Annual Overview for 2012

2012 begins with Mars on an extended tour of Virgo. The transit began mid November and will complete by July 3. Mars is usually a quick transit, averaging 6 – 8 weeks through a sign. Due to its retrograde cycle, Jan 23 to April 4, Mars will spend almost 8 months on its current target practice. While lack of jobs remains critical to each nation’s economic wellbeing, Mars will keep each one of us hard at work on our own fix-it programs. With great precision, Mars in Virgo will target the weak, vulnerable, or damaged. The transit serves to uncover what’s lacking, what’s flawed, what isn’t working. In so doing, we’ll get to the core of what needs to be corrected, fixed and healed.

When Mars tours Virgo, the common complaint from the receiving end is often one of “too little, too late”. This or other growing dissatisfactions will set the groundwork for the Mars retrograde, pull-back-and-shift-target cycle. From the end of January through the beginning of April, circumstances shift, we shift. Mars retrograde serves to redirect attention and to refortify ambition. Rather than focus on the external objectives or goal posts, we transfer attention back to self and to personal reconciliation. By creating an added degree of separation or disengagement, Mars retrograde sharpens objectivity and perspective. Mars in retrograde is an internal “heating” influence; a specific momentum builds more steam. Although it may not be in your range of vision, know it is firing up all the same. Certainly this is so for Kim John-Un and the North Korean military machine, Iran’s nuclear program, etc.

Through the middle of January, Mars is well aligned (in trine) with the sun. Pay close attention to events and impressions. What you undertake or become conscious of during this time can be useful and productive. It paves a pathway to improvement and healing.

February 3, Neptune advances into Pisces, its home sign. This is a rare occurrence, in fact, it only happens once every 165 years. From April through August 2011, Neptune dipped a toe into Pisces. During this entire cycle, Kaddafi was invisible. On the other hand, hiding Osama bin Laden, living in seclusion in the middle of an urban center, was found. In gridlock the whole time, just two days prior to Neptune backing out of Pisces, Obama and Congress past legislation that would allow the debt ceiling to be raised. On the day Neptune actually backed out of Pisces the USA lost its triple A credit rating.

Neptune in Pisces will encompass the entirety of Pluto’s transit through Capricorn. It is an iconic time to be alive and an iconic chapter in our planet’s evolution. Through 2026, Neptune in Pisces will continue to raise the collective consciousness and to co-navigate the search for collective redemption.

The Piscean archetype has already been activated by the 2003 to 2011 transit of Uranus in Pisces. Neptune is a much subtler influence that zap planet Uranus, but its influence is equally profound and life-altering. Pisces unlocks the latent potentials, stirs the primordial waters of creation, dissolves separateness consciousness, and awakens us to our ultimate purpose. In the coming years, iconic figures will pen momentous chapters of history. Many of us will find our true calling, many of us can find our ultimate other, whether they show up as a lover or that cherished special one (a dear friend, child, parent, healer, etc.). It also serves to expand our relationship to the divine other.

Neptune in Pisces is a transcendent influence. It dissolves boundaries and prompts us to reach beyond time and space constraints. The Pisces archetype also correlates to our ultimate ideals and inspirations, our imaginings and envisioning.

On the flipside, the Pisces archetype correlates to illusion, disillusionment, disintegration, and loss. It is this mass consciousness that is growing all too common now. The recent concentration in shockwave Aquarius has been awakening. The switch to Pisces increases unification, but it isn’t always a beautiful tale. Over the coming years, we will learn that we are all in it together, that there is no escape from the collective reality we have brought upon ourselves. Intensifying the Piscean experience, Chiron, the wounded healer/teacher, also travels through the sign of the fish (through 2019). Chiron in Pisces suggests the greatest collective teaching may occur through the massive loss of our most precious resource – that of the waters of life – in other words, that which sustains us figuratively (i.e. hope, trust, faith) – and literally. We can no longer afford to compromise our water, food, air, and shelter.

Shortly after Mars completes retrograde, Venus in Gemini does the same. Venus in retrograde, May 15 to June 27 advances relationships and financial matters to a critical and/or fated peak. Consider Mars retrograde as a fore-runner or set-up phase for Venus retrograde. Together, they accelerate our personal, relationship, and social evolution.

Changing signs every year, Jupiter joins Venus in Gemini on 11. Jupiter, planet of expansion, increase, and inflation, is sure to put even more on the move and into circulation. This concentration in Gemini puts the spotlight on growing social, cultural, political and economic trends, on the dualities, the stories, on newsmakers, neighbours, agents, friends, and siblings.

Last year we had 6 eclipses, this year we will have 4. The dates for the solar eclipses are: May 20, Nov 13; the lunar eclipses occur on June 4, and Nov 28. The lunar eclipse on June 4 is a super moon, an astrological high tide. It is even more potent and noteworthy due to the fact that Venus will form a very rare alignment with the sun and earth on June 5 or 6, depending on your time zone. An occultation is a transit similar to an eclipse, but Venus is too small to block the sun entirely. An eclipse is usually a few minutes in duration, the Venus occultation will occur over a six hour period. The start and end of June mark the first of two critical peak periods of the year. That which comes into being around this time sets the cornerstone for our new reality for the long term. Venus in Gemini suggests we’ll see important communication links, agreements, and party lines forged. Important papers and policies can be inked around this time. Certainly it speaks to the standardizing of regulations for the auto and food industries, and the sharing of border information between Canada and the USA.

Watch for important news, announcements, or trends, and for key people, projects, or products to get on the move. It is possible that the contentious oil pipeline issue will make some news around this time. The media, TV, or broadcasting world can make headlines themselves. Gemini also correlates to transportation, commerce, currencies, trading, neighbours, siblings, education, research, etc. Medical advances to do with stem cell research, artificial organs and so on, are also among the range of possibilities. The Venus occultation occurs in the sign of Gemini; watch for double, twin, duplicate, multiple, compounding, parallel, or repetition to occur. When Venus is retrograde, it creates a stronger magnetic draw. If it is karmically destined for you, it will come into being.

The most formidable and history shaping of all planetary alignments, 2012 delivers the first of the hard angle alignments between Uranus and Pluto. There will be seven alignments between 2012 and 2015. The two dates for 2012 are June 24 and Sept 19. Note that and Saturn completes retrograde on June 25 and Venus completes retrograde on June 27. This combination constitutes a major energy surge. A lot can happen at the end of June.

The shake, rattle, and roll Uranus/Pluto influence has been building throughout 2011. We have seen this in the spontaneous combustion of rebellion and uprisings on the planet, through the extreme weather, mass displacements of people, shattering of common lives, and the world economic volatility too. Uranus in dynamic aspect to Pluto serves to accelerate radical change. Their eventfulness can be sudden and instant. Their aftermath will extend well beyond 2016. Uranus square Pluto can spark major shockwaves, sudden upheaval, chaos, rebellion, and destruction, but they also force into being great ingenuity, risk taking, pioneering, and amazing acts of courage. Complacency is shattered, but in its wake comes liberation and amazing new opportunity.

As of the end of August, the karmic (nodal) axis switches from Gemini/Sagittarius (the moving target; everything all at once) to the Taurus/Scorpio survival axis. As of this point, we should start to gain a better fix on things. Noting that one of Scorpio’s correlations is oil, we are sure to see major developments for this industry, not only for the Canada/USA pipeline deal, but also in other areas of the world. Africa is a new frontier in this regard. This Taurus/Scorpio axis keeps economic survival and political agendas on the front burner.

Oct 5, Saturn leaves Libra, to begin a two year trek through Scorpio. When Saturn tenants Scorpio, the squeeze gets a lot more serious. Necessity dictates that we get a lot more ambitious. When push comes to shove, Saturn in Scorpio can accomplish great feats. This planetary placement is one of hidden power plays, corrupt motives, self-serving agendas, manipulation of the system, and control at all costs. It is also one of exposing and putting an end to corruption and the subversive element where-ever it exists. While those in positions of power and influence can manipulate and cheat, they can’t do it for long. Still, it’s always darkest in the middle of the tunnel, and that’s exactly where the Saturn in Scorpio years will position our collective reality. On the positive, Saturn in Scorpio offers the opportunity to harness great power, to resource from the past in an empowering way, to regenerate and rebuild, and to crystallize substantial transformation. This is exactly what we need in order to create the new day’s dawn, our new reality base.

Mercury retrograde begins Nov 6, the day of the US presidential election. Obama was inaugurated during Mercury retrograde too. His karmic public service is not yet fulfilled. Expect his re-election.

The solar eclipse on Nov 13 is a super moon in Scorpio, sign of rebirth, transformation, agendas, and power-plays. The lunar eclipse on Nov 28 re-energizes Venus from the end of June. Accompanying the lunar eclipse, Mars conjoining Pluto in Capricorn set us onto a new evolutionary program. These eclipses constitute the second major peak of the year.

ARIES (March 21- April 19)

Mars in Virgo calls you to task and keeps you striving harder through the first half of the year. This is a productive placement for Virgo, so long as you align with the program rather than fight it. Aim to refine your skills, methods and coping skills. Concentrate on improving your diet and health regimes too. If you have loose ends to attend to, don’t procrastinate. By the time Venus (April 3) and Jupiter enter Gemini (June 11) you’ll be primed for something new to open up.

A sibling, friend, neighbour, agent, colleague, or rival can be a key catalyst in the year ahead. Venus retrograde, mid May through the end of June, takes you to a critical karmic threshold. You are offered an opportunity to tie up loose ends, to step forward your unfinished business, and/or to harvest that which you have accumulated over many lifetimes. As you grow, you will discover more resources than you knew existed inside of you. Person, place, or thing, more than one new avenue can open for you. When destiny strikes you’ll feel a strong sense of déjà vu.

You’ll feel Uranus square Pluto the strongest if you are born March 25 to 30, but of course we’ll all feel the effects.

Saturn in Libra has been maturing you in a multitude of ways. It has brought you to this present stage of relationship ripening. The face you show to the world has been chiselled into the map it now is. As of October, you will move into the next phase of your evolution. You will learn to forge a more intimate relationship with your conscious self, your closest relationships, your intimate needs and experiences. In fact, you present self will forge a more intimate relationship with your own soul. Saturn in Scorpio also puts the spotlight on financial matters (inheritances, debt, taxes, joint resources, consolidation, down sizing, etc.)

TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)

2012 continues your accelerated growth curve, thanks largely to the transits of Jupiter in Taurus to June 11, and Mars in Virgo, to July 3. Your energy and enthusiasm is your winning ticket. Put it to work and watch how far it gets you.  This first half of the year directs your attention to improving yourself physical and material status.

You’ll feel the strong hand of fate pulling the strings as Venus tours retrograde, mid May through end of June. Venus in aspect to the sun at the beginning of June brings you to a significant opportunity, harvest and fruition threshold. Venus and sun ignite a rich and fertile manifesting cycle. It is a highlight time of self-discovery, creativity, self mastery, and of coming into your own. What you resource or tap from within can prove to be your golden ticket. You could discover a special talent or knack, become a protégé or chosen one. If a new love or a pregnancy occurs, the bond/the karma/the one is special. If you reach this point and as good as it gets isn’t good enough, well, that’s an answer too.

Saturn’s advance into Scorpio in October brings circumstances and relationships to a maturation point. You’ll either feel you have successfully achieved what you have aimed for, and can work to further solidify and grow, or necessity will dictate that you start over again.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Restless for something new? Mars in Virgo suggests you can feel you are outgrowing your life circumstances. Home, family, health, and security needs can keep you juggling. A new business, training program, or self-employment can take it out of you too, but you know upfront effort is necessary. You seem quite ready for it. In this first half of the year, Mars and Jupiter are seeding and stage setting. Either you are building to a launch point when you can take what’s been developing to the next level, or you are building to a release point when its time to let go and move in an altogether new direction. You should readily know the difference. Mars in retrograde, Jan 23 through April 13 is heating up influence. You should feel reinvigorated and ready to launch as early as April 3, when Venus moves into Gemini. You’ll spread your wings even further by the start of June, thanks to the lunar eclipse (June 4), Venus eclipsing (occulting) the sun and Jupiter entrance into Gemini (June 11). The first ten days of June delivers an actual or karmic contract peak. This time will be significantly shaping for the long haul. Expect to take a major step forward.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Whether you study in the school of life or sign up for formal training, Mars in Virgo aims to sharp your deductive reasoning through the beginning of July.  Mars in Virgo can necessitate a change of plans, or upgrades to transportation, marketing, communications, or schedules. Too, problematic relationships will need to be addressed. If you aren’t getting enough help or you aren’t satisfied with the advice or offerings, explore alternate options. A new agent, advisor, counsellor, or career focus could be the ticket. Those born June 25 to 30 will feel the catapulting effects of Uranus square Pluto the strongest, but of course we’ll all feel it at some level. Career wise, personally, relationship wise, Uranus/Pluto require that you rise to the challenge of completely restructuring your life. Let the past go and allow the evolving new course to set its own watermark. In other words, take dictation from moment. Don’t try to control what is naturally developing, align with it instead.

Neptune’s advance into Pisces in February and Saturn’s advance into Scorpio in October help to create a smoother sail. Along with the Venus retrograde cycle earlier in the year (May to July), they can help you to unlock vocational, creative, or romantic potentials that have so far eluded you. Saturn can bring some of you to a pinnacle of achievement and professional recognition, perhaps even significant notoriety. Marriage or a new family can be in the works for some. Neptune and Saturn are also of great support to those pursuing a spiritual calling.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

It seems you have a lot of working it out to do. Mars in Virgo will concentrate your attention on your climbing-up-and-out mandate through the beginning of July. It will be especially so during the Mars retrograde cycle (Jan 23 to April 13). Financial improvement is one of the chief areas of concern. Belt tightening is a good place to start. You can help yourself along by cutting back on wasteful spending. A little here and there, it adds up to more than you realize. Pay closer attention and you’ll see how much you fritter away without notice. Body, mind, and/or soul, health is another major area to upgrade. Turn off the mindless TV watching, sign up at the gym, and do yourself the good you know you deserve. By the middle of March, you should have a good handle on what works and what is most worthy of your time, heart, and money. This is a productive and solidifying time, when career, work, finances, and health matters can come together in some substantial way.

Both Mars retrograde and Venus retrograde can be separation, single out or pull back influences.  Mid May through the end of June can redirect your involvements or change your lifestyle in some significant way. You can feel the need to withdrawal from specific people, groups or communities, or you’ll feel the strong arm of fate pull you in. It can be a time to franchise, to transfer to a satellite office, to change your marketing strategy or product offerings, to switch gears altogether. A legal matter (personal or professional) can peak at this time too. Jupiter’s one year tour of Gemini, starting June 11 increases your social life and your social awareness. New interests grow more significant. You’ll move from the staging or biding time phase into the take-flight chapter.

Launching Oct 5, Saturn’s 2 ½ year tour of Scorpio can restructure your career, your ambitions, and your life’s priorities in some significant, even profound way.  You could step into a more influential role, become a mentor, authority figure, parent (or parent to a parent), or accredited professional, or you could put an official end to a career, personal, professional, or relationship status.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
January keeps you motoring through one thing after another at a steady clip. Mars in Virgo keeps your physical energy high and your libido too. Don’t take chances on your health. Do everything you can to keep body, mind and soul in good running order. Don’t mess with drugs, alcohol, or toxic substances, people included! Things can come back to bite you, and you will not like the sting.
On the other hand, apply yourself and watch how far you can get. Your courage, creativity and initiative can meet with great reward, especially while Jupiter tenants Taurus (through the start of June). Mars in Virgo can signal your “break out” time. Mars retrograde (Jan 23 to April 13) puts you through a refining and staging cycle. You could pull back a little during this time, but once the retrograde is over, you are like a race horse out the gate. Of course, the cycle itself can be very productive. Even though Mercury is retrograde, the middle of March can be quite lucrative; things could fall into place quite beautifully, perhaps surprisingly so. It is a key staging time for what comes next.

April through July will redirect the course of your life in some significant way. Venus retrograde can see you through a career or relationship status change. Consider returning to school, diversifying your portfolio, your client base, or your product offerings, move into a different line of work, job share, or relocate for better opportunity. Write your memoires or rewrite your life. Team up, sign up. Adopt a child, an extended family, a community, or a new approach to money, life, and love.

Neptune in Pisces, beginning in February, and Saturn in Scorpio, starting in October, will help you to resource relationships and to express yourself in a more open and empowered way.

LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22)
You have more going on, and more going for you than readily meets the eye. Mars in Virgo keeps plenty on brew through the beginning of July. For some, this Mars influence can produce free floating anxiety that can be hard to pin down. For others, it can be a hermit or healing cycle. For all Libra, it is one of study, personal reflection, and of building up one’s stamina and self confidence. If you can’t find it naturally, you’ll have to manufacture it. How you say? Through the active practice of trial and error; experience is always the best teacher. Trust more and you will get there. In fact, by the middle of March you are likely to make a significant breakthrough for yourself.

It can be a whole other ball game once Venus (starting April 3) and Jupiter (starting June 11) move into Gemini. Both these planetary influences can set you free and/or open up your consciousness or your life in ways you may not have imagined previously. April through August is the active highpoint of your year. Relocate, publish, broadcast, perform, study, teach, increase your public profile, connect with the world, jump on a bandwagon, try your luck, say I do or bust loose.

Uranus square Pluto is radically transforming for those of you born Sept 28 to Oct 3, but of course major lifestyle and career changes are afoot for all of us. June 24 and Sept 19 can signify major pressure and sudden release threshold points, but the influence of this dynamic hook-up is activated all year.

By the time Saturn exits Libra and enters Scorpio on Oct 5, you will have completed a critical qualifying step in your ongoing evolution. Saturn in transforming Scorpio takes you into much deeper waters. You’ll naturally become more committed to your material, emotional, and spiritual aspirations. Saturn in Scorpio can secure an intimate relationship, or it can end one. When push comes to shove, you will find you become much more resourceful, even shrewd. Saturn in Scorpio takes you through a definitive mapping it out cycle. When it comes to your personal empowerment, and a life worth living, it is got to be all of you and all the way.

SCORPIO (Oct 23~Nov 22)
Didn’t expect to be here now, or to see things turn out the way they have? Has your life taken an unexpected turn or detour? Sidelined, broadsided or simply striving, you have plenty of adjusting to do yet. Through July, Mars in Virgo will continue to busy you with a major life style change. And if it hasn’t happened yet, it will soon enough.

Mars in retrograde, Jan 23 to April 13, can reconnect you in some significant way. It can also signal a cut-out or cut-off time.
Uranus in Aries square Pluto can introduce you to plenty of new avenues, resources, ideas, potentials, etc. It can radically transform the nature of your work and/or your everyday activities and habits. This influence will be operative for a few years to come, so you’ll have plenty of time to try something new on for size. Uranus in Aries is an appropriate influence for self employment, for getting off the grid or other independence initiatives. Too, Uranus can bring new and unexpected challenges. If it nags you, don’t put it off. Prioritize health, safety, and safeguards.
The sign advances of Venus into Gemini, starting April 3, and Jupiter into Gemini, starting June 11, put the added spotlight on finances, legal matters, paperwork, on teaming up, pooling or dividing resources or liabilities. There’s important negotiating, revisiting or sorting out to do while Venus tours retrograde, mid May through the end of June. By mid to late August, you’ll start to feel you can take back the reigns, that you feel more sure footed or in control. By October 3, Saturn in Scorpio will walk you over a major threshold and into a new life chapter.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22~Dec21)
Mars in Virgo finds you doing target practice on the ceilings or barriers that have prevented you from getting to where you want to and need to be. You know you can create more security and self consistency. You know you can improve upon your material and emotional baselines. You know you have a lot more to accomplish.

Mars in Virgo also makes you aware of the difficulties out there in the world that are diminishing your better options. It makes you aware of how much you are aging, how little time is left, and how much of it has been wasted so far. When you add all this together, it can seem as though ambition is climbing in through the back door, but that is of no matter. What is important, even critical, is that you continue to stay fired up to get a move on, to plug those holes, to fill those gaps, and to get somewhere better than you are.

Mars in retrograde, Jan 23 to April 13, requires that you redirect the attention to inner rather than outer productivity. It’s a good time for reassessment and study, for re-organization, creative undertakings, and for renegotiating contracts or responsibilities. Career wise and in personal life dealings too, it is time to stand apart from the crowd, and to create more distinction for yourself. Along with Venus retrograde, May 15 to June 27, it is time to address a specific issue or relationship. It can be time to back off with hands on parenting and to allow another to find their own way, skinned knees and all. Both retrograde cycles revisit critical karmic crossroads.

The lunar eclipse and Venus occultation mark the beginning of June as a leap moment for relationships, finances and legal matters. Your social life or public profile can move, perhaps even explode, into a new direction too. The eclipse and occultation are particularly igniting for those born Dec 5 to 7. Those born near the end of November may experience a delayed reaction time; watch the eclipse catalyst on November 28 to reference back to this June timeframe. Whether it shows up as a compelling call to action or an inner yearning, all Sagittarians will feel a sense of being summoned by the stronger winds of fate.

Ready or not, Uranus square Pluto spurs you to your personal liberation. When the iron strikes hot, you could surprise even yourself. There’s no road map for this one. The new pathway is uniquely yours to create. Progressively, you will express and create with great dynamism. Can you hear that Star-trek line playing in the back of your head? “To boldly go..” While Uranus tenants Aries (to 2019), it’s a good motto to adopt.
Saturn’s advance into Scorpio beginning in October signals a refortifying-from-within chapter. Whether you are conscious of the bigger picture or not, you’ll eventually come to deepen your commitment to the evolutionary program your soul has already chosen for you.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22~JAN 19)
Through the beginning of July, discriminating Mars in Virgo will help you to get clearer about the direction forward and what works best for you. This influence gives you better access into your own psychology. It helps you to address your fears and insecurities, and it helps you to put intention into action too.

Mars in retrograde, Jan 23 to April 13, is a time to retrace steps, revisit places, plans, projects or agreements. Signalizing a preparatory, editing, or finalization phase, it is also a time to get into specifics and to clear away the loose ends.

Venus retrograde, May 15 to June 27, can see you revisit a work, health, communication, equipment, or transportation issue. You can run into added complexity with paperwork or permits too. Noting Venus retrograde occurs soon after taxes are due, make sure to do your proper due diligence when compiling data. The first week or so of June is a time to stay especially alert, especially when travelling, planning, or connecting. The lunar eclipse and Venus occultation can ignite something completely unexpected.

Uranus square Pluto is especially revolutionizing for those of you born Dec 26 to 30. This influence speeds you along your personal and private life reinvention. It sets circumstances into play and loans you the courage you need to break free of the old you and the old life.
Saturn’s advance into Scorpio, beginning Oct 3, empowers you to take the next important step in your ongoing evolution.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20~Feb 18)
Neptune has travelled through Aquarius since 1998. On Feb 3, Neptune will advance into Pisces, to remain until 2026. In the coming years, you will unlock even more of the treasure trove that you brought with you when you entered this life and you’ll make more use of the resources, talents, and capacities you have already discovered. This Neptune placement can help you to find your true calling and perhaps even your true love too. It is a subtle influence and it grows over time.

Through July, Mars in Virgo calls you to task to correct relationship or financial shortfalls. This Mars placement can also suggest a need for surgery or specialized medical treatment. It’s always good to take care of things sooner rather than later, but try to avoid Mercury retrograde if you need to schedule a procedure, unless of course it’s a repeat or something minor, in which case, feel free to schedule what works for you best. Interest rates will continue low, so you need to borrow (for new wheels perhaps?), go right ahead.

Venus in Gemini (April 3 to Aug 7) and Jupiter in Gemini (June 11 through June 2012) bring opportunity and increase where you’ll appreciate it the most. Venus retrograde, May 15 to June 27, is a very potent, karmically destined time for creative expression, career, social involvement, love and children (having them, raising them, letting them go.) Thanks to the lunar eclipse and Venus occultation, you can see catapulting circumstances and/or feel a sense of a new portal opening as of the beginning June.

The beginning and middle of June, and the end of July can be a time to sign a contract, to say I do, to relocate, or to commit to a new plan for yourself and your life. This can be a significant time of career or scholastic accomplishment; of taking a stand, spreading your wings, or making your presence known in some official way. It’s also a good time for market exploration, publishing, performing, exhibiting, consulting, mentoring, apprenticeship, agenting, media involvement, etc.

Uranus in Aries helps you to see the world around you in a new way. It introduces you to new ideas, people and helps you to make important new inroads. Uranus sharpens your intuition, your reaction time and makes you quicker on the ball. Uranus square Pluto places you on the cutting edge of trends; in fact, it can catapult you to the forefront.
Saturn in Scorpio, beginning Oct 3 can radically transform the structure of your life. If you have thought of making a career change, start training for it now.

PISCES (Feb 19~March 20)
Through July, Mars in Virgo will keep the focus on others, their needs, weakness, health, etc. Too, it will put an added spotlight on the dissatisfactions and shortfalls of relationships. This Mars placement can put you on a continuous search for more viable prospects, clients, or reward; for better advice, better support, and for more money too. Mars in retrograde, Jan 23 to April 13 can temporarily redirect your attention onto a specific project or an alternate concern. It may give you the chance to pull back a little more.

Venus and Jupiter in Gemini (April 3, June 11) turn home into a hub of activity, with more than the usual comings and goings. Jupiter could put you on the hunt for a new residence, or see you welcome a new household member. Anything you do to enhance property value, to add comfort, or to beautify surroundings is money well spent. Rental income or investment in a home based business is a good idea too. Venus and Jupiter can see family grow and thrive; they take you through a positive personal growth cycle too.

The lunar eclipse and Venus occultation mark the beginning of June as a critical turning point in the war against yourself, and the polarizations between your inner and outer needs. Things could snowball in some unexpected way. This eclipse/occult catalyst could suddenly unleash you or set you free. It could provide a moment of truth, a significant release point, or an opportunity you can’t afford to miss out on. Too, you could see a family member or partner could take a big career or personal step forward.

Neptune’s advance into Pisces, beginning Feb 3, launches your “time has come” chapter. You will feel the benefits of this influence and that of Saturn in Scorpio (starting Oct 3), the strongest if you are born Feb 18 to 22. By the end of August, and more so, October through December, you’ll find your best water mark. The stellar backdrop bodes well for financial ambitions, career and creative endeavour, and for affairs of the heart.

Interview conducted by Anne Massey

“Astrology is a discipline which is rooted in a pre-modern, in fact pre-medieval concept of the world. It very strongly implies, that we consider the universe an aspect of a living, conscious, and sentient being. “—Rob Hand

It is interesting to think of a historian, computer software writer, author, lecturer, professor, philosopher, translator and a scholar with the Sagittarian bent for the truth—realize how complex that sounds—and then identify the person as Robert Hand. At a recent conference Rob was introduced as the Stephen Spielberg of astrology, and I asked him how he felt about that. “I don’t like being regarded as the Spielberg of astrology, I am just a human being who has a deep interest and understanding of astrology”, was Rob’s comment during. In fact he might prefer be likened to Johann Sebastian Bach, ‘whose work was revered for its intellectual depth, technical command and artistic beauty’ (comment about Bach sourced from Wikipedia—AM). On second thought just a human being, who happens to be a well-versed and learned.

The origins of words and the history of astrology and how it applies to our lives hold Rob’s interest in astrology after six decades of enquiry. The topics fly by, and I lose track of time as Rob talks equally passionately about the dignities in astrology, his belief system, his recent weight loss (30 pounds is a lot) and paints vivid imagery about the tree of life, Neo-Platonic philosophy and definitions of words…even my usually reliable digital recorder failed to keep track chopping the actual interview portion into 99 separate files each about 2-16 seconds, only one was measured in minutes.

It is easy to see that talking with Rob, who has 51 years of astrological study under his belt, made for a deep, illuminating and educational conversation. You recently relocated to Las Vegas; is it a permanent move and what prompted you to leave Virginia?

Climate was the biggest factor, no humidity, which equates to less arthritic pain. Property values factored in—and a bonus “I now live across the road from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, which provides some great resources”. While Rob and his wife intend this to be a permanent move, he isn’t willing to say that anything is permanent but their intention is to stay in the desert.

How did astrology find you?

His father’s interest in financial astrology launched his passionate interest in astrology at age 17 back in 1960. They studied together; he recalls his father’s approach unconventional, but profitable in terms of his personal investments. His father was recovering from a heart attack and had plenty of time on his hands. Rob’s approach to astrology from early on was more classical and structured. In university Rob spent an equal amount of time on his studies and on learning astrology. Not much time for sleep by the sounds of it.

An astrology conference in New York in September 1972 proved a milestone in his life—he decided that astrology was what he wanted to do and quit his government job. Naturally some financially lean years followed this choice. Initially he worked with the Astrology Centre in New York but soon ventured out on his own and moved to the Cape Cod area where he had grown up.

In the late 1970’s he began working on astrology software with what was to become Astrolabe. In fact his classic book on Transits was intended as a computerized report. Asked if he would still publish the book today, he said absolutely, he still refers to it. However, if he had the time he would take each text and write three versions based on essential dignities. In fact Essential Dignities is the book floating in his mind; he wrote the bulk of it some years ago but would love to find the time to rework it to reflect his more profound understanding of the premise, the sources and usages from Hellenistic through medieval sources. The works of Guido Bonatti is what he primarily reads these days—in Latin but of course.

Rob’s substantial contribution to astrology earned him a lifetime achievement award at the May 2008 United Astrology Conference. His published works have become standard reference books. The astrological community considers him an icon. His own view is naturally different, while he concedes that with the exception of Chinese astrology he has investigated and studied all of the other branches and kinds of astrology, he remains an enthusiastic student with a fascination of the history and origins of concepts, and as a translator the original meanings of words.

 You have written some of the ‘bibles’ in astrology—what if these were to be the surviving works for astrologers some 500 years from now, what would the state of astrology be?

“At this point this is an impossible question to answer because astrology is in a state of transition. If you had only my work as it is at the moment, it would not allow anybody to reconstruct the art. I haven’t written a general introduction. My published work is currently too fragmented to constitute a corpus of astrology. People have written works like that in the past, but I haven’t. Guido Bonatti’s text from the 13^th century is one from which you could almost reconstruct astrology, and no modern writer has done that—either through several works or one work. Let me give you some idea, Bonatti begins with a general introduction to astrology, symbolism, the planets, signs and houses, he then proceeds with the theory of applications, separations and aspects—that’s an entire book. He then gets into general principles pertaining to questions, then he gets into horary, then Electional, mundane. His work is fairly complete with a huge natal component and he even ends with a brief treatise of weather forecasting.” Any contemporary astrologers whose work could be used to reconstruct astrology? “No, it requires several people’s work.”

Significant contribution

Rob holds a M.A. in History from the Catholic University of America and is in Washington, D.C. and is working on his dissertation for The Catholic University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Medieval and Byzantine Studies. Robert Hand’s original research, manuscript translation, and dissertation concerning astrology in medieval military matters will be the first original work of this kind.

You are working on your dissertation? What is your motivation and what was it when you signed on to do it? What do you see as its value?

“The initial impetus was Kepler College, because they required advanced degrees to teach. All that would have required is a Masters. But I went onto the doctorate because I wanted be an international member of the academic community studying the history of astrology, and I had already become that but I wanted a doctorate to stay there. You may not know this but a fairly large number of doctorates have happened in the astrological community in the last three years. For example Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum has a doctorate in Philosophy from the Warburg Institute at the University of London; and her field was symbolism in Greek Astrology. Nick Campion has a PhD from the University of Bristol. And he is now the head of a department at the University of Wales—the Sophia Center, which is a Masters program on Astronomy and Astrology in art, history and so forth. In our own backyard, Bruce Scofield just got his doctorate… I forget the exact title of the field but it has to do with the ecological impact of sunspots, weather cycles, and again from the consideration of cosmic cycles. His research is bit removed from actual astrology as we know it, but definitely connected to astrology as it could become. And he got his from the University of Massachusetts. Jeffrey Cornelius just got his doctorate from the University of Kent, and that department was Studies in Mysticism. So the doctorates are all in fields that relate to astrology. Mine is actually appears to be a bit more removed because it will be on Medieval History, but in fact the work I am doing will be in history of astrology.”

“Well, academics have been coming to the field of astrology for some time now; and it turns out that fair number of them have actually been very interested in astrology—they just decided to do it in their academic work. The value is twofold, first that for astrology to truly become a profession it needs to become completely grounded in the intellectual culture of the west, the way it hasn’t been since the renaissance. Secondly we have discovered through this process that academia as a whole isn’t hostile toward astrology. They are interested in anything that actually happened, especially the historians. Consequently they are favourably inclined toward the study of it, and astrology’s influence on history and culture has always been grossly underestimated. That is ceasing to be the case. For example I have a number of passages from medieval chroniclers written by people who had nothing to do with astrologers, yet with significant quantities of astrology in them. Your average, well educated Florentine, in the 13^th century, was conversant in astrology. That’s a tremendous influence; it is comparable to the influence of Freud on the intelligentsia of the 1920s. Astrology’s influence in the Middle Ages was more widespread and longer lasting. These days to qualify as an intellectual you don’t need to know a whole ‘helluva’ lot about Freud— 80 years ago that wasn’t true. The period during which people were conversant in astrology was several hundred years—beginning about the mid-1200s all the way up into the 1500s. During that time astrology was the closest to mainstream it ever came—it was controversial but it was mainstream.”

