Alacazem 2011.04.21

22 Apr Alacazem 2011.04.21

April 21 to 28, 2011
Visible Planets: Morning: Venus  Evening: Saturn

Mother, Father, sister, brother…

Families are funny things, and we all have them. And mothers. Even abandoned children have mothers – somewhere, somehow – on the planet, dead or alive – a woman carried a child in her womb and gave birth to new life. Just like the Mother Earth – from life to life, from dust to dust…

Springtime is the preeminent time of birth in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Christian holiday of Easter has been branded as the time of “resurrection.” It’s no mistake that Easter and springtime coincide. The pagan rites of spring were supplanted by the Catholic’s holy rituals of their savior’s crucifixion, entombment and miraculous return. For me, spring and Easter evoke memories of childhood, my Mother and my family. I am filled with the poignant emotions of joy and sorrow, hope and wonder in the recurring seasons, the eternal cycles of birth and death. The gentle wind, the greening grass and the ever-present natural phenomena of change stir something deep within – questions and quest, combined with a sense of acceptance, humility and grace.

My older brother, Jeff, celebrates his 60th birthday on Holy Saturday, April 23rd. So many years have passed since we were children, standing together, all dressed up for photographs in the wild Denver wind, Easter baskets in hand and smiles on our faces. From little league football to high school halfback to Winston man to proud father and now grandfather, I have watched him walk his talk and live his life with integrity, truth and honor. He’s a Taurus, and that means down-to-earth practical wisdom and calm, steadfast effort and the one-day-at-a-time approach that leads to achievement and success. Happy birthday, brother!

And then, my Mother, who passed on Easter Sunday 2003. I wrote a tribute to and memoir of her last year in this column. Today, as time passes, I see her more realistically and less idealistically than in my youth. The trials and tribulations, the guidance and assistance, her frailties and vulnerabilities, her courage, strength and sacrifice – her humanness – the magical web of mother, daughter, friend and lover – sometimes enabling and sometimes not. Doing the best she knew how. Here, there and now, gone, crossed over, to the other side, the forever after.

I’m feeling a little sad today. The hopes and dreams, the wishes and fantasies, the realities and sorrows…we live and breath, laugh and cry. Our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers – here today and gone tomorrow. May we touch the Earth with our love and walk the road of forgiveness as we do unto others as we would have them to do unto us. God bless…

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19)
Love planet Venus enters your sign this week and will remain there for several. This heralds a time of potential healing and self-care, when relationships soften and you are able to forgive yourself and others for any harm or pain caused or experienced. There’s a lot going on inside you these days, cultivate peace within and without. Do the next right thing.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
Your Happy Birthday month begins as the Sun enters your sign April 20th. Light the candles and cut the cake, but don’t be surprised if you want a quiet gathering instead of a big event. Several planets in your solar 12th house of behind-the-scene activities favors private, intimate get-togethers, with people you love. Take time to relax and regenerate. 

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Earth Day and Good Friday join force with Uranus and Venus this year, making sure that it’s a day we will not forget. As both messenger and magician of the zodiac, keep antennas tuned and wands at hand. Information, awakening and enlightenment regarding truth, love and money are blasting through the cosmos. Write it down; speak to the world.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Maverick Mercury resumes forward motion this weekend, settling the mud and clearing the water regarding professional questions and direction. A major financial breakthrough opens doors and changes realities. Seek out people you respect, admire and trust when it comes to investment, but be sure to make the ultimate decision with your heart.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
Thoughts turn toward career goals and professional direction as the Sun enters Taurus. A practical, realistic approach works best day-by-day, especially regarding finance and income. Keep your eyes to the skies, however, when it comes to future possibilities. You are part of an expanding universe, with unlimited power and potential.  Keep the faith.
 
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
As Mercury goes direct in Aries, you may suddenly see the fog and confusion clear regarding your most committed and intimate relationships. Communicate feelings and discuss options. Also be open to sudden changes and breakthroughs that come via others. Honesty and truth are powerful allies now. Be self-authentic and true-to-heart.
 
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct.22)
With so many planets cavorting in your opposite sign, you can no doubt feel the powerful pull of polarities. Things are not always black and white, but often they are. Darkness and light exist as equal parts of the same day. Balance, as always, is the key to your health, happiness and well-being. Do what you can and let the universe take care of the rest.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
As you continue to sort out and define your understanding of spirit, you may discover that the quickest avenue to enlightenment comes through service. Being of assistance to others, working programs of self-improvement and cultivating a daily spiritual practice guarantee both progress and reward. You know what to do. Go forth with joy and love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
Snap, crackle, pop! The world lights up as hearts flame and romance blazes. Keep a handle on over-indulgence, partying too hard or reacting too strongly to someone or something you find attractive. Enjoy the grace by which you are given so much and cultivate calm amidst the wild. You are being asked to walk the path, do no harm and help heal the world.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Challenges abound and excitement reigns ami
dst these chaotic, changing times. Native American prophecies and Biblical scripture portend cataclysm and apocalypse, Hollywood cashes in. As the practical act of the zodiac, you understand global warming and the equation of cause and effect. Now is the time for Capricorn karma. Live what you know.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
Brainstorms, epiphanies and breakthroughs of the most dramatic sort come your way this week as planets pair and play explosive games of war and peace. As a visionary – and honest – utilitarian humanitarian, you may find the scene disturbing, but rise to the occasion against all odds. After all, you never were one for playing it safe! Simply do your best.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20)
Practical action and realistic thinking go far this week as you work to improve efficiency and enhance productivity. Take it slow, banish multi-tasking and complete one thing at a time. Pay attention to what you’re doing in the present, rather than wasting time regretting the past or fantasizing about the future. Count your blessings and be here now.

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