26 Apr ALACAZEM 2014.04.24
April 24 to May 1, 2014 Visible Planets: Morning: Venus, Saturn Evening: Mars, Jupiter
As we approach the annual advent of a Taurus New Moon – and this one happens to be a solar eclipse – I’m thinking about gardens. And what could be more appropriate for the zodiac’s first earth sign; sign of touching the earth, tilling the soil, planting the seed and sustaining the life within it. Following the primal thrust and survival instinct of Aries, Taurus is where and when we put down roots and establish a place of stability, security and sustenance. And gardens are perfect metaphors for doing just that.
The good news is that our Mother Earth turns green in Taurus, April showers feed May flowers and wild asparagus pops up all along the ditches and roadways. I’m busy transplanting seedlings and nurturing small herb and vegetable starts, gradually moving them into our small, outdoor greenhouse, hoping they make it through the cold nights and chilly mornings of early spring.
In the outside garden, my bright green garlic sprouts – planted last autumn – look happy and healthy amidst their golden straw mulch, but the spinach and lettuce seeds I planted a while back are yet to see the light of day. I take a deep breath and remind myself that “all is well on the western front” – at least it looks that way – and so that’s exactly the way I want to frame it.
Meanwhile, back in my astrology office, I am doing readings and talking to people who are struggling with life and relationships. Well, what’s new? Isn’t it always like that? Isn’t life a series of challenges and changes, ecstasies and triumphs, suffering and sorrow, confusion, chaos, joy, laughter and – hopefully – awakening?
Feeling a bit “distressed” – my word for the currently open eclipse window cycle, like I might be falling down the proverbial rabbit’s hole – and attempting to come up with a good description of this week’s Taurus new Moon eclipse energy as it entrains with the dynamic, rather didactic Jupiter, Mars, Pluto, Uranus grand cardinal cross in orb, I found the perfect piece of writing by Stephanie Austin in the April/May 2014 issue of The Mountain Astrologer:
Light encodes information; every second, our Earth receives about 3 billion megawatts of sunlight in the form of radio, X-ray, ultraviolet and other kinds of electromagnetic waves. Twice a year, the Sun, Moon and Earth align precisely to block the constant stream of solar radiation; during those moments, the energetic grids supporting creation are taken offline, recoded and rebooted. Old programs are erased and new possibilities become available. Solar eclipses thus function as extra-powerful New Moons, signaling a time of major endings and beginnings, completions and initiations. They occur close to the same degree every 19 years. On April 29, 1995, there was an eclipse at 08º56’ Taurus, within 5 arc minutes of this year’s April 29th solar eclipse. What was happening in your life then? Where do you need to go to the next level now?
A solar eclipse in Taurus signifies the readiness for a collective shift in how we interact with the physical world. Taurus is the first earth sign, concerned with the development of a healthy relationship to matter – to be neither too attached to nor disconnected from our bodies, resources and the Earth itself. Mercury conjoins this New Moon, urging us to develop new understandings and ways of working with nature. What we don’t understand, we tend to fear, and what we fear, we try to dominate and control. For many years, a deep fear of nature (and the feminine) has been fostered by patriarchal religious doctrines, leading to a profound disconnection from the denigration of the environment….
As we are still in the wake of the extremely powerful cardinal grand cross, it’s time to make a quantum leap. A new bottom line is being formed, a new relationship between man and matter, a new attitude toward nature, toward money and toward all life. Something profound is germinating in the collective consciousness: valuing ourselves, valuing love and beauty, valuing the Mother Earth.” – Stephanie Austin
So, there you have it. Go plant a garden! And then sustain it…con Dios y la diosa, las estrellas, la Tierra Madre y el espiritu santo. Good luck!
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr.19) Cosmic fallout from colliding ecliptic forces in orb last week continues as you pick up the pieces and attempt to move forward. Good news is that those illuminating full Moons, which bring things to fruition and zenith, are followed by new Moons, potent hallmarks for starting fresh. Take what you’ve learned and make the best of it. Onward and upward.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)The Taurus new Moon of every year is a benchmark of assessment for the year to come. What important developments and experiences took place over the last 12 months? What lessons have you learned? How have you grown? Do you feel better about yourself, your life and your relationships now than you did last year? Gather the grain, plant seeds for the harvest.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) The April 29th new Moon solar eclipse heralds the beginning of an in-depth phase of inner exploration and spiritual surrender. Compassion – for yourself and others – and forgiveness – of the same – are powerful allies on your journey inward. Understanding the connectedness of all beings, Mother Nature and the cosmos. illuminates your path. Happy trails.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) The Taurus zodiac month is perennially one of inspiration and aspiration for Moonchildren. The awakening of the Mother Earth supports and encourages your natural, inherent ways of experiencing, nurturing and sustaining life. Gather seeds, till the soil and plant gardens in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Seek camaraderie with those who understand.
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) As the world shifts, ceilings are shattered and foundations crumble. Good news is that the solid, fixed nature of Leo lions remains intact. Your biggest challenges these days come in the shape of other people, places and things. This process translates as a powerfully potent time for creating new personal boundaries and life structures. Focus on quality rather than quantity.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep.22) Taking action has been an important theme for you for months. And the last few weeks demonstrate that importance. Working with others with calm patience and fortitude is imperative for success, but may prove challenging in light of recent developments. Hold your tongue and cultivate compassion as you focus on solutions, positive ideas and right action.
Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 22) While you may have been somewhat shaken by the events and experiences over the last two weeks, you must now accept them and move forward. New Moon solar eclipse energy favors a calm head and steady heart. Focus on the facts, be patient with others and seek realistic, practical solutions to problems. Seek out quiet spaces and peaceful places to revitalize and regenerate.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Saturn retrograde in Scorpio continues to provide ample opportunity for retracing steps and retrofitting perspectives of soul and self. Others are more than happy and willing to accept apologies, reconsider options and reconstruct relationships. It really all comes down and back to you. What do you want? Take your time, no rushing, and just follow your heart.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) This week’s new Moon solar eclipse heralds the advent of a powerful new phase of self-improvement regarding personal health and well-being. Rather than self-criticize and condemn, embrace the art of wellness. Now consider what that is: positive attitudes, healthy boundaries, self-care, gratitude and the courage to maintain an open heart. Good luck. You can do it!
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) The shake, rattle and roll of the open eclipse window in light of the grand cardinal cross in orb may have rocks tumbling and thunder rumbling. But, whatever the manifestations, we must accept what comes. Knowing the difference between what we can change and what we cannot is the golden key. What can you change? You! Take the high road, follow the light.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Moving and grooving, living in the light, following your heart. All are handy slogans and colloquial clichés, but somehow they seem to work. One day at a time, you are gradually getting it done, making progress and feeling better and better about yourself and your life. Achievement requires commitment and perseverance. Congratulations, remain on task.
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) Communication is a theme for you these days and the rather reticent, receptive quality of this week’s Taurus new Moon solar eclipse favors the establishment of more disciplined boundaries regarding speech and thought. Pay attention to internal dialogues and habitual patterns of self-expression. Focus on efficiency, edit words, practice listening and learning.
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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