Alacazem 2011.08.04

06 Aug Alacazem 2011.08.04

August 4 to 11, 2011   Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Jupiter  Evening: Saturn

Dancing Divas and Laughing Lions

We experience the exact point of mid-summer on the cross-quarter day of August 7^th this week, marking the halfway point between summer solstice and autumn equinox. This is when we notice the days are growing shorter, high country leaves begin to change and a wistful fragrance of summer’s end is in the air.

Here in the West End, emerald pastures are now touched with gold, tall grasses have gone to seed and fields lacking irrigation glow a bright platinum blonde. Azure bluebirds feast on fluttering butterflies and hummingbirds suck nectar from wherever they can find it. Cumulous clouds tower above deep blue horizons and snowfields still dot the mountain peaks. Brilliant yellow sunflowers sway in the breeze, tomatoes ripen, zinnias blossom and roses bloom. Olathe sweet corn is on the table and Paonia peaches are approaching harvest. Fruit stands are popping up along the roadside, filled with melons, peppers and beans.

Mid-summer is quintessential Leo, full of passion and power, courage and heart. It’s all about loving life, embracing it and living it to the max. It’s hugging the ones we love, kissing babies and showing affection. It’s the creative spark, the creative force and power of creation. It’s 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 our own life force, our individual connection to Creation in the burning fire of the present moment. For me, it’s the eternal flame of love that’s born in the courageous heart and sustains life – life after life, love after love. May you walk in the bountiful beauty of mid-summmer and live with the love of the Lion.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) Ruler Mars enters sensitive Cancer this week, curbing impulse and reducing anger. Watch for passive-aggressive behaviors and avoid them. It’s best to let others know how you feel. If you’re hurt, express it. If you feel love, express that too. Most of all, practice self-care via honesty, clarity and integrity. Rest and relax.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) You may feel a bit confused or unclear regarding what to do, what to think or what to say. Mercury retrograde in Virgo throws you back to times of love and romance, in your head and in your dreams. Fantasy has an important function, but it can also be a trap. Take a good look around, see the beauty in the now and embrace it.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Ruler Mercury retrogrades from Virgo into Leo this week, flashing images of family, home and childhood across the screen. Mars in Cancer puts you behind the wheel when it comes to personal self-care and self-nurturing. Recognize your part in every play and understand the vibrant power of choice. Simply do your best.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The Lion in charge encourages frolic and fun, but Mercury retrograde and Mars in Cancer favors a more cautious, careful approach to getting what you want. Pursue passions via sweet love and if you don’t feel comfortable about taking action, be willing to let the mud settle until the water is clear. Simply do the next right thing.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22) The cross-quarter days of mid-summer are here and Lions can feel the strong magnetic pull on the planet more than most. Embrace the power of the cosmos and let it infuse you with love and light. Challenge and change are constants in the evolutionary process, and while you are human, you are also divine. Be your best angelic self.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Velvet Venus in your solar 12^th house of divine light encourages forgiveness and making amends in relationships that may have become estranged or deranged. Matters of love and money top the list. Do what you can to calm the waters and heal the pain inside your heart via prayer, meditation and right action. Life is short, live it well.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) Interactions with friends and fellowships are favored as plenty of Leo light shines on your week. Get out and about; connect with people of like mind and spirit. Freedom is an essential ingredient in the recipe of a healthy relationship, and it comes via trust and honesty. Truthful and true, beautiful and bountiful, you!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Social connections, professional activities and career concern are what mid-summer means to the Scorpion. Take action when it comes to spiritual exploration and discovery. See the ultimately divine or cosmic force behind each and every act and attention. You’re a powerful electromagnetic creation, spin with beauty and do no harm.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)  Mercury retrograde takes you back to a place of fantasy and imagination, where you can visualize exactly what you’d like to do and where you’d like to be. Pay attention to your creative visions, they hold the key to unlocking your heart and soul. Doing what you love is life’s most precious success. Enjoy the show and find the key.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) As motivational Mars moves into Cancer, your solar 7^th house of other people and places, you may suddenly feel motivated to get out and about. At the same time, other people are contacting and/or pursuing you. Enjoy the action, but recognize the wisdom of trust and truth as you go about your daily round. Be true.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) You find great joy and pleasure via social and romantic interaction with others this week. This is a good time to make contact with people you think about but may not often see. Also favored are all types of settlement regarding misunderstandings and disputes. It’s better to live in love than to stew in resentment. Step into the light.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Mid-summer magic comes to those who remain on task, improve the world and themselves by cultivating attitudes of love and forgiveness. As you go about your daily round, observe your thoughts and feelings. Are you critiquing others and finding fault? Focus on goodness, grace and gratitude and experience a new light and life.

Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on an organic tree farm in the wild West End of San Miguel County. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.