01 May ALACAZEM 2015.04.30
April 23 to 30, 2015 Visible planets: Morning: Saturn Evening: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter
It’s off-season in the San Juans, and it’s actually one of the best kept, most precious, secret times of year to be here. Really?
I drove to Telluride yesterday evening to attend a class at the Ah Haa School, a special place I have known since it was a glimmering sparkle in its founding father’s eye. Daniel Tucker, childhood chum and life-long Aquarius/Pisces cusp friend and “brother-in-arms” of my older sister Pam – they were born two days apart – showed up in Telluride in the early ‘90’s with a vision, a school for the creative arts. When he shared his vision with me way back then, I remember thinking, “That would be a dream come true.”
Telluride had nothing like it at the time. Yes, small groups of like-minded souls and struggling artists were gathering here and there to share their work, knowledge and inspiration, but there was absolutely no formal institution or structure dedicated to artistic learning, practice and endeavor. An actual place, a building to hold classes, to teach and learn? How stunning and practically impossible it seemed to me at the time. And today, manifest as one of the most eclectic, inspirational, creatively heart-filled art schools in the world.
I’m taking a class called “Taking It All Off: Writing Away the Layers Through Literary Burlesque” that is being taught by four women writers. The title sounds scary, and, I have to admit, it’s scary. Unwrapping the bandages I have wrapped around my wounds. Taking off the armor and clothing I hide behind, the hair and makeup. Exposing fears and failures, facing myself in the cold, hard light of day, under the mirror-microscope of personal truth. Brutal, rigorous honesty. And then, sharing it with the other women sitting around the table.
It’s off-season in Telluride. The streets are deserted. There are plenty of places to park. Most of the restaurants are closed. Locals have taken off to warmer climates; aqua waters, swaying plams, white-sand beaches, striped bikinis and sun-baked patios. Rolling surf, crashing waves, Margaritas and Pina Coladas. Funny thing, I’m taking off too, through words and feelings. Thanks to Daniel, thanks to my sister, the girls and off-season.
So here I am, sitting at my computer, writing words in the wild West End, thinking about exposure. A woman-girl, seeking enlightenment and courting inspiration. As the Taurus-Scorpio Moon is waxing, I feel the layers of my hopes and dreams, fears and sorrows. I understand the gravity and elation of emotion, the power of honesty. And full Moons are all about exposure and illumination. Once again, the stars are lined up and shining. Good luck, good hope, good travels. And happy trails, wherever you go, wherever you are.
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) This week’s Scorpio-Taurus full Moon illuminates issues of financial security, means of income and the ability to earn a living as well as matters of intimacy, joint investment and deep, subconscious desires. Where and what are you hiding from yourself and others? Why? Self-honesty is the most precious gift you can give to yourself! Take inventory of values, resources and self-esteem. Do what you need to do.
Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) As candles flicker and cakes are cut, rise to the occasion and celebrate another revolution around the Sun. You have so much to be thankful for, including the great good fortune of being born a Taurus. Commitment, focus and perseverance come naturally to the Bull, and understanding the value of patience and hard work pays off no matter what. This week, add love, laughter, faith and hope. It’s a magical mix.
Gemini (May 20-June 20) An intriguing lunation comes to fruition this week as fixed and mutable T-squares stir the celestial pot and turn up the heat on a bubbling mix of desire, passion, compassion, awakening, integration and transformation. Principles of nourishment and sustenance fuel idealistic fires. Keep your eyes and heart open to the unlimited potential and possibility of the world in all its beauty, magic and mystery. Carpe diem.
Cancer (June 20-July 22) Full Moons trigger inner awakening and outer awareness for Moonchildren. This week, the Sun-Moon opposition takes place in the Taurus-Scorpio polarity, the heart chakra axis of your solar chart. Intimate sharing, platonic love, conditional and unconditional relationships square off in a dance of have and have not. Attachment, detachment, faith and forgiveness are themes. Do your best, and accept the rest.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Magnanimous Jupiter in Leo plays angel’s advocate to this week’s Taurus-Scorpio full Moon lunation, surrounding you with an aura of positive enthusiasm, love and light. Generosity of spirit is one of your fortes and others drink it up. And so be it, as rampant greed and selfish interest need antidotes of altruistic example and clean motive. You are helping the world shift perspective via good work and right action.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) A wide T-square in Gemini[Mercury], Sagittarius[Saturn] and Pisces[Neptune] calls upon the Virgin to be an anchor in a rather tumultuous storm as the Moon waxes its way toward full. While you are more flexible that fixed and maintain the right to change your mind, focus on honesty and stick to what is right. Others are asking you for guidance and direction. Share your wisdom, experience, strength and hope.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) The Scorpio full Moon follows the Libra full Moon, transporting you from themes of partnership sharing to themes of partnership commitment. Personal survival and sustenance are also factors in the overall equation, reminding you to take care of personal needs and desires before you start working for and taking care of others. This week, focus on spiritual health and physical well-being. Practice is progress.
Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) The May 3rd Scorpio-Taurus full Moon is one of the four most important and impactful lunations of your solar year. Pay attention what comes to light, who shows up in your life and where you feel both comfortable and uncomfortable. A tight T-square from Jupiter in Leo to the Sun-Moon opposition challenges you to focus on spirit, i.e. your spiritual condition and health. Open your heart, embrace the Mystery.
Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) The profound influence of childhood conditioning and the need to question social, religious, political and cultural programming stands out like a rose bush in a cactus garden in the bright moonlight of the week. Saturn in Sagittarius has just started to align you with reality, in a good way. You may feel the first sparks of desire relative to limits, boundaries and commitment in general. Look for angels and follow their lead.
Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Taurus seeks comfort and stability while Scorpio craves challenge and transformation. Although apparently opposites, these two fixed archetypes are metaphysical polarities of the same source. Resources, values and self-esteem are themes this week and you will find that by associating with people who have good ones, yours also improves. Open your heart to acceptance to relieve suffering. Yes.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) You may encounter a variety of people seeking guidance and direction this week as planetary squares to Aquarius put you in the apparent position of an enlightened leader or wizened sage. Truth is, it’s not your first rodeo and the school of hard knocks has taught you how to survive and thrive in even the most challenging situations. Rise to the occasion. Help out by sharing your knowledge and experience.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Compassion, wisdom and experience are called upon this week as planetary squares put you in more than one challenging position regarding others. Focus on the facts, but look beneath the surface of what you see and hear. Most people are unaware of their own subconscious motivations and identify the superficial symptoms of a problem rather than the root cause. Ask questions, share experience and let go of expectations.
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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