ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 13 - 19, 2003 All times/dates are PDT. This week, let's continue looking at the effect of the Moon's nodes on each sign. As I showed last week, the nodes spend April 15, 2003 to December 26, 2004 in Taurus (north node or "good karma") and Scorpio (south node, or "karmic temptations"). During this time, there will be a smooth, productive path for every sign, and a tempting, entrapping road for each of us. In terms of the world - what is called "mundane astrology" - the Scorpio south node warns that we'll face difficulties in higher finance, derivatives, investment banking, stock broking, etc. The sins of Wall Street have really not abated despite all the exposes and Security Exchange Commission actions of the past three years. Just last month, Brasso, chair of the New York Stock Exchange, tried to appoint Sandy Weill, the chairman of Citigroup, as a director. Weill has been implicated in the very scandals that recently rocked that exchange - and the world economy in general. It wasn't until New York Attorney General Spitzer threatened Brasso that that slick little guy reluctantly pulled Weill's nomination. This cabal of crooks (we call them investment bankers) will meet its karma now to Christmas, 2004. The south node will also delay and impede ultra-high and bio-technology, aero-space exploration, medical research, oil exploration and oil companies. (Beware bubbles in the price of crude). Companies beginning with Q, U, and J had a tough time in the last eigthteen months; now this influence switches to companies beginning with the letter K. On the other hand, an "ultimate buoyancy" arrives for companies which begin with the letters B or I. This is actually a double-good time to buy such companies (all else being equal) because these ones have had a difficult last year or two. Bombardier, the Canadian plane maker, comes to mind. (By "ultimate buoyancy" I mean that these companies might scare you once or twice with ongoing dips/declines, but should come out ahead "in the end.") We should also see "escapes" by such Sagittarian companies as Ford and Nortel - the worst should be over, BUT - Pluto remains in their sign, so be cautious, as Pluto can wipe out anything it touches. Generally, mansions, luxuries, jazz, chocolates/candies, fine wine, art, beauty, grass and lawns, parks, artists, musicians, earnings (versus investments) will be "blessed" for the twenty months ahead. Sensual love is favored; but deep, binding, mysterious sex is a dicey place to go for all of us - except Librans, who get a pass. For further indications for your own sign, read below. Start Nothing: 11:38 a.m. to 6:42 p.m. Mon., 1:22 p.m. to 6:16 p.m. Wed., and 2:52 p.m. to 5:51 p.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Now through December, 2004, avoid investing for the long haul - buy and sell, don't hold. Avoid heavy financial manipulation/commitment. Make every effort to pay down debt. DON'T increase the size of your mortgage. Avoid collusion, power-broking, deep commitments, mystery, research, detective work, suspicion, occultism and major life changes. Sweet romance has/will come (before September 2003) but DON'T seek pregnancy to bind a relationship. Just enjoy love's sensuality. You'll be blessed if you simply seek pleasure and build your bank account through 2004. Expect a deluge of work (and income!) September 2003-September 2004. Taurus April 20-May 20 Generally, your bigger financial picture should improve now - do buy real estate between late May and August 27, 2003, but not as your own residence. DO NOT make commitments or investments "through" a partnership (nor to keep a partner or other person happy) before 2005. If you remain independent, you will find a smooth, easy, protected and peaceful path. Goodness will permeate your life. Ignore unsolicited advice. Change your life now, especially before September 2003, in the way you want. Don't be solitary, but follow your own road, even amongst friends. Gemini May 21-June 20 For the twenty months ahead, visit psychics, therapists, financial and retirement advisors, etc. Develop your intuitive talents. Be charitable. If you're in doubt on the job, go right to head office - administrators will favor and aid you. Let your dependents fend for themselves a little more - being your children's "tidy up slave" or "financial rescuer" will harm both you and them. Avoid over-exertion, heavy physical exercise, mega-vitamins, diets, machinery and tools. From September 2003 through September 2004, your security base (home, soul, etc.) will change in lucky ways - buy real estate. Cancer June 21-July 22 In all ways, groups will benefit you through December 2004. Politics, clubs, professional associations, parties, just three guys having a beer - such things keep you safe, alive, and wise. Infatuation pulls you away from the group, into intense private places - and disappointment. If you can laugh with your lover, and like to share friends together, all's well. Don't be drawn into risk, even by friends. Big creative projects could maddeningly not work, despite all evidence that they will. From late '03 to autumn '04, don't treat work duties too casually. