13 Apr ALACAZEM 2012.04.12
April 12 to 19, 2012 Visible Planets: Morning: Saturn Evening: Mars, Venus and Jupiter
I’ve been writing on and off about the rather muted energy of spring this year. Normally springtime runs rampant with primal passion and devilish desire. The emerging life force of the tropical zodiac’s first sign and season impels us forward, encourages movement and metaphysically thrusts us out and about, into a world of fresh frontier and uncharted territory. Courageous, confident and cavalier, the archetypal Aries warrior charges into battle armed and ready, riding a fast horse, shimmering in the sun. It’s a time of predator and prey, the hunter and the hunted, conquest and victory, rebirth and resurrection. Why then, have we not felt the bravery and bravado, the primitive, primeval push to pursue our passions, follow our most basic instincts and run wildly out of control?
Awaken to the cosmic phenomena of planetary retrogrades. Hard to believe, difficult to digest and downright silly when it comes to placing blame on a celestial body that isn’t really moving backward, but just appears to be doing so as viewed from Earth, this particular astrological tradition is one that will forever mystify and intrigue me.
Many people have heard about or are familiar with the term “Mercury retrograde.” They know or have experienced just enough about this recurring 3-week cycle to give it some recognition and/or credence. What most people don’t realize is that all the planets, except the Sun and Moon – and Earth, of course, being the vantage point – experience recurring periods of apparent retrograde motion. And, this spring, Mercury, Mars and Saturn have all been retrograde, in tandem. Mars rules Aries, springtime and the primal force of life. It correlates with self and self-will, ego and identity, sex drive and sexual desire, motive and motivation, courage and confidence.
When Mars is retrograde we are forced to deal with our individual selves – personal behaviors, patterns and desires – our performance records, how we got to here from there and how we may have hurt others or ourselves. Issues from the past return and persist until we process and deal with them. It’s somewhat like waging an internal war of good and bad, might and right, dark and light. Swords clash and lightening flashes. We are surging and purging; the battle lies within.
On January 23rd Mars went retrograde at 23º Virgo. On April 14th Mars resumes forward motion at 04º Virgo. Hallelujah! Four long months of backward motion in the zodiac’s most critical, analytical, self-deprecating sign will come to an end. The efforts toward self-improvement, the work, service and sacrifice, the humility – both voluntary and involuntary – and the rewards for the action and attention to clean, organize and prioritize our lives will emerge, like new life – clean, fresh and full of promise. Like the age-old, ancient warrior, the Indian chief, the young brave, the Crazy Horse of life – just like spring – we emerge victorious. We are reborn. Go forth.
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) Aries’ planetary ruler Mars resumes forward motion this week, ending a four-month period of retrograde. This is big for the Ram. Take a good look at what you’ve done and where you’ve been during in this time. No doubt, your overall health – body, mind and spirit – are themes in this review. You’ve learned lessons you needed to learn, now live them.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) Programs of self-improvement have been important to you over the last several months. Whether it’s for you or someone else, you see the value in education, training and practice. The motivation to learn, clean up and organize has put you in the position to make great gains. Utilize the wisdom of humility as you recognize the power of personal choice.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) The characteristic quickened pace of spring has been dampened this year by the retrograde motion of the season’s planetary ruler, Mars. On Apr. 14th the ancient god of war resumes forward motion and the world changes. Take note of a subtle but major shift in the way you feel and how you react. Cultivate strength and go forth with renewed confidence.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Mercury and Mars now moving direct wipes the mental slate clean and encourages fresh perspectives and new ideas. Harvest valuable information from the experiences and encounters that came your way over the last four months. These are precious gems and jewels, glittering metaphorical lessons to craft upon your crown. Wear it with honor.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Planetary shifts encourage a more direct approach to life and love, friendship and fellowship. Seek out people of like mind and spirit, individuals willing to work with others via right action and common cause. Communicate, travel, explore and expand. Your energy is back on track and life is good. Seek and you shall find.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Good news comes by way of Mars this week as you see the purpose of the practice and the message behind the madness. Once again, it’s up to you to make the right choice and do the right thing. Personal responsibility is tremendously self-empowering and now that you know what it takes to be happy and healthy, what excuse do you have? Embrace the journey.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) A mysterious, metaphysical turn-around of soul and psyche takes place this week as Mars resumes forward motion in your solar 12th house of past and present life karma. Turbulent emotions, troubling dreams, anxiety, doubt and fear dissipate in the sunshine of spirit. A primal sense of confidence emerges and you are free. Breathe deep and go forth.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) The ongoing review of your life direction, friendships, hopes and dreams has been a huge part of the last several months. Whatever you’ve done and wherever you’ve traveled, know that everything has happened for good reason. Accepting life on life’s terms, taking personal responsibility for your actions and relationships is the way to go. Follow a path of heart.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) We can always be stronger, no matter what. And recognizing just where and how is the magical key to unlocking those glittering doors of metaphorical gold. We become like the people, places and things that we surround ourselves by. Making positive, healthy choices in the dance of right and wrong keeps us on a path of happy destiny. Be good, enjoy the journey.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) Motivator Mars resumes forward motion in your solar 9th house of hope and inspiration this week, paving the way for philosophical breakthroughs and spiritual epiphanies. Look beyond the proverbial horizon as you explore new physical and metaphorical territory. Foreign cultures and travel accelerate this process. Seek and you shall find.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) A pleasantly plump romantic trend begins as voluptuous Venus enters your solar 5th house of creative inspiration this week. Be aware of and awakened to the flow of love in and all around you. Relax in the moment and seize the day, one day and moment at a time. Your life is a miracle and you are here for good purpose. Embrace the joy and share your heart.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Venus moves into Gemini and Mars goes direct in Virgo, both in mutable signs. This translates as a rather dynamic and potentially productive time regarding home, family and personal self. The most important people and relationships in your life are cued up to move in more positive, productive directions. Focus on what’s right and feed it.
Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on a high mountain mesa 40 miles west of Telluride. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.
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