So you think that in order for astrology to become grounded it needs to go through academia?

“Not for the sake of becoming respectable. That is not the purpose. That might be an accidental side effect. But there is something to be learned there. For example this is also true of people getting advanced degrees in psychology and other related counselling fields. This tends to give astrologers a better idea about what professionalism means. And to be perfectly honest, we fall short on that score from time to time. The way I like to put it is: no discipline has ever become accepted because the existing disciplines have accepted it. It has always become accepted when it got its internal act together. When it has its own professional structure together, its own professional codes, its own professional journals, and its own modes of communication, when people see that a group is operating with standard canons of professionalism, people begin to treat it is as a profession, even if they have problems with what the group believes in. I offer as an example, Chiropractic, it is still controversial, however Chiropractors are no longer regarded as charlatans and frauds, intent on stealing their bucks. While some people may still think that, most do not.

Classical Tools that have lost none of their lustre

We had a long conversation about dignities that began with our discussion at the NORWAC conference in May 2011. Rob was talking about how fire was hot, earth dry, air cold and water wet with no secondary qualifier, and how this original idea helped him fully grasp the concept of why summer for example was hot and dry. The beauty of observation, the accuracy of calculations used by the ancient and medieval astrologers continues to hold him in awe. So, can we look forward to a book on Classical Astrology?

Rob thinks that he has some three books floating in his head, and if he is here on the earth-plane long enough, he would like to write them. The one we discussed most was the proper use of dignities, which he continues to find intriguing and extremely valuable in client work. Both of us have Saturn in the 12^th when using whole-sign houses, thus we had a conversation about the 12^th house being the Joy of Saturn, and whether it was better to have a dignified, debilitated or peregrine Saturn in residence. Rob’s view is that Saturn in Aquarius in the 12^th is capable of doing his worst in the house of his Joy. His Saturn in Gemini is peregrine, thus while life hasn’t been a cakewalk, it has quietly worked in his favour with those hidden enemies that we consider to live in our 12^th house. Saturn placed here ensures that our enemies are taken care of without our personal intervention. The Joy of the greater Malefic in the most Malefic of houses seems appropriate—giving him additional strength is not a grand idea…

Your Mercury is in detriment and combust—yet you have been a prolific writer, speaker etc.? How would you explain this to students who avoid using the dignities and debilities and would consider that this might imply mental incompetency, poor written and verbal expression etc? After all it is easier to talk about the philosophical nature, the ability to market another’s ideas, etc.

“First of all a debilitated planet is not incompetent, it simply operates strangely. So, Mercury in Sagittarius has trouble with details. It tends to take a giant overview, which is not Mercury’s forte. The reason why I have evolved the ability to do both—and believe me I didn’t have it spontaneously, I tended to be a generalist speaking in vast universal statements without having  much practical application—is because the ruler of Mercury,  Jupiter, is exalted in Cancer and in the first house. And a little bit more obscurely, Cancer and Sagittarius have relationship known as contra-antiscion being equidistant from 0°Libra; and in fact the two planets are close to being in the specific degrees. So when a debilitated planet has a familiarity (a more correct term) with its dignified ruler, the debility is cancelled. And I have discovered it is only cancelled when the individual is cognisant about what he is doing; when he is not, it reverts to debility—because it requires mental awareness.  The ruler gives mental awareness to the process. The philosophical reasons are a bit long-winded and obscure, but there are philosophical reasons for this based on Aristotle. So when the ruler is dignified it gives a capacity to the debilitated planet to do what it is not capable of natively doing. So what I do is I go to the generalities first, and then make my way down to the particulars. I wouldn’t be able to do that if there weren’t that relationship, or it would be much harder. Nothing is ever impossible; it is just very hard—difficult”.

“If you understand essential dignities and debilities without understanding reception, which is the process I have just described, you are not going to get an accurate answer. By the way familiarity means something that connects the two. Aspects are a familiarity; conjunctions are a familiarity, as are antiscia and contra-antiscia have the same Ascensional time…  ”

Your Moon is in its fall in Scorpio, albeit not at the potentially most challenging third degree? This tends to scare contemporary astrological thought which minimizes any categorization into good or bad…your thoughts? It also rules your Ascendant, giving the Moon heightened significance…

“While there are specific degrees of exaltation and debility, it is generally accepted that the entire sign is considered in that condition. The reason why my Moon is not terribly dysfunctional is because it is applying to a conjunction to Mars, which is the ruler of the sign and Mars is in its own sign and highly dignified. But I won’t say my Moon does not have any qualities of the Moon its fall. It does.”

From contemporary perspective: Ascendant in Cancer, Moon rules from its fall can’t be good…

“Well that Moon is applying to a conjunction with its dignified ruler which in turn is trine Jupiter in the first which of course is exalted. That trine actually turns a lot of stuff around in the chart. See that’s the problem with modern astrology, it’s too simple. It leaves things out that actually have a powerful impact.”

“The other problem with modern astrology is the idea that you have to look at everything to get the answer to anything, and that is simply not true. The trick is to know what you need to look at what not, that is the strength of traditional astrology and it does it better than modern astrology.”

Tools for client work

Rob spends the bulk of his time talking to his diverse group of clients assisting them toward self-realization with a conference or lecture thrown in most months. When asked how his client base has changed over the decades, he found it difficult to categorize them into groups and kinds, rather that most were geared toward becoming more aware, many with a keen interest in astrology and that many have some basic knowledge of astrology. However, contrary to my expectation, few are practising astrologers.

Rob uses whole sign houses only—Koch was his preference once upon a time. He also thinks that the whole sign houses are gaining wide acceptance thanks to the many sun sign astrologers out there, who have used these as a matter of routine. Rob commented that, for example, Michael Lutin who is also an excellent Sun sign astrologer, teaches his students to work with whole sign houses, which Rob applauds. The system is simple, eloquent and after the centuries still the original and in Rob’s opinion the best. (I personally concur and it is great that Rob validates those of us who are also horoscope writers…not an easy task, by the way)

Do you continue to use any of the more contemporary tools and techniques?

Rob uses secondary progressions perhaps more than profections, because he finds these illustrate the times the client is in. He also uses the 90-degree dial to decide that the chart he is going to analyze for a client is accurate enough. He has found that when he has the wrong time, he cannot give a good reading for his clients. He still spends about an hour and a bit preparing for a consultation, how else would he have an understanding about who he will be talking to and what the big topics will be. Beyond the two techniques that are considered more modern or contemporary, Rob relies on classical rules and techniques dating to the Arabic and Early European astrologers, uses the seven classical planets plus Uranus, Neptune and Pluto within whole-sign houses.

What about the asteroids, Chiron, Black Moon Lilith…

For example, Black Moon Lilith isn’t featured in his chart work—it is one of the centers of an ellipse and he doesn’t like the math of it plus unless it makes sense or is something he can grasp intuitively, he will leave it be.  He doesn’t use the asteroids or hypothetical points, finding that after the many decades he is able to derive all of the important information using the classical, primary considerations. (FYI, the mean Black Moon Lilith is on his Ascendant—he already has a Scorpio Moon; and Chiron is with his North Node which is conjunct Regulus when he was born.)

While Rob did state that he doesn’t use hypothetical points or the asteroids in his work, he also stated that if he cannot grasp a concept on an intuitive level, he isn’t likely to use it; nor if it doesn’t make sense or isn’t defensible. He finds that the traditional planets and classical techniques—from the early European and Arabic Era—describe the chart and the person it belongs to eloquently.

I wouldn’t say that Chiron is useless, I wouldn’t dare to presume. But I don’t really have a feel for it and I don’t find it necessary.

In your paper “Matter and Form” you discuss the part of Spirit, and how it was used by ancient astrologers—what the soul is here to accomplish.

That was ancient Greek astrologers; the medieval astrologers didn’t know what to do with it. You see this was a taboo subject matter in both Christian and Islamic worlds for astrology. 

Do you use Part of Fortune and Part of Spirit charts to illustrate to clients what they came here to do?

“Only experimentally, because I haven’t fully grasped how that is supposed to work. I use certain aspects of the Fortuna chart where the Part of fortune establishes the first house quite commonly in financial matters. But the Spirit chart is harder to grasp for the very simple reason that most people haven’t got that part working. It is a potentiality that most people haven’t attained.”

Based on your paper these two charts and your comment that you advise your clients about the right and wrong way, these two charts would potentially be ideal—at least conceptually—for addressing the issue of why we are here.

“They should be, there is actually the trinity of charts. There is the Fortuna chart, which is a chart at its most primitive and material.  There is the Ascendant chart, which is a general, all-purpose chart—and that’s how we use it.  The Spirit chart would describe how the soul would achieve its highest potential. More accurately, the person would achieve that potential. The reason I correct myself, is to emphasize that you are your soul; you don’t have one. This idea of having a soul is dumb. If you are alive you are a soul. And if you are conscious, you are an intellectual soul. Intellective, actually, is the better word [thinking, reasoning or other mental activity]. But most people don’t live their lives in the spirit in a fashion that is consonant with this spirit chart sufficiently well to prove it is working. You actually have to use it for saints and enlightened beings and people with a great deal of wisdom— that is where you would see it. And, we have no worked out examples from the ancients of this process; we just have some comments that the part of Spirit describes things you do intentionally, when you are being conscious—and that is my language, not theirs, but that is what their language boils down to.”

“I’ll give you an example. If a person is in a career because of family history, it is likely to be shown in the Fortuna chart. On the other hand, if people are evolved to the point that they have chosen a calling, which is truly relevant to them, that will show up in the Spirit chart.” So the vocation is there? “Yes. It is about finding your fulfilment. ”

“One of the theoretical positions I suggest, if I am right about the spirit chart, it that there are no malefics and benefics in the spirit chart. There is only truth. Now here is some further information that leads to that. The Greek name for the part is Kleros Daimon. And the Daimon is an entity that associates with you at birth and tries to show you your proper path. There is are actually two parts to this, the Agathos Daimon and Kakos Daimon. The Agathos Daimon is associated with the good spirit and the 11^th house. The Kakos Daimon is associated with the sixth house as you know. ”

So have you looked at your own of Spirit to see what you came here to do?

“Yeah, at the moment, however, it isn’t clear. There are indications that are beginning to point at what that might be… however; I am going to leave it at that.”

About reincarnation and Rob’s belief system

The notion of one’s reincarnation as a particular entity and one’s being here to pay for past wrong doings does not sit well with Rob’s understanding and life-long study and contemplation. He thinks that the conventional model of reincarnation is wrong. He talks about the tree of life as a literal concept. When a leaf—a person—falls off the tree it feeds the soil as it disintegrates and merges with the earth. How can it then emerge with its prior incarnation in the memory banks? He states that his belief system mostly reflects Neo-Platonic thinking—it is about the cycle of being. Nous—the perfect image of the One— simultaneously about the idea and the ideal world. He believes the soul chooses the moment that is the best representation of the ideas and ideals the soul holds true. Nous is the highest sphere accessible to the human mind. When something doesn’t make sense or feel intuitively correct, Rob tends to state “I don’t disbelieve…but then I don’t have all the facts yet”. There is a cycle of life, a reason for existence but I don’t like to think that it is about karma we have to endure without choice—we choose our moment.

I was reading Rob’s essay about Matter and Form on his website, and to illustrate the way he tackles concepts, I pulled out an extract from it. “The second definition of soul that we get from Aristotle is that the soul of any living thing is that which makes it that living thing and not some other living thing. Putting this in terms that one can more readily understand, we do not have souls; we are souls. One cannot lose one’s soul while alive because that would be death; one also cannot lose one’s soul and remain alive in either sense of the word soul used here. By this definition the medieval Christian idea of someone selling his soul to the devil makes no sense. What one might be able to do is to become a devotee of the devil, but one is still a soul. This could be what the medieval astrologers and philosophers meant. And the question of one’s having an immortal soul reduces to the following question: “Is what I am, what is uniquely and peculiarly myself, immortal?” I do not know the answer to this. My personal view is that in the way I have just defined it, “not exactly” would be the answer. But also it is not completely untrue.”

Because my recorder didn’t catch our conversation on June 28, I missed your commentary on Karma, reincarnation and your belief system. You talked about the tree of life as literal, and how the leaf that fell of the ‘perfect’ tree was now going to disintegrate and become part of the earth in order to feed the tree. You continued to talk about the nature of the soul in light of this concept… how would you respond and complete the thought.

“I wouldn’t call the tree literal; after all we are not hanging off a large entity made of lignum. Lignum, is of course is what wood, is. A tree is a living entity, which channels life energy up toward a multitude of transitory organs called leaves. Leaves fall off of all trees, but not necessarily in a growing cycle. The so called evergreens are always green, but leaves are falling off. And that all life is related by being on the same tree. But every year a leaf will form at roughly the same spot, not exactly the same but roughly the same. And that the two leaves are connected by coming off the same branch of the tree. They are however not connected in space because they exist in two different spots of time. I am suggesting that this might be a better metaphor for understanding reincarnation than the conventional one, that is, that it is the same entity coming back all the time.

Does this contradict the fact that we are a soul?

“… and we do exist in eternity.  But what exists in eternity is the same soul, not an incarnate one. In other words we are always here—always have been, always will be—but not on Earth. And I don’t mean on other planets. Eternity is the sum total of all possible time. That’s actually what it means, it isn’t my invention. Plato described it very simply: “time is the moving image of eternity.” What people experience as previous incarnations are actually their connections to the leaves on the same branch—through different points in time. That’s the metaphor.”

If you were 17 now, and wanted to study astrology; whose works would you choose and why? Would you choose a teacher, a school or simply study from books?

“At this point, I think it would be difficult to do it from books, because so much of what needs to be known is still transmitted orally. I would probably…this is difficult, I have an aversion to schools personally but that would be the best way.  Picking the right school… You could certainly learn modern astrology from books, but you couldn’t go beyond it. When I say modern I mean 20^th century astrology. Basically I learned astrology from books and by talking with other astrologers. Conferences are very valuable—not so much for the lectures— but what takes place between them.

I am going to put you on the spot. You said you would choose a school, so which one?

“At the risk of sounding as if I am a shill for Kepler I am going to say Kepler, because it puts astrology in larger social context.”

What about book recommendations…

“Marion March and Joan McEvers series of books is decent on contemporary astrology. The books on the traditional really haven’t been written yet. There you have study with people or with schools. I would also suggest that one read the works of Ebertin, because there is a clarity of thought in that work that is lacking elsewhere. If people find his work interesting, they might want to study Uranian astrology, however, in my opinion Uranian astrology suffers from being too much into details without concentrating sufficiently on the broad principles. Nevertheless those two schools have certain clarity, which is worth studying. Modern astrology…hmmm… difficult, I feel I have completely digested my personal version of modern astrology.  I think my book, Horoscope Symbols is good for getting a larger than normal view of what symbolism is about—although I would probably expand it quite a bit if I were to write it now. But ultimately, the best answer I can give is that students all have different styles, aesthetic tastes, and so forth. I think most will pick teachers who speak to them, and that is as good a criterion as any. I would also recommend the Faculty of Astrological Studies, which has some sound traditional components. By leaving others out, I am not implying they are incompetent; merely I have some personal experience of Kepler and the Faculty in the U.K.”

Teaching dignities…we at the CAAE felt it was an important inclusion to our curriculum…

“I can understand why modern astrologers don’t use dignities. The modern version is so damaged, it is wrong. It is better not to teach it, than to teach a broken version of it. Also if you were to study the medieval texts without some grounding in contemporary, you’d practise astrology as it was practised centuries ago, and that is not appropriate—this is not the Middle Ages. “

What keeps you enthused, excited about astrology after the many decades?

“I keep reaching new understanding of it; it is an endless learning process. That is it simply. For a Sagittarian there is no end.”

I concur.  How would you like to be remembered?

“As a good person, who tried to attain wisdom.  Astrology is incidental to that. Astrology has proven that there is wisdom to be attained. And it is not what materialists teach.”

