ALACAZEM 2015.09.24

25 Sep ALACAZEM 2015.09.24

September 24 to October 1, 2015  Visible planets: Morning: Venus, Mars   Evening: Saturn

The Autumnal Equinox marks one of the four most significant celestial points in the Earth’s annual orbit around the Sun, and in the Northern Hemisphere, opens the door on the longest seasonal celebration of the year, the season of Harvest.

For millennia, humankind has struggled to survive, and survival depended upon the awareness of seasonal shifts and changes. Watching the Sun move from north to south on the eastern and western horizons, as days shortened and nights grew longer, led to the understanding that changing temperatures and weather patterns synchronized with its movement. The embracing warmth and verdant foliage of one season would gradually slip away to be replaced by stunning golds and blazing reds, cooling days and colder nights, followed by biting winds, frozen ice and blankets of deep, glistening snow. Thus, hunters hunted and gatherers gathered in preparation for the long, cold season ahead.

Fast forward to the present day of our rapidly spinning technological world, where humans have far advanced beyond the hunter-gatherer mentality-reality of our ancestors. We have a plethora of grocery stores and farmers markets overflowing with fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruits, vegetables, juices, meats and grains. Many people’s hands will never touch a bow and arrow or use a shovel. But we still celebrate the Harvest.

Instincts die hard, they are built into our DNA. And we are creatures evolved from and controlled by light. When days shorten, we instinctively sense the change and we react in conscious and unconscious ways. As temperatures drop, landscapes transform, birds gather and animals migrate, our ancient genetic memory kicks in. Something stirs deep within and we feel it, heart and soul.

So, welcome to the enchanting season of Autumn Harvest and the exciting week of the Harvest Moon. This year, the Harvest Moon takes place on September 27^th @ 04°40’ Aries-Libra and comes to us as the last of four “blood Moons” [total lunar eclipses] in a row, a relatively rare celestial occurrence called a tetrad. And to top it off, this lunation is also the second Super Full Moon in a row and the closest Super Moon of the year. (Super Moons occur because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical and its distance to Earth varies throughout its yearly orbit. The Moon is 26,465 miles closer to Earth at perigee – when it is closest – increasing gravitational effects and electromagnetic currents, tidal flows, weather patterns and, of course, human senses, emotions and behaviors.)

And, one more thing. Eclipses taking place close to a solstice or equinox – the four most significant celestial points in the Earth’s annual orbit around the Sun – are even more highly potentized as there is a reduction in the Earth’s magnetic field, thus opening etheric gateways and galactic portals. Less resistance equals greater speed. Hang on to your hats, or take them off, and let the energy flow. Happy Harvest Moon!

p.s. This total lunar eclipse will be partially visible in much of the world and completely visible in the eastern United States, eastern Canada, Greenland and Iceland, all of South America, western Europe and west Africa.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Energy intensifies this week as the September 27^th Full Moon lunar eclipse comes to fruition in Aries-Libra, shining even more light on the roles, responsibilities, expectations and disappointments in your most important relationships. This has been a breakthrough year regarding others and one which will go down in your personal history as game-changing. Keep doing your best.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) In the quest for true partnership we journey near and far. The road goes up and down, flattens out, twists and turns. Balance, honesty, integrity and trust are keys to success, but we must also remember love and compassion. All relationships begin and end with the relationship we have with ourselves. The happier and healthier you are, the better others also feel. Surrender to your highest self and enjoy the results.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) The conjunction of Vesta, goddess of the sacred flame, to the Aries Full Moon emphasizes the necessity for self-determination and wholeness in relationships. Meanwhile the Libra Sun conjoins Juno, goddess of marriage, stressing the quest for true, fulfilling partnership. How to balance the me and we? The present is all we really have so stay in the moment and focus on truth, goodness, love and joy.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) You may be feeling pressure from both inside and outside this week. So much to take care of and get done. Where does the time go? Harvest season is indeed a busy, busy time. As seasons change, you may sense and feel the Earth actually turning. And this week’s Full Harvest Moon lunar eclipse is intense. Wise Moonchildren focus on gratitude and relax in their work. There is so much to be thankful for! Embrace life.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Sharing, pairing and partnership are ongoing themes this week and month. Throw in a Full “super” Harvest Moon lunar eclipse, and well, how could it get more robust or intense? Meanwhile, Mercury retrograde keeps throwing you back, reminding you to finish what you’ve started, tie up loose ends and work on closure. Keep communication diplomatic and take the high road with others. You’re doing great!

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The New Moon solar eclipse in Virgo [9.13.15] gave birth to this week’s Full Moon lunar eclipse [9.27.15] in Aries-Libra, putting you in the driver’s seat when it comes to relationships. And because you are now in the first phase of a new 12-year Jupiter cycle, you may find yourself happier and more optimistic than you have been in years. Things are definitely good. Stay positive, focus on goodness and seize the day.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) If you’ve been feeling a variety of intense emotions and thinking unusual thoughts regarding others, don’t flip out. You are not crazy. A pack of planets and asteroids in Aries – conjunct the Moon – are playing games of war with your nice, peace-loving Libra Sun. Of course, we know who wins, the calm, balanced, relaxed, courageous spiritual warrior. Just breathe deep and focus on goodness and the beauty all around you.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Intensity is the name of the game this week as a Full “super” Harvest Moon in Aries-Libra joins force with asteroid goddesses and wily tricksters way before it’s time for the costumes, disguises and mysteries of Halloween. Dedication, focus and clarity of purpose are allies for Scorpios this week. You may find great goodness, peace and solace in activities that defy the ego and purify the soul. Seek balance and cultivate equanimity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) The word “lunacy” comes from luna, the Latin word for Moon. And this week’s Full Harvest Moon lunar eclipse promises to bring out even the most cloistered lunatics for a walk in the moonlight. Of course, no problem for the Archer, a seasoned warrior and bodhisattva of the highest order. All jokes aside, prepare yourself for plenty of interactions with and attention from others. Get out and take a stroll.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Seasonal shifts and changing landscapes turn wheels of fortune and experience this week, focusing on the supreme importance of good, healthy relationships. And of course, the bottom-line roles and responsibilities you have in them all. As the center of your own personal universe, everything revolves around you. Are you a shining Sun, filled with love and light? Others may appear combative; stay calm and keep the peace.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) As the Libra Sun and Aries Moon oppose each other in a Full Harvest “super” Moon lunar eclipse, take a deep breath and pace yourself. Daily walks, happy thoughts and good night rest cannot be more important. The planets are dancing with humor and intensity, playing jokes on the mortals down below, enjoying the show. If things feel a bit shaky, just maintain balance and remain calm. Just keep doing the next right thing.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) You may feel a variety of emotions and feelings regarding your relationships as the Sun and Moon move into opposition September 27^th in a Full Moon lunar eclipse. You understand the power of personal choice and can use it to its full extent this week. Like the old adage, “what goes around, comes around” could never be more appropriate. Action is karma and good action is good karma. Good works, good luck!

Cynthia is a third generation astrologer living on a high mountain mesa in the desert Southwest. Visit her website @ www.alacazem.com