Alacazem 2009.04.23

25 Apr Alacazem 2009.04.23

April 23 to 30, 2009

Visible Planets: Morning: Jupiter, Venus and Mars  Evening: Mercury and Saturn

Yesterday morning I got up at 5:05 am and headed downstairs to see if Venus and the Moon had risen. It was the day of the occultation, and I didn’t want to miss it. I looked out our big east-facing kitchen window and saw one of the most beautiful sights I’d ever seen. There, hanging low, above the black horizon, was brilliant Venus – dazzling and magnificent – so close to the slender crescent Moon that they were almost touching.

I wondered if I’d be able to see the occultation at our southwestern latitude and longitude. Would I actually see the Moon eclipse Venus?

I got my digital camera and headed outside in the predawn darkness. I noticed a few lonely cars passing on the country highway in front of our ranch, heading to Telluride to work. Normally, I felt sorry for them – having to get up so early – but not today. Today they were blessed and no doubt awed by what they saw. I took a few pictures, but they didn’t turn out anything like what I was seeing. Suddenly, a meteor streaked across the sky. Wow! I’d forgotten the Lyrids Meteor Shower was peaking. Nice!

I headed back inside and laid down on our wine velvet couch, propping my head up with pillows so I had a perfect view. Slowly the skyline changed from blue-black to navy, Venus and the Moon had risen higher. Then came the colors I love – whether at sunrise or sunset – the magical wash of deep blues and turquoise – the Maxfield Parrish skies that paint the heavens divine. Venus had inched a bit closer to her comadre Moon, both remained brilliant beacons of light. The sky continued to lighten, it was morning twilight. And then it happened. Venus was touching the Moon! I realized I really was going to see the occultation. Wow! With great gratitude and a happy smile I got up off the sofa and grabbed a pair of binoculars. Standing at the window, I saw an amplified version of my naked-eye view – sunrays bouncing of the Moon, a delicate curve of craters and valleys, kissed by the bright-white reflection of sunlight off Venus, which was also a crescent, but full and voluptuous rather than slim.

Back and forth, naked-eye to binos, I watched the pair embrace until the Shimmering Goddess disappeared behind the Grandmother Moon. The sky was now fully turquoise, touched with the rosy glow of impending dawn. I felt humbled and blessed, as if a spell had been cast or broken, I don’t know which. For a few seconds and minutes in time, I felt as if I, too, had slipped beneath the Sun and Moon and had been touched by Venus, as if I was simply and essentiallly spirit, at once alone and at the same time, one with the cosmos.

What a way to start the day!

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr.19)
As the Sun enters Taurus, the Ram steps in to a fresh new solar month of effort and accomplishment. It’s time utilize talents and resources to manifest desires and attract what you want into your life. Come back to your senses and pay attention to what your body and the environment tell you. Enjoy life’s most simple pleasures and get plenty of rest.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
Happy birthday and lunar month! As soul and spirit unite in the fresh new moon of Apr. 24th, say a prayer and ask your angels. Mars and Venus in your solar 12th house of invisible sources require humility and grace. Instead of selfish, willful displays of ego and desire, demonstrate gratitude and appreciation. Cultivate faith and take care of what you have.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Your solar year is drawing to a close, and with that comes a more internal and less social way of feeling and being. It’s time to connect with spirit, fuel the fire within and calm the rocky waters of turbulent emotion and psychological self-doubt. Motivation and desire to achieve continues. Focus on what you can do personally to improve yourself and your world.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Mars and Venus in Aries square the Cancer sun and put pressure on selfish agendas and egotistical desires regarding profession and career. This is actually a good time for advancement and achievement, but you must be poignantly aware of the difference between right action and wrongdoing. Examine motives and clarify intentions. Proceed with caution.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
The Taurus zodiac month challenges the Lion to calm down, take it easy and relax in the beauty of Mother Nature. Explore your world and take action when it comes to philanthropic causes or spiritual enlightenment. Romance comes via travel and foreign cultures. Read inspirational books and pursue avenues of higher education. Work toward your goals.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
Taurus earth energy boosts your spirit and awards you with elemental support and reinforcement. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and your relationships. Optimistic thinking has a way of manifesting good energy and like attracts like. The key is taking it one day and one thing at a time. Remain practical and persevering in the face of all challenges and opportunities.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
When it comes to joint investments and shared finances, take it slow. World economies are in a state of correction and flux. This is not the time for wild rides and risky behaviors, but it’s a good time to buy places and things of great value for discount prices. If you have the money, consider the options. Otherwise, appreciate and work with what you already have.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
One-to-one relating and relationships in general take center stage. What you see in others is a telling reflection of who you are. Examine thoughts and feelings regarding the people with whom you are involved or committed. Give exactly what you want to receive from others. If you want love, give love. If it’s forgiveness, forgive. Live your expectation.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
The Taurus zodiac month is all about self-improvement for the Archer. No more time for blaming others or behaving like a victim. You must accept responsibility for the condition of your life and relationships, cultivate humility and do the inner work. Exercise, diet and healthy routines serve you well now. Make the sacrifice and do the work.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Good things come to those who take good care of themselves this month. Beautify your immediate environment, keep a clean house and focus on self-betterment. The Taurus New Moon encourages programs of self-nurturing and self-care. Baby up and pamper yourself. Kiss babies and hug your family. Open your heart and let the love flow.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The solid, earthy energy of Taurus challenges that of wild, free-spirited Aquarius and suggests a more tranquil, placid month of stay-at-home activities and working toward realistic, practical goals. Take care of what’s in front of you, stay on task and do the next right thing. Money is an issue now. Use your brilliant mind, be diplomatic and talk sweet.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Mars and Venus in early Aries dance and duel in a hypnotic display of male and female, yin and yang. You understand the psychological concept of Jung’s “double” as well as the animus and anima. Reach beyond gender bias or roles and focus on essential spirit. Recognize the awesome power of thoughts and words; create heaven on earth.

Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living in the high mountain desert of the American Southwest. Check out her website at www.alacazem.com.