ALACAZEM 2014.11.13

16 Nov ALACAZEM 2014.11.13

November 13 to 20, 2014   Visible planets: Morning: Mercury, Jupiter      Evening: Mars

Anniversary is a word we use for all kinds of things. Weddings and festivals are two that come to mind. Annual birthday celebrations honor another year upon planet Earth – another revolution around the Sun – one’s personal anniversary of life. Anniversaries remind us of life’s turning points, and serve us as markers through time. Days we went take stock of where we are today in light of where we were before. Many anniversaries are happy, with cakes and candles, presents and dancing. But we also take note of those events that bring tears to our eyes and sorrow to our hearts. Some are collective events – the death of a world leader, the marriage of a prince and princess, a natural disaster, the beginning or end of war.

I have lived long enough to observe and commemorate many anniversaries. I have been married now longer than I was single. I have watched many, many Super Bowls and attended countless annual festivals in Telluride. In America, the Independence Day holiday celebration on the 4^th of July is the most obvious national anniversary. On the darker side, the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 and the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 stand out as two tragic collective experiences that changed the face of time and continue each year to evoke memories and feelings of shock, mourning and loss.

Happy and sad, joy and sorrow, birth and death. We humans are here on Earth feeling our feelings and facing our fears, celebrating life, sharing our hopes and dreams, doing the best we can. Life is an enigmatic journey of agony and ecstasy, laughter and tears. All of us have lost people we loved, cried in the darkness and prayed for salvation. And all of us have experienced the magic of love and the miracle of grace. Broken hearts break open, and grateful hearts heal pain.

This week I take note of a 20-year anniversary of someone I love, someone I lost to the world of spirit. I am honoring the life and love of my sweet niece Lise, who left us on a snowy, slushy, icy night in November 1994. It’s difficult to face my sorrow and share my pain with the world, but for some reason I am compelled to do so. I know I am not the first person on this planet who has lost someone they love and feels the deep, mysterious loss of their absence every time the anniversary of their departure rolls around – in fact, we are everywhere. The amount of love we feel for the departed is equal to the amount of sorrow we feel for no longer having them physically present on Earth, here with us. I also understand that ultimately, it is all about compassion, gratitude and the grace of love.

So as the metaphysical, mysterious, dark, death and rebirth energy of the Scorpio zodiac month draws to a close, may we find the courage and strength to feel our deepest feelings and face our greatest fears. May we connect with spirit, hug the ones we love, count our blessings and discover the magic of grace.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The last week of zodiac Scorpio favors introspection and inner work. Understanding the extreme influence your behavior has over your life and relationships is the key to happiness, health and true wealth. Blaming others for troubles or believing someone else can solve your problems postpones progress and impedes growth. Personal responsibility, right action and living amends unlock doors to freedom.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) As ruler Venus moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius, take note of any and all relationship change. You may discover a more uplifting, optimistic enthusiasm where others are concerned. By focusing on the positive aspects and qualities of those with whom you are committed, you nurture their growth. Motivation to expand your world – mentally, physically and spiritually – continues. Go with it.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Love and money planet Venus enters your solar 7^th house of commitment and marriage this week and remains there for several. Don’t be surprised if others are knocking at your door, delivering presents and requesting your attention. Sharing and pairing is favored now, romance glimmers and it’s a fabulous time for being with the ones you love. And don’t keep it superficial, go deeper and discover magic.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) You may feel more serious and committed regarding love and romance than you have in months as the Sun and Saturn come together in your solar 5^th house of the heart. Fun is fun and laughter is the best medicine, but somehow you are wanting to prune the bush when it comes to fluffy, flirtatious, superficial relationships. In other words, you don’t want to waste your time. If it’s good, work on it. If not, let it go.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Following a very busy week of planetary clash and crash, with issues of personal freedom, will and responsibility leading the charge, you may just want to find a warm, safe, soft place to relax and take it easy. Over-doing and over-thinking add to stress and erode happiness, health and well-being. Jupiter in your sign favors good thoughts, right action and good faith. Count your blessings and enjoy the bounty.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) As guardian angels and angelic beings continue to bless you with unusually sweet songs and signs of their presence, keep your feet on the ground and eyes on the road. Life is a dance of perpetual balance. We must maintain healthy boundaries in everything we do. Understanding equations of action and consequence is key to living a happy, healthy life. Give people space and tale care of your own back yard. Keep it clean!

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Mars conjunct Pluto and square Uranus in cardinal signs last week may have tested your sense of inner peace and outer calm as crazy, chaotic forces and influences bring issues of deception, control and coercion out of the darkness and into the light. Stay centered in truth, right action and integrity as others may try to hook or entangle you in their very sticky web. Breathe deep, embrace nature and get good sleep.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Venus moves from Scorpio into neighboring Sagittarius this week, opening doors of enhanced financial opportunity via personal creativity. With so many gifts and talents, the world is your oyster. Take a good look at what you love and value. Are you happy at your job, is your work fulfilling? If not, it’s time to consider what inspires you. In so many words, do what you love and the rest will follow.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) On the heels of a wild week of planetary push and shove, radical awakening and realistic acceptance and adjustment regarding love, money and romance, voluptuous Venus moves into your sign. Translation: seek the peace, mend fences, feel and follow your heart. You will not regret doing the kind thing, no matter who or what. Truth is your warrior but compassion is your ally. Be sweet and enjoy the joy.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) You may feel the winds of change blowing through your heart and head as you cross a bridge from past to present this week. If you are feeling tired, beat up, over-worked or just over it, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. Recent planetary conjunctions and squares in your sign have forced a variety of rather surprising awakenings to the surface of awareness. Stay centered and know you are loved.

 Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Snap, crackle, pop! The world turns as political upsets and positioning for power runs rampant. Whether it’s national, regional, local or personal, you are well aware of what fuels the fire and turns the wheel: money. A rather disgusting, disturbing state of affairs? Yes. And yet, you are smart enough to understand human nature and that you can only be responsible for you. That said, just do your best. Focus on inner peace.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Your ruling planet Neptune goes direct this week after several months of retrograde. This heralds a major shift and virtual sea change of emotion and feeling for the Fish. Dreams, illusions, ideals, hopes, wishes and desires have come full circle over the last year. You are now standing on the brink of a new land and era of personal creativity. Gather inner resources, identify inspirations and prepare to begin.

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