ALACAZEM 2014.12.18

19 Dec ALACAZEM 2014.12.18

December 18 to 25, 2014   Visible planets: Morning: Jupiter, Saturn   Evening: Venus, Mars

The Season of Light takes place each year when the nights are longest and darkness reigns. It’s a time to acknowledge the retreat of the Sun and celebrate its return on Winter Solstice, the day our central star has reached its southernmost point on Earth’s visible horizon and appears to stop. On the day prior to solstice, the day of solstice and the day following solstice, the Sun appears to stand still. Thus the name solstice, which comes from the Latin words for “sun” [sol] and “stand still” [status, pp. of sistere, come to a stop]. The next day, the Sun reverses direction and begins its long journey north to Summer Solstice. With this reversal, the length of daylight gradually increases and nights start to shorten.

The seasonal significance and cultural importance of Winter Solstice throughout history and around the world has varied from culture to culture and civilization to civilization. Rituals, gatherings, festivals, holidays, and celebrations of rebirth and returning light – in honor of and homage to the Sun – were and continue to be universal. In America, Winter Solstice is overshadowed by and coincide with Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa – a.k.a. the politically correct “Holidays” – and everywhere we see veneration and celebrations of Light.

So, here we are, approaching December 21st – the day of Winter Solstice – lighting candles and – whether we know it or not – honoring the return of the Sun. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Blessed Kwanzaa. Happy Holidays. May your days be merry, your nights bright and your hearts filled with love and joy. Peace on Earth and Good Will to All…

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Love and money planet Venus squares Uranus in Aries and pairs up with Pluto in Capricorn the day prior to Winter Solstice, reminding you to stay calm and cultivate patience in both romance and finance. Illusions no longer hold up to the cold, hard facts of life, and for once you know that’s good. Solid foundations built on trust, honesty and integrity are essential to good relationships. Smile and be sweet, after all, why not?

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Voluptuous Venus, planetary ruler of both Taurus and Libra, dances with the big boys and comes out on top this week. Good news for the Bull. Philanthropic efforts and good intentions pave the way to a tremendously rewarding week. Spiritual awakening holds hands with practical action as you see the right-here-and-now results of your personal generosity regarding people you have helped. Good work!

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Planetary shifts and shimmers have you deeply involved with others, sharing intimate moments and feeling strong emotions. Life and death are themes as you gaze into the crystalline window of human suffering, joy and ecstasy. You also see the brilliant, shining light of hopes and dreams, friends and comrades as you journey the path of heart. Celebrate the light with light, feel the gratitude and chose joy.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Uranus, the Great Awakener, resumes forward motion as the Sun enters Capricorn on Winter Solstice, making this week one of great significance and renewed hope. The major shifts and adjustments you have had to make regarding family, home, partnership and career are now in place, and you can see that it’s good. Count your blessings and say your prayers as Santa shines his light on love. Merry, merry!

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) A very merry Christmas and blessed Winter Solstice come knocking at your door as planetary shifts reward you with an abundance of gifts and gold this year. All the busy-ness and over-the-top work and activity of last summer and fall morph into a slower pace, lighting the way with inner peace, love and grace. Open your heart, count your blessings and embrace the holiday spirit. Romance sparkles; life is good.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The whirlwinds of challenge and change mellow and morph as the glisten and glow of Christmas connects you with the real beauty and meaning of holiday giving and receiving. The greatest gifts are those of the heart, time and attention included. Share your love with the ones you love, focusing on what’s good. Refrain from coerced commercial spending and relax. Light the lights and share the beauty.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) As Winter Solstice marks the end of decreasing light, celebrate the return of the Sun. Honoring the natural world in all its beauty and bounty calms inner storms and connects you with what’s really going on – inside and out. Strong Capricorn energy encourages time at home and work within. Find your center of self as the holidays glisten and glow. The happier and healthier you are, the better you are for the world.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Master Teacher Saturn leaves Scorpio and enters neighboring Sagittarius this week, ending a 2-year period of serious karmic lessons and learning. This time has not been easy. Saturn forces us to drop illusion and see ourselves realistically, identify what needs to end and then get to work. Discipline and responsibility are key. Loss is common. But now, it’s time to utilize what you have learned and move forward. Go forth.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Solstice and Christmas celebrate the season of returning light, and this week it’s all about doing just that. Capricorn energy encourages temperance and practical, realistic thinking and action. And add to that, the entrance of Taskmaster Saturn in to Sagittarius, portending a serious 2-year ride of work and achievement. Enjoy the holidays now and notice the subtle changes happening within. No worries, it’s all good.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Velvet Venus in your sign embraces powerhouse Pluto and flirts with Uranus in a seductive dance of attraction and excitement. You may feel somewhat challenged or conflicted, but confident when it comes to what you want. A detached, philanthropic, humanitarian approach is best. Freedom as a spiritual dictum, live and let live. Solstice marks the beginning of your new solar year. Happy birthday month!

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) With motivator Mars now marching through Aquarius, you may feel more energized and ready to work on personal projects and agendas than you have in months. The good news is that you are truly capable of getting it done now. Channel energy in positive directions, get plenty of exercise and stay active. Guardian angels arrive with Christmas bounty and beauty. Enjoy the gifts and share the wealth. Lucky you!

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) A bounty of Capricorn energy encourages gatherings with friends and interactions with others in general. You may find yourself strongly attracted to people you don’t know, but share common interest. Get out and immerse yourself in the holiday swirl. Do something unconventional, give to those less fortunate and honor the true meaning of peace on earth, good will to men, and of course, women.

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