ALACAZEM 2013.05.02

03 May ALACAZEM 2013.05.02

May 2 to 9, 2013      Visible Planets: Morning: Mercury    Evening: Jupiter, Saturn

I don’t know about you, but these last several weeks have been as challenging and transformational as it gets for me. Of course, it makes sense astrologically – we are in the middle of that recurring, ongoing and demanding Uranus-Pluto square, as well as being “under the influence” of three eclipses in a row – but – heaven help me – I still find myself wondering whether I’m here, or there, and then just accepting that I’m somewhere in between.

Castaneda’s altered states and separate realities seem to resonate for me these days. I understand the interconnectedness of quantum mechanical physics, the mystical experiences of spiritual pursuit and the overall grounding power of living in the physical body – right here, right now – on Earth. Embracing the present as forever changing, a cresting wave on a constantly moving sea; a hungry, crackling fire, quickly consuming the fuel upon which it feeds, burning everything in its path; I am aware that all is temporary. We live and love, feel and steel ourselves to pain, yet find that same pain to be the primary, and possibly most important, ingredient in the metaphysical recipe for inner change. Like the springtime garden and the enigmatic process of eventually harvesting fruit from seed, we break open our hearts like we break open the soil. The sharper the shovel, the faster we go. The deeper we go, the richer the bounty.

Our hearts are gardens of the soul.  We break open our hearts with the sharp tools of suffering and loss, joy and ecstasy. We nurture the heartfelt garden with a practice of introspection, acceptance, renunciation and redemption. We come to understand that pain generates the magical, spiritually imperative, enriching ingredient necessary for happiness and inner peace: compassion. Compassion, the awesomely fertile nutrient that provides us with the opportunity to forgive, accept and, ultimately, heal.

Death and rebirth keep us turning on the Wheels of Fate and Fortune as Destiny’s graceful hand reaches out to offer us the power of choice. I have recently experienced several deaths – and one big disappointment – due to natural causes, suicide and addiction. I see repetitious themes of self-sabotage, self-pity, self-abuse and self-denial. In my own life and being, I feel blessed and grateful.  I know I am lucky and fortunate. And yet, I still struggle with life’s daily challenges; the ego in all its disguises, attachments and desires, other people’s agendas and attitudes, mechanical breakdowns, the weather…

Discombobulated at times, and in joyful celebration at others, I smile at my humanness and laugh at my foolish attempts to control the uncontrollable, help the unwilling and amend the inevitable. In harmony with the cosmos, I must relax, let go and let it flow. It’s a dream, a story, an illusion. Planetary squares, three eclipses in a row – Onward Cosmic Traveler – it is time to till the soil, sharpen the shovel and go as deep as I can go. Good luck and may your garden be blessed with rich compassion and the fruits of joy, love, peace, happiness and harmony.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) With extra-strong eclipse energy in orb, the Ram must walk a path of focus, patience and perseverance. Rash, risky, compulsive behaviors must be bridled and restrained. Anger and impulse can prove lethal and resentment poisons the soul. Channel passion and desire into positive actions and deeds. Be cool as you find your way through the forest.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) As you walk through the week, pay close attention to your internal dialog. Observe thoughts and ideas like a witness. Identify repetitive patterns and reactions. Determine the value and intention of what you are thinking. Are you going in new directions intellectually or perpetuating old ones? Eclipse energy encourages expansion. Body, mind and spirit.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) As Uranus and Pluto gear up to make an exact square on May 20th – the day the Sun enters Gemini – focus on maintaining a daily spiritual practice. A bounty of planets in Taurus – your solar 12th house of past and present life karma – encourages divine connection via ego dissolution. Meditation and prayer are tools for ascension. Do the inner work.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Another exact hit of the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square takes place this month and brightly illuminates what is most imperative and first-in-line for change. Personal and professional goals may clash with relationship roles and responsibilities; partners may appear controlling and demanding. This is a major transformational process. Do the next right thing.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22) The Moon wanes and starlight brightens as we approach the May 9th new Moon solar eclipse. Taking place in fellow fixed-sign Taurus, you may feel the strong pulls and electromagnetic forces of the cosmos. Powerful winds of change blow through your heart and soul Seek out the people you respect and admire for guidance and direction. It’s time to grow.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Looking for love in all the wrong places? Or simply just looking and not finding what you want? In all cases and matters of the heart, follow your intuition. Focus on gratitude, especially in relation to life and life’s most simple pleasures. Happiness is an inside job, it’s a choice and up to you. Eclipse energy encourages exploration and travel. Seek and you shall find.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) In the middle of a powerful eclipse cycle, it is best to ride the tide and go with the flow. Witness internal dialogues and repetitive behavior patterns. Are you banging your head against the same old walls? If so, this suffering is the golden key to transformation. Accept that you are the one and only one capable of changing your life. One day at a time.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Powerful and poignant, these days and times are rife with cultural change and planetary transformation. And you are an important part and piece of the puzzle. Your thoughts, words and deeds resound and resonate throughout the cosmos. Recognize the impact of your presence upon personal and collective worlds. Know your power; use it wisely, for the good.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) Finding your way through the intriguing, beguiling forest of life’s miraculous journey is an exciting, uplifting, challenging and confounding venture. A natural explorer and discoverer, you may find yourself most at home on the road or in the throes of travel. Accept change, but strive for the stability of personal credibility. It will get you where you need to go.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) Lucky or unlucky you, it’s all in how you perceive and define it! In the middle of the most transformational, revolutionary individual and collective catharsis in decades, you are up front and center stage. Others look at and to you for behavioral clues and direction. Lead by example and work via attraction rather than promotion. Hang in there, do your best.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Revolutionary ruler Uranus squares passion and power-obsessed Pluto this month, planting explosive charges in the hidden corners and secret spaces of your life and times. This week, be on the lookout for your own inner dynamite and the self-activated behaviors that light the fuse. Calm and compassionate, slow down for fast relief. Life is short, enjoy it.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) As the countdown to the May 9th new Moon solar eclipse continues, breathe deep and take a good, long look around you. How much do you really see? Are you caught up in the superficial trappings of what others call success or are you living in harmony and support of your own hard-won, well-earned values? See the beauty, live in the bounty. Be true to you.

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

Editor’s note: We missed an email with a correction on the date of the new Moon solar eclipse. the text has been changed to read “May 9th”.