What would you still like to accomplish

Time permitting, Rob would still love to take a walking tour of Britain—the country side, find to write a book about the use of dignities for the contemporary astrologer, complete his dissertation by the end of 2012…

Copyright Anne Massey, 2011

Note the lunar eclipse Sun/Moon and south node contact to progressed Chiron on natal Vesta (protection, safety). The police were not on top of the situation. Interviewed later, the police chief stated that throughout the games, the huge crowds were well behaved and they had no expectation that there would be trouble. This is puzzling as back in 1994 the same thing happened but to a lesser extent. The eclipse Sun/Mercury and south node in Gemini describes the roaming rampage and also the multiple cars that were set on fire. The mob went from site to site and apparently the police lagged behind by about 45 minutes, this according to media reports. Also, the police shut down public transit, in order to quell the riot, but essentially what they did was trap people (Chiron wound to Vesta) in the downtown core, making it difficult for them to leave. (Apparently some bus were runnig.)

Chiron on Vesta and the 7th house position (birth time is unknown, the chart is set for midnight), are also a suggestion of Vancouver’s wounded image to the world. (Image and appearance is a 7th house thing.) A bit of healing and civic pride was repaired when a facebook call for volunteer clean up, lead to over a hundred private individuals showing up at 7am the next morning. Damage was significant, reported in the millions.

Transiting Uranus on Sedna suggests an “overthrow by the undertow”. The shocking, unexpected, wild, extreme, out of control subversive/destructive element. (An abduction by evil.)

Transiting Eris (the golden apple contest) opposed progressed Mars in Libra (distorted and extreme reaction; the one sided results of the game; Vancouver’s reputation tarnished.)

Transiting Mars conjunct progressed Neptune is another statement about the absenteeism of the police, and their under-rating of the potential for violence (Neptune/Pisces can be a signature for unresolved anger, Mars is a trigger).

Photo: Rich Lam, Freelancer

by Rose Marcus

The wedding of the decade happens with passionate Mars teamed with the royal planet Jupiter. Perhaps many will be sick of the media overkill, but isn’t it good to have something hopeful and uplifting to capture public attention? Mars and Jupiter can be a bright promise aspect. They signal a new era, not only for the fresh faced couple, but also for the British monarchy.

William’s birth on the solar eclipse is befitting for a future king with a singled out destiny, and Catherine’s birth on a lunar eclipse marks her for a special destiny too. They have already redefined the royal protocols. Perhaps her birth on a lunar eclipse symbolizes her special destiny pertaining to the redefining of the feminine and the partner role within that household and figure-head institution. Wheels are now set in motion to change the rules of succession should a daughter be born first.

Mars and Jupiter are joined by dwarf-planet Eris now to May 2. (Eris, also know as the Goddess of Discord, is attributed to starting the Trojan War.) Eris can create distraction, controversy and mayhem. This interference-generating influence is one that can side-swipe what otherwise might have continued along the expected course. Certainly this added influence at the tail-end of Mercury retrograde was challenging to the Vancouver Canucks facing the Chicago Blackhawks (last year’s Stanley Cup winners) in the hockey play-offs. (When you live in Vancouver, you can help but get swept up!)

Eris is meant to create a game change, to shake up the status quos. This influence can provide opportunity if you are wise enough to see what the true prize apple is and run with it. It seems Jack Layton, head of NDP Party of Canada, has done this the final campaign week before our federal election. At the time of this writing, he has moved his party from third to second place. It is a major coup and a surprise to all.

CANADA’S FEDERAL ELECTION:

The new moon on Canada’s Federal Election day occurs after the polls close. Technically, the election happens during the dark of the moon, or the balsamic cycle, which is an especially potent time of seeding for the extended future. This Canadian election is already making history due to the fact that the government (commonly referred to as Harper’s regime) collapsed on charges of contempt of Parliament. I predict it will be history making in another regard and that is because there will be a record number of young voters (the Pluto in Scorpio generation).

We can expect a tough fight to the finish. Both Conservative leader Stephen Harper, our current Prime Minister, and Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, the leader of the currentopposition party, are Taurus born. This is a tenacious sign, and as we have seen, especially with Harper, it can be a stubborn one too. Both men also share their moon positions in cool and collected Aquarius, an apt placement for political and public life. Of the two moons, Ignatieff expresses his moon through an intellectual filter, while Harper expresses his moon with a detached presence. Many would say that Harper is out of touch with the people’s needs and wants. Although the moon in Aquarius is group, community, and people oriented, it is not a warm and fuzzy moon placement, which is one of the reasons that Cancer born Jack Layton has found such opportunity in grooming public favour. Layton’s Ascendant, Mars and Neptune, all in Libra, make him personable and accessible – and most would say he’s handsome too. (You can’t ignore the fact that physical appearance counts for most folk.)

The new moon in Taurus, May 2, 11:51 pm PDT, favours Harper’s sun, suggesting his supporters will stay loyal. It also suggests that as he promises to do, he will deliver more of the same. If Harper’s steering is not to your liking, check out this website: http://www.projectdemocracy.ca/

Ignatieff’s chart receives impact from the Aries line-up. The enraged with “as is” are in his camp. Still there are a number of challenges to his chart. The transit of Jupiter could signal a big exodus of voters, which could possibly result in Harper’s gain. The transit of Jupiter conjoins his Sedna – will he be thrown overboard in keeping with this Inuit mythological symbol? It is looking possible right now. Ignatieff’s progressed Jupiter at station has not allowed him to be as dynamic in the public debates as he needed to be. Into the fall and beyond, we’ll see a more forceful and recalibrated leadership as Ignatieff’s Jupiter picks up a stronger momentum. Signalling a new trajectory, he begins a new Mars cycle on election day. Perhaps this election has been astrologically premature for Ignatieff. His potential is building, but his chart has not yet reached its fullness.

Cancer born Jack Layton’s sudden popularity rise is due to Uranus, Venus, Mercury, the karmic axis, Chiron, and the July 1st solar eclipse. With Eris on his side, he plays the golden apple position. He is the wild card draw and it seems he is on the way to delivering a strong finish. The young voters are in his camp. Layton’s moon is in Virgo, a service oriented and hard working sign. He and Ignatieff are of the Pluto in Leo generation, a good placement for a leader. Although Layton can display charming “favourite uncle” humbleness, Mercury in Leo gives him bravado too. He is just as ambitious and self-assured as the rest are. By the way, Harper is of the Pluto in Virgo generation. Virgo is criticized more than any other sign.

Given the nature of the stars, anything could happen, but one thing is for sure. Apathy is boring. Please get out and vote on May 2. And a special plea to our Pluto in Scorpio generation – you have the power to turn the tides. Our nation pins its hope and future on you.

I’ll be back with May’s forecasts in a couple of days…
Blessings to all,
Rose Marcus

We live on a natural flight path; eagles, hawks, gulls, crows, swallows and sparrows fly above and I am able to catch glimpses of the more exotic ones once every few days. Today I saw a hawk, a young one testing out his wings. It is also the wind alley behind our north-facing back door. Anything that flies through the air is associated with the element of air. Air is about flights of fancy, ideas, logic, rationality, thinking, speaking, writing, and expressing our thoughts. That young hawk reminded me about the upcoming changes. The ones that begin this month are with us for seven years. This is therefore a process not a singular event.

Uranus or Ouranos, the sky god is changing residences. Over the past few months, and especially over the past month or so, most of us have felt very distracted—too many irons in the fire or being stretched too thin, faced with too many obligations, etc.—the words you choose tend to reveal your elemental make-up. There is a lot of de-cluttering that must be done when we get ready to move, and that is what the big move Uranus is about to make is creating for each one of us; an urgent need to clear up space, finish things and get ready for the next seven years.

When watching the news in the now and over the next seven years, you are likely to notice the many news about natural disasters, landslides, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earth quakes—all kinds of phenomena that change the landscape. Over the next 7 years, our landscapes are changing, some through revolutions, some through hostile takeovers and others because the structures are not solid. Uranus represents those disruptions, sudden events that launch a new beginning, and with it our inner and outer landscapes are altered.

A CALDERA IN WAITING…FIRE AND ICE… AWAKENING OF DORMANT ENERGY

Uranus represents disruptions, sudden events that launch a new beginning, and with it our inner and outer landscapes are altered. 2011 is the moving year for two of the transpersonal planets. Transpersonal refers to the fact that it tends to be outside of our experience and/or out of our control. The three transpersonal planets are Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Dormant energy is awakened. Moving house is stressful. There is de-cluttering, discarding and packing we need to do. We need to clean the place we are leaving. It is difficult to concentrate on our ordinary obligations when the space we are leaving is being pulled apart and we have to decide what we want to pack and what needs to be tossed out. We come across items that bring up memories and potentially find things we thought we’d lost forever. Settling into the new takes time, having moved a year ago for a first time in almost two decades, I think it takes a year…

• Time line of Preview: May 27-August 13, 2010
• Time line for Main Event: March 11, 2011-May 15, 2018
• Timeline for Review: November 6, 2018 to March 6, 2019

Previous occurrence: March 31, 1927 –November 4, 1927 (preview), January 13, 1928-June 6, 1934 (main event) and October 10, 1934-March 28, 1935 (review)

Uranus has been in Pisces since 2003 and seven year is a long time for something to be ‘shaken’ up. This energy gets us out of a rut and brings unpredictable events into our lives. While Uranus has been in Pisces we have seen all kinds of breakthroughs in medicine—new ways of healing the body. We have seen water related natural catastrophes, such as tsunamis. Just before the preview in 2010 (see dates), ash was billowing out of the volcano in Iceland— Eyjafjallajokull— for several weeks, disrupting flights into and out of Europe. This Ash, fire, volcano are more of Aries words than ones that resonate with Pisces. What is interesting, however, if the fact that the unpronounceable word— Eyjafjallajokull—refers to a glacier, under which the volcanic activity is taking place. The activity is under ice, which definitely is associated with water, it is trying to get to the surface… seems to say that a change is coming. The reason I chose to talk about this event and link it to Uranus is because it reflects the nature of the planet. In 2003 I used an image of a prophet with a horn being struck by lightning. For Uranus in Aries fire has to be present, and a volcano rumbles and makes promises about exploding for years, decades ahead of the event. We know something is about to happen, we just don’t know exactly what the impact will be.

When Uranus moved into Aries last time Mt. Etna erupted, the town was destroyed and by the end of the seven year period it was rebuilt to a higher standard. People were evacuated in an orderly fashion and according to Wikipedia we able to take many of their possessions with them.

Uranus is one of the outer planets—one of the big boys—and associated with the sky. Outer planets in transit are not something we integrate into our lives, often the events that could be associated from an astrological perspective to take place outside of our personal experience. The second thing to remember is that Uranus tends to be unpredictable. We might not be able to speculate what, but can typically figure out the area of life.

Those of us born with the Sun or another personal planet in Aries are likely to notice this the most. If you were to talk to a Pisces person about the last seven years, they would have a few big stories to tell. Typically the story begins with completely unexpected, out of the blue, decided to break free, quit my job and moved to the other side of the world. There is shock value to our Uranus-related stories.

Tug of War

Over the next seven years we have other planetary configurations in play, which were not part of the equation eight decades ago (peak years 1932-1934). Saturn and Uranus finished their confrontational dance in 2010. That ‘tango’ went on for just two years. Now Uranus and Pluto have conflicting goals for five years beginning in 2012 and lasting until 2017. The cycle of Uranus is 84 years. It is one of the energies involved in our midlife crises around age 40-42. Pluto is now firmly lodged in Capricorn—he has settled in for the long haul— slowly creating a process of change in the global economy, structures and foundations—both literal and virtual—which are no longer viable. One of the key concepts for Pluto is culling, eliminating the weak. We are witnessing the revolutions in the Middle East, which has been a volatile geographic area for decades. Governments and all governing bodies are under stress to work with transparency and to follow traditional, conservative rules of leadership. It is about doing it right, being just and fair and working toward common goals.

I wrote about the financial markets last year in my blog, stating that I didn’t see sustainable recovery until 2011—economists are beginning to state the same thing. I think that in their forecasts they avoid prognosis that it too negative, and opt to only address the next six months. Stock Exchanges are talking mergers, Toronto Stock Exchange with the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange with the German Stock Exchange. Might these be hostile takeovers, well astrologically speaking, the planets involved in such big shifts of how massive assets are exchanged, are not friendly or particularly interested in what is good for individuals.

Years of action and change

This year and next there is a lot of cardinal activity. The word cardinal means important, pivotal and in terms of astrology, action. Uranus has been associated with divorce since about the mid-seventies, when divorce became rather commonplace. Many sources state that Uranus transits through the seventh house mean divorce—that would mean that one 12th of us, statistically speaking, would opt to end our marriage. That simply goes against common sense. We just might meet people who are able to break us out of routine relationships, open our eyes and ears to something beyond the mundane humdrum existence. Uranus represents unique, unpredictable and out of the blue energy—we can apply the energy by doing something unique to us. Uranus equals Eureka; it is about those aha moments in life.

Copyright Anne Massey 2011

Read more at www.annemassey.ca and www.astrologicallyspeaking.com

To contact Anne about personal consultations and inquire about classes call her at 604-574-9545 or send an email to anne@astrologicallyspeaking.com

This new astrological constellation according to astronomer Parke Kunkle, who began the current sensational story, isn’t new. Astrology, absolutely is antiquated, the surviving astrological texts date back about 2,000 years. The authors of that era refer to ancient astrologers, so we can make an assumption that astrology is far older. Astrologers use the names of the constellations; however, these are names for the signs and are not directly linked to the constellations. Ancient astrologer-astronomers knew about it, and decided that it did not occupy an adequate length of the Ecliptic to warrant an immortal space on the band of animals. Rest assured this item for the latest 24-hour news cycle is not about to change a system of knowledge and wisdom that predates Christianity.

The story gone viral today and entering  the 24-hour news cycle is about how the fixed stars have moved and now everything is off kilter—astrology with its 12 signs is antiquated, out of touch with reality and should now change the whole field of knowledge. We might still think that the Earth is the centre of the Universe and the Sun, the one and only star in the solar system, revolves around the Earth. That changed when Copernicus published his book. Incidentally he was not only a Canon of the Catholic Church, but also a doctor, astronomer and a court astrologer.

The way astrology defines the time when the Sun changes sign is different from astronomy. Vedic astrology practised in India is star-based, however, off a little from the astronomical measurements. Western astrology is also known as tropical and is based on the seasons to put it simplistically. Astronomers and western astrologers give an identical time for the change of seasons. This is primarily the starting point of western astrology with the twelve signs for the Sun used in generalized horoscopes. Astrology goes beyond the Sun…

 While Virgo in terms of size takes up about 47 degrees of the Zodiac, and Scorpio only about 7 degrees, astrologers have for millennia divided the 360 circle into twelve equal parts of 30 degrees. A few of the stars, located on the imaginary foot of the serpent bearer, do touch the ecliptic—however, ancient astrologer-astronomers deemed that this was not adequate for inclusion in the Zodiac. Western or tropical astrology uses the Zodiac signs not the constellations as astronomers now define them.

So nothing has changed in the last 24 hours, it is just as it was and always will be…

To read more go to www.annemassey.ca

What Is Astrology?

Astrology is an ancient body of knowledge originally developed as a timing system. Shepherds in the Near East plotted the daily motion of the Sun and Moon to keep track of time. Through the ages, astrology has both flirted with fate and danced with death, undergoing a number of reincarnations to find itself where it is today.

Astrology has a mixed reputation in today’s world. As a practice, astrology involves first determining where the planets and stars are in the heavens at any given moment and then interpreting these placements. Charts were originally calculated by hand, until computers took care of the complex mathematical calculations. A modern birth (or natal) chart looks like a round cake with twelve uneven slices. Around the outside of the circle lie the twelve zodiac constellations (the ecliptic). These constellations were chosen by observers over the centuries because, like a great cosmic train track, they mark the path of the Sun and planets as they move through the sky. The twelve sections inside the circle are known as the “houses.” The Sun, Moon, and planets are arrayed in a unique order within the houses, according to the time, date, and place of birth.

 Astrology is like a guide for the soul. A birth chart, which is created using the symbols of the sky, details the promise of a life set in motion at the moment of birth. Your birth chart is a map of the sky at the precise time you were born, looking up from the place on Earth where you arrived. Countries, kingships, diseases, and business ventures all have a moment when they begin. When a birth chart is carefully interpreted by a trained astrologer, it provides answers to questions about the fate of the entity the chart represents.

