Alacazem: Astrology & Metaphysics

  Alacazem                by Cynthia Zehm                    May 21 to 28, 2015

             Visible planets: Morning: none          Evening: Venus, Jupiter

The Magic & Medicine of the Utimate Coyote, Shaman, Trickster



Already I see the fallout of a late-degree Taurus New Moon [May 17^th@ 10:13pm MDT], followed quickly by the station retrograde of Mercury in mid-degree Gemini [May 18^th @ 7:50pm], both of which followed the previous week’s planetary opposition of self-willed Mars in impossible-to-pin-down Gemini and stringent, controlling Saturn in uncontrollable Sagittarius, as well as a dreamy-sweet Venus-Neptune trine in Cancer-Pisces. It’s an up-and-down, bumpy and swirling ride with plenty of twists and turns. No one can control Sag and nothing can stop Gemini, so it’s just a game of war and tricks, chains, chatter, clatter and clutter, taken best with a good dose of honey.

Mercury retrograde is always an enigmatic, unpredictable adventure that creeps up without warning, no matter what sign it’s in. Things can just seem oddly out-of-whack or simply lost in translation. Plans change, health issues take precedence and mechanical breakdowns often transform little arroyos into grand canyons.  And that’s just Mercury retrograde in general.  

Each and every sign of the zodiac tints Mercury’s silvery, iridescent armor with its own color, flavor and style as it passes through. The costumes and get-ups of Mercury depend upon what is provided; the terms and conditions of each zodiac sign as well as the terms and conditions of our life and times, including temperature, mood and cosmic weather. The rules of engagement, so to speak. And Mercury loves breaking the rules.

Mercury will show up, shape-shift and change, wear disguises, play the part – both male and female - and leave you wondering just who and what just blew through your house, heart and head. Mercury retrograde returns us to places and spaces we have been before, awards us with multi-faceted jewels of opportunity to revise, revision, retrofit, re-create and re-imagine ourselves and our lives. Finish, complete or wrap what has been left undone. Take another look, try another way, utilize a different tool. And it’s also all about using the prefix “re” in everything we do and then relaxing – if possible – in the mutable magic and medicine of the ultimate coyote, shaman, transformer and trickster: Mercury retrograde in Gemini while the Sun and Mars are also both moving through Gemini. Whew!

The Sun enters mercurial Gemini on May 21^st @ 2:45 am MDT and the Gemini zodiac month begins. Mercury continues to retrace its path back through Gemini until June 12^th when it will turn direct @ 04°35’ Gemini. Venus is transiting nurturing Cancer, Mars is marching through curious, unpredictable Gemini, Jupiter is direct in heart-strong Leo, Saturn is retrograde in early degree Sagittarius, Uranus continues to move through self-fueled Aries, Neptune is floating through dreamy Pisces and power-hungry Pluto maintains its slow and steady pace through hierarchic, achievement oriented, class-conscious Capricorn.

Good luck! Try and try again. And don’t lose your sense of humor! That’s the golden key to Mercury and Gemini, laughter and learning. After all, isn’t life too mysterious to make it all so serious? Live and learn, or I guess that’s re-live and re-learn!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The Sun enters fickle, flexible Gemini this week, setting the stage for a solar month of more mobility and movement in general. Be aware; however, of the up and down, potentially circular motion of Mercury retrograde. It’s far better to go with the flow, even if it feels like going backwards, than trying to swim against the current. These days the waters are strong and the undertow dangerous. Take care of old business.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) As the Sun moves from Taurus into neighboring Gemini, be aware of what you think and say. The word is a powerful tool and can be used as a weapon of good or not-so-good. Dare we say evil? Not quite as dramatic as that, but during this 3-week period of Mercury retrograde, wise Bulls use caution and care when speaking. Hurting others is not what you want or need. Focus on acceptance and tap into compassion.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Congratulations on another revolution around the Sun. Your birthday month has arrived and it’s time to celebrate life. Just take care and use caution in revelry and party. Friends may excite and entice you while romantic or creative ideas attract and intrigue you. With motivator Mars squaring Neptune, imagination and fantasy compel action. Appreciate the past and embrace the present. Take it slow and easy.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) A rather challenging couple of planetary squares may cause a ruckus this week and have you riding an emotional roller coaster, but c’est la vie, no feeling is final. Sweet Venus in your sign encourages self-love and self-care, so why not do what you want to do rather than what others want you to do? Plenty of reasons: professional responsibilities and social obligations. Oh well. Do your best and let go of the rest. And rest.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) As Mercury retrograde in Gemini kicks in, pay attention to the new and old friends who pop up in your home, head and heart. These are the people with whom you may derive the most pleasure, need to make contact or settle a score. Whoever, whatever, let go of resentment and do your best to make it all good. Also take note of subconscious prompts, dreams and feelings of déjà vu. It’s all about karma. What you've done and what you do.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The Gemini zodiac month is perennially one of professional and social attention and action for the Virgin, a time to get out and about, see and be seen. This year however, Mercury is retrograde, which translates as a stop and go pace, a start and stop pattern that may frustrate and confuse you. The solution? Focus on finishing work and projects you have already started. Tie up loose ends, clean up and fix up.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Voluptuous Venus in maternal Cancer squares explosive Uranus in self-aware Aries as motivator Mars in flighty Gemini squares numinous Neptune in dreamy Pisces – all during Mercury retrograde - setting the stage for a dose of awakening and sudden change regarding money, family and partners. You may feel confused or out of control, but relax. Everything happens for a reason and it’s not always all about you. Focus on self-care.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) As the Sun and retrograde Mercury dance through Gemini, you may feel as if you are flying through uncharted territory or traveling in circles, especially where emotionally intense relationships are concerned. Haven’t you been here before? Are you repeating old behavior patterns, possibly from childhood? Whatever the manifestation, take a deep breath of self-love. You are beautiful and amazing. Relax.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) A potentially convoluted week presents itself as some rather wild and raucous energy floats about the cosmos. Lovers and friends may put in requests that seem to be in direct conflict with what you want and need. Dreams and visions for the future may suddenly appear hopelessly out of reach. Once again, it’s a test of courage, strength and faith. How far are you willing to trust? Hang in there. This too shall pass.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) The Gemini zodiac month is all about self-improvement and self-betterment for the Mountain Goat. As one who knows the value of material gain and accomplishment, you also know the importance of physical wellness. In other words, health is wealth. Without it, one cannot enjoy life. And with Mercury – ruler of health and medicine – now retrograde, the stars align for you to get back at it. Refresh, renew and revitalize you.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Working with others, being of service and attending to your own personal health and wellness bring great pleasure and reward. Nurture your body, mind and spirit with nutritious, whole foods, daily walks and restful evenings. It’s a holistic universe; everything effects and influences everything else, all the time. Gemini energy opens your heart and reignites love and passion. Enjoy the heat, and let it be.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) A somewhat up and down, circular week unfolds as the Sun, Mars and retrograde Mercury in Gemini lights up issues of mother, father, home and family as well as your personal role and feelings about it all. Maternal, paternal roles and patterns, child and parent relationships dance about your heart and head. Venus in Cancer helps you feel the compassion and nurture the love. Thanks for being you.

   Alacazem          by Cynthia Zehm               May 14 to 21, 2015

             Visible planets: Morning: none    Evening: Venus, Jupiter

This week we are graced with the advent of a May 17^th late degree Taurus New Moon, followed the next day by a Mercury station retrograde in mid-degree Gemini. This translates as a three-week period that favors attending to things we have already started, rather than initiating new ones. You know, those things that have fallen by the wayside or been temporarily abandoned, things we may not really have to do, but would benefit greatly by doing?

Yes, we all have them. The messy closet, the guest room that looks more like a staging area than a place to sleep, an artistic or literary project that needs work and completion or perhaps those income taxes that didn’t get finished and are now under extension. Or how about making contact with the friends and relatives you think about but haven’t talked to in ages? Writing those letters, sending those cards? Paying back a debt or making amends? Cleaning the garage, attic or basement, recycling or getting rid of clothes and clutter you no longer use or need? Whoever we are, whatever we do, there are always plenty of things we have started or postponed and would like to finish.

And after all, it’s spring and time for the annual ritual of spring cleaning. When better to do it than under the favorable auspices of the planets? During the Taurus-Gemini interface, the strategy is to be clever but practical, mentally astute and inventive yet physically and materially realistic. Using our brains to come up with inventive ways and means to do what we need to do [Gemini] and then sticking with it to the end [Taurus] – be a finisher! – is what the stars encourage us to do now. Stick to the basics and get the job done. One thing and one day at a time; methodical, persistent and patient. 

Good luck and may the next three weeks deliver plenty of opportunities for finishing what we’ve started. Happy trails!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Love, beauty and money planet Venus is busy this week opening hearts, smoothing edges and, in the process, challenging egos. The who and what of relationships is bound to be a big part of your week. Take note of where you might be more sensitive, patient and co-creative as well as less selfish, self-centered, judgmental and demanding. Life is a work in progress and it’s time to work via self-reflection.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) A sensual, seductive New Moon in late degree Taurus awards you with another chance to chart a physically rewarding, emotionally balanced personal lunar month. While things may still feel unsettled and somewhat mysterious regarding relationships, the most effective and rewarding approach is to keep communicating. Do your best and forget the rest. Get out and explore what inspires and excites you.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) As Mercury, the Twins ruling planet, enters a three-week period of retrograde in your sign this week, pay close attention to what’s going on inside your heart and head. How do your internal dialogs affect your physical and emotional well-being? Recognize the difference between escape and denial, healthy self-esteem and illusions of grandeur. Open your heart to compassion and loving-kindness. Enjoy the joy.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) A fresh New Moon in late degree Taurus inspires artistic, creative ideas and inventive projects. Something you have dreamed about long and hard is now coming to fruition. Funny how the manifestation of a dream often falls short of the idealistic expectation. And it is usually more work! But, c’est la vie. Such is life. Spend time enjoying what you have, take it easy when you can and breathe deep. Health is wealth!

