time, learn to be more acceptingand inclusive of others, especially withdifferent points of view.Capricorn: The energythis month could pullyou inward. You couldfocus either on creating amore pleasant relationship12/22-1/19with yourself or a moreharmonious interactionwith your family. Or both. The challengesare not being too self-critical or trying torun the show by being excessively criticalof others. Growth comes from being selfacceptingeven as you strive to changeelements of yourself that you don‚t like.Aquarius: Jupiter‚stransit through Aquariusthis year should increaseyo u r s e l f- c o n f ide n c eas well as producing a1/20-2/18positive outlook on yourlife both now and into thefuture. This transit could also impel youto new experiences, some social and somepertaining to consciousness development.Taking some classes, writing or committingmore time to spiritual pursuits are realisticways of taking advantage of Jupiter inAquarius.Pisces: The new Moonin Pisces on the 24thprovides a significantopportunity to focusinward. This could help2/19-3/20enhance your spiritualpath or even enable youto work through and release old emotionalbaggage left over from past relationships.Pay attention to your dreams and anyprofound intuitive insights you have justprior to the new Moon. The informationcontained therein could prove enlightening.