17 Aug ALACAZEM 2012.08.16
August 16 to 23, 2012 Visible Planets: Morning: Mercury, Venus and Jupiter Evening: Mars and Saturn
The Sun – the central star around which all planets of our solar system orbit – and the Moon – celestial companion and satellite to our Earth – come together in the exact conjunction aspect of a late degree Leo New Moon on August 17th @ 9:56 a.m. MDT.***
As always, New Moons mark the beginning of every 28½-day lunar month. The appearance of the Moon’s delicate silver sliver low above the western horizon at dusk has been used by humankind for millennia to keep track of time. It is our most basic, primal calendar. Gardeners track lunar phases for planting, weeding, watering and harvest. Sailors, boaters and fishermen monitor new and full Moons to chart maximum low and high tides, as well as aquatic behavior patterns of fish and sea life. Gravitational pulls are strong and metaphysical energies peak as the Sun, Moon and Earth line up in their perpetual dance of direct and reflected lunar and solar light.
The place in which the conjunctions of the new Moons and the oppositions of the full Moons take place along the ecliptic – aka the zodiac belt – give us clues as to what types of energies and events will be focused upon, highlighted and illuminated during the days and weeks of each lunation and companion lunar month.
Leo is the 5th sign of the tropical zodiac and is symbolized by the proud and courageous Lion, the king [and queen] of beasts. Leo’s planetary ruler is the Sun – the most important, magnetic and powerful planet in our solar system – and it is also, obviously, the King of Planets. Leo energy is characterized by spiritual generosity, courage, confidence and strength of heart. It represents the primal will to live and the enduring life force. Just as the Sun is the benefactor of all life and every living creature on Earth, the luminosity of the Leo sun-time and lunar month gifts us with the power of light, love and good intention. It’s a time to feel one’s own heart, feel the actual physical heartbeat, as well as its heartfelt wisdom, emotions and sensations. Located in our solar plexus, it is the center of our physical life, the organ upon which all the other organs depend. It is the source of our physical vitality and sustenance, as well as the spiritual center and generator of integrity, honesty, truth, will and passion.
As the Sun and Moon come together this week, tune into your heart. Discover the courageous, passionate, generous, loyal, loving king and queen of beasts residing there. This is your divine spark, the creative fire that gives birth to your individual greatness, goodness and – most of all – fiery, burning power of love. Good luck and may the force of the Lion and the will of Spirit be with you.
***[The Leo constellation can be seen in the spring night sky and is one relatively easy to identify. Its group of stars looks like the mythological figure it is supposed to represent. Also easy to identify is the Lion’s “heart-star” Regulus, a blue-white 1st magnitude star shining with unrivaled brilliance in this section of the night sky. In mid- November, the Leonid meteors – a once spectacular group of “shooting stars” – radiate from this part of the sky.]
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) Wild at heart and running with the wolves, fire signs can burn out-of-control and damage the ground upon which they walk. In the hot passion of the Leo sun-time it’s wise to keep an eye on compulsive, obsessive or quick-to-react behaviors that can spark dangerous wildfires. Focus on goodness, the courage to heal and the inner peace that keeps you sane.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) This week’s Leo new Moon presents you with a fertile field in which to plant seeds of love, courage and creativity. Personal relationships – especially those involving close friends and family – benefit tremendously by way of nurturing, heartfelt action and focused attention. Instead of waiting for others to come to you, reach out to them. Then enjoy the joy.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) We have journeyed far on the path of separation. Today we walk the path of return, remembering our common origin and shared, interwoven destiny. The six degrees of separation have been reduced to one, and we are One. This week, embrace the strength and heart of the Lion and go forth with courage. Live in truth; the world revolves around its power.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Leo is associated with the Sun, the star at the center of our solar system. Its power, light and gravitational force keep us here on Earth, centered in our earthwalk. This week’s new Moon compels Moonchildren to center themselves in personal truth – found in the heart – and follow its wisdom.
Consider the concept of dedication, the act of commitment and be true to you.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) The spiritual task of Leo is to live from one’s center, one’s heart. And while this may sound like an easy task for the Lion, it’s one that requires a bit of caution and pause in the heat of passion and desire. Find your core truth, around which everything else in life must revolve. The most heroic acts are those of loving-kindness and compassion. Be a hero.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) It takes courage to be who you really are, confidence and faith to express one’s true, essential being. Spirit embraces and encourages authenticity, living in truth and cultivating a life in harmony with your values. It’s no use to pretend or hide from anything or anyone anymore, you are everything you need and want to be. Stay on the path and live in the light.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) While one-to-one relating and personally important relationships are the Libra forte, Leo sunrays encourage connections with people you don’t necessarily know but have something worthwhile in common. Leo is also linked with the heart, the center of life force and the creative gifts you have to give the world. Smile and love, live and share your beauty and light.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) The week’s Leo new Moon reminds the Scorpion that happiness is an inside job and right action is the way to achieve it. Private and inherently secretive, you can feel uncomfortable with the Leo imperative to show feelings, demonstrate affection and be on center stage. No worries, all of this can be done with discretion and grace. Simply smile and be true blue.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) Uplifting, positive, enthusiastic and optimistic are adjectives describing the Archer. While these words are accurate, we all know via the laws of physics that “what goes up, must come down” – and you are no exception to the rule. Pace yourself, take time to rest and recuperate, count your blessings and then begin again. Focus on goodness and follow the light.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) The ongoing Uranus/Pluto square in Aries/Capricorn plays another powerful cosmic hand in the unfolding game of human evolution this week. It’s time for something completely different; just remember, you can run, but you can’t hide. That said, take extra caution when it comes to avoiding truth or practicing denial. Face the music, do the dance, enjoy the show.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) A change of mind and change of heart are on the cosmic agenda for Aquarians this week as the Sun and Moon conjoin in late degree Leo. Suddenly, you see the forest for the trees and the meaning behind the madness. It’s all about awakening and awareness, truth and honesty to self and spirit. The world is morphing, go with the flow and ride the wave.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Planetary alignments and cosmic forces favor a practical and patient assessment of your relationships and your individual part and performance in them. Are you willing to accept responsibility for the circumstances and conditions of your life and commitments? Do you feel compelled to blame others or indulge in victim mentalities? Work on you and leave the rest to spirit.
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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