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) A rather intriguing lunation takes place on May 17^th as the Sun and Moon conjoin in late degree Taurus. Jovial giant Jupiter also joins force with feminine asteroid Juno in Leo as well, portending a week of enhanced romance and expansive opportunity regarding relationships in general. A soft, sweet approach is best now, be sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of others. Reconnect with friends. Seek out wise counsel.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Motivator Mars moves into Gemini and Mercury goes retrograde in Gemini this week, adding up to a big dose of career reevaluation, revision and review. Whatever you’ve been working on or attempting to change regarding professional life and social status may have to be put on hold for a few weeks. At the very least, recognize the value of patience. Lunar light illuminates spiritual paths and callings. Take the high road.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Beautiful, evocative Venus, co-ruler of Taurus and Libra, elevates the senses and seduces you with a week of physical and emotional experience that opens the golden, hidden treasures of heart and soul. Celestial music plays and angels dance as you question reality, challenge past conditioning and awaken to epiphany. Carry a touchstone, maintain a daily practice, and be willing to accept what comes.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Dive deep and explore the ocean of emotions and reefs of experience that make up the shape-shifting story of your ever-evolving life. Childhood conditioning, family patterns and default behaviors weave the metaphysical tapestry of who you are today. Reflection in the shimmering mirror of relationship promises great insight and enlightenment. Break the superficial façade and explore what lies beneath.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Mars and Mercury retrograde in fellow mutable-sign Gemini can feel like so much push and pull where others are concerned, you want to run and hide. But, hey now! Isn’t that what you asked for? The hero in demand? It’s just that too much busy and too much work make Jack grumpy and Jane, well, see you next Tuesday! Now, is that you? Once again, calm the jets and prune the bush. Learn how to say NO. Again.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Another lunar month begins when Taurus Sun and Moon come together in the late evening hours of May 17th. Fresh on the heels of a Jupiter-Juno conjunction the day before, and the retrograde station of Mercury, be prepared for a few weeks of decreasing intensity and lessening stress. Unless you keep trying to charge ahead, come what may. Take time to slow down and live in the present. Seize the day.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) With an enlightening, intellectually uplifting grand air trine, two conjunctions [one fire and one earth] and a steamy water trine in orb this week, along with retrograde Mercury, take everything in stride. And remember, emotions are like the weather: constantly changing. No feeling is final. Embrace each day as it comes, live well and simply do your best. Focus is your inherent gift and ally. Use it wisely.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) A lovely, harmonious trine between Venus in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces opens magical doors and metaphysical dimensions to those willing to relax in beauty and feel the ethereal, eternal love of the spirits. The capacity to perceive realities beyond the physical plane, the material world, is heightened as your sixth sense kicks in and opens the heart. Mind and soul unite, all is One. Hear and listen, feel and heal.

   Alacazem        by Cynthia Zehm                         May 7 to 14, 2015

       Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter

           Water and the Green, Green Grass of Taurus

Here in the San Juans, the green, green grass of Taurus is often covered with snow. Moisture comes in a variety of guises, but its purpose remains the same: Water. Establish, feed, nourish, nurture and sustain life. Everywhere we see buds and sprouts, another yearly growing season has begun.

For all of us here in the Northern Hemisphere of our home planet, Taurus is the time to recognize our connection to the Mother Earth, work in harmony with her moods and seasons, plant seeds, take care of seedlings, provide life support and foster growth. Like the Tortoise and the Hare, Aesop reminds us that slow and steady, patience and perseverance pay off in the end. (The Tortoise must have been a Taurus, and the Hare an Aries – fast and impatient - or perhaps a Sagittarius – all fired up and ready to go!) In any case, let’s capitalize on these days and times by slowing the pace, and committing to the race. After all, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!  One day and one thing at a time, we do get it done. And don’t lose sight of the upcoming Mercury station of May 18^th when the fleeted-footed messenger of the gods goes retrograde. No better time than the late Taurus Sun with a middle-degree Gemini Mercury retrograde to stop running in circles.

Good luck and may the tenacity; determination, commitment and focus of the Bull sustain and nourish your seeds, gardens and life. Blessings, peace and starlight. Cz***

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The green, green grass of Taurus hits you where it counts: heart and soul. Nothing like the fertile fields of Mother Earth to remind you of life’s most precious, simple pleasures. Take time to do appreciate clean air and water, nutritious food and a safe, sweet, peaceful place to fall. Uranus in mid-Aries continues to shake, rattle and roll your heart and soul, inside and out. Good news: the brave new world awaits the brave new you!

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) The Taurus cross-quarter week is perennially a time of intensified celestial electromagnetism. Halfway between equinox and solstice, gravitational pulls from Sun to Earth peak, all life upon the planet synergistically feels the force of dynamic growth and change. And with ruler Venus moving into Cancer, expect to jump heart first into something you love.  Something about you. Have fun and enjoy Act One.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Viola! You have arrived in a romantic place and time, an energy vortex of love and magic. Don’t give it up or doubt the mystery, embrace it heart and soul. It’s been too long since you trusted the Universe to provide you with all you need and relaxed. Now you can. Recognizing the existence of metaphysical power and manifestation is key to where and what you are.  Live accordingly, with knowledge, in love and light.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Voluptuous Venus enters Cancer this week and gifts you with a sparkling ocean of embracing beauty and endless bounty. The big challenge: are you willing to trust that everything is exactly as it should be in this moment, exactly as it is? If the answer is yes, are you willing to accept responsibility for the condition of your life and your relationships? Now is the magical time for transforming everything. Yes.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) The Taurus zodiac month evolves each day with ever-more beauty and wonder. The Mother Earth comforts and nurtures the Lion with her great regenerative power of birthing and nurturing life, season to season, year after year. It’s the ultimate maternal energy, one that comforts and heals, soothes and relaxes. Do not loose touch or sight of this eternal secret. Fix up, clean up and embrace it, inside and out.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The Taurus sun-time joins up with velvet Venus now in nurturing Cancer, presenting you with a variety of options regarding romantically charged and spiritually enlightened relationships. Whether or not you find yourself committed to or seriously involved with another, now is time to deepen your understanding of true love. Freedom and responsibility are essential to happiness. Give and live both.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Taurus and Libra are symbiotically related through Venus, although they are mathematically inconjunct. This translates as a supportive, stimulating partnership, one that sweetly adjusts perspectives and understandings, awakens growth, calms the spirit and soothes the soul. Touch, smell, feel and work with the Mother Earth, honor her natural beauty and nurturing power, share love, cultivate gratitude and relax.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) On the heels of a seductive, evocative Scorpio full Moon, you may feel exposed and unearthed. Trust your angels, the results of this lunation are ultimately cathartic. Blessings abound. Recent experience and awareness serve to cleanse and transmute the toxic poisons of negativity, fear and self-doubt. Thoughts generate emotions, manifest action or inaction. Understand desire and focus on good intention. Live in the light.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) With the Sun in your solar 6^th house of service and self-improvement, life purpose comes strongly via helping others by first helping yourself. Have you ever noticed happiness is an inside job? Letting the emotional quotient of others determine how you feel is simple quicksand, a dangerous place you do not want or need to go. It will suck you down and actually hurts them too. Health is wealth, focus on good health. No joke.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) As love and beauty planet Venus moves into your solar 7^th house of longterm partnership and marriage, you find great pleasure in the faces and spaces of others. You may even feel the desire to commit, experience the value of mutually exclusive relationships and want to spend more quality time with someone you love. Home and family continue a process of metamorphic transformation. Ultimately, it’s all good.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Motivational Mars in Taurus keeps you working at home and getting it done, whatever that means, however it evolves. Personal inner work is also favored. Spend quality time in nature; hear, touch and feel the Mother Earth. Cultivate inner peace via daily spiritual practice. Remain calm and trust the Universe. One day and moment at a time.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Sweet Venus moves into Cancer and your solar 5^th house of romance and creativity this week, gifting you with a month of more beauty and peace than you have had in a while. Feel the inspirational power of beauty and art, cultivate creative pastimes and pursue relationships the nurture self-expression. And don’t be surprised if you fall in love with something or someone. Trust your heart, follow your intuition and enjoy the joy.

  Alacazem         by Cynthia Zehm                       April 23 to 30, 2015

     Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter

  What Lies Secret & Hidden Beneath the Scorpio Full Moonlight

It’s off-season in the San Juans, and it’s actually one of the best kept, most precious, secret times of year to be here. Really?

I drove to Telluride yesterday evening to attend a class at the Ah Haa School, a special place I have known since it was a glimmering sparkle in its founding father’s eye. Daniel Tucker, childhood chum and life-long Aquarius/Pisces cusp friend and “brother-in-arms” of my older sister Pam – they were born two days apart - showed up in Telluride in the early ‘90’s with a vision, a school for the creative arts. When he shared his vision with me way back then, I remember thinking, “That would be a dream come true.”

Telluride had nothing like it at the time. Yes, small groups of likeminded souls and struggling artists were gathering here and there to share work, knowledge and inspiration, but there was absolutely no formal institution or structure dedicated to artistic learning, practice and endeavor. An actual place, a building to hold classes, to teach, learn and express? How stunning and practically impossible it seemed to me at the time. And today, now manifest as one of the most eclectic, inspirational, creatively heart-filled art schools in the world.

I’m taking a class called “Taking It All Off: Writing Away the Layers Through Literary Burlesque” that is being taught by four women writers. The title sounds scary, and, I have to admit, it is. Unwrapping the bandages wrapped around my wounds. Taking off the armor and clothing I hide behind, the hair and makeup. Exposing fears and failures, facing myself in the bright light of day, under the mirror-microscope of personal truth. Brutal, rigorous honesty. And then, sharing it with the other women sitting around the table.

It’s off-season in Telluride. The streets are deserted. There are plenty of places to park. Most of the restaurants are closed. The locals have taken off to warmer climates; aqua waters, swaying plams, sandy beaches, striped bikinis and sun-baked patios. Rolling surf, crashing waves, palapa sunsets, Margaritas and Pina Coladas. Funny thing, I’m taking off too, through words and feelings. Thanks to Daniel, to myh sister, the girls and off-season.

