17 Dec ALACAZEM 2015.12.17
December 17 to 24, 2015 Visible planets: Morning: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn Evening: Mercury
The Season of Light takes place each year when the nights are longest and darkness reigns. It’s a time to acknowledge the retreat of the Sun and celebrate its return on winter solstice, the day our central star has reached its southernmost point on Earth’s visible horizon and appears to stop. On the day prior to solstice, the day of solstice and the day following solstice, the Sun appears to stand still. Thus the name solstice, which comes from the Latin words for “sun” [sol] and “stand still” [status, pp. of sistere] which translates as “comes to a stop.” On the fourth day, the Sun reverses direction and begins its long, six-month journey north to summer solstice. With this reversal, the length of daylight gradually increases and nights start to shorten.
The seasonal significance of cultural importance of winter solstice throughout history has varied from culture to culture and civilization to civilization. Rituals, gatherings, festivals, holidays and celebrations of rebirth and returning light – in honor of and homage to the Sun – were and continue to be universal. In America, Winter Solstice is overshadowed by the seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but with each of these holidays, we celebrate light.
So, here we are, approaching Winter Solstice; lighting candles and – whether we know it or not – honoring the return of the Sun. May your days be merry, your nights bright and your hearts filled with joy. Peace on Earth and Good Will to All…
Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Mental Mercury and suspicious Pluto square the Aries Moon and renegade Uranus conjoins it this weekend, putting flash and flair on whatever you do and say. Be aware that emotions are constantly changing, like the weather, observe and process feelings rather than indulge in them. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and others, it’s a time-honored recipe for a happy heart.
Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Commotion, chaos and trying to do it all have been playing ball with your psyche, pushing buttons and forcing solutions. Not exactly your cup of tea, but a required brew for getting the job done. Take a deep breath and exhale with relief as reprieve is on the way. The Sun’s entrance into Capricorn on winter solstice heralds a zodiac month of increasing goodness, gratitude and grace. Keep the faith and stay strong.
Gemini (May 20-June 20) Ho ho ho! With both Santa and winter on the way and holiday hustle-bustle in full-force glory, count your blessings and focus on goodness. Messenger Mercury conjoins persuasive Pluto in crafty Capricorn and then squares revolutionary Uranus prior to winter solstice, making this a very volatile and possibly wicked week. The best way to avoid harm is to be strong, kind and compassionate. Do your best.
Cancer (June 20-July 22) Winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It also marks the halfway point through your solar year, a debut of sorts, a time when you begin to feel the pull of the world outside your door. Go ahead and follow your instincts and intuition, a happy heart will not lead you astray. As days lengthen with sunlight, so also does your spirit ascend. Enjoy the final weeks of the holiday season. Get out and about.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Fire and earth elements dance an eternal dance of light and dark, war and peace. Partners change and times evolve, but we are here on Earth to do our best. And of course, Lions are kings and queens, regal beasts of courage and heart. Embrace destiny and follow the golden road of spirit, shine your light upon the world. Global challenges compel miraculous efforts, and you are one. Be essentially your best.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Energy builds as Christmas approaches and holiday spirits abound. Tap into the goodness and grace of giving from the heart, thinking good thoughts and doing good works. It may sound corny, but this is truly a time to rise to the occasion and share peace, love and joy with the world. Thoughts are real and energy is catchy. Live in the light and shine like the stars.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Pluto, Mercury and Uranus join force with the Moon and square dance with the Sun this week, sparking fires and then putting them out. Stay neutral in face of conflict and conflagration, focus on solutions and cultivate inner peace wherever you go. Heavenly spirits sing joy to the world as winter solstice marks the season of increasing light. Do your best to be as good and graceful as you are.
Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Slight adjustments in perspective and attitude are necessary this week as planets jostle and jive their way to awakening and new information. Revolutionary acts and seething suspicions float on the airwaves and resonate through the ethers. But love and grace are there as well. Recognition is the most powerful force in consciousness and recognizing the goodness in yourself and others is the most gracious thing you can do.
Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) As your birthday month draws to a close and the Sun’s entrance into Capricorn marks the first day of winter, count your blessings and feel the grace. Thinking is the first step to doing and manifestation comes via action. Knowing what you want is essential to getting what you want. Now it’s time to recognize the awesome power of choice and the fate of making decisions. Do your best and the universe will do the rest.
Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Winter solstice takes place this year on December 21st at 9:49 pm MST, when the Sun enters Capricorn. Herald another birthday year and month. And this week promises plenty of action and excitement. With both mental messenger Mercury and persuasive powerhouse Pluto in your sign, the world rocks. A square to Uranus in fiery Aries challenges awakening and change. Keep your eyes and heart open.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Moving and grooving as you count your money and your blessings opens the door to the sweet camaraderie that fuels your engine and keeps you running. Friends are precious and a source of inspiration and encouragement. Get out and see them, make the effort. Equations run the world and everything we put out comes back to us, good, bad, ugly or beautiful. Share your visions and hopes with the world.
Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) As the season of darkness wanes and winter solstice approaches, you may feel the wheel of life slowly shift toward more hope and optimism. The Capricorn zodiac month brings us both Christmas and New Years, celebrations of light and new beginnings. Take some time this week to feel and remember cherished hopes, dreams and aspirations. Love, peace and joy are there. Feel the love, follow the joy.
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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