22 Jul Alacazem 2011.07.21
July 21 to 28, 2011
Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Jupiter Evening: Mercury and Saturn
The Mid-Summer Leo Heart of Soul and Spirit
As the Sun moves into Leo and we approach the annual cross-quarter mark of mid-summer, I can’t help but feel the intense vibrations of the Mother Earth. Life is a mystery, its magic and magnificence is everywhere. And the full-on vibrancy of the Leo sun-time brings it on full- force. Heart-centered, courageous, strong of will and full-of-life, the Leo archetype – symbolized by the proud and powerful Lion – is a typically masculine or yang energy that creates, excites and pursues. A fixed fire-sign, ruled by the Sun and characterized by romantic dreams, inspirational faith and optimistic generosity, it is where and when we feel and follow our hearts – guided by the pure, essential spirit, force and power of love. Loyal, childlike, creative, affectionate and fun, Leo energy is the self-centered ego and will – the heart of soul and spirit – that requires attention and is fueled by recognition. Seasonally, it is the height of summer’s glory – flowers blossom and fruits ripen – we can see, smell, feel, touch and taste nature’s awesome creative, regenerative, productive power.
For me, Leo is a time of sentimental remembering, when I drift back to the sizzling days and warm, embracing nights of Denver’s long, hot summer. Playing ditch ‘em with the neighborhood gang, running through sprinklers and playing on slip n’ slides, hanging out at swimming pools and riding horses through irrigation ditches to cool down. No school! I see myself sunbathing in the backyard, preparing for a romantic date with an exciting suitor, love’s first kiss and all the limitless possibilities of life laid out before me.
Today I live on a high mountain mesa between Telluride, Colorado and Moab, Utah. A gurgling acequia runs through our property and I can jump in one of our ponds if I need to chill. Pinon juniper forests border our south pastures and a cottonwood, oak-filled draw cascades a year-round, spring-fed stream all the way down to Naturita Creek. There are bears and elk, deer and eagles, hawks, coyotes, badgers, skunks and raccoons prowling, grazing and flying about. I am always on the lookout for fairies and gnomes and I can feel their presence in the clear blue, early mornings following rain or when the sunset paints the sky with pink and coral. Turquoise twilight fades into midnight blue and stars twinkle against the vast backdrop of deep space. I am grateful and blessed to be living fully, with love and grace, a lioness in the forest, a shape-shifting woman-child who runs with wolves and dances with fairies. Here’s to the creative heart and magnanimous spirit of the regal, powerful Lion.
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) The first week of Leo delivers plenty of heart and soul. Pay attention to motives and personal agendas regarding passions and desires. Determine where and ego gets in the way of a good time. Self-will can get us in trouble, especially when it has to do with maintaining facades and false identities. Be kind and gentle with yourself and those you love.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd and initiates a zodiac month of focused time and attention on family relationships, issues of personal security and matters of domestic importance. Communication is a means of understanding, negotiation and settlement. Be as calm and compassionate as possible when it comes to others. Maintain balance.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) The Sun joins ruler Mercury in Leo this week and inflames or excites personal thoughts and ideas. You’ll be quick on the draw when it comes to retorts and responses, so practice the art of pause as you interact and react with others. Your ability to think on your feet is a gift, but interrupting or insulting others is not. Maintain values and be sweet.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Voluptuous Venus wraps up her annual transit through your sign this week, so enjoy the joyous love and beauty of the influence while it lasts. Recognize the many blessings and gifts of this very precious life as you walk through and breathe in your days and nights. Enjoy the art of cultivation and cuisine, from seed to table. Slow food is good food.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Your Happy Birthday month begins this week, and once again, you’ve made another revolution around the sun. With all the guts and glory it takes to be you, smile, shimmer and shine. A positive light and life is what the Leo incarnation is all about. If you find yourself in self-pity or resentment, you’ve missed the joy ride. Practice gratitude, experience grace.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) An annual cycle of closure presents itself as the Sun moves into your solar 12th house of spiritual reckoning. Karma – past and present – is big this month. Pay close attention to your own thoughts, words and deeds. When you find yourself at a loss or lost, ask for guidance and assistance from the heavenly, celestial realms. Go ahead, surrender and receive.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) Friends and associates, fellowship and camaraderie infuse your days and uplift your evenings. Get out and enjoy the divinely dramatic dance of summer in all its glory. Play with inherent creative, artistic talents as you bring something useful or beautiful into form. Manifestation is a process of strong desire and focused effort. Patience, practice and perseverance further.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Jupiter retrograde in Taurus and two planets in Leo put you to the test regarding personal and professional relationships. You may be reviewing and retracing steps in pairing and sharing, committed to a career and wondering which way to go. Wait a while and cultivate inner peace as you explore options and research opportunities. Do the inner work.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) The Leo sun-time excites exploration and expansion as foreign travel and cultures beckon. A calm and practical work review must take place before you take off on any wild new adventure, however. The cosmos favor accountability, credibility and consistency – especially when it comes to you! Health and diet continue to be an area of great reward. Keep it up!
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) Other people’s money or assets, inheritance or legacies come into play this week and upcoming zodiac month. Matters of intimacy and secrecy must also be addressed. What or where are you hiding? How healthy are you, really? Other people are willing to help you get what you want; your job is to be honest and committed in working towards its manifestation.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) As the Sun crossed from the bottom to the top half of your solar chart, the world awakens. It’s time to get out, see and be seen. Isolation, seclusion or simple sel
f-focus no longer serves to enlighten and excite you. Interact, share and explore new territory in relationships. Other people have a lot to give, listen and experience the world in friendship.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Love is a theme as lion-hearted Leo takes charge of the cosmos. Your biggest assignment is to be kind and gentle to you. Self-improvement and self-love are allies. It’s not about cracking the whip, beating yourself up or into shape. Maintain daily routines of self-examination. Take a personal inventory of your day and discover just how good you really are.
Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on an organic tree farm 40 miles went of Telluride, in the high mountain desert of the American Southwest. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.
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