Alacazem 2010.12.09

09 Dec Alacazem 2010.12.09

December 9 to 16, 2010
Visible Planets: Morning: Venus and Saturn  Evening: Mercury and Jupiter

Ecliptic Windows and the Warriors of Spirit

Here we are, on planet Earth, humans – men and women, boys and girls – walking the earthwalk, talking the earthtalk and living in harmony and disharmony – together. No matter how we cut the cake or divvy up the pie, statistically the male and female species is pretty much in gender balance, numerically equal. But is that the only actual, factual equality between the sexes?

I recently finished reading a powerfully awakening book entitled Infidel, written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, an African woman who after years of political, cultural and religious oppression, suppression and repression flees to asylum in the Netherlands, where she is able to attend college, work and eventually be elected a member of the Dutch Parliament. It is here she fights for the rights of Muslim women and the reform of Islam, awakening the West to the brutal Islamic customs of female sexual mutilation, beatings, forced marriage and honor killings. Born in Somalia into a Third World hotbed of political and social unrest, violence and civil wars, her family migrated from Mogadishu to Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Ethiopia. As a result, Ali was forced to adapt and adjust, learn a variety of foreign languages – including English – all the while observing and experiencing the abject inequality of men and women in the Muslim world – including that of her own family. Her story is riveting, brave, startling, disturbing and ultimately triumphant – an inspirational, courageous journey of heart. And what does all this have to do with astrology?

The mid-degree Sagittarius New Moon of Dec. 5th opened the door to the fruition of the upcoming Full Moon/total lunar eclipse that takes place on Dec. 21st – Winter Solstice – @ 29º Sagittarius. Ruled by Jupiter – planet of religions, crusades and international/foreign culture – and sign of spiritual generosity and enlightened thinking, Sagittarius is every part and particle a warrior of spirit, the archetypal Archer who aims his arrows toward the stars. Ecliptic windows – the weeks prior to and following solar and lunar eclipses – are times of great power and potential. And this particular eclipse cycle aligns with an area of the Milky Way Galaxy that emanates great electromagnetic force and gravitational attraction – the portion containing the Great Attractor, the Shapely Supercluster and the Galactic Center – how’s that for daunting?

In layman’s terms, this signals a great cosmic opportunity, a time when we can grasp things that are ordinarily beyond our field of awareness. It amplifies the potential for major revelations and leaps in consciousness, a time to expand our minds and open our hearts. Along with a dynamic mutable T-square – involving Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces and aspects to feminine asteroids Juno and Pallas – this is an imperative to relinquish beliefs and traditions that support discrimination and domination of any kind, particularly in regard to women. This is a spirit call to battle. My suggestion: pick up a copy of Infidel and read it.

And to all the guadalupanas on the planet, Happy Dia de Guadalupe! May we all be blessed with her sweet maternal love, nurturing support, spiritual guidance and never-ending, unbending protection.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19)
Welcome to three weeks of Mercury retrograde. A great opportunity to redefine, rework and redo whatever needs to be reformed, restructured and/or recreated. This is a time that favors everything and anything beginning with the prefix “re” – take your pick! Remain practical and patient, take your time and do it right. Count your blessings, choose joy!

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
You may experience a sense of nostalgia or longing for “the old days” – times of innocence or naiveté when life seemed simple and the holidays felt like magic. Today, you may understand where presents come from, but you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere, generosity of spirit and great goodness available for all to share. Embrace grace and love life.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Mercury, fleet-footed messenger of the gods – and Gemini’s ruling planet – goes retrograde this week. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking backwards, reliving the past or reviewing experiences that had great meaning or impact upon your life today. Old relationships and people with whom you’ve partnered may reappear. Be gracious and kind.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
As the Moon waxes toward fruition on Winter Solstice, take time to appreciate the progress you’ve make in programs of self-improvement. The upcoming full Moon/lunar eclipse is all about being the very best you can be – now and forever. A sense of commitment, attitudes of gratitude and a true understanding of humility are all you need. Congratulations!

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
An eclipse of the heart is a profound and magical experience, one that assures great insight and inspiration. And, this week, you may be the recipient of such a gift. Remain open to what comes, follow your intuition and be absolutely honest with yourself and others. Truth is your ally; love and compassion are your guides. Be calm, stay cool and follow the signs.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
The upcoming lunar eclipse in the last degree of fiery Sagittarius portends a breakthrough regarding issues of home and family, and now it’s time to lay the groundwork for a good one. Pay strict attention to what you say and how you say it, and then follow it up with right action. It’s imperative that you remain calm, cool and collected. You can do it, yes!

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
Getting back in touch with family and friends may be on your agenda this week as Mercury retrogrades back through your solar 4th house of home and personal foundations. Memories of childhood may evoke strong emotions that fuel creative fires. Record thoughts; write memoirs, pen letters and journal feelings. Enjoy the revelations, then rest and relax.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Take responsibility for your commitments and obligations, delegate responsibility when necessary or appropriate and enjoy the freedom and power of choice. You’re in charge of your life and it’s time to celebrate autonomy. Understand the difference between your stuff and their stuff. Accept everything exactly as it is – in this moment – and experience peace
.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
As birthday candles flicker and cakes are cut, take a look at where you’ve been over the last year. Change continues as a constant and there are places where rivers still run wild and free. Understand the Archer’s need for freedom and the burning desire to explore new, uncharted territory. Cultivate realistic thinking and plan the journey one step at a time.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
You may feel yourself spiraling backward through time as Mercury goes retrograde in the early degrees of Capricorn. Recognize the experience as a temporary shift in reality, an opportunity for insight regarding other dimensions and possibilities. The universe is an expanding, multi-dimensional web of interconnectedness. Explore it and enjoy the ride.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
This particular holiday season is one that awards you with many multi-dimensional opportunities for making new friends and enjoying old ones. Discovering unity in diversity is what it’s all about. Everywhere you go, you are accepted and welcomed. Humanitarian Aquarians are popular and in demand as the New Age becomes manifest. Simply do and be your best.
 
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20)
You may feel pressure building as both the Moon and holiday season wax toward full. Relax and enjoy life’s many blessings. Calm down, take it easy and know that all is as it should be. Why stress out, upset others or indulge in anything negative or toxic? Don’t buy into other’s drama; laugh and smile as much as possible. Solutions are everywhere. Seek and find.

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