So here I am, sitting at my computer, writing words in the wild West End, thinking about exposure. A woman-girl, seeking enlightenment and courting inspiration. As the Taurus-Scorpio Moon is waxing, I feel the layers of my hopes and dreams, fears and sorrows. I understand the gravity and elation of emotion, the power of honesty. Full Moons are all about exposure and illumination. And the Taurus-Scorpio full Moon is all about exposing secrets, what lies hidden, and bringing it to the light. Once again, it’s all in the stars. Good luck, good hope, good travels. And happy trails, wherever you are, wherever you go.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) This week’s Scorpio-Taurus full Moon illuminates issues of financial security, means of income and the ability to earn a living as well as matters of intimacy, joint investment and deep, subconscious desires. Where and what are you hiding from yourself and others? Why? Self-honesty is the most precious gift you can give to yourself! Take inventory of values, resources and self-esteem. Do what you need to do.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) As candles flicker and cakes are cut, rise to the occasion and celebrate another revolution around the Sun. You have so much to be thankful for, including the great good fortune of being born a Taurus. Commitment, focus and perseverance come naturally to the Bull, and understanding the value of patience and hard work pays off no matter what. This week, add love, laughter, faith and hope. It’s a magical mix.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) An intriguing lunation comes to fruition this week as fixed and mutable T-squares stir the celestial pot and turn up the heat on a bubbling mix of desire, passion, compassion, awakening, integration and transformation. Principles of nourishment and sustenance fuel idealistic fires. Keep your eyes and heart open to the unlimited potential and possibility of the world in all its beauty, magic and mystery. Carpe diem.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Full Moons trigger inner awakening and outer awareness for Moonchildren. This week, the Sun-Moon opposition takes place in the Taurus-Scorpio polarity, the heart chakra axis of your solar chart. Intimate sharing, platonic love, conditional and unconditional relationships square off in a dance of have and have not. Attachment, detachment, faith and forgiveness are themes. Do your best, and accept the rest.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Magnanimous Jupiter in Leo plays angel’s advocate to this week’s Taurus-Scorpio full Moon lunation, surrounding you with an aura of positive enthusiasm, love and light. Generosity of spirit is one of your fortes and others drink it up. And so be it, as rampant greed and selfish interest need antidotes of altruistic example and clean motive. You are helping the world shift perspective via good work and right action.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) A wide T-square in Gemini[Mercury], Sagittarius[Saturn] and Pisces[Neptune] calls upon the Virgin to be an anchor in a rather tumultuous storm as the Moon waxes its way toward full. While you are more flexible that fixed and maintain the right to change your mind, focus on honesty and stick to what is right. Others are asking you for guidance and direction. Share your wisdom, experience, strength and hope.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) The Scorpio full Moon follows the Libra full Moon, transporting you from themes of partnership sharing to themes of partnership commitment. Personal survival and sustenance are also factors in the overall equation, reminding you to take care of personal needs and desires before you start working for and taking care of others. This week, focus on spiritual health and physical well-being. Practice is progress.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) The May 3^rd Scorpio-Taurus full Moon is one of the four most important and impactful lunations of your solar year. Pay attention what comes to light, who shows up in your life and where you feel both comfortable and uncomfortable. A tight T-square from Jupiter in Leo to the Sun-Moon opposition challenges you to focus on spirit, i.e. your spiritual condition and health. Open your heart, embrace the Mystery.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) The profound influence of childhood conditioning and the need to question social, religious, political and cultural programming stands out like a rose bush in a cactus garden in the bright moonlight of the week. Saturn in Sagittarius has just started to align you with reality, in a good way. Sparks of desire relative to limits, boundaries and commitment are catching fire. Identify angelic presence and follow their lead.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Taurus seeks comfort and stability while Scorpio craves challenge and transformation. Although apparently opposites, these two fixed archetypes are metaphysical polarities of the same source. Resources, values and self-esteem are themes this week and you will find that by associating with people who have good ones, yours also improves. Open your heart to acceptance to relieve suffering. Yes.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) You may encounter a variety of people seeking guidance and direction this week as planetary squares to Aquarius put you in the apparent position of an enlightened leader or wizened sage. Truth is, it’s not your first rodeo and the school of hard knocks has taught you how to survive and thrive in even the most challenging situations. Rise to the occasion. Help out by sharing your knowledge and experience.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Compassion, wisdom and experience are called upon this week as planetary squares put you in more than one challenging position regarding others. Focus on the facts, but look beneath the surface of what you see and hear. Most people are unaware of their own subconscious motivations and identify the superficial symptoms of a problem rather than the root cause. Ask questions, share experience and let go of expectations.



 Alacazem         by Cynthia Zehm                          April 23 to 30, 2015

     Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

     The Wisdom and Innocence of Aries/Taurus Cusp Energy

The Taurus zodiac month lasts from approximately April 19^th to May 20^th of every year, but due to the fact that the time it takes the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun – aka the natural astrological year - is fractionally different from our Julian calendar year, the exact moment and hour of the solstices and equinoxes, along with the Sun’s entrance and exit into each tropical zodiac sign varies slightly from year to year.

In 2015, the Sun entered Taurus on April 20^th @ 3:42 am MDT. In 2014, this took place on April 19^th @ 9:56 pm MDT. Thus, if you are born “on the cusp” – the two or three days between each zodiac sign – it is wise to ask an astrologer, or go online, and find out whether your Sun-sign was in the last degrees of the sign ending or the early degrees of the one just beginning. In either case, you are what is known as a “cusp” baby, born with one foot in each sign, a rather special and unique karma that gifts you with an unusual combination of wisdom and innocence. There is great wisdom, knowledge and understanding in things ruled by the ending sign, and a childlike curiosity, naiveté and enthusiasm about the things coming under the beginning sign’s rulership.

The Aries/Taurus cusp holds a cup filled with memories of self-will, ego and war. Quick to act and ready to go, Aries DNA is all about survival, instinct and primal desire. It is the seed thrust forth; impatient and impulsive, a predator in search of prey. Courageous, independent and positive, Aries energy excites and explores, uses self-referral as a compass and loves adventure. Early degree Aries is what I often refer to as “non-premeditated selfishness.” It is a self-awareness that is being born out of the numinous, selfless waters of Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, sign of non-self and no-self, where everything merges into One.

Late degree Aries, on the other hand, has experienced everything there is to experience regarding “self” – including self-denial, self-deception and self-destruction - and is ready to drop the burdensome ego in its restless, relentless pursuit of “me” and “mine” in favor of something more stable, sustainable and secure. And that brings us to the fixed-earth energy of Taurus the Bull, sign of security and stability, patience, perseverance and peace.

Welcome to the Taurus zodiac month. May these next few weeks be filled with the calm, steadfast, earthy pleasures and pastimes of the natural zodiac year’s second zodiac month, the second month of spring, the time of setting down roots, watering seeds and sustaining life. Peace and starlight, love and blessings. Cz***

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) Relax and settle back into the slower pace of Taurus, that is, if you’re willing.  Accepting life on life’s terms and enjoying the joys of simplicity are keys to a happy, healthy life. Extravagance and indulgence may be seductive, but right now, it leads to trouble. Stick to the basics. Be cautious and realistic when it comes to saving and spending. Repay debts, pay bills and find pleasure in what you already have.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) The last week of April coincides with the first birthdays of the Taurus zodiac month. Happy birthday! Mental Mercury and motivated Mars in your sign portend a year ahead of promise and reward regarding scholastic pursuit and physical activity. You have come to understand just how important you are in your own life, i.e. the power of personal choice. Take a good look at wellness and adjust according to what you find.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Voluptuous Venus in your sign my find you indulging in some sort of beauty, comfort or artistic pleasure. Travel to romantic places, take it easy and surround yourself with people you love and enjoy being with. Mars and Mercury in your solar 12^th house of the spirit encourage visits to sacred sites and mystical locations. Let go of expectations and go with the flow. Control is an illusion. Accept what comes, as it is.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) A bounty of planets above the celestial horizon of your solar chart indicates abundant activity and interaction with people in the world outside your door. Personal relationships continue as a powerful, transformational influence as seasons turn, but the key to wellness is taking good care of you. Choose positive, inspirational, supportive, pro-active people to be with. Trust your angels.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) As you move through the last week of April and first week of Taurus, take stock of the road you have traveled over the last year, from spring to spring. Chances are, you’ve juggled relationships and responsibilities, shaken things up, ended what no longer worked, improved and expanded endeavors of promise and focused on reward. Keep the ball rolling and stay attentive. You’re the boss. Lead by example.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The Taurus zodiac month heralds a season of exploration and expansion for the Virgin.  World travel, cultural diversity and spiritual pursuit uplift and inspire you now. Whether it’s a trek across the globe, a trip to your local library or a visit to a sacred site, use this time for research and discovery. Open your heart and mind to enchanted places and sacred spaces. Seek beauty and harmony. Discover inner peace.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) As the Sun moves from your solar 7^th house of long-term relationships into the 8^th house of intimacy and shared investment, pay attention to people and propositions that come your way. Money and finance, matters of inheritance and issues that require privacy or secrecy may take priority or demand attention. Whatever the manifestation, remain calm and focus on the facts. Simply do the math and focus on solutions.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Zodiac Taurus heralds the second half of your solar year, when you move from internal, inner focus to the people, places and things outside your door. This translates as a sort of social debut, when you feel pulled by external forces and sources. Others may make comments like, “where have you been?” or “where were you hiding?” Both are humorous to Scorpios, as they love to “hide out.” Enjoy the humor.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) With the Sun, Mercury and Mars all transiting Taurus, it’s a more than perfect time for self-improvement via good organic food, physical exercise and a daily spiritual practice. Giving to others and giving in general comes naturally to the Archer, but taking care of you is a different story. Of course, that makes easy to lose touch with how to do it. Get serious, get tough and commit!!! to a program of true health. Really.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) The Taurus sun-time is one of the most romantic, amorous, enjoyable times of year for Capricorns. Spring stimulates new life, fresh starts and new beginnings, inside and outside. Embrace the magic, rejoice in the season and celebrate life. No matter what you have or don’t have, do or don’t do, you have a lot to be grateful for. Count your blessings and relax in the abundance. Relax in the now; open your heart to love.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Home and domestic life takes center stage as you settle into daily routines and responsibilities. It feels good to have stability and security, commitment and focus. You understand the power of informed choice and right action. Today you can say you are doing your best. All things considered, it’s all good. Keep your heart open and express your love to those you love. It’s an awesome strength, so share it.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) With love planet Venus in fellow mutable-sign Gemini, your solar 4^th house of home and family, you can find great pleasure very close to home. Children and/or parents may come visiting; gardens, yard work and artistic or creative projects seem just right. But with several planets in your solar 3^rd house of short trips and siblings, don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the road. Enjoy it all. It’s also fun to travel.

 Alacazem          by Cynthia Zehm               April 16 to 23, 2015

           Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Jupiter

   An Evolved Aries New Moon & "early" Taurus Earth Day

A late degree Aries New Moon – which will always take place in the final week of the Aries zodiac month – is a good time to really get going on spring projects. The primal thrust of early Aries at spring equinox wakes us up, stimulates impulse and propels action, but it’s not necessarily focused action. By the time the Sun and Moon move through the first twenty days of Aries and begin approaching the zodiac sign of Taurus, all that get-up-and-go for the sake of getting up and going morphs into something a bit more focused and controlled. The desire to create shape-shifts into the desire to manifest.

New Moons represent perpetual opportunities to start over, start fresh and begin again. The days just prior to and following any new Moon are days in which to plant actual and metaphorical seeds of intention and desire. Depending upon the sign and degree of the lunation, each new Moon tells us what types of energies and projects will be most favorable, as well as the types of activities and actions that promise to bear the most abundant and delicious fruit.

The April 18^th New Moon at 28°25’ Aries takes place just 40 hours prior to Sun’s entrance into the fixed earth sign of Taurus the Bull. Taurus is the first earth sign of the tropical zodiac, and just like Aries represents primal fire, Taurus represents primal earth. It is here the Aries seed thrust forth finds ground upon which to land and settle down, establish roots and begin the process of sustenance. Of course, the seed must be nourished, nurtured and energized in order to grow, and eventually bear fruit. Patience, perseverance and steadfast action are necessary for this to happen, commitment and stability are keys – all of which are characteristics of Taurus. The slower pace and calmer, more peace-loving approach to life and living that Taurus offers Aries can be amazingly rewarding and bountiful. As long as Aries has had the opportunity to explore and experience life in whatever manner its reckless, “me first” heart desires, “sow its oats” and in the process discover the genuine and true-blue yearning for a quieter, more simple, stable and physically productive path, the Taurus-Aries partnership can work miracles. Thus the magical blend of this week’s highly evolved, late degree Aries New Moon and the budding natural earth-energy of fertile, sustainable Taurus.

