18 Sep ALACAZEM 2015.09.17
September 17 to 24, 2015 Visible planets: Morning: Venus, Mars, Jupiter Evening: Mercury, Saturn
“Same thing only different.”
It’s something an old cowboy friend of mine liked to say. He was also the one who used to tell me to “baby up” – as opposed to “man up” or “cowboy/cowgirl up” – when I wasn’t feeling good or had hurt myself. He also told me that when he was troubled over something or someone, he would make sure he “slept on it” before he jumped to conclusions, took action or made a decision. “Go home and sleep on it,” he used to say. Wise one, that Mario. Mario Zadra.
Autumn always reminds me of my old friend and his wisdom. The slow way he used to walk and talk. The calm serenity, peace and comfort that permeated his country kitchen as coffee perked on the kitchen stove. The Navajo rugs and old photos of horses and friends hanging on the walls, saddles and tack here and there, and always a good cow dog close by, close to body and heart.
Today Mario whispers in the wind, dances with the leaves and rides to the ridge where the West commences, gazes at the Moon ‘til he’s lost his senses and, like many who love the rolling seasons and wide-open spaces, he is free to wander over yonder, beyond the far horizon. He is free to roam. He is free.
One autumn day long ago, Mario and I were at his Norwood ranch, standing outside between the house and barnyard. I had spent a couple of hours with him and it was time to go. Magnificent blue skies and golden trees surrounded us. Suddenly a maverick whirlwind took a wild spin on his still green grass, lifted the leaves and came swirling our way. For an instant, as leaves and wind enveloped us, we were part of a laughing, living moment of magic, embraced by Mother Nature in a vortex of communion, transcendence and transformation. It was quick and powerful, leaves circling all around, and then the tiny whirlwind disappeared as quickly as it came. We laughed like children. It was a moment suspended in time, a moment I will remember forever.
As I turned to leave, I mentioned how the changing leaves that fall seemed more vibrant than usual, more beautiful, more breathtaking. I asked him if he knew why. He nodded his head and rather reluctantly said a few words about water and light, moisture content, temperature and weather. But then he stopped and took a good, long look at the countryside, the deep blue sky and snow-kissed, shining mountains. When I got in my car, he shut the door. With his large hand resting on the doorframe, he smiled and said, “It’s just the same thing, only different.”
Happy, blessed Autumnal Equinox. It’s our day to celebrate celestial equality in heaven, and on Earth. This year it takes place on September 23rd @ 2:21 a.m. MDT. Welcome to the season of changing, swirling leaves. The season of transformation. May we walk in peace, joy, love and starlight.
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Moving through the middle of an eclipse window always has its charms and challenges. This one begins with self-awareness and self-responsibility and will finish with a renewed understanding of your place and position in your most important relationships. A fiery Venus-Uranus trine supports truth and freedom but also reminds you that love is the ultimate. Choices now create future realities.
Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) As we approach the Autumnal Equinox – one of the year’s two days of equal light and dark – tap into the equanimity and balance available to us here on Earth. Peace and beauty are tonics for the soul now, so indulge in both when and where you can. Collaboration with others who share your values and visions help calm and center you amongst potential chaos. Direct energy in positive ways to enliven and enrich your life.
Gemini (May 20-June 20) The upcoming full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries-Libra illuminates your hopes, dreams and visions of the future in the light of your relationships. Things you want to do are highly influenced by the people with whom you are involved and committed. Service and the desire to help yourself, others and the world heal and live more consciously are themes. Joy and goodness are allies and guides. Tap into and follow your heart.
Cancer (June 20-July 22) Autumn Equinox takes place just past midnight on September 23rd and opens the door to our season of transformation and metamorphosis. For Moonchildren, this heralds a major shift in focus and priority, a time when you turn inward, find comfort at home and feel the desire to nest and nurture. Of course, the world outside your door continues to pull you out and about. Cultivate balance and peace.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) A liberating Venus-Uranus fire trine encourages freedom, truth and heartfelt love in your life and relationships. Embrace the spiritual law of detachment and accept others as they are as opposed as how you want them to be. Everyone has the right to individuality and independence, in fact it’s something you need to encourage and promote. Eclipse energy asks for service and humility. Give gifts freely and with joy.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) As you move through the second week of the Virgo lunar month, be attentive to the awesome cosmic power and potential surrounding you. Mother Nature is an awesome comfort and source of strength; embrace her beauty and bounty as you begin another solar year here on Earth. Autumn Equinox heralds a shift from self to others, a time to take responsibility for your part and simply do the work. Enjoy the joy of goodness.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) As Virgo morphs into Libra, take some good quality time to examine your health and happiness quotient. How are you feeling, what are you doing? Stress and anxiety are damaging to physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological wellness. Breathe deep and feel the freedom of release as you exhale, letting go of negativity and fear. This is a time of rebirth for you, cleansing the soul of toxic thoughts and emotions sets you free.
Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) You may feel challenged by outside forces or significant others to be more loving and giving, less rigid, controlling and judgmental. Good news is that you are already willing and ready. Great lessons have been learned via Saturn’s two-year transit through your sign. You lost and let go of dysfunctional behaviors and relationships, identified what worked and what did not. And now you are doing the work. Good stuff.
Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Master Teacher Saturn moves back into Sagittarius following a brief return trip to Scorpio, turning the tide and shifting the focus from the power of emotion to the power of spirit. This planetary ingress also initiates a two-year process of letting go, pruning the bush and terminating what no longer works for you. This is a time when you will no longer buy into illusion, but rather crave reality. Good luck, good spirit!
Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Seasonal shifts are always big for cardinal Capricorns. And autumn is a perennial time of reckoning regarding life direction and life achievement. You may feel a strong need to identify your purpose and direction, reconsider your professional path and take a good look at the concept of ambition. As always, desire fuels the motor, so start there. No worries, you are already a star. It’s just time to polish the shine.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Sweet, loving Venus and freedom-loving Uranus dance in fire again this week, exciting the masses via themes of non-conventional, creative lifestyles, unusual pairings and surprising romance. You may find yourself inspired and awakened to new types of relationships and activities. Friendships blossom and sudden attractions fuel desire and accomplishment. Embrace the magic and enjoy the joy.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) The recent solar eclipse new Moon in Virgo awakened you to the unlimited potential of the Universe and the many, multi-dimensional relationships of which you are an influential part. Chiron and Neptune in Pisces are also players here and will continue to place you in the position of healer and spiritual guide. Whatever the manifestation, be sure to take good care of you. Maintain healthy boundaries, rest and relax.
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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