ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 4, 2004 All times/dates are Pacific Standard. Mercury retrogrades from November 30 through December 19. None of us should start new projects during this time. Stick to ongoing ventures - though even these might go in circles, or be subject to delays, misunderstandings, supply shortages, etc. Delays especially affect the mail, newspapers, radio stations, trains, buses and airplanes. This time, Mercury spins backward (only apparently, in relation to the Earth's orbit) in Sagittarius. This is will slow legal, international, political, religious and scholastic areas. For many of us, these few weeks will bring a person or project from the past, perhaps to offer you a "second chance." (One that appears after 1 p.m. on December 1, or anytime December 17-19, could yield wealth. So could a "new" project that first shows itself to you from 2 p.m. December 20 through the 21st.) But these past opportunities might only be presenting something that you should finish up and leave. Decide which it is, based on the situation. Say the retro brings an old flame. Whether you should re-ignite the affair in a major way depends on what caused it to end in the first place. If there were irreconcilable differences in temperament, then this "second pass" merely offers you a chance to put your feelings to rest. But if long-ago circumstances forced an unwilling separation on both of you (or if you have outgrown your differences and deeply regret losing each other) perhaps you should re-establish this love in a serious way. In the weeks ahead (through December 19) the retro could bring the return of a strong sexual and/or financial attraction to both TAURUS and SCORPIO. A former romance could arise for LEO, while you ARIES people might meet an old flame from far away, or one you first met while you were in school or travelling. For you Aries, also, the retro could bring a past legal, scholarly, publishing or far travel "opening." You might experience a return of old ideals or religious insights. For GEMINI and SAGITTARIUS, the retro could bring an ex-spouse, former friend or business partner, or a lost opportunity, perhaps involving relocation or the public. For LIBRA and AQUARIUS, the retro could bring the return of former friends, long-lost siblings, or travel to a former haunt. For Libra, neglected paperwork "comes due." You PISCEANS might be shunted briefly back to a former parenting, job or career role. You CANCERS must tackle a neglected chore, perhaps an essential one connected to government, paperwork or your vehicle. This retro brings a "second chance" in home, family and property for VIRGO (and much nostalgia). For CAPRICORN, the retro brings a former government, institutional, head office or spiritual "contact" - and a duty. Start Nothing: 7:04 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. Sun., 8:28 p.m. Tues. to 2:50 a.m. Wed., and 6:52 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Finish rather than start - applies to everything, especially to legal, scholastic, travel, communications, writing, reading, religious, and related matters. Until December 20, these concerns will be prone to mistakes, false starts and delays. Waiting is the most productive activity! Your large financial picture seems to be "up to the gods" for the month ahead. Still, you should fare well. Your sexual urges are on the rise. You could fall into lust (Sunday/Monday) or love (Wednesday/Thursday). An old flame might appear - so might a former "teacher." Separate illusion from inspiration! Taurus April 20-May 20 Relationships excite you over the month ahead - you could fall in love (or into argument - there's not much difference this time). A challenging, attractive person definitely strikes sparks! This is a bad time for making new relationships, as one of you will change your mind in a month or two - and until then, intimacy might be a constant gamble. If this is an old flame, consider the past - rejoining MIGHT work! You're fooled about the effect of this relationship (or a practical opportunity that arises now) on your reputation/career. Patience! Gemini May 21-June 20 In the three weeks ahead, you'll deal with an old opportunity, an old argument or opposition, a former spouse or partner, or the "return" of a public role. Only bind yourself to any of these "returning" situations if you have enough of an idea from past dealings to know you'll meet a beneficial outcome. In general, start no new projects or relationships now through December 19. A partner/spouse displays in decision - be patient. A money-work connection looks very lucky Sunday/Monday! But Monday night to Thursday, apparent inspiration isn't; confusion reigns. Cancer June 21-July 22 Work and love, drudgery and pleasure, health concerns and raptures of beauty fill the weeks ahead. Your work scene needs patience and care - expect delays, mistakes. Explain yourself carefully; study a situation before you act. Don't start any new projects. A former duty or chore could return - it's brief (to early February at most). Your energy and charisma rise Sunday p.m. to Tuesday. Romance, creative surges arrive! Chase money Wednesday/Thursday. All week, your home life aids, inspires your work performance. But your romantic/pleasure or creative urges "sabotage" your accomplishment. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Your home undergoes a "sweet'n'sour" phase for the next few weeks. Contain your temper; show your gentle side. Sensuality's strong, so are "suspicions." An old flame could appear - ask whether this could succeed a second time, by looking at the first time. The month ahead is filled with romance, creativity, pleasure, and children's educational programs. The best of these will be connected to the past - avoid brand new starts, projects, loves before December 20. Rest, lie low Sunday-Tuesday. A deep, true "message" arrives. Your energy, charisma soar mid-week! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 The weeks ahead emphasize home, security, nature, soul, stomach, real estate and children. Matters from the past return - incomplete renovations/repairs, a property you once hungered to buy, perhaps a child returns for a visit, etc. These are fine, but watch ongoing projects (especially renovations and other money-consuming ventures) for delays and mistakes. DON'T start brand new projects anywhere, especially on home and property fronts. Sink into a sluggish feeling - nap, rest, contemplate. You'll make money from work, but don't let friends interfere with your duties. Don't buy a car. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Nothing is overwhelmingly important now. You'll be busy, but reject wild goose chases. Plan, make lists before you go on errands, write down specs, measure. Don't depend on memory! More importantly, don't start projects before December 20. Facts, figures, paperwork, communications and schedules go awry. Your money scene looks splendid - but save; buy nothing big or complex. Love and ambition confront you Sunday/Monday - give equal time to both! But do not mix money and romantic desires (nor money and creativity, nor money and gambling) all week. Retreat, rest Saturday. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your sensual magnetism reaches new heights. You could attract the opposite sex Sunday eve (romantic) Monday (powerful) Friday (unreliable) and Saturday (mild) - and for the whole month ahead! Think carefully: your sexual assertiveness could, this week, lead you into a relationship that's powerful but psychologically disorienting - such a bond either grows into a domestic "situation," or remains deep, intense, mysterious, puzzling and ultimately frustrating. Be gentle; understanding. Your money ideas are brilliant Sunday/Monday, but now through December 19, don't start brand new money projects - reprise old or former ones. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Your energy and charisma soar! A former partner/love could reappear - respect your doubts. Don't let your presently high confidence lead you to start new projects before December 20. Focus on "preserving" projects already in the works, or reprise a former, still valuable venture. Research can yield false nuggets. Treat rumors with a dose of scepticism. You could take a bold, wealth-producing step Wednesday eve! Earlier, Sunday-Tuesday take you deep into mysteries. Don't invest. A mellow feeling, love, understanding are slated Wednesday/Thursday. Ambitions, dealings with higher-ups fill Friday eve, Saturday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your energy declines over the weeks ahead, yet your hopes rise, especially in romantic (and "soul security") areas. The best approach is probably to withdraw from the fray in general, rest, recuperate and contemplate - but don't plan. (You'd have to junk those plans later anyway.) An old flame might appear - one toward whom you had light romantic feelings, not a flaming passion. Normally this would be just fine, but this relationship seems to have a way of undercutting your confidence, of introducing misgivings. Sunday's career-money ideas are superb! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Your popularity's on the rise, and your optimism floats up with it! Old friends and former social contacts yield more now (through December 19) than new ones. An old wish, or a former "flirtation" could return. You could become romantically attracted to the boss (or someone high above you socially). But this week holds a few illusions and mis-directions, particularly in career. Higher-ups could disapprove of your waffling or indistinct answers - if you think about it, you'll discover that the root of passivity or indecision is selfishness. Saturday's sexy! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 The weeks ahead emphasize your career, community status and relations with higher-ups. But don't start any new projects in these zones before December 20 - you'll be busy enough keeping ongoing projects free of mistakes, delays and supply shortages. A former career role (or employer) could return. Be willing; avoid passive resistance. (But if they ask you to start a project, find a clever way to schedule that start for December 20 onward.) Love grows; travel and culture intrigue you. Beware any "backroom deals" - they would erupt into legal/ethical discomfort. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/