ALACAZEM 2014.06.19

20 Jun ALACAZEM 2014.06.19

June 19 to 26, 2014   Visible planets: Morning: Mercury, Venus       Evening: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn

Summer solstice is one of the four cornerstones of the astrological year, along with autumn equinox, winter solstice and spring equinox. Summer and winter solstice mark the longest and shortest days of the year (in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.) while the spring and autumn equinox are days when the hours of light and dark are equal.

The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium or sol (sun) and stitium, which means to stop. At the time of both winter and summer solstice, the Sun appears to stop. As it reaches it northernmost point in summer and its southernmost point in winter, the Sun appears to remain still for a few days and then change direction.

Summer solstice occurs precisely when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined toward the Sun, at 23 degrees 26 minutes. In the Northern Hemisphere this takes place in June; in the Southern Hemisphere, summer solstice takes place in December.

This year, summer solstice takes place on Saturday, June 21 at 4:51 am MDT. From Stonehenge to Anchorage to Telluride, Tibet and Rome, celebrations of the season shall take place. And I couldn’t be happier. It’s Summer!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) With several planets retrograde, you may be reliving past memories and redefining what you think about how you got from there to here. The most important thing is to live fully in the present, applying past experience and lessons learned to your situation today. Solstice energy encourages self-nurturing. Be kind and gentle.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Venus moves through the last degrees of Taurus this week, putting finishing touches on creative projects and programs of self-enhancement. Others see you as an attractive target these days, so don’t be surprised if you feel like a people magnet. Beauty brings you great pleasure, surround yourself with it whenever possible. Focus attention on things you need to finish and redirect energy according to priority.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Mercury retrograde in Gemini translates as a super-powerful time for you to put the prefix “re” in front of every thing you do. Redirect attention and re-channel energy toward projects you have left undone, need to complete or have previously started. Also find time to relax and regenerate. Summer solstice portends a season for tying up loose ends, cleaning house and letting go of what no longer works.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Summer solstice marks the beginning of your solar year, a time of physical and spiritual rebirth and renewal. Handle each day like a sparkling, precious jewel; life has great worth and value. Mercury retrograde conjunct the Sun suggests a year of revitalization and restructure. As your12 year Jupiter cycle draws to a close, count your blessings and step confidently forward into the world of unlimited possibility. Expand and grow.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Spring ends and summer begins as solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. Fairies dance and spirits rise in celebration of the season. Pay attention to the numinous and divine, as the invisible world of angelic force directs and guides you. Nostalgic longing and romantic musings come and go as you replay movies from past life and love. Treat yourself kindly, forgive others and cultivate inner peace.

Virgo(Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Summer awakens spirit and inspires creativity. Hope and optimism are essential to making dreams become realities. The truth is, dreams are simply desires and desires fuel creation and manifestation. Tap into your heart daily, get to know what lives and breathes inside, nurture self-love and accept responsibility for what you do, think and say. Life is magic and you are the magician. Choose wisely, maintain progress.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Summer solstice initiates the season of sizzling days and seductive nights. All in wink, it’s here. And with so much dynamic force operating in the visible and invisible worlds, cool your jets and recalibrate your engine. Busy, busy is fine for a while, but too long and hard equals emotional stress, physical pain and spiritual depletion. Balance is what you run on. See to it you get the rest and relaxation you need.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Welcome to summer and the season of budding fruit and blossoming flowers. Beauty and bounty are themes as you continue upon the road of personal renewal and restructure. Connect with the Mother Earth’s natural abundance and nurturing power via peaceful, quiet time away from synthetic, virtual realities and computer-generated pastimes. Explore spirit and travel in positive, inspirational directions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) On the heels of the Gemini-Sagittarius full Moon, you may feel exhausted, over-the-hill or just “over it” in one-way or another. Take a break from the fast pace and intense spaces that social demands and responsibilities often deliver. Pick and choose exactly whom you want to spend time with now. Being in the presence of toxic influence can be deeply detrimental in body, mind and spirit. Relax and self-nurture.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) As the Sun enters zodiac Cancer and summer begins, Capricorns reach the halfway point in their annual journey around the Sun. This is a time of potential spiritual, emotional and mental balance, a time when you gravitate toward and attract people who inspire and uplift you. Listen to your intuition, follow your heart and find your angels.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) A plethora of planets in the first quadrant of your solar chart translates as an amazing time of self-sufficient, self-fueled action and manifestation. Financial opportunities abound now and buried treasure lies as close-to-home as your own back yard. With so much talent and ability, you need not travel far to expand and explore your world. Keep your heart open and your feet on the ground. Good luck!

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Summer solstice marks a powerful opening of the heart for the Fish. This is a magnificent time of creative power, romantic excitement and artistic expression. You may feel a deep sense of gratitude, joy and appreciation for the gift of life you have been given and find yourself wanting to express and show it to the world. Take your time and find the way. Embrace the magic and follow the signs.

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