ALACAZEM 2011.12.22

23 Dec ALACAZEM 2011.12.22

December 22 to 29, 2011

Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Saturn  Evening: Venus and Jupiter

Winter Solstice takes place this year at 10:30 pm MST on Dec. 21st, when the Sun enters the cardinal earth sign Capricorn. Celebrations take place around the world on both the 21st and 22nd.  Hail the season of Returning Light!

It’s a busy week for holiday celebrations that honor light and the season of returning light.  Winter Solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas all take place when days are shortest and nights are longest. All of them include ceremonies of light and rituals of fire in their traditions. And, let it be so; it’s time to honor our universal symbol of spirit – the Sun – our primal star of exponential fire; the electromagnetic Force of Light and Life that keeps us all together, moving in circles, revolving around a center, eternally evolving – from year to year, life to life, star to star and galaxy to galaxy.

Candles, fires and electric wizardry bestow a variety of choices when it comes to traditional holiday light rituals and displays. I, personally, am a big fan of colored lights – rather than the uni-dimensional white ones – flickering candles, crackling fires and Christmas trees shimmering with tinsel. A solstice bonfire is always on the agenda as well – if possible – complete with a Yuletide ceremony of twinkling bells and New Year’s wishes. And let’s not forget about jolly old Saint Nick, benevolent Santa, Father Christmas – he has to be a Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius! All those presents, elves, reindeer and a speedy international world tour on a flying sleigh in just one night? Wow! And all he wants for us is to be good? After all, “He knows when you’ve been sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. He knows when you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! Oh, You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town!!” Good God, let’s be good!

May we embrace the joys of Christmas, carry love in our hearts and follow the shining Light of Spirit. Peace on Earth and Good Will to All! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Joyful, Peaceful Solstice. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19)
The solstice sun squares rebellious Uranus in Aries as winter begins, spurring strong reactions to others’ rules and regulations. Use this potentially explosive energy to free yourself from self-limiting habits and personal, self-imposed behavioral prisons rather than strike out at authority. Cultivate inner peace and celebrate Christmas with love.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
The winter solstice sun trines jovial, spiritually generous Jupiter in early Taurus, sparking generosity and providing you with plenty of good faith and fun for the holidays. Whether it’s money and resource, or time and attention, you feel a strong desire to give. Share your heart with those you love as you practice the art of compassion. Merry Christmas!

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
The Dec. 10th lunar eclipse in your sign illuminated issues of sharing and pairing in relationship, your role and responsibilities to others, as well as how to show up for you. Transpersonal outer planets encourage unconventional, new friendships coupled with deep inner soul work. Christmas gifts you with the green light of spirit. Explore and discover!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
As the solstice sun marks the beginning of winter and initiates the season of returning light, Moonchildren cross over into the second half of their solar year. Celebrate life with the sweetness of a grateful heart and a happy home. Professional, social or family influence may change a tradition or begin a new one. Relax and accept what comes. Choose joy!

Leo (July 23-Aug.22)
A fresh new Moon in early Capricorn amplifies winter solstice themes of tradition and convention, but you may find yourself feeling more rebellious and radical than usual. Just blame it on the stars – it’s the spirit of Uranian liberty calling you to get out and explore the cosmos, inside and out. Discover the art of giving your heart. Love and let love.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22)
Action-loving Mars continues to infuse you with good spirit and good hope when it comes to issues of self and self-esteem. This is a gift of grace and great for moving forward, out of any self-imposed funk, fear or fantasy. Do the next right thing, keep your head up and maintain motion in positive, productive directions. Seek and you shall find. Merry Xmas!

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22)
As winter begins and solstice marks the season of returning light, celebrate life with outer beauty and inner grace. Peace on Earth, joy, love and gratitude, spiritual generosity and good will to all are holiday mantras, but for Libras they are inspirational ideals and personal goals. Light the candles, share the hope and embrace the magic.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)
With generous Jupiter now moving direct through the early degrees of Taurus, prepare yourself for several months of good luck and good will coming to you from the outside world. This is a golden opportunity regarding relationships. Keep your eyes and heart open for that special something or someone. In the meantime, celebrate love and embrace joy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20)
Eclipse energy still shimmers and shines as the season of returning light initiates winter. Count your blessings and gather your resources as Christmas showers you with material demands and spiritual directives. Ruled by inspirational Jupiter and symbolized by a centaur, you are a now and forever a spiritual warrior, destined for greatness. Enjoy your fate.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Happy birthdays begin as winter solstice marks the advent of winter and the season of returning light. As you celebrate another revolution around the sun, take a personal inventory of your inner spiritual condition as well as your outer physical health. No time like the present to take responsibility for each and every aspect of your life. Seize the day.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
With the recent ingress of Venus into Aquarius, you may be feeling more romantic and playful than usual. Embrace this pleasure-loving transit via sweetness and gratitude, acts of kindness and physical or material generosity toward others. Innovation and creativity are also on the rise, express yourself artistically or via invention. Share the gifts of grace.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20)
Friends may suddenly pop up or you find yourself seeking the company and camaraderie of people with whom you share common history and interest. Enjoy the festivities, plan a party or simply make contact via phone or Internet. Others are motivating action and asking you out, get up and go. Expand your circle and enjoy the glow. Merry, merry!

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