Alacazem 2010.08.12

August 12 to 19, 2010
Visible Planets: Morning: Jupiter  Evening: Venus, Mars and Saturn
The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks on the night of Aug. 12th/13th and I can hardly believe it. This perennial stellar event heralds, for me, the beginning of the end of summer – and I’m definitely in denial!

The Leo sun-time is full of passion and power, courage and heart. The wild sunflowers are in full bloom, Olathe sweet corn is on the table and sweet Palisade peaches pop up at fruit stands and in local markets. The seasonal monsoon rains bring flash-floods and mudslides, dramatic lightning and crashing thunder, followed by shimmering, vibrant rainbows, magnificent sunsets and evenings of stellar beauty, peace and grace.

Leo is a love sign. It’s all about loving life, embracing and living it, holding it tight, close to the heart. It’s hugging the people we love, kissing our babies, showing affection for others and demonstrating heartfelt emotions. It’s the creative force and power of creation. It’s the creative spark, the goddess within, dancing divas and magical beings, flamboyant fairies and laughing lions. It’s imagination, art and romance. It’s however, wherever and whenever we experience the primal power of Heart – our own life force, our personal truth, self-will and ego – our individual connection to the Divine – in all its mystery and magnificence – in the moment, in the now, in the burning fire of the present.

The proud and powerful Lion stalks the jungle, pursues its prey and kills to feed its young. Whether it’s the king of beasts or queen of hearts, Leo is a vibrant force of spirit, willing to fight for what it feels is right and do whatever it takes to enforce its will. The fixed fire element of Leo is a flame difficult to distinguish, and the eternal, poignant power and beauty of late summer is quintessential Leo. For me, it’s the fire of life itself, the eternal flame of love and creation that’s born in the heart and sustains life – life after life, love after love. May you walk in beauty and live in love. And may you be blessed to wish upon a lucky Perseid shooting star! Happy mid-to-late summer!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19)
Venus, Mars and Saturn in Libra tip the scales toward relationship action and involvement. Other people and their needs may take priority over your own, but shifting the focus from me, me, me to another is the healthiest and most beneficial thing you can do. This is a powerful new phase of life where you begin thinking of and helping others. Yes!

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
The Leo sun and ongoing cardinal square push and pull the Bull in a process of awakening and change. Domestic matters and family relationships may take center stage in a rather dramatic way, and you are well aware of the dynamics that created the trauma, upset or condition. Maintain composure and know you can’t live anyone’s life but your own. 

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Mercury, Gemini’s planetary ruler, will be in apparent retrograde motion from Aug. 20th to Sep. 13th.  This week, take note of the projects you’ve started and plans you’ve made. If there’s anything you’ve left out or neglected, get it going and then expect a brief reprieve or period of stasis during the retrograde. Just don’t sign up for more than you can handle.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Sunny Leo reminds us to be authentic, loving and passionate about what we do. It’s an extroverted, positive energy of masculine polarity and fixed modality. And, sometimes, it’s just too much for sensitive Moonchildren. This week, gather your resources and nurture your inner child. Be kind and gentle with you and maintain healthy boundaries with others.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
Happy Birthdays continue as candles flicker and presents are presented. The Leo mission is one of self-authentic, creative self-expression and it often tends toward the dramatic. This year, however, you may be feeling a bit more reserved and selective about how and where you display all that talent and beauty. Walk your talk, enjoy the joy and follow your heart. 

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
You may feel more capable and competent than you have in months. Congratulations! Where and how did you self-abandon that beautiful, loving, confident self? Today you understand the power of self-discipline, the benefits of self-restraint and the rewards of perseverance. Now it’s time to live the dream and experience the miracle. Love, peace and joy!

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
A bevy of beauties dominate the heavens as shimmering light shines upon those who ask their angels and seek divine assistance in what they do. You may feel motivated, loving toward others and also somewhat of an authority regarding life. To stay in a state of grace, maintain a daily spiritual practice, focus on humility and cultivate patience and peace. 

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Old devils, devas or demons may titillate, torture or taunt you this week as some rather seductive planetary powers in your solar 12th house of past and present life karma present you with what appears to be exciting, attractive possibilities. Balance the equation in the hard light of day and when you are 100% clean and sober. Then, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
Golden opportunities and exciting possibilities continue to pop up and tempt you to go in the direction of radical, sweeping change. The Universe supports the manifestation of your highest hopes and most cherished dreams – the only requirement is your commitment to a daily practice of spiritual and physical self-betterment. Are you willing?

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
You may feel strong pressure – especially when it comes to career and social standing – and challenge regarding both romance and finance this week. A poignantly powerful cardinal square places you at the center of every stage and on everyone’s agenda, whether you like it or not. Be as calm and cool as possible. Remember, ultimately, you’re not in control.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
Jupiter conjunct your ruler, Uranus, sparks demands for equal rights and civil liberties in a rapidly advancing technological world. Our earth today is wrapped in a web of interface and cyberspace, interconnected and inter-related. The international brotherhood of man is real. Carry the torch and lead by example. We are the world and you are the one.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20)
If you’re feeling a little out of synch or out of sorts, take a deep breath and look at things from a higher perspective. Often, just a slight angle adjustment does the job. Consider others and what they’ve experienced, accept them as they are and focus on wh
at you can control or change – you! Personal responsibility and self-motivation are allies. Do your best.

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