ALACAZEM 2014.01.02

02 Jan ALACAZEM 2014.01.02

January 2 to 9, 2014   Visible Planets: Morning: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn    Evening: Venus, Jupiter

Wow! I’m exhausted. Although my Christmas week and New Year’s celebrations were unusually quiet and calm this year – no relatives, no big parties, no big bonfires – I feel somehow very tired. I am grateful and blessed, I am lucky to live in a place so close to nature, a place of silent grandeur and peace. Bald eagles perch on deadstand pinon and gnarly cottonwoods outside my window and along the roadside, stunning sunrise mornings and magnificent sunsets greet and bid the days adieu. And I know I can rest, relax and recharge my batteries, prepare for what lies ahead – simply do my best – embraced by Mother Earth.

No matter where we go, there we are. I live and breathe the same love, fear, joy and anger the entire world lives and breathes. In and out, respiration and inspiration – we do go on – day by day, week by week, year by year. And today, it’s a New Year – a mile-marker, a point along the trail. We are reminded that the future is unwritten and we can always begin anew.

To the west, a slender, delicate slice of a crescent Moon shines through a darkened, misty sky like an illuminated lamp on a foggy sea. Venus – planet of love and beauty – lies hidden behind the clouds, slowing disappearing behind the horizon. In the east, brilliant Jupiter – planet of good luck, good hope and good fortune – shimmers rays of encouragement and inspiration to all those willing to look up, see the light and follow its glow.

Happy New Year and Prospero Ano Nuevo. May you be blessed with peace, love, joy, good health, good fortune and good will. Hello and welcome, 2014!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) 2014 begins with a mandate from Capricorn saying that cleaning up the past is critical to being able to create the future. Bringing fears and desires to the light of consciousness is an essential step to healing and future success. Cooperate with authority rather than resist it, as much as you may want to fight. Inner peace is imperative now. This too shall pass.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) The first week of 2014 is packed with dynamic planetary push and pull, snap, crackle and pop. But the opportunity to break through the illusionary façade of falsehood, deceit and deception via the illuminating light of truth promises ultimate redemption. You are being called upon to act out of higher-self consciousness and present-moment awareness. Do your best.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) No one escapes the steady but wild tide of awakening and sobriety that comes with the first week of 2014, including the elusive, clever, shape-shifting Twins. A powerful planetary conjunction delivers a package of reality that some may not want to see or hear. Temper the presentation with detachment and recognize that change is a forever constant.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. Whether they take place near or far, their essential necessity remains true. The biggest challenge may be in not taking it all personally and reacting with potentially damaging – to yourself or others – emotion. Discovery and growth are themes. It may not feel comfortable, but ultimately it’s best. Ride the wave of change.

Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Why buck the tiger when you can ride the tide with style and grace? Lions may roar and bare their mighty fangs, but in the end, it’s all for show. 2014 promises you the good luck and great, good fortune of the coveted 12-year Jupiter return. This means you are now wrapping up everything that began 12 years ago. Use pretty paper and don’t forget the bow!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) At best, the Capricorn time of year is perennially one of creative urges and romantic delights for Virgins. And some years are better than others. 2014 begins with a mixed back of tricks and treats. Old lovers may lament a break-up while new ones beckon excitement. Your best path lies in self-recovery and self-care. Temper lust with caution. Remain calm, take it slow.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) An extremely dynamic cardinal cross – involving a highly excitable, volatile Mars[Libra]/Uranus[Aries] opposition – has you dealing with lighted fuses and hot tempers in relationships. Do your best to remain calm and practical as you seek solutions, discuss options and negotiate settlements. Cultivate the wisdom of emotional detachment. Stay centered.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) You may find yourself in the midst of fireworks this week as celestial forces collide, throwing sparks and lighting fires in places you thought had been identified as neutral territory. Call upon the aid and support of guardian angels, spiritual practices and invisible forces. Strange as it is, you may discover victory in surrender. What may feel like defeat is not.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) Ruler Jupiter squares off in an explosive, dramatic dance with warrior Mars and revolutionary Uranus as the year begins, blasting a path through uncharted territory in deep, intimate relationships. Commitment is the keyword here, and we all know how scary that is to freewheeling Archers. Relax, breathe and keep your arrows handy, but don’t even take aim.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) 2014 begins with a pack of planets together in force in Capricorn. Good news is that you have plenty of cosmic support, not so good news is that there are plenty of adversaries on deck challenging your position, authority and interest. Only equitable – a word you may not like – solutions fly now. You must concede to succeed. Otherwise, accept the consequences.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Ruler Uranus in fiery Aries and excitable Mars in air-apparent Libra both support and encourage your natural tendencies toward individual liberties and personal freedoms. And that is exactly where you can help humanity and assist the spiritual evolution and awakening of the collective. Live and let live and lead by example. Carry the torch of truth.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) 2014 starts off with a bang, and you may not appreciate the rather explosive fallout and collateral damage it showers upon your cozy hearth and home. Hiding out works only as long as the universe allows it. We are pulled toward engagement by unforeseen, magnetic, invisible forces. Rise to the occasion, cultivate faith and be guided by a combination of practical realism and compassionate action.

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