ALACAZEM 2015.12.10

10 Dec ALACAZEM 2015.12.10

December 10 to 17, 2015  Visible planets: Morning: Venus, Mars, Jupiter         Evening: Mercury

“Our Lady of Guadalupe, O mystical rose. Help all those who invoke thee…”

Years ago, I was called upon by this angelic lady to be a messenger of her peace, love and protection. Traveling down the Baja Peninsula on our honeymoon in 1980, I saw her image and effigy everywhere. From the Mexico border-crossing in Nogales to Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas, she showed up in out-of-the-way cantinas, fuel stations, roadside shrines, taco stands, grocery stores, parks and playgrounds. You name it, she was there.

I was of course captivated by her beautiful image and audacious ability to go where others dare not tread. Her serene face and hands posed in prayer, star-studded turquoise cape and magnificent, full-body golden halo pulled me to her, intrigued and attracted me like a shiny fishing lure dancing across the Sea of Cortez. I was hooked.

Many years later, I found myself working on a documentary film about La Virgen de Guadalupe, aka the Mother of the Americas, Tonantzin, the Queen of Mexico and many other appellations. The Guadalupe road took me from the San Geronimo Chapel at the Taos Pueblo to the 14^th Century Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Caceres, Spain, then back to the mission churches of New Mexico and eventually to Tepeyac, outside of Mexico City, to La Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, the site of her apparition in 1531 to an indigenous native Nahuatl man as he walked to mass at dawn.

Enchanted, charmed and mesmerized by her beauty, strength and grace, I discovered a protectress and guardian santa, a sister, Mother and friend through thick and thin. This week is la semana de Guadalupe, a week of pilgrimage, homage and veneration for the little Virgin, la Virgencita, all over Mexico and in much of Latin America – including the United States. Guadalupe’s feast day is December 12^th each year and the twenty-four hours preceding that day are filled with dancing, singing, offerings, celebrations and vesperas.

This year I will be attending the fiesta in and outside of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in North Denver, where I have gone for the last several. Predominantly Hispanic, people of all ages sing and pray in devotion and gratitude for Guadalupita. I love going and thanking this little madrecita, angelita, hermanita, amigita for coming into my life.

May we find the strength of heart and courage to live in peace, act with love and chose joy. Viva Guadalupe!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19)A New Moon in fiery Sagittarius opens your heart to spirit in all its beauty and infinite possibility. You are surrounded by love and light, it’s everywhere and in everyone you meet, all you have to do is see it. The old adage “seek and you shall find” applies to your life now. What are you seeking? How about your spiritual condition? How might you bolster and improve it? Keep your heart open.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Value systems are foundational building blocks of life, and values are learned, experienced, spiritually fueled beliefs. Now you may find your values and beliefs questioned or challenged by external circumstances and conditions. The world rocks with cries of war and killing as songs of peace seem lost in fear, suspicion and terror. Assist others with grass roots stability and live an example of peace.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) The Sagittarius New Moon begins a powerful annual lunar-solar cycle of relationship attention and involvement; it’s the time for pairing and sharing. Of course, Sagittarius lunations always take place during the season of love and light. True to heart is a good motto now, one that will guide and direct your happy holiday course. Practice kindness, forgive yourself and others and do the next right thing.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) A somewhat intriguing week falls as snowflakes glisten and sleigh bells ring. Christmas lights and chilly nights kindle flames of romance as you feel the desire to share the holiday spirit with friends and loved ones. Relax and let it flow. Others find you beautiful, fun, full of grace and goodness. Lighten your load with laughter, enjoy the festivities and spend time with family and friends at home or out and about.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Happy hearts make for a happy world and giving love is the best way to get it. Gifts of joy are found very close to home this year; you need not go far to find exactly what you need and want. And because you are willing to share your magnanimous thoughts, feelings and spirit with others, you may find just how jolly the world can be. Keep your head up and your heart full of goodness.

 Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Jolly Jupiter in Virgo may have you playing Santa in more ways than one. Good luck with that! Other people see you as a generous giver, competent player and excellent helper, and you are. As always, just make certain you are not over-giving, over-doing and over-helping. Otherwise, you may get lost in the process and end up with a pile of bills and potential resentments. Embrace joy and maintain healthy boundaries.

 Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Passionate Mars transiting peace-loving Libra sextiles the happy-go-lucky Sagittarius New Moon this week, igniting spirit and infusing hearts with spirit. You may experience the amazing grace of your blessings, the miracle of life and the astounding luck of being on planet Earth. Maintain an open heart and live the way you want the world to be. Let peace, love and joy guide and sustain your path.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) With love planet Venus and asteroid Juno in Scorpio, commitment and marriage may emerge as recurring holiday themes. Others find you especially attractive now so don’t be surprised if you receive more offers, gifts and attention than usual. A fresh lunar cycle in Sagittarius puts you in the driver’s seat, so be ready to chart the course. Friends are willing travelers and good companions. Be good to them all.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Planetary squares from Jupiter in Virgo and Chiron in Pisces to the Sagittarius New Moon set the stage for a lunar month of analysis regarding professional direction and domestic environment. Are you happy with your home and family life or ready to make a change? Career opportunities continue to influence your direction, which is good for now. Follow your heart and travel the high road of spirit as much as possible.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) This week’s Sagittarius New Moon and lunar cycle opens the door on a month of increasing spiritual awareness. You may find yourself no longer satisfied with superficial relationships and endeavors, seeking more meaning and less fluff than in the past. Time alone pays off now as a way to relax, regenerate and recharge. Balance peace, quiet and solitude with happy social get-togethers and meaningful holiday events.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) As the holidays progress and festivities abound, you may find yourself romancing the past and wanting to connect with friends and people with whom you’ve been close. Make calls, contact old buddies and get out to share the peace, love and joy of spirit. Camaraderie is a beacon of light and inspiration now, something good. Honor family traditions but be sure to try out something new for fun, fiesta and spice.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Healer Chiron in Pisces and giant Jupiter in Virgo both square the Sagittarius New Moon this week, opening the door on a lunar month of challenge and possible change regarding personal, social and professional relationships and commitments. You may feel conflict between your own personal goals and desires and those of others. Individual freedom is a theme. Cultivate spiritual practice and take it one day at a time.

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