ALACAZEM 2012.07.19

19 Jul ALACAZEM 2012.07.19

July 19 to 26, 2012   Visible Planets: Morning: Venus and Jupiter  Evening: Mercury, Mars and Saturn

My family is coming to visit this weekend. How sweet. And especially for me, as I am feeling the powerful, poignant impact of the cosmic shift from sensitive, nurturing Cancer to courageous, heartfelt Leo. Ah yes, mid-summer in all it’s fabulous fantasy and magnificence. Luscious mornings, monsoon rains and shimmering rainbows. Peachy-purple sunsets, turquoise twilight and the distinct shape of Scorpius glimmering low, above the southern horizon as the magic of night eclipses the sun.

I was born in Denver and our summers were long and hot. I grew up playing ditch ‘em with the neighborhood gang, jumping sprinklers, playing baseball and riding horses. I remember lying in the cool, lush grass of our front yard, overlooking the city lights; staring at Venus and a thin crescent Moon above the silhouette peak of Mount Evans. Voices filtered out of the kitchen and into the darkness. I felt young and strong and innocent…

Today, I’m a grown woman, married with no children of my own. My nieces and nephews are as close as I’ll ever get to that. The blessings of family – the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the joy and ecstasy, the pain, suffering and growth – death, birth and rebirth. I have been reborn several times – as we all have been and are. And I’m still living and breathing, here on planet Earth.

Thank you for my family, thanks for the memories and thanks for the magnamous gifts of life in mid-summer. Blessings and peace…

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) New Moon in Cancer initiates a powerful lunar cycle of intense emotional impact. Waves of change crash upon the shores of life and wash away any façade you may have attempted to maintain. It’s all about rigorous honesty and true-blue integrity now. Be mindful of every thought, word and deed. What we say can wound or heal. Do the next right thing.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) Holy men say that violence is anything that causes separation. As one who prefers peace and love to war and hate, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of drama and chaos. Cultivate inner calm as you go about your daily round. Is it possible to save the world? Hardly. But you can identify what you can do within your realm of possibility and value. And then, just do it.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) High surf warning: Mars is now exactly opposite Uranus and square Pluto, greatly intensifying waves of change. Awareness is lightning quick; passion, will and power run wild. Reform and revolution play ball with ruthlessness and domination in a world series of exponential potential and power. Remain flexible, fluid and adaptable. Stay the course and keep the faith.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Suppressed emotions and needs don’t go away, they are stored in the unconscious. Damned up judgments, hurts, fears and traumas must be transmuted. By allowing yourself to fully witness your feelings, rather than repress or project them outward, you can see and act in the truth. Open the floodgates and ride the joy of honest freedom and inner peace.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Emotional responses are like an internal, spiritual GPS. Joy confirms we are on course; depression tells us we’re heading in the wrong direction. Preeminently positive and pro-active, Lions glow with happiness and sunny smiles most of the year. There are moments, however, of doubt and fear. Focus on equanimity; stay in balance and cultivate inner peace.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) The archetype of Cancer and the element of water show us how to intuit change, shift from conflict to collaboration and move from polarization to progress. It’s a game of strategy where external balance and inner peace are essential. Remain calm in the face of adversity, anger or aggression. You have all the skills and talents you need. Be cool.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) The characteristically soft, nurturing, nascent Cancer lunar cycle is tinted with shades of red-hot passion and white-hot power this year. Mars, Pluto and Uranus square off in a dance of will, action, upset and desire while Saturn in Libra advocates healthy boundaries and inner peace. Maintain balance and cultivate a daily spiritual practice. Find the joy and feel the grace.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) It can be more than difficult to let go and go with the flow when it comes to emotions. Especially when we have experienced hurt and pain. While expectations are perennially set-ups for resentment, and attempts to help others may be rooted in a subconscious desire to control, we carry on. Take a deep breath, rest and relax. It’s time to help, love and nurture you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) One day, one moment and one second at a time, we move through life. Then, all in a wink, it’s over. As the preeminent explorer, traveler and discoverer of the galaxy, isn’t it time to slow down and relish the present? There is so much joy, beauty and bounty on this awesome planet Earth. Hug your friends, love your lovers. Count your blessings and be here now.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) Mars in Libra exactly opposes Uranus in Aries and squares Pluto in Capricorn as the Sun and Moon conjoin in Cancer. Add Saturn to the mix and watch the rising tide of emotion and will wash through collective hearts and heads. Fire, earth, water and air swirl and twirl in a wild dance of polarity, challenge and awakening. Stay in the moment, do your best.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Where are you going and what do you know? These unsettled times reverberate with energetics of the ‘60’s, when revolutionary Uranus was in exact conjunction with transformational Pluto. The dreams, visions and intentions born then are now in crisis. What to do to revive, resurrect and reconstruct the cause? Be the change you want the world to be.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) While numinous Neptune and health-focused Chiron near conjunction in Pisces – encouraging you to take it easy, focus on healing and open your spirit – the rest of the zodiac is caught up in crisis and drama, polarity, power and politics. Do your best to maintain a sense of inner peace and outer calm. Happiness is an inside job. Choose joy and transform the world.

Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on a high mountain mesa 40 miles west of Telluride.  Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.