Ancient Sky: Primordial Philosophy

Humans have, for millennia, searched the natural world for signs of the state of the Earth and indications of what is to come. Observations of the sky are no different from the works of shamans, East Indian elders, and indigenous peoples across the globe. The premise that what happens in the natural world reflects what is happening in an individual’s inner world is captured in the following quote from The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus: “That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.” Commonly reduced to “As above, so below,” this ancient philosophy underpinned the work of the great minds of the past, such as Plato, Aristotle, 1 Pythagoras, and Ptolemy.2

The planets and stars were thought to be “god’s alphabet,” and those who could read the sky were able to interpret his messages to the people. Ancient cultures (Babylonian and Egyptian) believed that the Sun spent the hours of darkness in the Underworld, only to emerge at dawn. The Sun was the heavenly body linked to light and dark. The Moon was used to mark out short cycles of time. Through these simple observations, the ancients noted that some celestial lights did not move and some did (the word “planet” comes from a Greek term meaning “wanderer”). The Moon was the most obvious moving light — appearing Full like a brilliant white disc against the backdrop of the star-filled night once every 28 days.

Stone structures (like Stonehenge) were built to capture the Sun’s light at its highest or lowest (solstice) points. Temples were created to mark the predawn rise of certain stars at special times of the year. Most famously watched for was Sirius, the “dog star,” whose heliacal rising (just before the Sun) was used to time the annual flooding of the Nile and the arrival of the hottest months of the Egyptian year.

From these daily, monthly, and specific events came to be linked with the appearance or disappearance of certain stars and planets. Over thousands of years of observation, a body of knowledge emerged that incorporated the experience and work of ancient Chaldean, Babylonian, Persian, Roman, Greek, Indian, and Egyptian priests, stargazers and astrologers, scientists, theologians, scholars, and mathematicians.

Astrology’s Origins

Astrology began in the area now known as Iraq (historically, Mesopotamia and Chaldea). Lunar phases were first recorded in 15,000 B.C.E. The earliest fragments of astrological tablets are dated to 2300 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia. The Venus Tablet of Amisdaqa, circa 1600 B.C.E., contains detailed information about the movement of Venus in the heavens (changing from evening to morning star via a three-day “disappearance” from the sky) and predictions for her return.

Astrology has moved in and out of favour throughout history, but only during the past 200 years, in its most recent reinvention, has it incorporated personal spirituality and psychology. Previously, astrology was a divine science known only to the wise men or priests. Calculations by mathematicians and scientists assisted in specific astronomical discoveries, so planetary motions and distances from the Earth could be predicted, and specific maps of the heavens could be drawn.

Astrology was considered one of the three most important sciences (along with astronomy and mathematics) by all major cultures from the 6th century B.C.E. to around 400 C.E. Developments in one field invariably led to new understandings in other primary fields. In time, this would play a part in astrology’s downfall, as scientific advances seemed to disprove some of the fundamental principles of astrology. 

The Rise and Fall of Astrology

The use of astrology in its current form — creating a natal chart, with houses (divisions of the sky) — has been around for more than 2,000 years (the oldest known birth chart dates back to 410 B.C.E.). Astrology was practised for about 2,000 years before then, but mostly for the exclusive use of king or country.

The constellations were first established around 3000 B.C.E. Even 1,000 years before this, Babylonians and Assyrians scanned the heavens for omens of their fate and mapped the course of planets; from their observations, they began to make predictions about the weather, the harvest, drought, famine, war, peace, and the fates of kings.

 The earliest recordings of mathematical astronomy (around 1500 B.C.E.) paved the way for accurate star charts centuries later. When Alexander the Great brought Babylon under Greek rule around 330 B.C.E., much knowledge was shared between Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greek scholars.

 It was in the sixth century B.C.E. that the sky was first formally divided into twelve sections, each linked with the specific star rising at each consecutive Full Moon. This division was the precursor to the twelve houses of the birth chart still in use today. Astrologer kings, said to rule throughout Mesopotamia (circa 700 B.C.E.), drew on their knowledge of the sky to foretell periods of good fortune or famine for their kingdoms. By the fourth century B.C.E., horoscopes expanded into the middle class and were drawn up for ordinary individuals, not just those in power.

 Astrology’s revered place in society continued through the period of Christ, with the first two systematic treatises on astrology published by Vettius Valens and Manilius in the first century C.E. By the 900s, the Academy of Wisdom in Baghdad had expanded to play an integral part in the growth of Middle Eastern culture. Many ancient Greek texts were translated into Arabic, spreading knowledge throughout the Islamic world. In fact, the city of Baghdad was founded in 762 C.E. at a time chosen by astrologers.

Tiberius, Emperor of Rome (14–37 C.E.), employed a secret police force of astrologers to identify rivals. By his time, the high esteem in which astrology was held can be seen in the naming of the days of the week after the seven planetary deities. Astrology thrived through a golden age as humans lived strongly connected to, aware of, and at the mercy of the physical world.

 The first serious blow to astrology came from the Christian faith, which would prove to be astrology’s nemesis through the ages. Roman Emperor Constantine officially endorsed Christianity in 312 C.E., plunging astrology and other pagan practises into a thousand years of darkness — at least throughout Rome and Greece. The vast body of knowledge already available to astrologers was removed from public access, and the general populace was encouraged to convert to the Church. The rulers and religious leaders from Constantine’s time until the Middle Ages were in so much fear of the knowledge and magic in the study of the stars that astrology was made a crime punishable by death. St. Augustine (354–430 C.E.) openly condemned astrology as much of the Western world descended into the Dark Ages.

Although astrology (and its practitioners) was discredited throughout the Roman empire, it began to  flourish in the Islamic world. The first school of astrology was opened in 777 C.E. in Baghdad. During the  European Renaissance  in the 12th century (a precursor to the great Renaissance 300 years later), astrology enjoyed a revival.3 The birth chart for King Edward II (1284) survives to this day.

In 1348, King Philip VI of France received a response to his request regarding the “calamity” of the Black Plague: The medical faculty of the University of Paris linked it to a conjunction of Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter in Aquarius, which was exacerbated by an eclipse.4

Astrology flourished during the great Renaissance as numerous ancient texts were translated from Greek into Latin. (This practise had been blocked by the Church more than 1,000 years earlier.) Throughout the 15th and 16^th centuries, the study and practise of astrology was revitalised and began to be taught in universities across Europe.5 During the reigns of King James I to Charles I (in the 1600s), horoscopes were often cast at the beginning of Parliament to determine how it would fare.

The medical applications of astrology were explored and helped to bring this ancient practise back into contemporary life. Astrology was particularly important in diagnosing and treating disease. Nicholas Culpeper followed the advice of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and studied the art of astrology. Culpeper’s seminal work, commonly known as Culpeper’s Herbal, was first published in 1653 and has been continually in print ever since. A decumbiture chart (a birth chart for medical purposes) was set for the time a patient fell ill or had an accident. Specific herbs and tonics were prescribed according to whichever planets or signs were determined to describe the illness. This practise is still in use today.

The difficult relationship between the Church and astrology continued, but science now became astrology’s nemesis. The death knell came with the confirmation by Galileo (in 1632) of Copernicus’s theory that the Earth and planets moved around the Sun. Galileo himself supported astrology, drawing up charts of family and wealthy clients; however, astronomers continued to pursue scientific facts to prove their work. Even though astrology was based on thousands of years of empirical observation, it could not pass the rigorous tests the scientific communities now demanded.

Over the course of about 200 years, astrology slowly fell from a respected sister science of astronomy into a tool that few used with any great skill. It was relegated to fortune-telling status. The practise of astrology was kept alive in the spiritualist movements and among those wise enough to perceive the narrowness of science. Simplified forms of astrology evolved in modern times as the masses began to embrace this magical information. The advent of specialised software programmes means that anyone can now calculate a natal chart with the press of a few buttons. This has led to the growth of “fairground” astrology, which refers to making simple statements about a person’s life based on their birth chart — the kind of delineation that might be offered in an astrology reading at a fair or festival, rather than the comprehensive analysis made by a professional astrologer who has taken the time to work through the layers of the chart. In fairground astrology, one makes simplistic judgments by eyeballing a birth chart (e.g., you have three planets in your 7^th house; therefore you will have three marriages). Due to the general public’s easy access to natal charts, interpretations can be and are made by those who perhaps have only a passing interest in astrology and haven’t completed formal study. These interpretations, while based on astrological data, don’t take into consideration the subtle complexities of chart delineation and perhaps do astrology more disservice than good.

Astrology in Modern Society

Astrology has reinvented itself once again and is now being taught at universities across the world, from Kepler College in the United States to Bath Spa University in the United Kingdom. The spiritualist church, the theosophists, and Alan Leo all helped to keep astrology close to the surface of humanity’s awareness during the 19th century. Carl Jung’s correspondence with Sigmund Freud, around the start of the 20th century, expressed his fascination and experience with astrology. Jung did pioneering work on archetypes and the psyche which blended astrology and psychology into a cohesive, practical philosophy. This has set a place for astrology in the study of the psyche, and many counselling and therapeutic phrases are now incorporated into the modern language of astrological interpretation. This also reflects the shift from a fated human philosophy (of the ancient cultures) to our modern belief in our ability to transform our fate or lot in life.

No one can predict where astrology will go from here. It has struggled to regain its originally revered status, but the question must be asked: Is this struggle the fault of astrology’s limitations, or those of the modern mind? In our pursuit of scientific proof, we have lost touch with the unexplainable yet observable magic in our natural world. As humanity collectively embraces an increasingly holistic consciousness, where the interconnectedness of life is given due respect, it is no surprise to see astrology once more climbing the ladder of mainstream respectability. Astrology reflects the connection between the heavens and the Earth, and humanity again turns to the heavens for divine connection while we begin to more fully understand our impact on, and our ties to, the physical planet beneath our feet.

Copyright Kelly Surtees, all rights reserved www.kellysurtees.com

Notes

In the work, On Generation and Corruption, Aristotle wrote: “The earth is bound up in some necessary way with the local motions of the heavens, so that all power that resides in this world is governed by that above.”

2. Ptolemy wrote the Tetrabiblos in the 2nd century C.E. This is considered the major treatise on astrology in classical times and is available in English translation. While working in the great library in Alexandria, Ptolemy devised “predictive mathematical models” to observe the motion of the planets, not just the Sun and Moon. He also mapped the longitude (sky position) of more than a thousand stars. Tetrabiblos was a summary of all major astronomical and astrological techniques in practise at that time.

3. Saint Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century scholar who was a recognised influence in the Catholic Church, believed that astrology and the Christian faith could co-exist. In the Summa Theologica, he acknowledged the influence of the planets on human affairs and attempted to reconcile astrology with the Christian doctrine of free will.

4. In 14th-century England, poet Geoffrey Chaucer was a high court official to Edward III. Besides the famous Canterbury Tales, Chaucer wrote the Treatise on the Astrolabe, which set out the basics of astrology at that time.

5. Regiomontanus (1436–1476) was a professor of both astrology and astronomy at the University of Vienna; he was responsible for the compilation of some of the early ephemerides— and for devising the house system that bears his name.

2009 taught us that life is filled with change. The economic turbulence and associated job losses have caused dramatic changes in the lives of many. We astrologers tend to love the quote: “the one constant in life is change.”

When reading a generalized horoscope, we need to keep in mind that your personal horoscope in its entirety is not taken into consideration. For example, Pluto, which represents big changes, is in Capricorn and at present, those born a few days after the Winter Solstice are more likely to be grappling with changes in their lives and/or experience of life. Capricorns born later in December and in January will experience this in the years to come. Pluto spends well over a decade in Capricorn.

Aries

March 19-April 19

In terms of daily life and the associated themes, you are working with concrete, practical material goals this year. You are rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. How you earn your money, how much effort you expend at work, and how to take care of your health, those are the issues. You are creating solid foundations in order to have your basic needs met. (Read more about your year in the Mercury review)

This year and until late 2011, relationship matters are prominent. Lasting commitments such as marriage, partnership or contract are often made during these times. You are learning how to place another’s needs before your own. Is the way you share responsibilities, finances, etc. fair and equitable? The best relationships require that we work at them and cultivate rapport. Read more about the next two years for you in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.

Until about March 10, you are likely to feel a bit frustrated with the speed things are moving along—call it crawling along, or having to take one step forward and two steps back. From mid-March through early June, things begin to fall into place rather nicely for you. Your innate enthusiasm for life and new creative ventures increases. Throughout June and until late July you are working, fine-tuning and being extremely organized and busy. Remember to set aside adequate time for rest and relaxation! You can be somewhat of a workaholic. Read more about the first half of your year in the Mars Review

In the summer months, you may experience some sudden turns of events, surprises and the like. It all turns out for the best in the long-run, but initially the potential events are likely to catch you off guard. On a cautionary note, pay extra attention to your safety in traffic and when operating machinery—make note to be more aware of your surroundings.

August through the end of 2010 relationship matters demand even more attention from you. This can be a rather sweet time for romance, potentially a more serious commitment. From mid-September through end of October financial matters require your attention. Around this time you increase your earning potential. Naturally, at the same time you need to review and manage your resources and debts more effectively. You might be assessing your priorities, and what truly matters once again like you did back at the end of 2002.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Taurus

April 19-May 20

In terms of daily life, the biggest theme this year is rekindling your inspiration and enthusiasm for life. You will be handling issues related to your attitude and your quest to broaden your horizons—explore something new. Channel this innovative energy toward creating something productive and practical. (Read more about your year in the Mercury review)

This year and until late 2011, is an excellent time to work on a second ‘career’ turn your ideas into a business. Remember to ask for help or assistance rather than attempt to go it alone. You desire a harmonious environment at work and when you are engaged in tasks. At work you are often known as the mediator; you know the guys and gals in the office, in the shop, etc. Take a bit of time to beautify your surroundings and get ready to mediate constructively. This promises to be a busy two and half years. Read more about the next two years for you in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.

Until about March 10, you are likely to be working extra hard, taking work home or working on those renovations perhaps to get a tax credit. Family matters are extremely important as is ensuring you look after yourself—rest and relaxation brings balance into life. Beginning mid-March until June, things are likely to continue at the same pace, but with improved results. You have loads of stamina, and your motivation is high. Read more about this influence in your life in the Mars Review

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Gemini

May 20-June 20

In 2010 you are likely to spend a fair bit of time sorting out things at home, and find that you are engaged in deep discussions with family members more frequently. Dealing with tax returns, investments and debts requires your undivided attention. We tend to venture into unfamiliar territory both figuratively and literally during years like this. You tend to be very pragmatic about these matters—however, this year you are more likely to question your beliefs and are more focused on finding answers or just better questions. (Read more about your year in the Mercury review)

For the first half of the year you are likely to consider adding a study for fun into the mix. From the beginning to the year until about mid-March, you are likely to notice what you could and should do differently. You might also be a little bit more forceful with our communications—less willing to remain diplomatic. You are likely to spend more time with siblings, neighbours and people who are a part of your daily life. During this period you might want to choose both your words and actions with more care. Also pay more attention when driving, walking on potentially slippery surfaces, and when working around machinery. Read more about the first half of 2010 in the Mars Review

Intimate relationships—with partner and children—belong to this two-year period. Baby news is rather typical during this time and our intimate onships mature. Our obligations and responsibilities tend to increase, but mostly not to our displeasure. We do all kinds of work in life, over these two years hobbies can turn into jobs. You love to discover new things and are naturally an eternal student, ever-curious about everything—structured classes with distinct goals are ideal activity now. (Read more about the next two years in the Saturn review) and if you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out the Saturn’s Promise report.

In the summer months, you may experience some sudden turns of events, surprises and the like. Being in the right place at the right time, springs to mind, as the potential theme. Friends and colleagues are likely to play a prominent role in your life over the next several years. You are exceptionally inventive, you know there are better ways to handle business and you might want to be in business for yourself—it always begins with an idea. Then the hard work needs to follow.

From early-September through the end of 2010, financial matters require your attention. This influence plays out in our lives at eight-year intervals. So you are assessing your priorities about what truly matters just like in 2002. This is a good time to look at all your investments and financial obligations with thorough scrutiny. This is also an ideal time to uncover better options for you. Commitment and loyalty in relationships can be a prominent theme now. This includes business partnerships as well.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Cancer

June 20-July 22

Relationships and the art of communication are front and centre for 2010, and the influence began playing out for us early December, 2009. You know relationships take effort; it is so easy to forget to stay in touch. This year you will have ample opportunity to reconnect with siblings, neighbours, friends and most importantly your partner in the journey of life. You may also find that you miss the camaraderie of a group of individuals who share your interests. Without new ideas, we end up spending too much time alone with our thoughts. Once in a while it is time to liven things up. 2010 is ideal for that. (Read more in the Mercury review)

This year and until late 2011, family matters, real estate and home/residence become topics under construction. This is an ideal time to spruce up your home—renovate, redecorate and declutter—create creating a more harmonious environment. Clutter can be rather energy-draining, and it is amazing how much better we tend to feel in a pleasant environment; this is the natural time for you to harmonize your home and personal space. Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.

