Alacazem 2011.01.20

20 Jan Alacazem 2011.01.20

January 20 to 27, 2011
Visible Planets: Morning: Mercury, Venus and Saturn  Evening: Jupiter

Having An Astrological Identity Crisis?

Last week I received several emails – including one from my TIO editor – asking me about the recent whoopla – apparently started or, at the very least, generated on Facebook – about astrological signs. “What’s going on? Am I really now a Leo instead of a Virgo? I like my astrological sign! I don’t want to be a Capricorn! I won’t do it! What should I do? What am I?” Indignation, confusion and disbelief – just a few of the emotions I’ve encountered since whatever happened, happened. The ethers have been bombarded with doubt. The validity and accuracy of astrology – our favorite “occult science” – is once again in question. And now, here I am down in Baja California, Mexico, no longer a recipient of in-house Internet, thinking just how much I’d like to log on to the New York Times and read the article I heard was published about this broohaha just days ago. Oh, well, crashing waves and swaying palms, what can I say?

What I can say is this: Have no fear. Your astrological sign is still intact, you do not have to change your sun sign. The truth of the matter is simply this, the Tropical Zodiac and the fixed star constellations, also known as the Sidereal Zodiac, no longer line up like they did 2,000 years ago – the Tropical Zodiac has “precessed” approximately thirty degrees in relation to its fixed star backdrop. This is NOT new news! Although not fully identified or understood in the western world until the early 17th Century, but calculated for millennia in Meso-American cosmologies – this astronomical fact is due to the celestial phenomenon known as the Precession of the Equinoxes.

FYI: The Tropical Zodiac – the zodiac used in the traditional, geocentric astrology practiced in the Western world – is based on the cycles of the seasons and the Earth’s relationship to the Sun. It begins each year at the zero degree of Aries – on Spring Equinox – when the Earth is at a point on the ecliptic [the great circle of the Celestial Sphere that is the apparent path of the Sun amongst the fixed stars as seen from Earth] when the hours of light and dark are exactly equal. Every year, when the Earth makes its annual orbit around the Sun and returns to the zero point of Aries, it is a little bit behind in its orbit to where it was the previous year. This is due to the Earth’s wobble, which is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon upon the Earth’s equator, resulting in a slightly gyrated spin, slowing it down and causing what astronomers and physicists term precession. Over time, this changes the zero point of Aries in relation to the backdrop of the fixed stars, or Sidereal Zodiac. It does not change the Tropical Zodiac, or the relationship of the Earth to the Sun, or the seasons, or your sun sign. Precession of the Equinoxes is also what causes the shifting of an Astrological Age – taking place at approximate 2,000 year cycles – the approximate time it takes to precess backwards 30º in either the Tropical or Sidereal Zodiacs. Hence, the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, the Shift of the Ages, the New Age…Don’t worry, you’re still a Pisces!

Wow! My head is spinning! I think it’s even starting to wobble! I’m precessing! Well, I think that’s enough astronomy for the week. And as far as that mysterious “13th sign”? Tune in next week. But, for now, relax and enjoy your sun-sign! The stars and planets are still intact, revolving around the Sun and the Galactic Center – expanding, contracting and evolving. Everything’s exactly as it should be! Exactly as it is…

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19)
Pushing through Capricorn can feel like a struggle for up-and-at-‘em Rams, roadblocks abound. Now that we’ve moved into air Aquarius, expect things to quicken and change. A big part of a happy life is surrounding yourself with people you admire and want to be like. Is that what you’re doing? Open your eyes and heart to the world of osmosis.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
Aquarius is a zodiac month of achievement attention and desire for the Bull. Be productive and maintain momentum, but be sure to enjoy yourself along the way. Inspiration is an important part of manifestation and creative juices must be replenished. Focus on what you like about your partners and mates, rather than what you don’t. Be happy!
 
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Love and money planet Venus shimmers romantic and financial enhancement into your life and relationships. Others are waiting and willing to give you what you want, just ask. Utilize caution and integrity in communication; be impeccable with your word. This is no time for loose lips or careless quips. Say what you mean and do what you say.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You may discover deep, rewarding camaraderie and support in groups and gatherings this week. Be open and willing to walk through doors and enter rooms you normally aren’t intrigued by. This is a time for crossing new personal thresholds in the quest and discovery of your own authentic power. Keep the faith with courage, honesty and integrity.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
You’ve made it halfway through your solar year and are now moving away from months of personal focus into the broader realms of the social and transpersonal. It’s time to reach out, show up for others and be present in the worlds outside your door. And remember, you needn’t always be the life of the party. Just shine your light on love and let it glow!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
The winding road of self-awakening continues to twist and turn as you face the realities of your actions and decisions over the last few years. Pat yourself on the back for your magnificent progress and stay on the path. Self-discipline and responsibility are allies that bring you happiness, satisfaction and grace. Enjoy the moment and seize the day.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
As the Sun enters Aquarius and your solar 5th house of the creative, loving heart, relax and see the many blessings of which you are a part. The great good fortune of an inherently calm and peaceful nature is a gift of grace, a gift that must be given to others to keep. Share the beauty and maintain the bounty. Breathe deep and keep the faith.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
Being kind, loving and compassionate to you is where it’s at now. Recognize the power of self-love and nurture your spirit with self-care. You’re definitely the skipper of your boat and the driver at the wheel. Accept the responsibility of being you – just be and do yo
ur best – and let the universe take care of the rest. Open your heart and live in the light.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
You may be feeling more attractive and loving than you have in months, embrace the ardor and share the love. Venus is dazzling and dancing through Sagittarius, shining her light on those who see the wisdom of kindness, the joy of optimism and the beauty of peace. Communicate with hugs and kisses, smile and laugh as much as possible.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Guardian angels and benefic spirits surround you with flower, dance and song, encouraging you to trust love and follow your heart. Sometimes the rent is late and bills pile up, but as long as you keep the faith and stay on a path of heart, you’ll get to where you’re going. Sound like a riddle or a fairy tale? It is, but so is life. Get up early and seize the day!

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
Happy birthday month to wild, wonderful Aquarius! Your time has come to shine, let your dreams be on their way. And, dreamy it is as Neptune continues shimmering ethereal light upon your hopes and visions. The road ahead is unclear and the future unknown. Just remember that everything happens in the present, there is no wisdom in projection or assumption. Be here now, do the next right thing and trust in your heart.
 
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20)
Jupiter and Uranus together in the last degrees of Pisces is like a last dance or hypnotic trance of awakening for the world. We are being called as brothers and sisters – children of Mother Earth and Father Sky – to see and feel that we are family. And here you are. Find the love and discover your essence in prayer. May all beings be happy, safe and free.

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