So…everything in its place, the stars are aligned and the cosmos are willing. Take an hour or two, a day or a few minutes to consider your intentions and desires. What would you like to see manifest in the next month, six months, year or 5 years? Whether it’s an actual garden with fruits, vegetables and flowers, a long cherished dream idea or project, or a newer, healthier, more physically fit body, mind and spirit, the Universe awaits your input. Why not concoct some sort of ritual, prepare your actual or metaphorical soil, gather seeds and plant them in the fertile womb of this lunation? And then, as you do, make a commitment to the ethers that you will water, feed, nourish and sustain the fragile seedlings that come forth. Born of action and desire [Aries] and nourished with focused attention and daily commitment [Taurus], it’s all in the making.

Good luck and may we celebrate the Mother Earth’s great natural, nurturing and sustaining power with a healthy, ecologically conscious, peace-and-love building, joyous Earth Day and Week. Happy planting!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The Aries New Moon of every year heralds a powerful personal rebirth for the Ram. Lunar light illuminates feelings and emotions, hopes, dreams and fears. Issues of security and insecurity, as well as home, family and inner self are themes. This is an excellent week for getting in touch with yourself and how you feel. Consider who you are today in light of where you came from. Be kind and gentle as you go.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Surrender and self-motivation are themes as the April 18^th New Moon initiates a fresh lunar month. Mars in Taurus encourages action and productivity while a posse of planets in Aries dictates that you accept life on life’s terms. Many things we cannot change, including other people, but we can change what we think and do.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Welcome to a lunar month of inspired action and new hope. Planetary power in your solar 11^th house of friendship and camaraderie encourages associations with people of like mind and spirit. This is an unusually exceptional influence as it tempers idealistic goals with realistic action. Mercury now in Gemini stimulates creative thoughts and ideas. Make a plan, write it down and craft your designs.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) Another important lunation rolls around as the Sun and Moon conjoin in late degree Aries on April 18^th. This New Moon favors anything and everything having to do with goals, achievement and success. Consider your current career and professional direction. Determine whether or not you are happy doing what you’re doing. Yes or no, it’s an excellent time to craft strategies and come up with plans. Do what you need to do.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) As mental Mercury joins up with motivated Mars in steadfast Taurus, recognize the connection between thoughts and action. Knowing what you want is the first, most important step toward getting what you want. Manifestation is the materialization of spirit, bringing hopes and dreams into form. The April 18^th Aries New Moon reiterates this theme and provides plenty of inspiration for achievement. Enjoy the journey.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Action is the name of the game when it comes to intimate partners, business associates and financial investments this week. A fresh New Moon in your solar 8^th house of shared resources provides plenty of fertile soil in which to plant a joint venture project. Whether it’s a vegetable garden or a shopping mall, investigate what it takes to make it work. Do the math, research, network and prepare to dig in.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) With so many planets in the opposite side of your solar chart, you may feel strongly pulled toward engagement with other people and their agendas. However, deep inside, you know that you must first take care of your own personal responsibilities and commitments. And with the north node transiting Libra, it’s exactly what you need to do. Slow down and focus on progress, one day and one project at a time.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) You may feel pushed and pulled by partners and/or mates as both Mercury and Mars in opposite Taurus magnetize outside forces in a whirling dance of action and attraction. Follow your heart and enjoy the music as Venus encourages deepening relationships and more intimate sharing. New Moon in Aries encourages fresh starts in programs of self-improvement. Health is wealth and you know it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Uplifting, exciting and fun, springtime is a perennial favorite season for the Archer. Only problem: You just can’t find the time to do everything you want to do! Hello. These are chronic issue for the Archer: organization and commitment. But that’s OK. It’s all about discretion and priority. Learning how to say no. Don’t put so much on your plate. Feel and listen to your heart. Work on self-improvement. Prune the bush.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Favorable aspects for doing some serious inner work fall into place as the Sun and Moon join force in your solar 4^th house of personal self and security. This is the perfect time for building solid foundations at home and in the family. Feel your feelings and recognize the feelings of others. Do what you can to nurture healthy relationships and environments. Cultivate life’s simple pleasures, express love and choose joy.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) With a New Moon and pack of planets in Aries, you may feel highly motivated and ready to go fast. However, Mercury and Mars in Taurus instruct us to slow down and focus on quality rather than quantity, sustainability rather than novelty and ease instead of strain. That said, take it one project at a time rather than trying to do too many things at once. Brainstorms and inventions abound. Write it down, save it for later.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Mars, traditional ruler of Aries, is associated with war, initiative, action, passion and courage. This week, you find it all. Main thing is to remain calm amidst the storm. Mars transiting Taurus favors patience, peace and perseverance. Utilize caution on your daily round. Live in the present and trust your instincts, but take pause before jumping or joisting. Look before you leap. Consider the consequences.

Alacazem             by Cynthia Zehm                       April 9 to 16, 2015

Visible planets: Morning: Mercury, Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

         The Age of Innocence and the Mayan End Times

It’s howling wind outside and Spring has sprung. I’ve been thinking about the world, and how much it seems to have changed since the Mayan Long Count Calendar end date of December 21, 2012. And yet it was merely a quick two and a half years ago.

I can remember people asking me then what it all meant, what would happen? Would the Earth flip on its axis, would extra-terrestrials show up in spaceships with super-powers and mega-weapons? Would Yellowstone finally blow its top or the prophesized earth changes drop California into the Pacific Ocean, turning Nevada into beachfront? Or, on the other hand, would it be nirvana, peace and enlightenment?

Of course, I responded to all queries in pretty much the same way. My feelings were that none of these wild, apocalyptic catastrophes would come to pass, in fact it would appear to be just another day on planet Earth. But I also said that all the hoopla and prophecies taking place were grounded in good reason. The Mayans, Aztecs and Mesoamerican peoples possessed an amazingly advanced cosmology. Their knowledge of astronomy and understanding of the Earth’s precession was light years ahead of the Western world. Winter solstice 2012 would mark a highly significant energetic event, a veritable end of the world as we had come to know it.

The years of abundant folly, ignorance and naiveté regarding the Mother Earth’s natural resources was coming to an end. Her seemingly unlimited supply of food and water, forests, oxygen, native plants and wild animals had been greatly diminished and is rapidly vanishing. Human impact upon the planet was reaching a tipping point. December 2012 was that tipping point. And there is no turning back. The Age of Innocence has ended.

Big brother, cyberspace and virtual realities. The Aquarian Age, a.k.a. the Information Age, an age of knowledge and enlightenment - in the literal sense of those words - has taken hold. And like taking a bite of the apple from the biblical Tree of Knowledge, there is no return. The Age of Innocence has transpired, evaporated in the ethers of space-time. We are living in the End Times, the times of no more illusion when it comes to our Mother Earth, the great nurturer and provider.  The endless supply of water, plants, wildlife, oxygen and all other natural resources is no longer endless. We are witnessing the potentially devastating effects of human life on all organic life upon the planet.

Yes, the age of innocence is over and we must face the music of a budding new era, an era of personal responsibility and right or wrong - depending on who you are - action.  A challenging, often disturbing age is here. Do we have the courage, strength, fortitude and integrity to take the appropriate turn, follow a path of heart and make choices that improve, rather than desecrate, the world? And what about Eden’s apple? Do we really know the difference between good and evil, right and wrong? Or has it all merged into a self-serving mix of greed, power and denial? Are we wiling to do the next right thing, or do we even know what that is? It’s time to rise to the occasion, stay awake and aware, give back whenever we can, help nurture and heal ourselves and our home planet, plant gardens and grow trees, buy produce from local Farmer’s Markets, eat whole, organic foods, regain our natural health, reconnect to nature and respect the mother of all life, our Mother Earth. Its time to open our hearts, do and give what we can. Good luck and may the magical, miraculous, mysteriously powerful forces of goodness, peace, compassion and love be with us all.

 Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The Sun, Mercury and Uranus in Aries keep the mind active and the heart alert. Venus also moves from Taurus into Gemini, gifting you with a sweeter perception of life and love. This is an excellent time to help, heal and soothe relationship wounds that may have emerged over the last year. Kind, compassionate words and selfless acts demonstrate that it’s not always all about you. Focus on goodness and go forth.

 Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Motivator Mars in your sign continues to encourage and excite action and achievement regarding personal goals and desires. This is a positive, pro-active influence, one that keeps you moving and on the go. Ruler Venus in your solar 2^nd house of personal talents and income favors creative efforts regarding love and money. Release the artist within when it comes to romance and finance.

 Gemini (May 20-June 20) Love planet Venus moves into your sign this week, inviting romance and encouraging you to enjoy life rather than fight it. And this goes for people too. Kind words, a sweet smile and a compassionate heart are strong companions on the good road of spirit. And be sure to pack plenty of love and laughter in your medicine bag. They are universal tonics for emotional pain, physical suffering and broken hearts.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) The first two total eclipses of the year have come and gone, but the energetic message of awakening and illumination continue to resonate throughout the cosmos. As the eclipse window closes, take a good look events and emotions you were part of over the last six weeks. What people, places and things stand out? How did you feel? These are valuable clues for navigating the road ahead. Know thyself.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) The birthing energy of spring perennially uplifts the Leo spirit. Verdant greens and budding flowers inspire feelings of hope, joy and optimism. Ride the wind and follow the stars, you are part and particle of the miraculous cycle of creation. And that’s not all. Giant Jupiter resumes forward motion in your sign this week, encouraging growth and awarding favor. Think positive and be proactive. Good fortune awaits.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) You may feel slightly out-of-synch with something or someone, seeking solutions and finding answers that require more work, time, money or energy than you would like. No worries, it will all work out and patience is a virtue. Inner focus and personal responsibility are allies on the road of accomplishment. Be kind and gentle with yourself and know that self-doubt does no one any good. One day at a time…

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) The April 4th lunar eclipse in Aries-Libra marks a milestone and turning point for you this year. Personal desires, self-understanding, home and family, binding commitments and relationships, career and professional direction are themes. In the quest for peace and justice, remember it all begins with you, inside and out. Know the importance of thoughts, words and deeds as you weave the magical fabric of your life.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) The Sun, Mercury and Uranus in your solar 6^th house of work, service and self-betterment, you may be thinking about a variety of ways and things to do that might improve, enhance or bolster your physical, emotional and spiritual health. Congratulations! Not everyone knows the value of self-esteem or how to attain it. Focus and commitment come naturally to the Scorpio. As always, perseverance furthers.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Lucky you! As the Mother Earth awakens with new life, so also are you rejuvenated and reborn. The only problem: organizing your time and energy to do everything you want and/or need to do. Ah so. Take a deep breath – many times a day – and then de-clutter your mind and your desk. And don’t put so much on your plate. As good as it looks, you’re overdoing it. Practice the art of pruning and limit your intake.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Rattle and roll, shake and bake. These days and times are full of twists and turns, ups and downs, challenge and change. Good you are a master of disaster, calm in the storm and leader of the pack. Natural abilities of organization, priority and resource management come in handy now. Simply tap into what you know and follow your intuition. Mars in Taurus helps you stay on track. Keep your eyes on the road.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) With Mercury, the Sun and the wild revolutionary thinker Uranus in your solar 3^rd house of thoughts and ideas, you may feel brain-wheels spinning and mind-motors running at warp speed. Calm the brainstorms with daily walks and talks with people who share your common interest and goals. Network, communicate and explore options. And then take action. Channel motivation and focus on manifestation.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) Planetary excitement in your solar 2^nd house of personal work and resources may have you considering a new direction regarding money, earnings and material security. Mars in Taurus encourages realistic thinking and practical action when it comes to spending, do the math and balance the equations. Jupiter now moving forward in Leo encourages physical wellness.  Take good care of body, mind and spirit. 

