ALACAZEM 2013.01.17

17 Jan ALACAZEM 2013.01.17

January 17 to 24, 2013     Visible Planets:Morning: Venus, Saturn  Evening: Mars, Jupiter 

I always love it when the Aquarius zodiac month begins. Days are noticeably longer and solar rays are more direct. I feel uplifted and optimistic, inspired by the light. Of course, Aquarius is my north node – the way out of this incarnation – and it makes total sense that my soul and spirit find resonance in the energy of the Aquarian season.

I saw my first azure-blue mountain bluebird in the West End lowlands last week – a certain signal of the impending Aquarius sun-time – and had to smile. Especially when well-below zero temperatures made going outside at night seem dangerous. Fortunately, we have plenty of oak, pinon, aspen and cedar firewood to keep us warm.

The aromatic smell of juniper and the crackle of aspen take me back to my first days of living on my own, long ago. Living in one of my Grandfather’s log cabins in the mountains outside of Idaho Springs, hauling water from a spring and cooking on a beautiful cream and sage enamel wood cookstove, I experienced the comforts and companionship of fire, the solace of flickering flames and the peace and quiet of being alone with spirit. The hope and wonder of a life laid out before me, young and idealistic, like all of us, a little scared but full of courage, a diamond in the rough.

Later, when I moved to Telluride, and met my future husband, I was awed by the enormous woodpile stacked outside his front door. He lived in an old miner’s shack up on North Aspen Street – infamously nicknamed “the rat cave” – and he used to throw gigantic log rounds on a roaring fire in a rock stone fireplace with a mouth as big as me. Snowdrifts were higher than the one-story roof and behind the door of an ancient root cellar, a winter’s cache of elk meat lay in wait. He, too, cooked on a magnificent black and nickel Monarch wood cookstove. I was in awe. This guy had figured it out. How to live in a fledgling ski town, ski every day, work in Alaska when necessary and still be the proud owner of a tiny, broken down old Victorian high on the sunnyside of Telluride, with plenty of boys and girls as friends.

Come to find out, he was born during the Aquarius sun time, like my own father – uh-oh! – and I was doomed. Destiny has a funny way of showing its enigmatic face at certain times of year, at certain times of life, and we follow the call.

And here we are. Good luck and may the inventive Aquarian spirit be your inspirational guide and loyal, free-spirited amigo. Happy trails.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) As the Sun enters free-spirited Aquarius this week, political polarities, U.S. Constitutional rights and liberties take center stage. The connection between personal responsibility and freedom is huge, it’s a direct equation. Balance desires with reality as you work with established systems, rules and regulations. Identify what works and what does not.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) Ruler Venus in your solar 9^th house of higher education and spiritual expansion favors relationships with teachers, mentors and enlightened leaders. Remain open to opening your mind as you seek answers, research options and discover fresh intellectual territory. Career motivation stimulates achievement. Hang in there and maintain focus.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Ruler Mercury enters revolutionary Aquarius to join motivated Mars on Jan. 18^th and is quickly followed by the Sun the next day. This macho maverick combination favors humanitarian efforts, unconventional solutions and education by experience. It’s impossible to describe the ocean if you have never seen it. Walk your talk and share your knowledge.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Voluptuous Venus traveling through your solar 7^th house of longterm relationships, commitments and marriage favors the sharing and pairing of both responsibility and pleasure. It’s simply not possible to have one without the other. Identify your part in each and every circumstance and situation in your life. Choice is a fabulous tool. Make them magnificent.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22) You may feel yourself move from a self-orientated, self-consumed perspective to a more relationship-based understanding of life and all its magic. Sharing peaks and valleys of this earth walk is what you truly want, but the partner must be worthy. Identify special interests and pursue associations with people you find inspirational. Follow intuition.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Personal creative expression, romantic pastimes and artistic inspiration fuel the heart-fire as the Venus love-light illuminates your personal path of dreams and desires. Balance idealistic hopes with realistic action as you work toward your achievable goals and objectives. Identify the steps and strategies that will get you there. Stick to the program, one day at a time.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) The Sun and Mercury move into fellow air-sign Aquarius to join excitable Mars this week and illuminates all matters of the heart. Love, romance, art and beauty inspire you emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. You may feel highly motivated to create and discover new avenues of self-expression. Embrace the moment, seize the day, create!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Home life is the best life now as several planets gather in the cozy comfort of your solar 4^th house of domestic pleasure and security. Take a good look at how well you are self-nurturing your body, mind and spirit. Self-esteem is directly related to self-care and happiness is an inside job. How amazing to recognize the effect you have upon your own life! Show up.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) You may suddenly notice the effects of your highly active mind and feel restless, curious and communicative. Seek out people that are willing to listen and discuss, consider and contemplate. This is an excellent time to write, explore and travel. Make contact with teachers and students, research schools and explore options. Remain open, get out and about.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) With sweet planet Venus in still moving through your sign, you may be feeling the rosy glow of romantic love or enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Beauty is all around you, indulge and appreciate it whenever and wherever you can. Others also see you as attractive now. Rest and relax, identify personal values and work toward the perfect alignment of your goals.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Your happy birthday month begins on Jan. 19^th this year. Congratulations on another revolution around the Sun! A posse of planets in Aquarius guarantees plenty of action and excitement. Be extra aware and careful when it comes to anger issues and ego-based agendas. Mars encourages passion, motivation and desire. Channel energy in positive ways. Be kind.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) As the Aquarius zodiac month begins, you may feel like taking a long winter’s nap. Follow your intuition and pay attention to what your body tells you. If you feel tired, rest. If you want to relax, do it. Your annual solar year is drawing to a close and it is much like the embryonic period of gestation. Take it easy, recharge, regenerate as you prepare for rebirth.

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