ALACAZEM 2015.01.08

09 Jan ALACAZEM 2015.01.08

January 8 to 15, 2015 Visible planets: Morning: Jupiter, Saturn    Evening: Mercury, Venus, Mars

Today the phrase “no news is good news” keeps running through my head. I realize this proverbial saying means that not hearing about a situation, or not hearing from or about someone, suggests that nothing bad has happened. However, right now I’m referring to the media news on TV and the Internet – local, national and international – shootings, bombings, killings, kidnapping, torture, hit-and-runs; rampant rage, fear and dis-ease. Poison in our food, poison in our land and water, poison in our minds and hearts? In this context, our old, early 17^th Century adage might be translated or interpreted as “ignorance is bliss.” But we all know where that leads…

For several years now I have been bombarded with the awareness that there is SO MUCH bad stuff going on in our world. As an astrologer, I see it constellated in the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square, a long-term transit that functions to awaken, expose and activate [ultimate] positive personal and collective change. It’s a transit of shock and awe, chaos and creation that mandates transformation and metamorphosis. And the process is brutal.

That said, I’m not one who wants to bury my head in the sand or sweep things under the rug. But, heaven help me, what gives!?! Watching and listening to “the news” these days promotes distress, sorrow and despair. Not to mention anxiety. It’s no wonder so many Americans are on prescribed anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication.

Like my good friend, political guru and former Governor Jesse Ventura once asked me, “What happened to peace?” The concept of peace, the desire to promote peace, the desire to want peace – what happened? It’s true that violence breeds more violence, pain and suffering generate more pain and more suffering. Fear begets fear. Solutions to problems do not come from more of the same problem. It’s a scientific fact. According to Einstein, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is insanity.

What happens if I don’t hear about all the slaughter, injustice and greed in the world? Does my life become better? Am I a better person, more willing to help and serve, contribute and create? I understand today that happiness is an inside job. I am responsible for what I do and say. But what I think? I’m not so sure. Where do thoughts come from? My first thought may not be the right one. It may come as a knee-jerk reaction to an exterior stimulus – the news? – that feels threatening, virtually life threatening – in some way or another. Instinct and survival run strong in the blood of human experience. Fight or flight?

But, alas, I cannot run away. Not really. Not today, not in this over-amped world of super-sized polarities, ideas and ideologies. Fighting for religion, fighting for God? I don’t think so. After all, it’s the Age of Aquarius, the Information Age, the Age of Enlightenment. Yes, enlightenment. Bringing it all into the light of day, the cold hard realities of need and greed, inequity and inequality. Abuse of power and lack of power. The news – the good, bad and ugly – the stuff we have to work with. And the good news? It comes in the quiet meadows and magical forests, in blazing sunsets and starry skies, Venus and Mercury dancing together in turquoise twilight, the innocent hearts of children and the deep red, juicy organic tomatoes we grow from seed. It comes in the strong bonds of brothers and sisters, good friends and honest relationships.

Yes, the good news is here too. I just need to see it and continue to seek it. Feel the gratitude and experience the grace of love, kindness, faith, compassion and acceptance. Somehow, some way, may peace be with us all. And, no matter what, I’m not giving up on peace. No way! After all, I’m a Libra and it’s my guiding light. My guardian angel. I cannot give up on peace. Blessings and, well, peace…let’s keep the light alive.

Aries (Mar. 20-Apr. 19) As Aries’ ruler Mars enters Pisces this week, awaken to any and all potentially self-destructive habits and behaviors that may cause harm to you and others. The purpose of the last few years’ upset and chaos is that of positive, creative change. It’s about true freedom, freedom from self-imposed prisons of compulsive, impulsive actions and thinking. Awareness is the key. Replace old patterns with new ones.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20) Welcome to a year of continued expansion regarding home and family, personal self and base of operations. You may see yourself considering a change of residence or move of some sort as you identify how it might uplift and improve the quality of your life. Meanwhile, take good care of investments and pay attention to finances, especially where joint accounts and loans are concerned. Save rather than spend.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) Motivator Mars moves from air Aquarius into water-loving Pisces this week, shifting gears of action and asking for a more realistic approach to your scene and situation. Weeks of philanthropy and spiritual generosity fueled by hope and optimism are morphing into imperatives for practical action and focused attention. Of course, compassion must be the key ingredient for success. Just take it one day at a time.

Cancer (June 20-July 22) With several years of ups and downs, trials and tribulations, ends and new beginnings, 2015 promises patterns of solid progress in the areas of commerce, communication and education. It’s a great time to expand your mental and spiritual horizons, examine your overall health quotient and identify what needs bolstering and improvement. Diet and exercise, meditation and prayer. Take good care of you!

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) 2015 begins with generous giant Jupiter retrograde in Leo, awarding you with the golden opportunity to take another look at what you’ve done over the last year, how you’ve done it, and how you might improve or positively amend it for the better. This is a precious period of time when the world and cosmos embrace your unique gifts and goodness, favor spiritual expansion and overall success. Let your light shine.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep. 22) Guardian angels and benevolent spirits remain close at hand as the New Year begins. And the good news is that you can expect them to hang around for quite a while. 2015 puts the finishing touches on your last Virgo 12-year recurring Jupiter cycle, bringing happy closure to things started in 2003 and laying the groundwork for a big time of expansion and growth. Keep the faith, trust the truth and stay on the path.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 22) A rock and roll year of personal and relationship challenges, conflicts and awakenings comes to a close as 2014 rolls into 2015. Uranus/Pluto has forced you to face the truth in all its bounty, accept others as they are – not as you want or wish them to be – and understand the amazingly important part you play in creating the life you live and breathe each and every day. Be responsible; live free.

Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21) As you stand upon the precipice of new hope and good faith, take a deep look down into the dark chasm of negative thinking and toxic feeling. Yes, it’s a scary place, a suck-hole of doubt, depression and despair. Living in regret of the past and in fear of the future is no way live. Good news is that you’ve already been there and have no desire to return. Follow the light, surround yourself with goodness and choose joy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Welcome to one of the most powerful years of your life. Gather your courage, strength and faith, count your blessings and go forth with gratitude, grace and humility. Serious Saturn, Master Teacher and Lord of Karma, has moved into Sagittarius for an extended stay. This is a time when you no longer buy into illusion, delusion and denial, but prefer the light of truth, no matter what. Follow the light.

Capricorn (Dec. 20-Jan. 19) You may feel the wheels of the cosmos turning as the New Year opens the door on a year of strong spiritual truth and daily spiritual practice. You intuitively understand the need for and advantages of structure in all achievement and success. Plans and strategies, commitments and goals are essential to getting results. And yet, somehow, you also know you are ultimately not in control. Practice, surrender, live and let go.

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18) Sweetness enhances you now, others love to feel your love and see the beauty of compassion flowing, heart and soul. You will never regret doing the kind thing, or helping others when they need help. Sorrow and suffering are as constant and joy and ecstasy, it is all part and parcel of this miraculous journey we call life. Share time with people you care for and give attention to what you value. Enjoy the joy.

Pisces (Feb. 18-Mar. 20) As planetary ruler Neptune continues its slow journey through Pisces, take a deep breath and relax. Worry and stress are bad for your health – in every way – and you know it! Trust and faith are allies on the road of happy destiny, and truth is the guiding light. Saturn’s recent entrance into Sagittarius – your solar 10^th house of professional achievement – portends an important period of career restructure. Let it flow.

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