Until March 10 you are likely to obsess over money matters, find new solutions and vow to create a budget. This serious review period began December 20. Mid-March is likely to bring resolutions to long-standing issues. By early June, you will have had eight months in which to take action to sort out money matters. Each month brings a different facet of the issue to the forefront. May 2010 might be another lucky month for you. Read more in the Mars Review

In the summer months, career matters and a potential change in your status may take you by surprise. There is a need to more freedom to do what you think is of most value. You have just spent eight months evaluating your priorities—yes part of it had to do with money, but the part you will remember years from now, is the new choices you made. The change in status might be getting married, engaged or choosing to begin a family. The summer months are incredible fertile both figuratively and literally for you.

September through year end is another exceptional period for romance and awakening your creativity. The intensity of the energy repeats from 2002 (the same months back then). You yearn for total commitment in your romantic relationship. You take loyalty and commitment seriously. During October and half of November you may be evaluating what is most important to you about your relationship. If you have children, you are likely to spend more of your energy and time understanding them and helping them during this period. This also is a rather fertile period for you.

The two main themes this year for you are relationships, communication and money and the other things you value in life.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Leo

July 22-August 22

You will be working on the practical, material issues in 2010: money, work and career—how we earn our money, how much effort we expend at work, and how well we look after our health. It is all about creating concrete foundations in order to have your basic needs met. For the first part of the year, you are working hard to create potential for something new. (Read more in the Mercury review)

This year and until late 2011, you are likely to restructure your daily activities. You might find that going back to school is a serious option for you. The themes repeat from the early 1980s and just like back then are likely to provide new opportunities for you. If you were born after that time, this is the first time you are experiencing the themes, and are likely to find that hard work and sustained effort is always rewarded. Read more in the Saturn review

I you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.

The last time Mars was in your sign for this long was 1962-63 approximately the same dates as this time—October 16, 2009-June 6, 2010. There have been years at about 15 year intervals when this influence was in play for a shorter period of time such as October 1994-May 1995 for six months. These tend to be times we recall as significant in hindsight, and while we muddle through them in the now, we choose a new way of doing something important. During the past year, particularly in the last six weeks, we have made internal choices and during this time we intend to act based on our insights.

What motivates you? How to rekindle your innate enthusiasm? There are so many options, how to choose the best ones? After mid-March you will become more aware of that your choices were right all along, your outlook on the future is clear and when all is said and done—you wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Well, it is about timing—when something is meant to be, the pieces fall into place very naturally. Read more in the Mars Review

In the summer months, you are likely to rekindle you enthusiasm once more—you are ready for the next phase in your life. Your views are likely to change somewhat radically over the next seven years; life isn’t that simple after all. You are ready to take some risks and to trust your instincts.

September through year end, family matters including where and how you live, become important. Just like during the last four months of 2002, you are likely to be assessing what are the most important things in life. Renewed bonds with family and those who hold a special place in your heart are likely to be forged now. This might mean returning home for an extended visit, re-establishing relationships and also learning what your real values are.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Virgo

August 22-September 22

2010 is an ideal year to rekindle your inspiration, reconnect with what makes you feel enthusiastic and fired up about life. The quote for the year ‘we don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are” holds much wisdom. Our experience of life changes, when we alter our attitude and approach. 2010 affords you many opportunities to choose what you desire from life. (Read more in the Mercury review)

Until October 5, 2011 you will be learning new lessons about money: budgets, managing your income and expenses, and learning to deal with issues as they come up rather than postponing until later. It is an ideal time to build proper foundations for building assets in a conservative, traditional manner. Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

From October 16, 2009 until June 6, 2010 you inner world takes on renewed significance. What do you believe? Are you paying attention to your dreams, flashes of intuition and do you trust your instincts? This is an ideal time for personal growth, making new choices based on what you believe. Read more in the Mars Review

In the summer months, things at your place of work are interesting and somewhat unpredictable. You may be at your most innovative; seeing better solutions for most things. You might decide that you want a different work-place and opt for vocational training. This influence flitters in and out for a couple of years, but in part remains with us for seven years. It is advisable to avoid hasty decisions—research your options before handing in your notice, telling the boss what you really think, etc.

September through year end, emphasis is on the value of education and the value of your time/effort. It is a time to contemplate, just like in the last four months of 2002, what you see yourself doing for the next eight years. Perhaps you have all kinds of ideas about writing or teaching, but don’t know where to begin. Now would be an excellent time to investigate your options. The issues now might be as mundane as the vehicle that needs maintenance every week… Throughout this time, remember it is about validating what you think—your views matter.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Libra

September 22-October 22

The issues over the next year or so (since December 5, 09) are centered on home and emotional security, obligations, taxes and commitment, the world of dreams, faith and insecurities. You tend to be very pragmatic about these matters—however, this year you are more likely to question your beliefs and are more focused on finding answers or just better questions.

On a practical note, you are also likely to spend a fair bit of time sorting out things at home, and find that you are engaged in deep discussions with family members more frequently. Dealing with tax returns, investments and debts requires your undivided attention. We tend to venture into unfamiliar territory both figuratively and literally during years like this. (Read more in the Mercury review)

Until October 5, 2011 you will learn more about responsibility, you are working hard at everything and being more serious and focused about life and your goals. It is about keeping your nose to the grindstone. The themes of this period are new obligations, responsibilities, learning to do with less, limitations, new structures, rebuilding structures and becoming more of a realist. Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

For eight months starting October 16, 2009 you are presented with a wonderful opportunity to work solidly toward your goals with grit, determination and optimism. These opportunities arise at fifteen year intervals—the last one with this kind of intensity took place back in around October 62-May 63, and this go-around lasts until June 6, 2010. It is easy to find support and assistance to achieve your wishes and aspirations. You have had quite a bit of activity with work/career; you may be on a new path and now finding resources to realign your actions with your new goals are strong. Read more in the Mars Review

In the summer months, relationships are priority number one. Things may become a little unpredictable. If your relationship has stagnated this is the time to shake things up, bring excitement back into the picture. Unique, interesting people are likely to enter the scene. Some of this influence remains with you for the next seven years. Life is likely to be more eventful now.

September through year end, just like in the last four months of 2002, you are evaluating your personal priorities . What is it that truly matters to you? Naturally this is also the time when a thorough scrutiny of money and possessions is in order. Typically, it is the lack of something that forces us to act. However, we should act based on our own value system rather than what others perceive.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Scorpio

October 22-November 21

2010 is about relationships and the art of communication. You know relationships take effort; it is so easy to forget to stay in touch. This year you will have ample opportunity to reconnect with siblings, neighbours, friends and most importantly your partner in the journey of life. You may also find that you miss the camaraderie of a group of individuals who share your interests. Without new ideas, we end up spending too much time alone with our thoughts. Once in a while it is time to liven things up. 2010 is ideal for that. It all begins with incredible busyness…( (Read more in the Mercury review)

Since mid-October 2009 until June 6, 2010, Mars the planetary energy associated with the sign of Scorpio is holding steady in your career and status sector. The energy, drive and motivation to implement changes based on your goals and aspirations are in overdrive. Do you remember what you yearned for back in mid-2005 through late summer 2007? This particular Mars-period echoes those choices, but repeats with this intensity from 1962-63 and partially 1995-96 (approximately the same months back then). Between December 20, 2009 and March 10, 2010, you need to find your own motivation, while handling the many demands the world places on you, including the boss or similar authority figures. Hard work always pays off, and at present you are tapped into your creative juices stronger than ever—happy production time. Read more in the Mars Review

Until October 5, 2011 you are amidst a planning period for 2011-2013—what is it you want to be doing for the next 10+ years. What should your new direction be? Allow time to reflect and ponder life and its mysteries; to reconnect with your beliefs. There are moments of anxiety and it might help if you listened to your own intuition more. It is time once again to pay more attention to your dreams and all of those wonderful synchronistic events in your life. What makes the world go around and what is your role in it. Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

This summer, your daily routines are in for a disruption, things get exciting and somewhat unpredictable. You might have more work than you can handle, and new choices to make. It is about adjustments; learning to go with the flow and at times needing to break free from anything that feels to monotonous. In the latter part of the year, you have the opportunity to re-envision what you desire and tap into your innovative side with more ease.

During the last four months of the year, lovely Venus stays in your sign at length. The same was true in the last four months of 2002 (and before that 1994). It is once again about what you desire and want in your life and from your life. The moment we make a choice we alter the course of our destiny. I think we simply operate on auto-pilot for the sake of convenience and predictability and opt not to exercise our free will. This energy has been rolling around every eight years for a fairly long time. This cycle is waning… choose to use the energy—go after what you desires.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Sagittarius

November 21-December 21

You will be working on the practical, material issues in 2010: money, work and career—how we earn our money, how much effort we expend at work, and how well we look after our health. These three areas are about creating concrete foundations in order to have our basic needs met—a great year for making progress. (Read more in the Mercury review)

From October 16, 2009 until June 2010, you might revise your views on religion, questioning your convictions and opinions. Foreign travel is more probable now and you could be very involved in the lives of your in-laws. The challenges with this influence are limited and the potential to broaden your horizons and spread your wings HUGE. The last time was in 1994-95 (about three months each side of the change of year); you may recall how life shifted back then… The previous time when the influence lasts as long as now, however, was about the same dates 1962-63, now the images get foggier right? The point is that this energy rolls around only once every 15 years, which means that there is a sense of novelty and inability to frame the events, moods, etc. The average life encompasses maybe 6-7 of these cycles, thus we are talking about significant shifts. Your opinions and convictions are more than likely to shift considerably. We grow and mature, the things that held allure in our teens, twenties, thirties, etc. no longer do so 15, 30, 45 years down the road, right. Read more in the Mars Review

Add to this the influence of Saturn until October 2011, which means you have your sights firmly on future plans; you are “working to earn your stripes.” This is typically an excellent time to achieve goals, gain respect from employers, colleagues and associates. You get recognition in direct proportion to your past efforts and may earn a promotion during this time. Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.

Life is rather hectic during the summer, and you are in your element; lots of excitement and all kinds of new experiences. Depending on your age you might be looking at having a child, becoming a grandparent or falling in love. Some of this influence remains with you for the next seven years.

During the last four months of the year, you are likely to be more introspective. You want to understand your beliefs, and the meaning of symbols in dreams and those synchronistic things that happen in life. You know when the phone rings and you pick up to find a person on the other end you had just been thinking about. You may also spend a fair bit of time contemplating your personal priorities.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Capricorn

December 21-January 19

Your attitude, your inspiration and your quest to broaden your horizons are things on the ‘menu’ for you this year. It is an ideal year to rekindle your inspiration, and naturally you will channel this energy toward something productive and practical. What we think about things, our ideas, etc. can and do manifest. 2010 is an ideal year to review and revise your attitude toward life. During this year (Dec 09 – end of 2010) you are addressing both creation and recreation. Now is the time to recreate yourself, become inspired and take that inspiration to a heightened level and become more aware of the fire that fuels our life. (Read more in the Mercury review)

Until October 5, 2011 you will be working on career, avocation and status related matters. This is typically a time of accomplishment and hard work. It is about getting ahead in life, finding your perfect job, perfect career and/or discovering your avocation. External events are likely to force you to try harder and place extra demands on you. The potential issues with people are likely with bosses and other authority figures in our life—such as mother or father. Saturn insists that we become responsible, productive members of society during these years—and that we learn to manage our work. (Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

From October 16, 09 until June 2010, you are involved with evaluating, reviewing and revising all things associated with shared resources. That is the house you co-own with the bank, spouse, etc. and the loans you took out for the car, entertainment unit, etc. We are talking about sex, death and plumbing—any and all concepts that we really do want to discuss in public. Did the last word catch your attention? Astrology offers us a wide variety of concepts, and when we read horoscope columns the words come up here and there; sometimes it a bathroom renovation is highly important and the other concepts don’t enter the equation. So you might be dealing with the bank, mortgage, debts and/or taxation issues at length over the next eight months. At length is the issue . Read more in the Mars Review

In the summer months, there may be surprising news from family members and/or you might decide that you want to relocate somewhere new. This can be an exciting time because nothing has time to become stagnant or boring, there is always something else that demands your attention. The situations that demand your rise to the occasion could also emerge now. Now your ability to ‘wing it’, just take action rather than create a plan, is tested. This energy will stay with you for the next seven years and is the topic of my Uranus review due out in April.

For the last four months of the year, you are re-evaluating what you desire from life and what goals you want to keep and which ones you are going to cast aside. You may also apply the same tactic to a friendship—you demand give and take; things have to be equitable. The potential bigger themes now repeat from the last four months of 2002. We gauge the future based on our previous experience of the same influence.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Aquarius

January 19-February 18

The issues over the next year or so (since December 5, 09) are centered on home and emotional security, obligations, taxes and commitment, the world of dreams, faith and insecurities. You tend to be very pragmatic about these matters—however, this year you are more likely to question your beliefs and are more focused on finding answers or just better questions. Bottom line, when you know that your foundations in life are secure, you can handle anything. Home and family are extremely important to you. (Read more in the Mercury review)

As Saturn moves into Libra (October 29, 2009-April 7, 2010 and July 21, 2010-October 5, 2011) things lighten up, this is a planning and review period. What are the convictions you hold dear? Are the still valid, might you benefit from learning something new or is it time to finish the course, degree, study, manuscript that you had to put on hold because of circumstances. It is time to broaden your horizons, explore new concepts and perhaps revisit ideologies you used to explore; such as religion, philosophy, spirituality, etc. These years are about our quest to understand life, travel to new places, take in new cultures and enjoy discovering new facets within you. (Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

For eight months starting October 16, 2009 life is mostly about relationships. It is about accommodating others and all of the others—including your partner—are more demanding than usual. There is drama galore! And the twist is that you really don’t care for that much drama. The natural instinct is to fix it, find resources for people in your life, and at the moment there are lots of people in your life. This goes on for almost eight months—aha, yes a long time. In the final analysis relationships have moved to a different level, you have made many compromises… the tricky part is the rewind period… Read more in the Mars Review

The future looks exciting beginning this summer. Exciting, naturally, is a synonym for change. That is the one guarantee we have in life—change is inevitable. It might be simply a new circle of friends or colleagues and as complicated as you deciding that you need to get away from all that is your daily existence and begin something more exciting. There, of course, is a full spectrum of possibilities between the extremes. However, the fact that you may surprise even yourself is something that should make you smile about the possibilities.

Venus takes up residence in your career sector for about four months beginning in September. This anomaly repeats from the last four months of 2002. Think back for personal clues. You might recall what your prominent statements were back then—I want this and no longer want that… along those lines. The synchronistic Universe might send little messages, the kind that everyone we know repeats to us; they begin with you should… a phrase that usually makes you tune out. The option for new choices is there, up to you whether to take advantage or leave it be for another eight years.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Pisces

February 18-March 19

2010 is about relationships and the art of communication. You know relationships take effort; it is so easy to forget to stay in touch. This year you will have ample opportunity to reconnect with siblings, neighbours, friends and most importantly your partner in the journey of life. You may also find that you miss the camaraderie of a group of individuals who share your interests. Without new ideas, we end up spending too much time alone with our thoughts. Once in a while it is time to liven things up. 2010 is ideal for that. It all begins with all kinds of networking, talking with friends, bandying ideas about… (Read more in the Mercury review)

It is an ideal time to take a long-range look at investments, debts, mortgages and find the time to go over the figures with your banker, financial advisor, etc. During times, like the recession, it is not easy to face the reality, but when we are better informed we can make those informed choices. It might be that you need to face the fact that you are of an age when you should book the appointment for a scope…(Read more in the Saturn review

If you would like to know more about what Saturn means in your life, check out Saturn’s Promise report.)

Bottom line you need to look after your health during October 16, 2009-June 2010, and avoid working too hard! It is an ideal time to sort out your diet, medication and find ways to make your work and your daily environment healthier. It is about making adjustments. If your statement tends to be that you overdid it and then had to take time out, you might want to think about adjusting your actions. You may also find that you are helping people in your daily life and neglecting your own needs; your sensitivity to the needs of others tends to get in the way of doing what is best for you. In the final analysis the way you do things and your work environment will be different. Read more in the Mars Review

In January Jupiter, which in astrology represents expansion and LUCK moves into your sign for about five months and then again in September for another 5-6 months this is typically enough to take off the edge of anything else that might be going on. Happens at 12-year intervals, the warning is that you not over indulge with food, wine, etc.