      Alacazem         by Cynthia Zehm      April 2 to 9, 2015

    Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

     Living Buddha, Living Christ Aries-Libra Total Lunar Eclipse

The April 4^th lunar eclipse* in Aries-Libra is the third of four total lunar eclipses in a row, a relatively rare astronomical event known as a lunar tetrad. The last lunar tetrad was in 2003-2004; the next one will be in 2032-2033. And five more lunar tetrads will take place in the 21^st century. By comparison, however, and in contrast to these eight lunar tetrads – a wildly large number - there was not one lunar tetrad in the years 1582 to 1908.

In classical astrology, eclipses are, and have always been, celestial touchstones.  And having four lunar eclipses in a row is exponentially significant. It’s like living on a super generator-receptor crystal of ultra-violet rainbow light. There are signs and omens all around. Metaphysical energies emanate via electromagnetic waves rippling throughout the cosmos. Solar and lunar gravitational pulls manifest in the year’s most extreme high and low oceanic tides. Animal and plant life on the planet are also affected, but the effects may appear less extreme, more subtle, even invisible.  But what goes on inside and outside of limited human visibility is another story.

These days and times are sort of like walking on a volcanic magma flow. Feet are burning and it’s hard to breathe. There is no solid ground. We are flying through time and space, spiraling through galaxies, nomads in an infinite Universe of boundless power and potential. As it was, and as it is. Eternal and ever-changing, forever and ever… and here we are. Today. 

The total solar eclipse of March 20^th at the very last and final degree of numinous Pisces was the birthing lunation for the April 4^th [@6:05am MDT] Aries-Libra [@14°24’] total lunar eclipse. What came to life then has taken shape, what was awakened then is now manifest. What is being illuminated today grew from seeds planted in the fertile, supernatural soil of the zodiac’s most spiritually evolved sign. It is here, in these last degrees, that the soul becomes one with all that is and ever shall be, melts in compassion and embraces forgiveness. It is love and loving-kindness, the living Buddha and the living Christ.

The April 4^th Aries-Libra full Moon lunar eclipse asks all of us to move from Aries primal instinct, self-will and base desire to Libra balance, peace and beauty. It counsels us to take pause and smell the roses, relax and cultivate serenity in ourselves and harmony in our relationships. Libra stands between Virgo servitude and Scorpio demand. It lives and breathes equality and justice, but like Aries, it is a cardinal sign, and is therefore an active, positive, aggressive energy. Like the “iron fist in the velvet glove” it will not give in without a fight.

There is beauty, there is peace, there is love, but we must seek it. Touch the stone, find the crystal, live the dream.

*This eclipse will be visible in Colorado in the darkness before dawn. Look for a “blood Moon” low in the SW sky above the western horizon.

(Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The April 4^th full Moon total lunar eclipse @ 14°24’ Aries reiterates the familiar themes that have been with you now for weeks, months and years. The difference comes via understanding just how important you are in your own life, i.e. how everything you do and say comes back in one way or another. Beauty, accountability, responsibility, credibility, happiness, health, wealth and freedom - it’s all up to you.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) With Venus and Mars now moving through Taurus, you may be feeling both motivated to achieve and at peace with what you have. You see the value of pursing goals via steadfast action, but also understand just how precious the most basic things in life are to happiness, health and well-being. This week’s eclipse energy illuminates the connection between spirit and matter, body and soul. Take good care of both.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Springtime provides examples and generates emotions of rebirth and renewal. As the Mother Earth is reborn in shades of green, you cannot help but feel the powerful surge of new life upon the planet. Resurrection and redemption are themes, body and soul. Angelic presence and divine force dance amidst the season’s warming soils and first fragile flowers. Embrace the energy and ride the wave. Revive, renew, rejoice.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) The April 4^th full Moon is the third of four total lunar eclipses in a row – called a lunar tetrad – and will be most visible in the hour before dawn. As a bona fide “moonchild” you are energetically, cosmically in tune with the phases and stages of la Luna. Eclipses are powerful touchstones and provide us with the cosmically charged, illuminating light of the magical, metaphysical Holy Spirit. Watch, look and listen.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) As the Aries zodiac month continues to uplift and inspire you, count your blessings and follow your lucky stars. The Mother Earth and Father Sky provide us with food and water, materials for home and shelter, shimmering rainbows, magnificent sunsets and a variety of natural phenomena from which to learn and grow. This week a total lunar eclipse reminds you to ride the high road of spirit and follow the stars.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The Aries-Libra polarity of this week’s full Moon lunar eclipse reverberates with echoes of the recent past: me vs. you and self vs. others. Whether it’s a close, intimate relationship or one of another nature and purpose, it’s all about you and what you do with the stimuli coming from the outside in. Personal responsibility – accepting your part – is the key to all success here. Recognizing the supreme power you have in the quality of your own life is essential to happiness and health. Simple.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) As an important player in the cosmic drama taking place over the last few years - specifically regarding the erratic, radical ups and downs of others in your life – you have done your best to keep the peace and maintain a healthy balance of giving and receiving.  Take a deep breath and pay attention to the illuminating light of this week’s full Moon. A major relationship phase is ending. It’s time to take care of you.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) “Take good care of yourself” is easier said than done. Often we don’t know what that means or how to do it. Recovering from life’s battles, ups and downs, joys and sorrows, so-called victories and sad defeats requires solace, relaxation and time. Cultivate patience and remember, it’s a process of progress. Struggling against the moment is like struggling against the Universe. You will not win.  Relax and let it be.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Good Friday comes with such a lovely name. And, hopefully, it will be so. Aries fire adds fuel to desire as you discover a great bounty of wealth in places, spaces and the faces of people you respect and admire. Shrug off negativity, doubt and fear. Replace it with the grace of gratitude and the magic of inner peace. The world is crazy and chaotic, yes. But you carry the flame of a loving heart within wherever you go.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) The Christian world’s most holy holiday coincides with the annual return and resurrection of spring. Our Mother Earth gives birth to new life, snows melt and grasses turn green. Baby lambs and romping calves frolic in pastures as trees bud and flowers blossom. And this is so for you also. New life stirs within; resurging vitality engenders a renaissance of hope, inspiration and creativity. Follow the muse.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Celestial music plays in ethereal spaces as Mother Nature’s magic wand waves across the mountains and meadows of spring. Beware of wind, as changes blow wild and free. Full Moon eclipse energy encourages illumination, keep your eyes and ears open wherever you go. Messages run rampant and things you need to see and hear are there for the taking. Think positive, be proactive and focus on solutions.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) What a wild feeling to know how effective and important you are in creating a good, healthy, happy life. Personal responsibility is the touchstone to reality; a way to stay grounded in the here and now, accept others as they are and understand that change comes only from within. This April eclipse week unfolds with light, shining new hope and fresh love in your relationships. Express gratitude, share love and choose joy.

   Alacazem          by Cynthia Zehm         March 26 to April 2, 2015

        Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

  A Look Back to Where We Were Last Year...in the Awakened Light of Now

I awoke in predawn darkness to a cloudless, starry sky. To the east, the first glow of morning backlit the jagged San Juan horizon. I stepped outside to feel the air. The thermometer read 28°F, cooler than expected. Antares, the shimmering, yellowish-orange heart-star of the Scorpion marked the southwestern edge of the Milky Way. Just west of Antares, planet Saturn kept watch, moving ever closer to the last hours of its nightly shift.

I had gotten up early in hope of writing the introduction to my weekly astrology column. Hours later, I’m just getting back to it. In a sort of writer’s slump, hunting inspiration, I checked the Archives for this same time last year to see what I had written. Happy, I found something I liked. It’s all about changing weather. And the header sighted exact dates for the Uranus-Pluto square, as well as the signature purpose of this colossal, powerful, ongoing cosmic challenge: Awakening & Change.  

As we have just experienced the seventh and last exact square [March 16, 2015] of the most impactful celestial series of the 21st Century so far, and are now on the “other side” of awakening, I have decided to run the ALA2014.03.27 intro as I wrote it then. I got just what I wanted out of it, and I’m hoping you do too. So…here we go.

  Wild,Raucous Pink Winds of Change & the Pluto-Uranus Square

*Uranus square Pluto June 26 2012
 * Uranus square Pluto September 19 2012
*         *Uranus square Pluto May 21 2013
 * Uranus square Pluto November 1 2013* 
                                 *Uranus square Pluto April 21 2014*
                                    *Uranus square Pluto December 15 2014
 * Uranus square Pluto March 16 2015

Yesterday afternoon a wild, dusty pink cloud of raucous wind and spitting rain roared in from Utah. Trees shook and branches bounced up, down and all around in a crazy dance of spring. It was as if the great, powerful hands of distant, restless sky gods had reached down to grasp the slumbering, dormant life upon Mother Earth to cry, “Awaken!” Mulch scattered and birds fluttered, looking for shelter in the storm. Inside, winter-dried aspen crackled in our woodstove. I listened to the outside sounds of pelting sleet and howling wind, grateful and thankful to have a warm house and safe place to be – at that moment, at that time – in my life.

I often notice how weather is like emotion. When it’s cold and raining, it seems like it will always be cold and raining. When it’s hot and dry, when the rains won’t come and the earth is parched, it seems like it will be drought forever. When sunny, bright, magnificent blue skies stun my senses and infuse my heart with joy, I forget about those cold, rainy mornings and snowy, frozen nights. When meadowlarks sing and bluebirds flutter, it seems as if it will always be so.

When I’m sad and blue, feeling self-pity and worry, I forget about those moments of ecstasy and joy, peace, acceptance and surrender. It seems – in those moments - as if life is a pitcher filled with challenge and lesson, fear and anxiety. When I’m happy, I am happy. When it’s raining, it is raining. And sometimes – quite often - it’s raining and I’m happy.

