22 Mar ALACAZEM 2012.03.22
March 22 to 30, 2012 Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Saturn Evening: Venus and Jupiter
The Lure of Conquest & the Eternal Battle of Cosmic vs. Personal Will
The Aries new Moon of March 22nd initiates the first lunar cycle of the natural zodiac year. Following quickly on the heels of the 2012 Vernal Equinox – which took place on March 19th at 11:14 p.m. MDT – when the Sun crossed the equator on its journey north, this lunation marks the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere’s annual planting and growing season. Days grow longer and solar rays become more direct. Snows melt and grasses morph from blonde to green. The first fragile flowers of spring pop up and out of the warming earth, surprising us with color. Restless winds whip and roar with ferocity one day and are gentle, embracing and playful the next. We experience the process of daily change in body, mind and spirit. As the earth transforms, we do also. The actual and metaphorical territory in which we live, breathe and thrive is being reborn.
Often springtime gives birth to strong desires and a wild, reckless will. The Aries archetype is characterized by the primal urge to create and pro-create, go forth and take action. More comfortable in motion than at rest, its impulsive and/or compulsive thrust often throws caution to the wind in the hot, fiery pursuit of passion or prey. The lure of conquest, thrill of the hunt and enticing promise of victory propels Aries forward. Armed with the weapons of courage, strength and confidence, the Aries warrior is no stranger to battle. After all, the red-planet Mars – ancient god of war and men – rules this brave and forthright sign. In our own charts and psyche, Mars and Aries represent one’s sense of self and self-identity, the ego and self will. It’s the part of us that knows exactly what we want and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
This year, however, the traditionally raucous Aries energy manifested in the solar and lunar cycles of this rather rugged, ribald birthing season are slightly dampened by the retrograde motion of several planets – including and most poignant – its ruling planet Mars, in Virgo. Also retrograde are mental Mercury in Aries, powerful Pluto in Capricorn and heavyweight Saturn in Aries’ opposite sign, Libra. So, don’t be surprised if you’re feeling held back or down, reluctant to take risks, funky or downright depressed. It’s par for the course and indicates that we’re better off living in the moment with patience and virtue, biding our time and doing our homework, waiting for the right time, place and position – the time when we feel confident, capable and competent. We will know in our hearts when it’s time to go forth. Good luck and may the powers of the ancient and living Buddhist bodhisattvas and Toltec spiritual warriors – go with you.
This week the Sun rises and sets almost exactly east and west. Observe its position as it crowns the day with glorious light and kisses the evening with turquoise twilight. The delicate, graceful crescent of the March new Moon hangs sweetly above the western horizon at dusk, dancing with stellar evening “stars” Venus and Jupiter. It’s a magnificent and beautiful sight to behold. Behold…
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) The March 22nd Aries New Moon calls for a giant stride forward in the release of old programming in favor of new awakening and awareness. What worked at one time, no longer does. You have moved beyond the familiar and comfortable to lands of fresh frontier and opportunity. Cultivate courage and practice honesty; face fears and go forth.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) You may feel as if you’re traveling through familiar territory or experience flashes of déjà vu as planets gather in your solar 12th house of past and current life memory. Mystical energies surround you as thoughts and images emerge from deep wells of the subconscious. Cultivate inner peace and treat yourself kindly. Compassion and forgiveness are allies.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) You may feel restless, irritable and even discontent as springtime wrestles with winter in a battle of wind and will. Get out and about – especially on nice days – when solar rays bathe you in warmth and light. The Aries sun-time and fresh lunar cycle favor progressive gatherings of like mind and spirit. Connect with friends, rekindle dreams and explore options.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) New Moons encourage fresh starts and new beginnings, as does spring and the Aries sun-time. But with Mercury, Mars and Saturn retrograde, you may find that many of your best efforts seem thwarted or destined to fail. Whatever the manifestation, don’t give up on your dreams. It’s simply the universe testing your resolve and refining your goals. Relax.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Spring is a time of optimistic thinking and idealistic vision for the Lion. Often you find yourself planning trips to exciting places or actually en route. This year, however, you may feel a mysterious lack of enthusiasm or uncharacteristic negative attitude when it comes to travel. No worries, it’s temporary. Keep your eyes on the skies and your heart on the road.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Return, relax, recuperate, review, revive and resurrect. Mars continues its retrograde journey through Virgo, reminding you where you’ve been and how you got there. Old habits and behaviors, unfinished projects and relationships may revisit you in body, mind or spirit. This is an amazing, powerful time for course correction and positive change. It’s up to you.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) With Saturn moving retrograde through the final degrees of Libra, you may feel as if a mysterious, cosmic force has oddly grounded you in the hard-core reality of what’s wrong with life rather than what’s right. Struggle is a part of the human experience here on earth, but with awareness, we can see how we create our own suffering. Consider change.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) These days and times are rife with corruption, abuse and misuse. Power is either an enemy or an ally, depending upon the consciousness of its owner. Scorpio karma is learning the correct use of will and power. No matter what, you cannot escape it. Can you relate? Today you are blessed with an inner reservoir of basic goodness. Tap into it, feel and heal.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) As winds roar and temperatures rise, you may feel the stirrings of soul and spirit. Spring is a time of creative impulse and passion for the Archer, when desires fuel inner fires of lust and love. And yet, with several planets retrograde, you may feel lost, lonely or lacking in romantic rock n’ roll. Breathe deep, cultivate faith. Enjoy life. The rest will come.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) It’s crunch time for Capricorns as the deep, transformational power of Pluto in your sign moves ever closer to its square with radical Uranus in self-willed Aries. And with the retrograde veil of planetary influence in orb, you may question the pace of the world’s economic, social and spiritual recovery. Focus on your own recovery and lead by example.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) The restless wind and recurring storms may prevent you from doing exactly what you want, but remember, our best-laid plans are often thrown astray. Wise men accept what comes and make the best of it. There is always something to do that synchronizes with the season and harmonizes with the weather. You’re bright and brilliant; follow the light.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) You are fast-set upon following your heart and manifesting creative visions, but the world may be a little bit behind you when it comes to making dreams come true. Relationships, partners and important others may return to old behaviors and you find that you must rework old patterns and refrain from negative reactions. Stay positive and on course.
Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on an organic tree farm 40 miles west of Telluride. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.
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