In the summer months, it is about money and what you value. There are some surprising and unpredictable turns of events around then. Maybe you should look at money matters realistically prior to that time; forewarned is forearmed, right.

The last four months of the year are rather sweet. It is the time to rekindle passion in your romantic relationship. It is also a time to have honest and open discussions what the two of you want out of your lives together. If you have children, this is the time to truly listen to them and hear how they feel and what is important to them. This particular theme repeats from the last four months of 2002.

• Want to know more about your relationship, get insights… check out these personalized reports.
• It’s about money… learn about Prosperity in your life
• Starlight is a personalized horoscope for a year, get insights into your life

Copyright Anne Massey 2009

604-888-9552

www.astrologicallyspeaking.com and www.annemassey.ca for Anne’s blog

2010 marks the beginning of a new era for most Aries. Opportunities are knocking and you need to reach out to take advantage of them. There is one moderating concern. Every new opportunity will bring with it new commitments, so be careful that you do not take on too much too fast! A little self imposed restraint will increase your confidence and improve your status. Your most stressful times will be from Jul. 29 to Sep. 14, and from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. Your most harmonious times will be from Jan. 1 to Jun. 7, and from Oct. 28 to Dec. 7. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Aries.

Special Focus: If you are an Aries born in March, then 2010 will be a year of stark contrasts. There will be new opportunities and also some delays. If you are not living honestly or responsibly then you can expect confrontations or power struggles. The main theme for you this year is to bide your time. Look before you leap and not afterwards. Be true to yourself and others will be true to you.

TAURUS: April 20 – May 21

The challenge for most Taureans this year will be right priorities. If one’s indulgences are not restrained it will increase the amount of stress that will be encountered. This is a year when making an effort to get things done for yourself will pay off. Don’t wait for people who do not have your best interest at heart. Take control and much progress will be made. Your most stressful times will be from Jan. 1 to Jun 7, and from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28. Your most harmonious times will be from Jun.7 to Jul. 29, and from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Taurus.

Special Focus: If you were born between May 15 and 20 then 2010 will prove to be confusing. The main problem will be dependencies and expectations, yours and other people’s. Big schemes will cause problems and fanatical determination will attract deception. Keep things simple. Don’t make promises and avoid speculation, especially on the market. If you don’t set yourself up, you will not be brought down.

GEMINI: MAY 21 – JUNE 21 The tide is finally turning in Gemini’s favour. The instabilities and disruptions of the last several years will start to lift. The old is falling away. Don’t look back. You will find new friends who will align with you. The main vulnerability will be a tendency to overindulge! The quality of your principles will determine the quality of your associates. Your most stressful times will be from June 7 to July 29, and from Oct. 28 to Dec. 7. Your most harmonious times will be from Jan.1 to June 7, and from July 29 to Sept.14. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Gemini.

Special Focus: If you were born between June 15 and 21 you will experience many sudden upsets and changes this year. Your old world is being radically changed and there is little likelihood that it will come back. Don’t throw good energy after bad! Your heart is shakey and vulnerable to let downs. This is the last of the crazy times. You need to adapt and juggle through this year. Do not force issues!

CANCER: JUNE 21 – JULY 23

2010 will continue to challenge the security of Cancers. Even amidst the global cutbacks and restraints you will find good options. Opportunities will come your way but you must be prepared to work harder for them. A little consideration of others and a good attitude will win big rewards. Work hard but accentuate the positive. Your most stressful times will be from July 29 to Sept. 14, and from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. Your most harmonious times will be from June 7 to July 29, and from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Cancer.

Special Focus: Those Cancers born in June will have a stressful year with confrontations on either side. Don’t run, just deal with it. Be true! Those of you born in July will have a significantly more positive year as the confrontations are not yet at your doorstep. Don’t mix business and pleasure. Work when you have to and enjoy when you don’t.

LEO: JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

The force is with you, at least for the first half of the year. This is the time to set your goals in motion and to get things done. It’s your move. Take the initiative. Make the most of it. Be up front and direct in your relationships. Get physical. Don’t lose time complaining about what others don’t do. If someone wants to be with you this year they will have to keep up with you. Your most stressful times will be from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28. Your most harmonious times will be from Jul. 29 to Sept. 14, and from Oct 28 to Dec. 7. Your most powerful and energetic time will be from Jan. 1 to June 7 when Mars travels through Leo.

Special Focus: If you were born between August 16 and 22 then 2010 will be a year of disorientation and confused priorities. You are gullible and trying to chase after a mirage. It will be hard for you to find reliable people this year. The challenge is to be self reliant and avoid making promises. Sorrow will come through dependencies. This is a test of true faith. How good are you?

VIRGO: AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 23

 All that glitters is not gold. 2010 will be a year that tests your principles. You are inclined to overestimate and exaggerate. Do not let little misunderstandings get out of hand or build into something bigger. If you are not doing something right, then what are you doing? You need to see the implications, and how other people will react before you do something. Not everyone will see things your way. Your most stressful times will be from Oct 28 to Dec. 7. Your most harmonious times will be from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28, and from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. Your most powerful and energetic time will be from Jun. 7 to July 29 when Mars travels through Virgo.

Special Focus: Those Virgos born between Sep. 17 and 23 will be vulnerable to sudden change and let downs. If you speculate you will over estimate things and suffer significant losses. If you are overindulging, people will start to move away. Maintain a low profile and do not force issues. What is falling away is what no longer belongs. Let it go!

LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

2010 will be a reasonably positive year for most Librans. You are having to make some big decisions and commitments just before there will be significant global disruptions. Make your decisions and work to consolidate them. If you set your goals too high interference will come next year. You need to understand the limitations before you act, not after. Your most stressful times will be from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. Your most harmonious times will be from Jan. 1 to June 7, and from Oct 28 to Dec. 7. Your most powerful and energetic time will be from July 29 to Sept. 14 when Mars travels through Libra.

Special Focus: If you were born between Oct 17 and 22 this will be a year to act on your dreams and visions. You can see what is happening and your understanding will be positively received by others. The first half of the year is easy. Be active and spontaneous. See who will respond to you. This is an excellent year for networking and travelling. In the last half of the year it will be more difficult to stay focused. Circumstances will pull you out in many directions.

SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 22

Geez! It is hard to find good help when you need it! The more you rely on others the angrier you will get. Your battle this year is with your own judgements. Much can be achieved but it will take a lot of your own physical energy and time. Work hard. Keep it simple. Don’t rely on promises or make them. People in authority will see and appreciate your efforts. Your most stressful times will be from Jan. 1 to June 7. Your most harmonious times will be from June 7 to July 29, and from Dec 7 to the end of the year. Your most powerful and energetic time will be from ept. 14 to Oct. 28 when Mars travels through Scorpio.

Special Focus: If you were born between Nov. 16 and 21 Neptune squares your Sun making you gullible and vulnerable to delusion. For the first half of the year Mars is in Leo aggravating this situation. It will be like trying to run in quicksand. Misuse of energy and subsequent expectations will cause anger, then sorrow. Don’t force issues. Do things for yourself. Don’t expect too much of yourself or of others. Just keep things simple!

 SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 22

2010 will be a year when the morals of Sagittarians will be tested. There will be many opportunities presenting themselves to you. New options for expanding and moving forward. Not all of them will be noble. You will need to be selective. Avoid dependencies and hidden agendas. Step up not down. Don’t sellout. Don’t be desperate. Circumstances will improve greatly next year. As they say in baseball “Wait for the right pitch!” Your most stressful times will be from June 7 to July 29. Your most harmonious times will be from Jan.1 to June 7, and from July 29 to Sept. 14. Your most powerful and energetic time will happen between Oct. 28 and Dec.7, when Mars travels through Sagittarius.

Special Focus: If you are a Sagittarian born between December Dec.15th and 22th you will still have some chaotic periods when you have to let go of what no longer belongs. Just do it and get it over with. It is time to start out in new directions. Don’t try to save everyone. Save yourself first, then you will be better able to help others in the future. You can laugh through the year, just don’t resist the necessary changes and don’t back-up.

CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Measured progress will come your way in 2010. Opportunities to advance should be taken, but with a mind to greater pressures in the years to come. Short term progress will help you through the longer term delays. It would be wise to build up a little nest egg to help you through the next few years. Secure friendships that you want to keep permanent. Your most stressful times will be from July 29 to Sept. 14. Your most harmonious times will be from June 7 to July 29. Your most powerful and energetic time will happen between Dec. 7 and the end of the year , when Mars travels through Capricorn.

Special Focus: Those Capricorns born in December will have a more serious year. You will be challenged to stay in control while realizing that not everyone is useful. Be cautious and try not to get behind in your duties. Be prepared to put in extra hours to maintain your position. Short term pain, for long term gain. This is not the time to slow down and retire. It would be wiser to hang in a little longer.

AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 19

The first half of the year will prove to be frustrating for most Aquarians as your good intentions will run into opposition. Your energy will be low and if you force issues, they will blow up on you. This is a time to keep well rested and slow down. You will not be able to set all your dreams in motion right away. Expect mechanical problems. Once you get into June the adversity lifts and forward progress will be achievable. Be patient! Your most stressful times will be from Jan. 1 to June 7, and from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28. Your most harmonious times will be from July 29 to Sept. 14, and from Oct. 28 to Dec. 7. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Aquarius.

Special Focus: Those of you born between Feb. 13 and 19 will run into mixed signals and confused options. You can see the dream and want to push forward, but the time is not right. Not everyone around you is reliable. Be patient. Wait for the summer to launch your plans. In the meantime, don’t talk about your special dreams or plans.

PISCES: FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

This will be the luckiest year in 12 for Pisces. Jupiter is travelling through your sign and the problems holding you back will ease off. Its your move! This is not the time to hold back. You need to make something new happen. This is good for relationships and business. Promotions are likely! It is a good year for you to travel. And it would be easy for you or someone close to you to get pregnant! Your most stressful times will be from June 7 to July 29, and from Oct. 28 to Dec. 7. Your most harmonious times will be from Sept. 14 to Oct. 28, and from Dec. 7 to the end of the year. There will be no excessively powerful time this year as Mars will not enter Pisces.

Special Focus: If your birthday is between March 14 and 20 life is picking up. Your circumstances will rapidly change. You will be very restless until you take advantage of the new options arising. You need excitement! Your need to start something new and get going on it. This will be a year when independent initiatives will work in your favour. Go For it!

ROBIN ARMSTRONG, one of Canada’s foremost astrologers is well known for his radio and television appearances across Canada and the USA. He runs the Robin Armstrong School of Astrology. Learn astrology at home or in your car with Robin’s audio cd classes. Robin’s predictions are meant for entertainment and insight. Any serious decision made by astrology requires a full personalized horoscope to be calculated and studied. For a personal consultation with Robin Armstrong, or to inquire about his School of Astrology or speaking engagements, phone (905) 841-8565 For more information you can visit Robin’s website www.thewakingdream.net.

Mars, in Leo until June, starts the year in retrograde, but unlike game-player Mercury retrograde (Dec 26 to Jan 14), Mars in retrograde is a game-changer. No matter whether the flint is strife or disappointment, or a much sought after potential appearing on the horizon, the cycle serves to fan the flames of our desires. Preceding the launch of new initiatives, Mars retrograde requires perspective, so this timeframe can be one of pulling back or pulling the plug in order to regroup. For some, the lunar eclipse of Dec 31 will have delivered a particularly abrupt or harsh end. No matter what the catalyst, once enough heat has been generated, we will be closer to reclaiming the helm of our creative center. Mars completes retrograde and advances into full steam ahead as of March 10.

Mercury travels retrograde from Dec 26 to Jan 15. Backtracking in Capricorn, this cycle can resurrect unfinished business, rock security, or demonstrate the futility of struggle or denial. One way or another, we can all feel a looming time crunch. For some, it can end of the road time. We can find that we are not quite done, or not as far along as we previously thought. Viable options can diminish, we can find ourselves stuck, on hold, delayed, or denied access; efforts can fall short of their mark. Plus or minus, things can prove to be not as absolute or finite, nor as nailed down as previously indicated. That which has been deliberated blocked or suppressed, can be unleashed, perhaps with a vengeance. Watch for delayed reactions or responses; chronic issues (or health problems) can surface too. In short, Mercury retrograde in Capricorn presents a stark reality-check and calls for a reprioritization of goals. Positively, Mercury retrograde can help you to refortify where necessary, to reclaim a former status or to repeat a past success.

Noting that eclipses are major catalysts of lasting influence, the manifesting solar eclipse on Jan 14 aligned with Venus (love, money resources, reputation) begins a significant correction chapter. Like beleaguered Capricorn Tiger Woods and our recently embarrassed Canadian Prime Minister, we have no choice but to accept that reconciling with the past requires a new cement pour. This eclipse puts an added emphasis on our survival issues, financial, emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual. Some will feel a sense of tightening constraints, disappointment, denial, blockage and failure; others will meet with success, achievement and recognition. For all, this eclipse indicates a significant ending intertwined with a new beginning. It is a time of karmic culmination or fruition, and of meeting with consequences or reward. The eclipse marks a definitive line in the sand between what was and what is about to be. If your birthday falls on this or any of the year’s eclipses, you are in for a pivotal year ahead. Completing an entire chapter and building anew, Jan’s solar eclipse references back to the critical thresholds and milestone experiences of Jan 15, 1991. Typically, a solar eclipse brings news of a death or birth of someone prominent. It may also draw attention to the ending, extinguishing, or extinction of a dynasty, monarchy, or financial, political, corporate institution, etc. Economic or physical boundaries or borders may be redesigned. Noting that the solar eclipse occurs in Capricorn, precious relics or remains from ancient times could capture headlines too. (Hopefully there will not be a destruction of such!)

Congrats to all Olympic athletes, February’s stars, like each of you, are nothing short of amazing. The games open just after the new moon in Aquarius, and as Chiron and Neptune come together (perfecting by conjunction). Making up two thirds of the triple alignment aspect that has been discussed in previous columns, Chiron and Neptune have travelled closely together over this past year, but Feb. 26 marks the first and only time they will actually meet. This duo, (poignantly demonstrated by the world’s emotional outpourings in tribute to Michael Jackson) suggests an exceptional time for the world to be singularly focused. Chiron/Neptune are an iconic pairing, they take us through exceptional circumstances, (revealing moments, amazing gains, tragic losses), and they set up potentials far beyond what we can fathom in the moment. For some, it can be a time of ultimate dreams coming true. On the grander scale, Chiron/Neptune’s delivers us to the shoreline of a new world consciousness, one that can no longer turn a blind eye to global warming. Yes, absolutely, this is big picture stuff.

More so than year’s eclipses (June 26, July 11, and Dec 21), the summer alignments of Pluto, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter, are revolutionizing (and comparable to the historic 1930’s and 1960’s.) Reform under Saturn and Pluto can grind along, but Jupiter teamed with Uranus, especially while tenanting Aries (May through Sept), cuts to the chase lighting quick. Watch for those “it moments”. Times when visionaries Jupiter and Uranus have conjoined (an occurrence repeated every 12 years, but only every 42 years in Aries), have produced major scientific and technological breakthroughs with far reaching collective impact (examples: man on the moon, first computers invented).

Thank you to the dauntless champions who are fighting so hard to save our planet and improve the quality of life for all. 2010 will be known as an outstanding implementation year for energy initiatives and more. Make it an exceptional year for yourself too, and choose your future, not your past.

ARIES (March 21- April 19)

Mars, your ruler, is in a dynamic track-laying position as the year begins. Heating up through Mar 10, use this staging influence to ready and refuel for takeoff. Mid March through mid April delivers your optimum jump-start window, launch or unleash yourself full scale. A substantial contract a time of ripening, or of earning your dues and just rewards is indicated by the solar eclipse on Jan 15. This solar eclipse, which is particularly influential for those born April 15 – 18, is likely to herald a significant new career chapter. Added popularity, recognition, an enhanced social status, significant material change, or a shift of parental obligations is likely too.

Mercury’s retrograde tour in Capricorn can reconnect you with past business associates, or people of influence. To Jan 14, Mercury retrograde can challenge you to stay organized and to maintain your boundaries both at work and at home. The cycle can put added pressure on your shoulders. Added concern and attention can also go to chronic conditions, repeat or nagging problems, aging parents, legal or banking matters, long outstanding debts, contractual agreements, conflict with authority figures, or in asserting your own authority.