I feel my feelings like I feel the weather. Frustration and anger have a way of trumping joy and peace, just like sunshine follows rain. Clouds move in and clouds move out. And just like the weather, no feeling is final. The perpetual wheel of time, the returning seasons, eternal and forever - here and gone, today and tomorrow - infinite and always…change. *And that’s what the recurring cardinal square of Uranus in Aries to Pluto in Capricorn is all about – dynamic change – from the depths of soul to the ethereal realms of our ever-expanding Universe. CHANGE. The blessings and challenge of change. Changing weather and changing times, changing feelings and new frontiers. May we walk, live, laugh and love in the bounty of beautiful, eternal, physical, emotional, spiritual cosmic change. Goodness and grace, good luck!

The Sun sign forecasts below are written for NOW - hot off the press - not from last year, of course!

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) As you take those first steps into another solar year, light the candles and cut the cake, remember the upcoming 12 months of your life will be as good as the thoughts you think and the things you do. Internal dialogs dictate attitudes and actions, pay attention to the quality of the tickertape running through your brain. It’s not about denial, it’s about the awareness, vitality and value of living amends. Happy birthday!

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) You may find someone blaming you for something that is not your fault, or in a turmoil over what has been taken as an insult or injustice regarding something you have said or done. Rather than defend your position, listen to what they have to say. Let them know your position and leave it at that. Extreme measures, emotional reactions and heated discussions make it worse. Give it time and let it go. It’s not your stuff.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Traveling with partners, following their lead and surrendering to someone else’s will may not sit well with you this week as you are used to being in charge. On the other hand, you may enjoy it. As long as you stay true to self and do the important inner work of self-rediscovery and self-recovery, all is well. Hearing what others have to say is one thing. Letting them tell you what to do is another. Stick to the facts.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) As the Sun enters your solar 10^th house of social and professional status, you may feel a surge of interest, pressure or ambition regarding matters of personal achievement. Career questions emerge amidst feelings of desire. Consider what you’re doing currently and where it’s taking you. Perhaps it’s time to resurrect old dreams and goals. Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) People, places and things that you have recently identified as problems may suddenly seem less so. In fact, you may actually see it all now as necessary and advantageous. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes. Recognizing that the most difficult times are often the most valuable times is one of the most cherished secrets of mystery schools and metaphysical teachings. Lessons are golden keys. Learn.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The last several weeks have focused on your personal relationships and the feelings you have regarding others. Are my emotional needs being met? Why am I so annoyed by what the say, do or don’t do?  Now that the Sun has moved into Aries, you will see a shift of focus to partnerships of a business or financial nature. Be cautious regarding joint investment. Clarify intentions, desires and responsibilities.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) As the Sun enters your solar 7^th house of sharing and pairing, you may feel a shift of focus and priority regarding others. Relationships in general take center stage and you may feel as if you are neglecting yourself in the process. Spring equinox marks the halfway point through your personal year and it’s a very good time for looking back to where you’ve been and where you want to go. Don’t lose sight of that.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) The Aries zodiac month marks an annual time of self-improvement, work and well-being for the Scorpion. After all, it’s something you love and something you know exactly how to do. Enjoy the season by embracing the natural energies of resurrection, rebirth and renewal. Make lists and identify areas of your life that could use bolstering and amendment. Balance periods of intense activity with periods of rest.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Springtime is one of the most inspirational, exciting and uplifting times of year for the Archer. Renewal and rebirth are themes. Set your sights high and refuse to settle for second best. Positive thinking, enthusiastic attitudes and courageous acts are allies in your quest of discovery. Embrace the power of now as you gather ideas and information. Remember: Fantasy is fun but facts get the job done. Focus on the facts.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) Synchronicity and coincidence combine in a dance of creation and manifestation as you feel drawn to certain people, places and things. Fate and destiny are always factors in life’s equation of direction and outcome, but it’s also a question of how much value to give them. That said, surrendering yourself to the possibility of magic in your life is magical. Pay attention to what comes your way each day and embrace it.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) As the Sun moves into one of the more social, talkative and curious sectors of your solar chart this week and upcoming zodiac month, you will find that you have no problem when it comes to expressing your opinion or asking questions you want to ask. While this is all fun and games, be conscious of what you say and to whom you say it. In your quest for conversation you may say too much. The word is a powerful weapon.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) As you move into the second zodiac month of your solar year, take note of what you think you want and what you really want. Make a list of intentions and desires and examine them. Are you setting your sights too low? What are your beliefs and values? Dreams and ambitions? You may feel comfortable, confident and content these days. Congratulations. Just make sure you are happy and healthy. Good luck!

   Alacazem            by Cynthia Zehm             March 19 to 26, 2015

          Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

   New Moon Solar Eclipse, Solar Storms & the Birth of Spring

The first day of Spring comes this year on a total solar eclipse “super Moon” day that also coincides with an intense 11-year solar sunspot cycle that sends highly charged geomagnetic particles from the Sun to Earth, resulting in magnificent, far-reaching “northern lights” displays in latitudes much further south than normal. Other possible effects of this intense “solar storm” include temporary disruption of power grids, GPS degradation and bursts of radiation that can potentially affect satellite operations.  And who knows how it can affect humans? Guess we’ll find out.

The total solar eclipse new Moon takes place in the early hours of March 20^th at 3:36 am MDT. The path of totality curves through the Arctic Ocean, making landfall in only two places” Svalbard and the Faroe Islands. will not be visible anywhere below the Arctic Circle, with only two remote islands This is the only total solar eclipse of 2015.

The path of totality curves through the Arctic Circle, making landfall in only two places: Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and the Faroe Islands, another archipelago halfway between Norway and Iceland.

The good news is we have come to that point of equinox in our orbit around the Sun, when day and night are of equal length. We are moving toward greening grass, budding trees and the year’s first flowers. Baby calves and infant lambs take their wobbly first steps and romp in meadows and pastures, staying not far away from their mother’s sweet milk. Warmer nights and longer days loom upon the distant horizon. It’s time to till the soil and touch the earth, plan our gardens and germinate seeds for seedling transplants, plants that will eventually go outside and grow into luscious tomatoes and sweet, hot peppers, once the killing frosts have past.

The Aries zodiac month is all about rebirth and resurrection. It’s a time to feel the generational power of new life and fresh starts, find the best within and carry it forward with courage, strength and desire. As we burst forth into spring, may we have the wisdom, honor and integrity to be the best we can be, give our gifts to the world and ride the roads of goodness and grace.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) As the Sun and Moon come together on the first day of Spring at the last degree of Pisces, embrace the unique opportunity to combine spirit with matter and make this lunar month one of healing emotional closure and inspirational new beginnings. The rough and radical road of life is smoother, drama and adrenal no longer pull you in dangerous directions, thank heaven! Cultivate inner peace via outer goodness.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) A plethora of planets in Pisces and Aries stack the deck for sweet Venus in early Taurus, outweighing her calm beauty and grace with steamy emotion and impulsive action. Nevertheless, maintain your center and take it one moment and one incident at a time. You have the wisdom to know all things come in time, patience is a virtue and that perseverance furthers. Smile, breathe and accept life as it comes.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) The New Moon solar eclipse at 29° Pisces in the early morning hours of March 20^th – the first day of Spring – opens the door on a budding season of new hope and fresh starts for the Twins. Friendship, camaraderie and inspiration are themes as you seek out people and places that uplift your spirit and encourage you to pursue your passions and follow your heart. Knowing what you want is the key to manifesting it.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) The birth of spring coincides this year with a late degree Pisces New Moon solar eclipse, infusing the cosmos with a combination of soulful compassion and vibrant new life. Spiritual and physical planes merge as resurrection, redemption and rebirth come via shimmering sun and warming earth. Action is a powerful tool; just make sure you find time to feel the gratitude and grace of life. Feel the blessings.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Spring Equinox takes place about 13 hours after the Sun and Moon exactly conjoin in a late degree Pisces New Moon solar eclipse. Unusual and unique, this celestial event merges spirit with matter, body and soul, creating a spider-web network of metaphysical bridges between the visible and invisible worlds in which we live and thrive. Notice how vibrant the earth feels as well as the love in your heart. Embrace the grace.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) New Moon solar eclipses are always powerful new beginnings; no matter what time of year they take place. But in the last hours of winter, just prior to the advent of Spring Equinox? Hallelujah, this one is unique! Gather spiritual forces and listen to inner voices – the ones from the heart, not the head – and open yourself to the magical world of unlimited possibility and potential. Ask the Universe and embrace the divine.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Surrender, compassion and illuminated right action are powerful allies this week as a Pisces New Moon solar eclipse joins force with the emerging, birthing power of Spring. It’s as if you have one foot in the spiritual womb of soulful creation and one foot walking on the physical plane of terra firm. Magic comes to those who see and feel the merging power of both in the miracle of birth. Congratulations. It’s you!

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Be awake and aware of the rather powerful feelings of heart and soul you experience this week as a New Moon solar eclipse on the first day of Spring initiates the natural zodiac year. Tapping into true love - that which truly inspires and uplifts the spirit, makes you feel most vital and alive – is the way to go now. Happiness, joy and peace are choices we make via what we do and how we do it. Be true to heart.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Spring Equinox takes place on March 20^th @ 4:45 pm MDT, approximately 13 hours after the Sun and Moon conjoin in a late degree Pisces New Moon solar eclipse. These two celestial events in tandem offer up some of the year’s most fertile celestial soil for planting seeds of your life’s hopes, dreams and aspirations. This is a rather personal opportunity, one that can be profound. Prepare the soil, plant the seeds.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) With a pack of planets in Pisces and another posse in Aries, the heavens may feel weighty and out-of-balance, not to mention the world. Good news is that Spring Equinox offers up celestial balance, but it will take some time and work to get there. Something important regarding closure must take place. Forgive and move forward. Let go of whatever you’ve been holding onto. Freedom is free. Embrace it.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) The March 20^th New Moon takes place at the last degree of the last sign of the natural zodiac. Just hours later, the Sun moves into the first sign of the zodiac [Aries] and Spring begins. This portends a quick study of cosmic forces and a speedy version of celestial evolution. Conscious or subconscious, you are moving fast, touching the inner and outer reaches of soul and spirit. Hang on and enjoy the ride.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) You may feel a powerful and profound sense of closure as the March 20^th New Moon solar eclipse takes place at the very last degree of your sign.  And then, as the last hours of winter morph into the first hours of Spring, you may also feel the soulful ascent of spirit, a type of spiritual resurrection or new life force emerge out of what once was. Remain open to what comes. Pace yourself and breathe deep. It’s a new beginning.

Alacazem         by Cynthia Zehm                         March 5 to 12, 2015

    Visible planets: Morning: Mercury, Saturn   Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

  Then and Now: How Far Have We Come?

Well, here we are, just days away from the last of seven exact Uranus in Aries to Pluto in Capricorn squares, and I couldn’t be more impressed by how the state of affairs here on Earth – personal, local and global – so appropriately constellate the energies of the aspects, planets and signs involved. [See last week's column] This series of exact squares began on June 24, 2012 and will end on March 16, 2015. And, as always, the energies are in orb and can be felt for weeks and months before and after those dates.

