ALACAZEM 2015.08.06

10 Aug ALACAZEM 2015.08.06

August 6 to 13, 2015  Visible planets: Morning: Mercury  Evening: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn

The last edition of the Telluride Daily Planet Watch ran a cover story entitled “Stars Unseen: Visibility of the Night Sky is Rapidly Decreasing in America, but Advocates in Southwest Colorado are Trying to Keep the Nights Dark and the Stars Bright. Yes!

So happy to see an article on this very dear-to-my-heart topic. For years, I have cherished the magnificently dark, blue-black canopy of deep space spanning above my home here on Wrights Mesa. And before that, living up on Hastings Mesa, I also had the great good fortune of watching the same starry sky shimmer and sparkle in darkness as the seasonal constellations moved each night from east to west. Comets and asteroids, morning and evening stars, dancing planets, lunar eclipses and the ever-flowing River of Souls – our home galaxy, the Milky Way – meet and greet me evening to evening, night to night, thanks to the grace of living in places void of city lights and their inevitable nocturnal light pollution.

Wow! I have to admit, the night sky is a big part of my life. It’s my heart and soul, the physical-metaphysical stuff that fuels my spirit and connects me to the infinitely larger, ever-expanding Universe. It is what I’m made of. The cosmos, the mysterious place from which we come, from which we are born, where worlds and planets are created, exploding suns and collapsing stars, the bridge to forever, a touchstone to the eternal and divine, the infinite and timeless. It is here we catch a glimpse of the Great Mystery of life and death, creation and destruction, birth and rebirth, the end and the beginning, the alpha and Omega, the One.

I find peace and solace in the quiet magic and stunning beauty of the night sky. It reminds me that I am not alone. Venus and Jupiter, the Sun, the Moon and stars are my here-on-Earth life companions. They will not desert me, leave me crying or lost in a world of self-absorbed pity or anger. They will always greet me with the same heavenly light, the light of love, truth, non-judgment and acceptance. They are my friends and allies, consistent, dependable, far older and wiser than I.

The night sky keeps me sane, it puts things into perspective. It brings me up and out of my human self and world. I am reminded that I may not be all that important, and that my problems just might not be that important either. I might be the center of my universe, but I am certainly not the Center of the Universe. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

So, here’s to a great article in our sweet local paper about the advocates in southwest Colorado who are “trying to keep the nights dark and the stars bright.” Thank you, thank you, thank you for your fabulous, outstanding efforts. After all, we are the stars.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Following a busy, busy astrological week of expansion and contraction regarding love, money, work and desire, the stars align for an even more exciting show. Ruler Mars enters proud and courageous Leo, your solar 5^th house of passion, motivating you to action in matters of the heart. As always, be aware of impulse and risky business. Focus on value, clarify intention and use good judgment.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Good luck planet Jupiter moves into virginal Virgo this week and will remain there long into 2016. This heralds the beginning of an increasingly more romantic, creative year for the Bull, a time of heart-opening experience and spiritually enriched opportunity. Consider what inspires you. What are your highest goals and aspirations? The coming months lay out a golden path to your dreams. Are you willing?

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Ruler Mercury joins force with Venus and Jupiter in Leo before entering discriminating Virgo, adding fuel to the fire when it comes to love. Thoughts or conversations may turn toward relationship issues that need resolution, especially if someone feels unloved or unappreciated. It’s time to be honest about motives and expectations, honor the complexity of individuality and focus on positive, proactive solutions.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Motivator Mars in Cancer trines taskmaster Saturn in fellow water-sign Scorpio as the forecast week begins, giving you a hefty boost of energy and will when it comes to matters of the heart. You may find yourself suddenly pursuing something or someone you love or desire, or taking care of a longstanding romantic or financial debt. Whatever the manifestation, keep the ball rolling and be willing to move on.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) As the Lion roars in celebration of another revolution around the Sun, several planets change signs, shape-shifting the landscape and providing you with the perfect venue to embrace life. Mars now in Leo promises almost two months of positive, pro-active, strong physical energy to tackle projects large and small. Focus on good intentions, motives and outcomes. Seek beauty, give love and experience joy.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Generous, jovial Jupiter, planet of good luck, good will and good fortune, enters Virgo on August 11^th and opens the door on a year of golden opportunity and expanding horizons. Take a deep breath and count your blessings. You have worked long and hard in a variety of disciplines and situations. Keep the faith and stay the course. The next twelve months are glittering gold, literally and metaphorically.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Sweet, seductive Venus – in all her shimmering beauty and bounty – has been dancing with Jupiter for weeks in brilliant Leo, keeping you inspired. Meanwhile, taskmaster Saturn has been cracking the whip in seething Scorpio, telling you life is serious and you had better make the most of your time here on earth – do the work! Good news! Serenity, peace and freedom are on the way. Relax, let go and let it flow.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) A supportive trine from energetic Mars in Cancer to serious Saturn in Scorpio provides you with a powerful spiritual uplift, illuminating a path of higher purpose and perspective. The tests, trials and tribulations of the last few years have redefined your reality and restructured your world. Congratulations! You are stronger, wiser and more beautiful than ever. You have everything you need.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Ruler Jupiter moves from passionate, dramatic Leo into virtuous, virginal Virgo this week, opening the door on a year of increasing career opportunity and expanding professional options. Your innately positive attitude and enthusiastic approach to life provides the world with light and hope, helping others on the path. These days, that’s a precious commodity. Stay the course, shine your light and keep the faith.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars align in a combination of opportunity and illumination regarding love, hope and inspiration. Partners and mates are willing and wanting to provide you with what you need and assist you in getting what you want. Of course, communication is essential here as others aren’t exactly skilled at reading your mind. Open your heart, trust the Universe and accept what comes.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) As the Leo Sun moves through your solar 7^th house of relationships, why not get out and about, make contact with friends and family? See the people, places and things that beckon discover and engagement. You are moving into the second half of your solar year now. The last six months have served as a process of self-discovery and self-improvement. Now it’s time to join force with others, partner up and share life.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) The last six years of your life have given favor to inner work, self-discovery and personal process. Jupiter moving through the bottom half of your solar chart provided you plenty of opportunity to work, heal and grow. On August 11^th Jupiter moves into Virgo and enters your solar 7^th house of engagement, partnership and sharing. Are you ready? Dust the furniture and polish the silver. The guests are coming.

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