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Be ambitious for the next 20 months, people in charge will do you favors. Be ambitious. Seek bigger ponds to swim in. Seek status and prestige. Amongst projects, pick the one most likely to bring you recognition. At work, take the risk of climbing rather than trying to secure your present position. Your personality takes a buoyant, cheerful turn through August, which can help you impress important people and push projects toward success. From September '03 to September '04, the money will come pouring in! Before September, love! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 The next twenty months are a great time to expand your mind, especially in a cultural way - travel internationally, seek out foreign-born people, mingle with scholars, absorb books, philosophies, religion. Lawyers will help you. Let understandings become formalized contracts, rather than accepting (or giving) a casual promise. Until September 2003, a quiet, contemplative approach works best. Then, you start a year of optimism, luck and "wanderlust" - a superb year to travel afar, attend university, etc. In higher studies or legal matters, stick to principles - don't get bogged down in the details. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your memory might trick or desert you at times now to December 2004, but research will bring you the facts, decisions or insights you need. So don't rely on "what is" - seek what could be, or what lies beneath the surface. Be an explorer, a detective, let your deepest curiosity reign! This is a superb twenty months to make deep, consequential alterations in your life - to change residences, obtain a mortgage, have a child, or begin a new business. If you fell in love lately, now's the time to entwine your lives. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Until late August, 2003, your career is greatly favored, though you'd be better to chase a new project than an old or on-going one. From September 2003 through September 2004, your social side, networking, clubs and organizations will help boost both your career and your income. During these two excellent, opportunistic periods, the worst thing you could do would be to force your way forward, to insist on your way, your methods. Be deeply sensitive to the desires, sore spots, and needs of others, then work sympathetically - that's your stairway to success! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 For the twenty months ahead, avoid withdrawing, especially into "spiritual" or psychic areas. Your interest in these zones is heightened from 1996-2008, because Pluto's in your sign. But until 2005, you'd be wise to avoid long periods of meditation, retreat and withdrawal. This is not a good time to deal with government, red tape, institutions, charities, or hospitals. Don't enter the civil service. Don't ask to be moved to head office - you'll do better out at that branch, where you can handle details rather than be suffocated by boring policy decisions. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 How do you follow love? By immersing yourself in the moment. Absorb another's whole essence, their emotions and soul, rather than seeing people as chess pieces on a board. That applies to business and practical relationships also, now to December 2004. Slow down enough to deal wholly with one person at a time. This is an excellent phase to start young children in a new educational direction. Plan at least one deep, extended vacation, to occur after September 2003. Until late August, 2003, financial and sexual commitments bring deep luck - follow your heart! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 In general, now through the end of 2004, secure your present position rather than risking it to climb higher. You'll keep bumping against a glass ceiling, and could lose your footing as you do so. Your future, and your long-range goals, are changing in deep ways. Until late August, 2003, facilitate these changes by jumping on opportunities - for instance, a marriage opportunity has been/will be presented to you singles. From September '03 to September '04, you'll be lucky in finances, sex, investing, and commitments - especially in family, real estate, soul areas. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 For the twenty months ahead, choosing between the wrong (long, ponderous) and right (short, light) pathways won't always be easy. For example, conversations are favored, but what if a conversation creates a verbal "contract" (not so favored)? Actually, contracts - and marriage, and love, and relocation, are very favored. But "formalizing" them is not. So marry common-law, don't wed. Or shake hands on a business opportunity, but don't suffocate it with lawyers. Do relocate, but not to a foreign country. In all matters, if you keep your intent light, easy and friendly, the result will favor you. www.astralreflections.com. E-mail: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/