Planetary squares serve as tests and trials for their preceeding planetary conjunctions and take place minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years after the birthing aspect of the conjunction. The timing of the square following the conjunction depends upon the speed with which the two planets revolve around the Sun, as well as their relationship to each other. When two planets or asteroids line up exactly at the same degree, in the same sign of the 360° tropical zodiac, a planetary conjunction takes place. Astrologically, this represents birth or rebirth, and marks the initiation of powerful, important new beginnings.  

Birthdays and New Moons are annual and monthly examples of planetary conjunctions. The “Saturn return” is an approximate 30-year recurring conjunction of Saturn to its position at the time of ones’ birth. The Uranus-Pluto conjunction is an example of a conjunction that takes place at recurring and alternating intervals of 111± and 143± years, due to the elliptical orbit of Pluto. The last Uranus-Pluto conjunction took place in the mid-60’s, and the first following square of that conjunction takes place from June 2012 to March 2015 – right now. [Sequential squares of Uranus-Pluto conjunctions are erratic, due to the irregular orbit of Pluto. The last, most recent square of Uranus-Pluto took place from 1932 to 1934, the next Uranus-Pluto square takes place from 2073-2074.]

Whatever comes to life, is awakened or begins at the time of any Uranus-Pluto conjunction is tested at the time of the first separating Uranus-Pluto square. Today - right here, right now - the revolutionary, radical awakenings, upsetting events, heart and mind-altering breakthroughs born out of the game-changing 60’s are being tested and put on trial. This decade marks the 50^th anniversaries of the tragic assassinations of JFK, MLK and RFK, as well as the recent March 7^th 50^th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the dramatic Civil Rights March led by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Viet Nam, the anti-war and anti-establishment demonstrations, womens' liberation and the back-to-the-earth movement, hippies, marijuana and LSD, peace, love and rock-n-roll…tune in, turn on, drop out? All front and center in light of where were then and where we are today.

How far have we come? For those who lived through or came of age during the turbulent, heart-awakening ‘60’s, as well as those who did not and those who came later, we are now facing the great challenge of another life and consciousness changing Uraunus-Pluto square. Can we awaken and sustain the best within us to live our lives in ways that demonstrate the learning and teachings of those times? Can we see through the so-cleverly crafted smoke and mirrors of global and national multi-billion dollar money machines, the ones that enact violence, hate and war? Or the ones that manufacture, promote and feed us poison, rape the Mother Earth and accelerate the desecration of our planet?

Not one of us is perfect or without blame. We are all in this together. And we can always do better. So, let’s just do the best we can, stay awake, vigilant and cultivate relationships that promote peace, justice, love and right action. Heaven help us all.

For anyone interested in reading more about Uranus-Pluto, here are a few links: www.ericfrancis.com/planetwaves/sixties.html    www.astro.com/astrology/aa_article140702_e.html        www.palden.co.uk/uranus-pluto-cycles.html  www.opednews.com/articles/Uranus-Square-Pluto-Part-S-by-Anne-Nordhaus-Bike-Astrology_Astrology_Liberation_Pluto-In-Capricorn-150313-362.html

The interpretations below are written for the areas of life [houses] in the solar chart that have been most affected by the Uranus-Pluto square for each Sun sign over the last three years. If you know your Rising sign, please read the interpretation for that sign as well to get a more complete understanding of the energies that have been and are affecting you.

 Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) [1^st to 10^th House] Issues regarding personal freedom and means of self-expression have been strongly challenged by government entities, legal institutions and people in positions of authority. You have been awakened: liberty is directly related to responsibility. Life is an equation of action and consequence. Everything we do and say comes back to h help or haunt us. Also in focus now: new career direction. Do what you love!

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) [12^th to 9^th House] Compassion, surrender, servitude and helping those who need help have been themes for you over the last three years. While you might not have signed up for so much giving and serving at the start, you can now see the profound benefits of your actions. Altruism, self-sacrifice and philanthropy are not classic Taurus characteristics. You have been challenged to grow and it’s awesome. Good work!

Gemini (May 20-June 20) [11^th to 8^th House] The transformation of your hopes and dreams, aspirations and friendships has been an ongoing and constant source of awakening, enlightenment and change. What you thought you wanted to do and what you have been able do are far apart. Financial involvements, partnership demands and relationship responsibilities have taken priority.  Cultivate patience and seek out inspiration.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) [10^th to 7^th House] The challenges, conflicts and surprises regarding domestic life and professional direction have forced change in both of these areas over the last few years. It’s good and yet may feel somewhat insecure, and we know Cancers love security! Freedom and career independence have become priorities, you need room to grow. Follow your heart when it comes to what you choose and trust that the Universe to provide.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) [9^th to 6^th House] Sports, education, expansion, foreign travel and spirituality have fueled action and motivation, keeping you on a rather high road of exploration and discovery. The only problem is work! Ha! Being of service, maintaining a practice and helping to improve the world have been major themes for you over the last few years. Now you can see the forest for the trees and are ready to focus on what you love most. Go for it.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) [8^th to 5^th House] Getting it together financially has been an important theme over the last few years. In some cases that meant separating partnerships and involvements with others you loved in order to move forward. Hard as that was, you have made progress. New relationships continue to challenge growth, which is good. Perhaps you really are in love. Consider the alternatives of solo living and continue taking good care of your heart.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) [7^th to 4^th House] The rather unconventional personalities and behaviors of your closest partners have forced you to look within. Recognizing your part in every relationship, the ways you encourage, support and nurture others, as well as how you react to them are the major themes and lessons of the last few years. Challenges manifest growth and personal responsibility gives birth to freedom. Stay on the path and keep the faith.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) [6^th to 3^rd House] Radical awakenings and disruptive changes have taken their toll over the last few years. It’s been a wild ride taking you from where you were to where you are today. And, ultimately it’s good. The most gold comes via acceptance, personal responsibility, productivity and creative, positive action. Fighting the tide, struggling against the Universe and trying to control or change others simply does not work.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) [5^th to 2^nd House] The ups and downs, changes and challenges in romantic relationships and love in general have taken you to places and spaces you have never been. Freedom from the known, you have awakened to your own creative spirit and opened your heart. On the other front, money and financial security have demanded your time and attention. Cherish the love, keep the faith, make the commitment and do good work.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) [4^th to 1^st House] The last of 7 exact Pluto-Uranus squares surrounds you with a corona of stars and crowns you with a golden crown. Congratulations! You have survived. Personal epiphanies and spiritual awakenings have caused you to dig deep and do the necessary inner work you needed to do. Humility and gratitude are powerful allies in this metamorphic transformation. Hang on to the gold of goodness, it carries you far.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) [3^rd to 12^th House] Your mind has awakened and you have been enlightened. How does it feel? Of course, family of origin, childhood exposure and life experience continue to influence and subconsciously direct you. Default positions, reactions to others and instinctive behaviors remain. The good news is that you can finally see when you are acting out or acting up, hurting others and doing harm. And you have stopped. Nice!

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) [2^nd to 11^th House] Personal earnings, financial resources, value systems and natural talents have been important themes for you over the last few years. And your hopes and dreams have changed.  You have taken a good, long look at aspiration and inspiration, considered the facts and made some important choices. The result is a more realistic view of achievement, life goals and simple pleasures. Health is wealth and gratitude is grace.

 Alacazem          by Cynthia Zehm                     March 5 to 12, 2015

        Visible planets: Morning: Saturn          Evening: Venus, Mars, Jupiter

           Good vs Evil: The Revolution/Evolution of Uranus-Pluto

Wild news, explosive events and radical awakenings are par for the course this week as a dueling dance of personal vs. universal will emanates throughout the cosmos. WE, as people living and breathing, the human race and all animals, plants and organic life - right here, right now - are facing a ginormous, gargantuan, daunting task. How do we survive and thrive in an increasingly threatening world?

How do we work with and effectively manage our survival instincts for forces of goodness and grace in the swallowing darkness of evil and destruction? How can one man or woman make a difference in the battle against violence, genocide and torture? Don’t we yet understand that fighting fire with fire, war with war and hate with hate does nothing but generate more of the same? Have we evolved as a species as anything more and or better than what we were millennia ago?

It’s still all about survival. After all, it’s our primal instinct. And to survive, it seems we – the “evolved” human race” – in all our beauty and bounty, are compelled to kill. What happened to peace?

On March 16^th [@ 7:50 pm MDT] revolutionary planet Uranus - in survival, fight-or-flight, “me first” Aries - forms the 7^th and final exact square to evolutionary planet Pluto - in controlling, authoritarian, “respect the systems in power” Capricorn. Uranus energy is explosive, exciting, radical, unpredictable and awakening. In Aries it manifests via individual will and experience, self-awareness and sense of self. We are poignantly aware of our own individual needs, wants and desires. The ego here is strong. It is here we are willing to fight - fight to survive, fight for what we want – and become the spiritual warriors we were born to be.

Pluto energy is seductive, seething and dark. It wants power at any cost - good or bad - the means justify the end. Pluto represents the powers that rule the world as well as generational power and angst. It is power that may be and is often hidden, powers much greater than the individual self, powers that destroy and  destruct.  Pluto also represents death and rebirth, degeneration and regeneration, the phoenix that rises from the ashes, that which lives through holocaust and apocalypse; it is power through pain. In Capricorn, Pluto energy manifests via governments, sovereign rulers and kingdoms, war and money machines, criminal justic systems and police, corporations, the military and the aristocracy. None of these entities want to give up their power, or surrender to the Uranus in Aries individual. But in this ongoing Uranus-Pluto process, they are being exposed and challenged to expose themselves exactly as they are.

So, here we are, the individual self amongst our brothers and sisters in arms, facing forces much greater and more powerful than ourselves, attempting to survive and thrive. And we are moving ever closer to the last of the exact Uranus-Pluto squares. And since the first one took place in June of 2012, it’s been an ongoing, perpetual motion machine of individual and collective metamorphic, transformational awakening and evolutionary change. Now we’re coming down the final stretch. Good luck and may the forces of goodness, courage, fortitude, strength, integrity and non-violence be with us all. 

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) The Sun and Neptune in Pisces take on Venus, Mars and Uranus in Aries this week in a dueling dance of personal vs. universal will. As we know, oh so well, the ego is not our amigo, and yet, its power is phenomenal. Self will can run riot and destroy the very things we have tried so long and hard to establish: compassion, forgiveness, loving-kindness and surrender. Beware of anger and compulsive behaviors. Tap into love.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Beware of invisible forces coming from covert places and spaces – maybe even people – that may be working against you. Always a reluctantly delicate subject, and always a subjective one, jealously and resentment are sinister, insidious emotions that can invade even the most enlightened, well-intentioned relationships. The tonic here is open, loving kindness and compassionate, honest truth. Do your best and forget the rest.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) The March 5^th full Moon in Virgo-Pisces challenged the Twins to accept and integrate the impactful events and changes involving family and professional direction that have recently come to pass. Compassion and loving-kindness are golden keys here; make sure you are practicing it with yourself as well as others. Friends are both supportive and enlightening, awakening the best within. Love the ones you’re with, be present.