Saturn, retrograde in Libra to April 7, brings a time of ripening, and also challenges you with weighty decision-making. Streamlining and/or downsizing will help you hit that restart/refresh button more successfully. Life can come “at” you, perhaps overwhelmingly so, end of May through August. Those born around Mar 21 can feel the heat or the fire the most. Busy spring and summer stars bring it all to a head. It is a time of radical lifestyle change, (sudden endings or departures), a much anticipated arrival, and vibrant fresh starts. A single meet with destiny could alter the course of your entire life.

TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)

While Mercury retrograde (to Jan 14) could see you backtrack somewhat, the timely Solar Eclipse on Jan 14 is set to unlock an auspicious door. Better luck and brighter potentials are on the horizon, especially so if your birthday occurs in mid May. Someone influential could feature prominently, be it a lover, teacher/mentor, parent, new child, client, or fan. Mercury’s retrograde tour (to Jan 14) can put you on the move, on the search, or back on the market. Options could feel limited; you may find it hard to get things off the ground. This Mercury retrograde could cause an extended delay or pause. A long distance relationship, legal matter, or business potential could run into snags too. Reluctance to return back to school or to get on with those good for you routines can be a tough struggle initially, but slowly you’ll get back into the swing. Remember Mercury retrograde is one of temporary challenges or measures, so take it one step at a time, and delay decisions, purchases, full or long term commitments until after the 15th.

Positively, Mars in retrograde is helping you to reclaim a sense of self-esteem, financial and emotional security and to put your life back on a more consistent and fruitful track. Jupiter’s advance into Pisces, Jan 13 – June 6, and Sept 10 through Jan 2010 suggests the skies are wide open in terms of where life can take you (or where you can take it!) The summer advances of Jupiter and Uranus into Aries can awaken dormant potentials and talents, or unveil more than you have guessed was already on the go. A new job or line of work could strike your fancy; health and healing requires the all in one basket routine. The lunar eclipse June 26 could see someone or something of great significance rush into or out of your life. Venus, your ruler, is particularly powerful Sept through Jan 2011. Autumn can be a make-it or break-it cycle for lovers, business partnerships, and financial matters.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21)

Positively, the Solar Eclipse on Jan 14 could set a ripe stage for substantial financial gain, perhaps through an inheritance or a significant contract signing. Then again, the eclipse could dump added responsibility on your shoulders (your kid’s wedding, legal expenses, or tuition), force you to financial or relationship accountability, or to stand up for yourself in some definitive line-in-the-sand way. Mercury’s retrograde tour could find you burden with heavy debt or commitment, or with having to carry on alone. Some of you may find that your (business or romantic) partner may not be able to contribute as usual, or you may find you can’t rely on them. A relationship that is already on the rocks may see its final days. Mercury retrograde can also bring the need to renegotiate finances, rewrite agreements, prenups, or wills. You may be forced to renege on a commitment, bide time or chase down those outstanding debts. Mars retrograde brings the need to be more selective re who gets a piece of you. It is an appropriate cycle for pulling back from an overactive social cycle and for putting more attention toward activities and self interests that help you to better your best. Saturn’s tour through Libra (to April 7 and again, July 21 through 2012) is an optimal planetary influence, providing you with added backbone and the wizened where-with-all to achieve a bettered equilibrium, especially where it counts the most. It can be a time of settling into the right groove re a committed relationship, parental responsibilities, a professional aspiration, a relocated life, or a creative undertaking. This year’s moving forward may be mixed with great challenge (Jan, Feb, April, July, Aug), but you can expect to not only rise to the challenge, but to triumph it too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Cost of living, of doing business, the price of relationship harmony, the one sidedness of give and take, your kid’s welfare, getting out from underneath that rock, with Mercury in retrograde backtrack to Jan 14, these things and more weigh heavily on your mind. Of course Mercury in retrograde will bring key people (business associates, past loves) back into your life. Legal, financial or chronic health issues can resurface too. Positively, a step backwards can be the key to moving forward; perhaps you can repeat a past success, or be more successful with round two. Mars in retrograde serves to help you to create better relationship boundaries, and it can help you to be more effective in dealing with people in general. A particular person, be it business or romantic, can be instrumental in taking you to the next level. Groom your contacts, maintain a professional appearance, be consistent, follow through on your promises, and deliver the goods. It can be time to make a partnership official. The year’s date with destiny eclipses will prove to be particular catapulting, especially so if your birthday falls near: June 22 – 26, July 1 – 5, or July 11 – 13. The decisions you make now are critically hinging to your future security, know time is of the essence. The solar eclipse Jan 14 can enhance or enrich your life in some unexpected and major way. Watch for a surprise severing or uprooting, or a sudden forward thrust once Uranus and Jupiter advance into Aries (end of May forward.) The eclipses of June 26 and July 11 also mark major turning points. September onward, Venus and Mars in Scorpio empower, compel, and transform you – at every level. The year ahead will mobilize you at unexpected junctures and in unexpected ways.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

A work or health situation, expense, or difficult piece of news could challenge you as the year kicks into gear, but with the end of Mercury retrograde occurring on the same day as the Jan 14 solar eclipse, things can have a way of righting themselves or working out for the best. Mars in retrograde can elongate or delay your fresh start initiatives, but once past Mar 10, it’s firing from all cylinders time. Outside of another Mercury retrograde cycle April 17 to May 11, the stars say you are good to go – and to keep going. Mercury retrograde can bring equipment or vehicle problems, or work or health related challenges. Work shortages or strikes are typical of Mercury retrograde. If the respect or pay is not enough, perhaps it is time to shop around, but of course wait until the retrograde cycle ends. The Saturn/Uranus cycle may have been draining (in a myriad of ways) over this past year or so, but June to Sept, Jupiter and Uranus into Aries can prove gifting for your sign, especially so if you are born July 23 – 28. Don’t worry about letting go or losses, you next bests are already cooking.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You have more going on and going for you than you may realize. The solar eclipse on Jan 14 could put it front and center. Your love life, health, creativity, and entrepreneurial ambitions are impacted in a big way by this playing by high-stakes eclipse. It could be a time to say I do, or to take some other official step forward (have a child, accept an award, run for office, call yourself a professional, get landed, go for a Masters or PHD, buy a business.) Mercury retrograde in Capricorn can challenge your happiness, your security, or your career. You could have difficulty getting through to someone in particular. Your authority could be challenged, perhaps legal steps are necessary. Experience or age can be a block. Perhaps it is time to take a time out, or a sabbatical, or to revamp your ambitions, goals, overhead, budgets, or financial commitments. Mars retrograde shines an added spotlight on improving the foundations of your life, materially and emotionally. Of course, the first priority goes to your home and family life. It can be wise to renovate in order to increase your property value, to enhance your appearance your career prospects, or to supplement your own business in some significant way. Plan in the first quarter, launch in the early spring, tough it out in the summer, resume or regain in the fall. June to Sept, the stars can transform possibilities into tangible realities in fast track time. They will also cut away anything that does not serve your future, and lay new work pattern out for you too. Saturn’s final dip back into Virgo April 7 to July 22 will sweep away residue debris or doubt. (Mid July may be especially draining for those born around Sept 22.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Mercury retrograde can put you on a temporary backtrack with home, family, and financial matters. The solar eclipse on Jan 14 (especially influential for those born Oct 17 – 20) shines the spotlight on these issues, and on taking better control over your baselines (your business, legitimizing your needs, putting up better boundaries, budgeting more effectively, etc.) It calls for a significant commitment to be undertaken, starting with renewing a commitment to yourself first. The time for letting it slide or for slacking off is over. It has to be a quality effort and a worthy investment, or consider it game over. Time, health, and resources are too precious to waste; the people in your life are too. Mars in retrograde through Mar 10 suggests it’s time to stop thinking about what others want and to put your interests and needs first. Now to April 7, Saturn’s retrograde tour through Libra applies added pressure for you to get your act together better. Positively, this keeping-it-real reconciling influence brings your awareness and readiness to a ripening point that can result in a productive moving forward year. This first quarter of the year is best spent to enhance, improve, or augment. Mid March and mid May are times to thrust yourself into action and when you’ll see life’s circumstances advance at a quickened pace too. End of April, June through August, life will flick the switch for you. Watch for the lunar eclipse June 26 and solar eclipse on July 11, along with hot-wired Jupiter and Uranus, to speed relationship and financial circumstances along, especially so if you are born Sept 24 – 29. The summer eclipses can be catalysts for significant home, family, or career transition. (It is an appropriate time to uproot and relocate.) By August, Venus and Mars, the net-worth, self-worth and relationship duo, advance into Libra to bring you to a fresh start chapter. There can be some backtracking and more releasing to do when Venus turns retrograde (Oct 8 – Nov 18), but if you have made good use of the year’s opportunity cycles, by the end of the year, you should feel excited to look around the corner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In this first quarter, Mars prompts you to reassess your short-term goals with an eye turned toward extending your long-term “shelf life”. Mercury’s retrograde tour can put you in touch with friends or business associates you haven’t seen for a long time. You could also find yourself more involved with a sibling or with family matters. You may have to reapply, redo tests or legal papers. Health or transportation issues can ding you too. The solar eclipse on Jan 14 could bring a rapid correction, or significant news – perhaps about a new method, right price, lucrative potential, a vacancy, a scholastic opportunity, or someone you care about deeply. Too, the eclipse could necessitate a legal step, an official stand, a sabbatical, or a short trip. On another note, there could be an opportune vacancy or the chance to fill another’s shoes. Beginning of June, end of July, and mid September are times of major threshold crossings. Jupiter and Uranus can deliver an unexpected cut-loose or open an opportune window, mid to end of May. Summer could put you on a more rapid scramble or hustle. Uranus and Jupiter in Aries are also an inflaming influence re health issues, work, or other chronic problems, but if you opt for the surgery, quick resolution can be gained. Mesmerizing/magnetic Venus in Scorpio, Sept 8 – Jan 2011 greatly enhances your love, luck, and money draw. November 17 can be an especially auspicious date for financial and relationship matters.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Mercury retrograde could make you feel plagued, stuck, or out of options, but it appears you won’t be for long. Watch for the solar eclipse Jan 14 to initiate a significant turnabout, especially re net worth and self worth. End of Jan, Saturn and Pluto will also deliver a critical turn the corner moment. Through mid March, Mars intensifies your ambition and takes you through an important gestational or heating up cycle. Mercury’s next retrograde cycle can slow you down April 17 – May 4, but mid March to mid June is go for it time. In fact, the leap you make will be a significant one. Venus in Leo will extend your good luck, success, and opportunity through mid July.

For all, Jupiter teamed with Uranus suggests the appearance of potentials of great magnitude and long reaching or long range benefit. Those born Dec 16 – 21 will feel the fullest effects of Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces in terms of letting go, clearing away, and of dissolving of structures, lifestyles, preconceived judgments, behaviour patterns, and previously cherished goals. Jupiter (June 7 – Sept 10), and Uranus (May 29 – Aug 4) in full-play Aries can set love life, creative or career bonfires to a red hot glow, especially so for those born Nov 22 – 26. The lunar eclipse on June 26 could start negotiations; the solar eclipse July 15 can seal the deal.

The lunar eclipse could bring a significant departure, arrival, birth or wedding bells. Mid July through mid September could call for more effort and perseverance. The year finishes with a lunar eclipse on Dec 21 and is particularly significant for those born in the middle of Dec. This synchronistic eclipse can be one of positive growth, renewed hope, of merging of minds and hearts, and of finally relinquishing the past.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The solar eclipse Jan 14 may be the trick that finally kicks your delayed start into action. This will be especially true if your birthday falls mid month. Those born Dec 22 – 28 are in for a massive overhaul year. Not only do circumstances change greatly (a new career direction, business partnership, social, family or home life), your appearance can change dramatically too. You’ll find less need to worry about the battle with diet and exercise, the year will keep you so busy, you can shape up naturally. This eclipse can launch a new status/sense of self, or income source, but while Saturn (Jan 14 – May 30) and Mars (to Mar 10) tour retrograde, you may not be in full throttle nor have the free reign or all’s clear signal quite yet. While Saturn retrograde in Libra tests you through April (you may have to buckle down or double up on responsibilities), come May onward you should find yourself at a cut-loose point, especially so in the first 10 days of June when Jupiter and Uranus team up in Aries. (Of course, the advances of both Jupiter and Uranus into Aries can put you on edge, or find you at your breaking point.) The eclipses June 26, and July 11 can prompt the need for sudden redirection. By the time the Saturn/Uranus cycle ends in July, and Saturn surpasses the square to Pluto in August, you will have packed a lot of living into a short span of time. Heading into the fall, and past the Venus retrograde cycle in October/November, you will finally start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While it is a particularly outstanding and catalytic year for all, your sign in particular is one that is slated for a major life overhaul. Key dates: Jan 31, April 12, 26, May 23, July 26.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Mercury retrograde (to Jan 14) can make you more aware of your road blocks, limitations, or lost litres. Among the many potentials, Mercury retrograde can make you feel somewhat isolated (perhaps depressed too), find you confused over your best options, ready to give up, and it can also challenge you health wise. Remember Mercury retrograde challenges are temporary. Time out, retreats, or vacationing are good ways to circumvent the usual fallouts. Mars retrograde (through mid March) can see you pull back or thrust you back in on yourself; positively it can make you desire (or fight for) your freedom and independence even more than usual. Mars retrograde can produce a wonderfully fertile and creative staging cycle. It is time to be seen in a new light, especially by your significant other or business partner. In other words, it is high time to reinvent the you-out-there. The year-ahead will not only put you on a quest to re-establish validity, purpose, and meaning for your everyday get go, (includes relationship needs and re the spiritual side of life too), it will open the curtains and part the clouds so you can see the sky better. Potentials exist like never before, starting with the rich and ripe solar eclipse on Jan 14 – and they’ll keep going strong through to fall and beyond. Saturn’s advance into Libra (through April 7; July 22 onward) brings opportunity to study, travel (for business or pleasure), perform, be published, relocate, remarry or gain fame. Ambitions, partnerships, contracts, and legal matters will move along, more rapidly so from the end of May through mid September. The advances of both Jupiter and Uranus into Aries will bring a fresh boost to your life. There will be new opportunities, new ideas, and new people to get to know. Jupiter’s exit out of Aquarius and into Pisces (to June 7) will help you to free whatever has been bottled up. You could discover new resources/a new spiritual or creative tap. Of course, with Saturn and Pluto in square, losses are mixed with the gains. Note the following key challenge or turn-the-corner intensification points: Jan 31/Feb 1; mid April through mid May, end of July to mid Sept, mid October to mid Nov.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Mercury retrograde (to Jan 14) could force you to rethink your strategies for success. You can have a sense that the ceilings are too low, that you have outgrown or surpassed your previous goals, or that your present circumstances are crowding you in. You could be bored with your status quo or social life. Mercury retrograde can put you back in touch with people you haven’t seen for awhile. A tradeshow, conference or other official gathering could be worth your attendance. If you feel bored with your status quo or social life, perhaps you won’t be for long. The breathe of fresh air solar eclipse on Jan 14 could open a new door and/or put someone special or influential in your path, be it business, friendship, or new love. Remember eclipses are more catalytic if they make a direct contact on your personal chart, and they also hold influence over a duration of time, so opportunity could now, or it could happen in due course. Jupiter’s advance into Pisces (Jan 19 – June 7; Sept 8– Jan 22, 2011) can pump you full of fresh passion and positive get up and go. This is a year when radical change is not only possible, it’s probable. Your future can take you by storm, especially from the end of May through mid Sept, when ready, set, go, Jupiter is sparked by synchronicity planet Uranus. (Note specifically, June 6 – 10, Sept 18 – 22) This brass ring duo can greatly enhance your intuition, creativity, ingenuity, fertility and financial prospects. Someone or something foreign could appear in a big way. Opportunity for travel, publishing, performing or relocation is also greatly enhanced. When in a stalemate quandary over risk-taking or decision-making, watch for circumstances to play themselves out/reveal what you need to know. Saturn and Pluto can bring difficult decisions, partings, financial and relationship strain, and critical turning points in late Jan/early Feb, late April, late July and late Aug. Jupiter’s revisit to Pisces and Venus in Scorpio, mid Sept through Jan, reward you with opportunity, abundance, luck, and love once again.

Copyright Rose Marcus 2009

www.rosemarcus.com

Rose’s Vancouver Appearances:

Tues, Jan 12, 7 pm: Canadian Society of Questors, Maritime Museum; Info: ccss@aebc.com

Jan 14, 7:30 pm: Fraser Valley Astrology Guild, Thurs, New Westminster, B.C

Mon Jan 25, 7pm: Divine You Presentations, Info: Karen@DivineYou.com

Classes: www.astrologyguild.com/classes