Alacazem 2010.01.07

08 Jan Alacazem 2010.01.07

January 7 to 14, 2010

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

Last night I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets of my entire life, and – I have to admit – I’ve seen countless sunsets of magnificent beauty and awesome color. From those early years of childhood in Denver, when the Front Range framed shimmering Venus kissing a delicate crescent Moon, to the picturesque western horizon of the La Sal Mountains in Utah to the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, I have been a huge fan of the setting sun and its magical hour of twilight.

2010 has begun and the eclipse window has opened. The New Year’s Eve lunar eclipse showered the world with Capricorn – realistic, practical, rules and regulations. Governments, goals and gifts, social structures, the economy, jobs and unemployment. We are thrust into the actual, physical realm of money and material, products and production, success and failure.

Capricorn asks us to prune the bush, focus on necessity, be efficient and effective in our daily rounds, accept responsibility and sacrifice quantity for quality. Pluto – planet of the psyche and the soul – indicates where and how we’re transforming both as individuals and as a collective whole. Its relatively recent entrance into Capricorn represents an extended period of global governmental reform. All shapes and sizes of leadership and rulership will be exposed and we shall experience great social upheavals and attempts for authority and control via laws and mandates, resulting in outrageous power struggles and political wars of economic and social class. This translates individually as a time for establishing our own internal authority and external boundaries, connecting with the basic goodness inherent in our hearts, cultivating self-discipline, working hard and maintaining focus on the here and now.

One day and one sunset at a time, be as practical and realistic as possible, remove the fluff and discard the frivolous, accept responsibility for the effort and let the Universe provide the outcome. Good luck and may the eternally setting sun remind you that beauty is also eternal, that hope will forever glimmer upon distant horizons and yet another day awaits your effort and input. Good luck and may the Force of Capricorn be with you!

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr.19)
The last week of Mercury retrograde provides ample opportunity for crossing the t’s and dotting the i's on your list of resolutions. 2010 is a major year for achievement and accomplishment. Set realistic goals and identify practical means by which to manifest them. Also, expect to redefine commitment and get serious in relationships. Marriage?

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
2010 promises the Bull intellectual and spiritual transformation, accompanied by ongoing attention to physical health. This is the year to get serious about body, mind and spirit. Recognize that one cannot be happy without the others. Exercise, fresh air and relaxation are essential to well being. Focus on balance, rather than excess. Keep it clean, inside and out.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
The 2009 Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune conjunction in Aquarius opened doors of perception that had been closed for eons. Glimmering rainbows and shimmering horizons beckon exploration, why not consider an extended journey? Achievement will come more easily this year as the universe supports manifestation via sustained effort and clear focus. Follow the rainbow.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)
The first solar eclipse of 2010 takes place at midnight on Jan. 14th/15th. From now until then, entrain with the cycle of the waning Moon and turn inward. Take it easy, rest and relax as you prepare for an important social debut. Feel feelings and listen to your intuition. Other people and their opinions may have recently thrown you off base. Be true to your heart.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
Plenty of Capricorn keeps you deeply involved in others' issues, concerns, joys and sorrows. It’s as if you no longer have a life of your own, although your opinions remain strong and sturdy. Ease up on attachment and judgment, if possible. Others have the right to make mistakes and explore options, just like you. Love is letting go. You can’t control the weather.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
You are called upon to accept more personal responsibility for your happiness and welfare as Saturn bounces back and forth from Libra to Virgo during the first six months of 2010. This heralds a time of great potential accomplishment as long as you’re willing to sacrifice illusion for reality and keep your nose to the grindstone. One day at a time, it’s progress, not perfection.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
You may hear the ominous sound of Saturnian thunder in the distant cosmic sky as the Master Teacher of cause and effect explores the early degrees of your sign. Batten the hatches and tighten the screws, it’s time to get serious about your life journey. Character is destiny. Consider a personal inventory and prepare a journal. Focus on quality rather than quantity.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Of all the signs in the zodiac, you may be the most capable of utilizing the concept of resolutions. Embrace the power of self-improvement via conscious choice and commitment. As your goals, dreams and visions of the future continue to morph and transform, find that center of self that remains the same through thick and thin. Prepare for perceptual rebirth.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
The eclipse window remains open wide as 2010 lays down its second week of days. You are well aware of your talents, abilities and shortcomings. Now it’s time to get realistic and accept total responsibility for how you feel, what you do and with whom you are involved. Self-empowerment comes via self-referral. Do the work and reach the goals.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Happy Birthdays continue as the Sun moves through Capricorn and eclipse energy shimmers upon those willing to express love and live by virtue. Voluptuous Venus delivers gifts of romance and finance, are you ready and willing to receive them? Mercury retrograde favors continued self-review. Make amends, as you forgive yourself and others. Stay sweet.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Looking for a friend? The best way to get one is to be one, but you must first be kind and gentle to you. Self-care is essential to your happiness, health and well being. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Look for angels and demons, work to find, understand and identify your Higher Power. Discover the joy within via divine grace. Love thyself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
You know the value of setting practical, realistic goals but your romantic idealism naturally gravitates towards the visionary and artistic. But, now it’s time to be grounded and down-to-earth. Achievement and manifestation pay high dividends this year, much greater than any possible pie-in-the-sky dreams or schemes. Gather tools and prepare to work.

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