Cancer (June 20-July 21) A week of rather intense energy presents itself as Venus, Mars and Uranus in Aries awaken your to the radical, wild and potentially upsetting – but also exciting! - world outside your door. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone worked together for the good of all concerned? That’s not the way it is, but there are good people out there just waiting and wanting to be discovered. Gather courage, faith and hope. Go forth.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) You may be stunned by something or someone amazingly exciting as love planet Venus in Aries backs up Mars, Jupiter and Uranus in a dance of good faith and explosive opportunity this week. Focus on goodness – good thoughts, good deeds and good intention – and you will discover gold beyond measure. Focus on fear, anger, resentment and selfish intention guarantees disaster. It’s a conscious choice.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) As the March 5^th Virgo full Moon provided you with illuminating, enlightening relationship activities, experiences and exchanges, take a good look at whether you are really being honest with yourself. Transparency and trust are the foundational stones of a good partnership. Honesty does not mean hurting others by sharing your doubts and dislikes about them. It’s having clean motive and good intention. Dig deep.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Plenty of relationship activity comes your way this week as a rather explosive Mars-Uranus conjunction in your fiery 7^th house of relationships follows a fortuitous trine to Jupiter in amorous Leo. You may find others are full of energy, over the top and possibly demanding as they surprise, excite and express their desires. Stay calm, keep the peace and balance drama with reason. Stay centered and enjoy the show.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) You may feel cooler and calmer than you have in years as Saturn has exited Scorpio, entered Sagittarius, and left you with a toolbox of practical, realistic, utilitarian tools for managing and navigating the inevitable twists and turns, ups and downs of life. Good things come to those who cultivate patience and fortitude. Perseverance furthers. Balance is the key to success now. Breathe deep and take it easy, one day at a time.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) A fiery week of love and romance, desire and will presents itself, calling upon the best within to navigate the road ahead. You enjoy attention, action and excitement, so seize the day and go forth. Just make sure you are keeping your heart in the right place, practicing honesty and maintaining a good spiritual condition. An explosive Mars-Uranus conjunction may tempt fate. Stay the course, and simply do the next right thing.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) As we move ever closer to the 7^th and final exact Uranus-Pluto square on March 16^th, gather your courage, faith and good intention. Dig deep. After several years of intense challenge and forced change, you are transformed. These metamorphic experiences have served the daunting and awesome purpose of awakening and enlightenment, opening doors to soul and spirit. Feel your heart and stay on the path.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) A snap, crackle pop week of interaction and activity opens doors and impels expansion. Working with people of common interest and intention provides you with a variety of new information and inspiration, which is exactly what you need. New ideas, methods and examples of success stimulate creativity and fuel self-improvement. Share good feelings and ideas with partners and find time for fun.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) You may be surprised by a renewed sense of purpose and creative desire that emerges as wake-up Uranus joins force with motivational Mars in your solar second house of personal earnings and income. Natural talents and artistic gifts pop up as a potent and powerful means to accomplishment. Generous, good luck Jupiter encourages enlightened work and service. Keep your eyes open and follow the signs.

Alacazem       by Cynthia Zehm             February 26 to March 5, 2015

Visible planets: Morning: Jupiter, Saturn            Evening: Mercury, Venus, Mars

           The Syntax and Other Syntax of Virgo-Pisces

The last days of February and the waxing week of the Virgo-Pisces full Moon emanate themes of holistic health and universal healing – individually and collectively, locally and globally – as well as etheral, invisible tracks of mystical experience, divine origin, spiritual surrender and the ultimate, eternal Oneness of Creation.

Birth and death continue as the foundational touchstone upon which the human reality is structured. Ends and beginnings make up the core definition of our physical, material world. Can we perceive anything that does not have a creative birth and ultimate, inevitable death?

The Big Bang Theory fits neatly into this paradigm, and it’s one of the reasons I resist accepting it as truth. Perhaps the origin of the Universe goes beyond the confines of human perception and explanation, a Great Mystery that is written outside the human codex, in a syntax we cannot understand. In 1998, Carlos Castaneda – one of my supreme spiritual and metaphysical teachers – published The Active Side of Infinity, a sort of memoir and tribute to his teachers, the men and women of knowledge that opened doors to previously inexperienced worlds of perception and dimension, the worlds of altered states and realities, spirits and allies, worlds that we as humans accept with great doubt and skepticism, if at all.

In his book, following the dedication to two of his UCLA Anthropology professors, way back when, and the table of contents, Castaneda writes two separate pages on The Big Bang: Syntax and The Other Syntax. When I read his words for the first time in 1999, I was stunned and deeply gratified. Who would dare to doubt the Big Bang? From who and where did this come?

   Syntax

A man staring at his equations said that the universe had a beginning. There had been an explosion, he said. A bang of bangs, and the universe was born.And it is expanding, he said. He had even calculated the length of its life: ten billion revolutions of the earth around the sun.

The entire globe cheered: They found his calculations to be science. None thought that by proposing that the universe began, the man had merely mirrored the syntax of his mother tongue; a syntax which demands beginnings, like birth and developments, like maturation and ends, like death, as statements of facts.

The universe began, and it is getting old, the man assured us, and it will die, like all things die, like he himself died after confirming mathematically the syntax of his mother tongue.

   The Other Syntax

Did the universe really begin? Is the theory of the big bang true? These are not questions, though they sound like they are. Is the syntax that requires beginnings, developments and ends as statements of fact the only syntax that exists? That’s the real question.

There are other syntaxes. There is one, for example, which demands that varieties of intensity be taken as facts. In that syntax, nothing begins and nothing ends; thus birth is not a clean, clear-cut event, but a specific type of intensity, and so is maturation, and so is death.

A man of that syntax, looking over his equations, finds that he has calculated enough varieties of intensity to way with authority that the universe never began and will never end, but that it has gone, and is going on now, and will go through endless fluctuations of intensity.

That man could very well conclude that theuniverse itself is the chariot of intensity and that one could board it to journey through changes without end. He could conclude all that, and much more, perhaps without realizing that he is merely confirming the syntax of his mother tongue.

We are all products of syntax: the rules deriving logical formulas, order and structure. We are limited by exposure and experience. Our parents, family, friends and teachers program our little brain computers from day one. Sensation, stimuli and programming compose thought and generate emotion, fuel desire and dictate belief. Today, on Earth, we are capable of daunting depth and discovery. Technological advances transport us to wildly diverse virtual and physical worlds. And yet, we are primarily spirit, a miraculous and universally cosmic, yet common, combination of energy and space. We are the stars. We are the Big Bang and the expanding universe - the one without beginning or end - the alpha and omega. Embrace Eternity - the Eternal Mystery - and enjoy the ride.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) This week promises the grand opportunity to make things “right” in your life and relationships. Benevolent Jupiter in Leo makes the second of three trines to revolutionary Uranus in Aries, sparking courage and awarding you with the ability comprehend the bigger picture. What’s really right? Surrender ego and do it right.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) A heavy load of planets in the 4^th quadrant of your solar chart portends a variety of social and professional interactions that ultimately leads to a rather surprising spiritual understanding. An uplifting Jupiter trine paves the way to inner awakening. Keep your heart and mind open as you move through the week, taking care of business while making sure you’re simply doing the next right thing. Good luck!

Gemini (May 20-June 20) The big cosmic message for months has been that every thing and every body in our ever-expanding Universe is energy and “we” are all interconnected. We are all made up of the same energetic, quantum physical stuff. Einstein proved this mathematically over a century ago, yet most of our political, social and economic institutions are still based on materialism. Do your best to live holistically and stay on the path.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) As the Moon grows in size and shape each night, so also does the celestial imperative for individual and collective change. The 7^th and final square of revolutionary Uranus and metamorphic Pluto on March 16^th is forcing a radical shift of consciousness on every level. No matter who you are or what you do, you have awakened. Take heed and read the writing on the wall. Take the quantum leap.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) While the Uranus-Pluto square walks away with more Oscars than any other celestial constellation nominated in 2014, the Jupiter–Uranus trine wins for best supporting cast and crew. While the deepest, darkest aspects of human life and human nature in Uranus-Pluto focus on terror, violence, greed and war, Jupiter-Uranus inspires us with courage, creativity and compassion. See and learn from them both.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) The upcoming full Moon in Virgo-Pisces takes place on March 5^th @11:05 am MST. From now until then, pay attention to what pops up in the daily news – locally and globally – as well as in your heart and head. As part and particle of the bigger picture., everything you think, say and do affects everyone and everything on the planet. Reach out to others in the effort to heal yourself and the world. No joke, it’s real.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) Virgo and Pisces are polarized opposites and represent different ends of the same pole. Ruled by Mercury (mind) and Neptune (emotion), respectively, this lunar week is a balance of intellect and intuition. What better time to observe and analyze the interface between thoughts and feelings? What are the default positions of your soul and psyche? Who installed the program? Take it easy, feel the balance and relax.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) Several planetary aspects and imperatives deliver a week of increasing intensity - really? – individually and collectively. Global fires burn and international waters boil. The best strategy is to remain calm amidst the rising tides, work with people committed to holistic, planetary health and healing  . Awakening is not always pleasant, enlightenment is not always nirvana. Cultivate courage and keep the faith.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Serious Saturn’s entrance into Sagittarius emanates a mandate of truth and justice throughout the cosmos. Spiritual paths and enlightened thinking are favored choices on life’s mysterious journey now; material greed and imperialistic actions are not. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, grab the reins and take the high road of spirit over and the low road of rage, anger, fear and doubt. Onward cosmic traveler!

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) As the 7^th and final exact Pluto-Uranus square fast approaches, take a break from the crazy chaos and dangerous dramas of what’s happening today on planet Earth. Whether it’s global climate change, terrorist terror, local politics or personal relationships, find a place and space to be calm and quiet. Tap into silence, feel your heart, ask for guidance. Breathe deep. Relax. Count your blessings. Pray for peace.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) We are being called to balance judgment with compassion, analysis with acceptance and doubt with courage. The Buddha realized that all life involves suffering and that it’s how we choose to deal with it that counts. There is no magic pill to erase pain and suffering in the world. But there are many paths to peace and equanimity. Emotions are like the weather, constantly changing. Accept change and embrace grace.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) As candles flicker and cakes are cut, the world turns. Tumultuous times and unsettling violence clash and crash as many pray for peace. The only way to counterbalance the inequity of killing and hatred is by living and cultivating peace, loving kindness and compassion. One person and one life at a time. Spiritual masters teach us to practice, pray and practice some more. Thanks for your daily prayers and practice.