10 Jan ALACAZEM 2014.01.09
January 9 to 16, 2014 Visible Planets: Morning: Mars, Saturn Evening: Jupiter
Anyone interested in astrology – and even many who aren’t – has heard the term “Mercury retrograde.” And depending upon their astrological IQ, they either know what it means, have a vague idea, don’t really know or don’t really care. Funny thing is, it’s become a somewhat mainstream term. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people come up to me and ask, “What’s going on? Is Mercury retrograde?”
The general understanding out there in our modern social, intellectual, technological 21st century world is that when Mercury is retrograde, things just get screwed up. Things break down, trips are canceled and ships cross in the night. And because Mercury happens to be the multi-faceted, multi-talented “messenger of the gods,” ruling everything on the mental plane – including thoughts, ideas, perceptions, speech, internal dialogues, books, news, mail, email and texts, as well as medicine, magic, machines, commerce, communication, transportation and travel – it has a reputation for wreaking havoc, or at least upsetting, the best laid plans of mice, men and the overall mechanics of how it all works. But, of course, there is always a silver lining to every mercurial, quicksilver cloud.
I like to remind people that whenever a planet is retrograde – and all planets, except the Sun and Moon [which aren’t really planets], experience periods of apparent retrograde motion – the Universe actually favors all actions, things and situations that begin with the prefix “re.” It’s a naturally magical combination of planetary rulerships and “re” energy. All we have to do is remember to do the mechanics, and, voila! – we’re up and running – even if we are running backward!
The good news this is that Mercury is not retrograde this week, or still moving through its forward motion “shadow period” – we finished that up just prior to Thanksgiving 2013. The planet I’m referring to today is none other than the beautiful, seductive goddess of love, money, art and value – magnificent, dazzling planet Venus.
Venus, Mother Earth’s closest planetary companion, went retrograde on Winter Solstice, December 21st @ 29º Capricorn. [The Venus shadow period – the point along the ecliptic that Venus will retrograde back to before it resumes forward motion on January 31, 2014 – began on November 20, 2013 [when Venus was at 13º Capricorn, which is the point it retrogrades back to on January 31st] and it will end on March 4, 2014 [when Venus returns to 28º Capricorn, which is the point where it went retrograde on Winter Solstice 2013.]
Bottom line: From December 21, 2013 to January 31, 2014, practice putting the prefix “re” in front of every word that has to do with your relationships, love life, value systems, financial situation, art, creative pursuits, fashion, femininity, projects of beautification and campaigns for peace, harmony and justice. Good luck and may the beauty, peace, harmony and sweet love of Venus be your inner companion and outer guardian.
For more on Venus retrograde click on the links to the www.cafeastrology.com website or Dana Gerhardts insightful www.mooncircles.com blog. Sweet peace and love…
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) The advent of the New Year – complete with a dynamic cardinal cross and fresh new Moon – started 2014 with plenty of snap, crackle, pop! The good news is that you are now awake and aware, ready to let go of the past and move forward into the unwritten future. Act like you have no personal history and fully embrace the present. Go forth.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) With ruler Venus retrograde in Capricorn – your solar 5th house of love and creative pursuit – you may find yourself reviving past romance or taking another look at projects you once found exciting, but decided to pass by. Matters of finance and partnership top your list of priority and attention. It’s time to restructure both. Good luck!
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Venus plays a seductive role in the week as romantic and financial options dance with Saturn, Lord of Karma. Investment partnerships must be re-addressed and re-examined, look at figures and balance equations. Identify how you can be of service and support as you focus on practical, realistic solutions. Cultivate patience and save money rather than spend it.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) While themes of relationship, partnership and your part in them continues, you are now in a more illuminated head and heart-space to truly understand the powerful dynamic behind your own personal actions and behaviors. Energy is catchy, the quality and quantity of what you exude strongly influences the outcome of every situation. Be responsible.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Messenger Mercury enters your solar 7th house of important others this week, opening channels of communication and business in personal, commercial and professional relationships. Cultivate healthy emotional detachment in all matters of negotiation and intercourse, focus on practical solutions and actual facts. Be calm and cool.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) The Capricorn zodiac month always keeps the heart chakra open and active for the Virgin, and this year says, “open wide!” Lovers and friends activate feelings and may request your time and attention; the challenge is in finding it. Remember to maintain healthy boundaries as you help others delineate realistic solutions to problems. Just don’t get lost!
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) Venus retrograde in your solar 4th house of home and family has you focused on what needs fixing or repairs in both. Whether it’s a messy closet or a misguided sister, do your best to maintain patience, peace and productivity. A one-day-at-a-time approach works best. Show up for yourself and others, focus on facts, do the work and see realistic progress.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Serious, Master Teacher Saturn in your sign sextiles a retrograde Venus in Capricorn this week, awarding you with subtle and obvious opportunities for finding realistic solutions and practical strategies in matters of romance and finance. As you continue to restructure your personal world, embrace the arts of acceptance and responsibility. It works!
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) As the Sun conjuncts a retrograde Venus in Capricorn this week, you may feel the brilliance of your personal values and desires outshining the shimmering rays of others. You know the power of truth and cannot follow a road of deceit or deception for long. Acceptance, responsibility and defenseless are allies now. Take the high road, and follow the light.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) Many people, places and things are at your beck and call these days; everyone seems to want a piece of your pie. And with voluptuous Venus retrograde in your sign, you must re-vision and re-create the world as you see it. Challenges remain hot and heavy. These days and times – actions, words and deeds – write your future. Pay attention to what you do. It’s karma.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)nFleet-footed Mercury – ancient messenger of the gods – moves into Aquarius this week and opens the door on many multi-faceted options and opportunities. Others are seeking your inventive ideas and practical but progressive solutions to everyday life situations and circumstances. Your perspective is helpful, so give it with truth and honesty. Then move on.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) You may have realized that the stress and strain exhibited by others these days seems to have passed you by. It’s not that you don’t have challenges, hey, that’s life! But, somehow, you are less upset and more emotionally detached. Congratulations! The cosmos encourages practical, compassionate solutions. Do your best to guide and assist productive resolutions.
Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on a high mountain desert mesa 40 miles west of Telluride. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com.
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