ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 2 - 8, 2006 All times/dates are Pacific Daylight (PDT). It's hard to fight the almighty dollar. Canada.com has dropped its link to Astral Reflections in favor of a Google-sponsored for-profit (you pay as you read) astrology site. So if you like our site and this column (all you Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg and Calgary readers!) please bookmark it on your computer. (Meantime, I'd like to thank Canada.com for sponsoring our web site - it was an unasked-for gift when it came, and our appreciation remains! As noted last week, Pluto has turned retrograde until September 4. This is such a subtle influence that you probably won't notice it unless you look hard. But it does affect our progress - and it can also, over the five months ahead, bring people, situations, challenges and opportunities from the past. Pluto rules destiny, so what returns, or what is delayed, is probably meant to be. Seen another way, these delays or "returned matters" are in accord with our deepest desires and urges, so we shouldn't fight them. This five-month phase occurs every year, so it's nothing unusual. Let's look at its effect on the last six signs: LIBRA, Pluto's April-August delay comes in communications dealing with money, income and purchases. Be patient; receptively listen to excuses. An old money opportunity might return; so might a "squeezable" friend. SCORPIO, the five months ahead nudge you to re-examine your money goals, your budget and possessions. You'll stumble upon old mementoes. You might face a returning money doorway - or a sensual, intimate "interval." SAGITTARIUS, the April to August period will bring a powerful, necessary re-examination of your life and its spiritual underpinnings. A former "support" will return. CAPRICORN, the five months ahead reconnect you to an old social group or a former life-goal. Be patient if delays arise in gaining entry to a new organization. AQUARIUS, you could find your career advances (especially if you're entering/seeking a brand new career) or your attempts to enter a prestigious social group are subtly turned aside now through August. (Making it a good time for reflection, study, and consolidation. Don't worry, this happens every year.) At the same time, an old or former career, boss, job or situation welcomes you back. PISCES, either your career ambitions, or the pell-mell pace of unexpected career pressures, abate softly now through August. This is a great time to return for more education, or to reconnect with former bosses and prestige clients. Start Nothing: 7:24 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Mon., 10:19 p.m. Wed. to 9:25 p.m. Thurs., and 4:02 p.m. to 9:59 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Start major projects! Your energy, magnetism, popularity, effectiveness and "sight" are unbeatable now! See the future and charge after it, especially Sunday/Monday! (Be diplomatic with a hurt lover or other "pouter" Monday p.m.) You can take great big strides forward in home, real estate, family, security, retirement, agriculture/landscaping or related zones Tuesday/Wednesday. (A government program, charity, or financial maneuver could be involved.) Romance, creative, pleasure-oriented or speculative ventures might hit slowdowns, restrictions and glitches Thursday/Friday. You'll succeed eventually, but you might have to revise your list of allies first. Taurus April 20-May 20 Money still speeds along - perhaps from tax refunds, government aid. Save it rather than spend - don't unconsciously be a "debt magnet." Resist! Higher-ups favor you until Wednesday, so make any proposals or appeals Sunday-Wednesday. Though you'll remain a bit tired until April 20, your social picture begins to improve Thursday onward. Friends come/call, strangers smile. Home, marriage, love prospects continue to "carry a weight" until late 2007.You can shoulder this weight (e.g., lover is a single parent) or walk away - your choice. But don't shoulder a new one. Gemini May 21-June 20 Your magnetism and determination continue: take advantage of this potent time - chase new social contacts, pursue your dreams, follow through on plans. You might be enjoying (or have, sometime in the last two months) a romantic flirtation that packs a significant consequence - or, if you decide against it, still packs a significant message. Mull this over: are you going where you want to go, heart-wise? For happily married Geminis, culture, travel, education or media "dreams" replace flirtation. Your energy surges Sunday/Monday! Money luck soars Tuesday/Wednesday! Zip your lip Thursday-Saturday. Cancer June 21-July 22 The depths of life drew you in a mildly lucky, pleasurable way in March. That trend ends Wednesday, as your mental, philosophical talents open up; now into early May, you'll take a benign view toward life, society, other countries. Culture and love will reward you. The main accent now to late April, though, lies in career, prestige, ambitions and relations with VIPs. You're happy, but avoid "contests" (of will or strength). Rest, lie low Sunday/Monday. Your energy and charisma surge Tuesday/Wednesday. You could attract love, or win a gamble! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Take hint from Gemini message re flirtations - you, too, have been intrigued with someone this last month, and it could lead to happiness - or (especially if you're already happily married) to relocation, fame, or lucky contractual possibilities! But you'll have to act soon, this week or next. (And you'll have to deal with a dilemma of choice between private and social expressions/attachments - of love, pleasure, or culture. E.g., join the group, or have an intimate evening?) Thursday onward, open attraction will turn to more secret stuff - don't violate mores! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Depths, mysteries, lust, commitment, pregnancy, dreams, subconscious urgings, research, investments and finances will affect your career or status performance (including marital status) until April 13. A sexual affair could trigger marriage - but remember, partnerships and domestic situations remain in major flux through 2008. A career-home dilemma climaxes late this week. (Best approach, retreat and mull it over.) Earlier, Sunday/Monday bring a mixed, but mostly good, career picture. Your social, domestic or property wishes could come true Tuesday/Wednesday! A month of sweet relations, educational and cultural opportunities, starts mid-week! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 The emphasis lies on relationships, contracts, negotiations, challenges and competition, litigation, dealing with the public, exciting meetings, opportunities, new horizons and relocation. These might turn "legal," or nudge you into hopping a plane. You could travel for love, or find love at a cultural event. Romantic luck remains highest to Wednesday, medium high to April 13, then tapers off. Your career, work and financial luck soars Tuesday/Wednesday - make the effort! "Family matters" - including buying property - form your main wish now to September 2007. You'll find a "happier place" after November/06. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 The accent's on work, health, machinery and dependents - slog away at a steady pace. You've been excited about a financial or sexual opportunity lately (or have just been amused by the fiery antics of a hot-headed Gemini). This trend will end in 10 days. Your luck in real estate (or in gaining family approval for your investment ideas) ends this Wednesday. So you'd better act fast - IF what you want is wise. (That's a major question.) Wednesday begins a month-long thread of romantic affection, joy from kids, or creative urges. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 The excitement of people and opportunities, of fresh horizons and romantic possibilities climaxes soon. This week could lead you to a dilemma: do you chase someone, or insist on your own independence and integrity? You might meet a person who triggers a deep, intense physical attraction, yet there's not a clear flame; there's a bit of dark smoke around it. If married, you're definitely going through some relationship wrestling: be patient, gentle, and strong. Sunday/Monday and Thursday through Saturday stand out. Your financial, intimate luck soars Tuesday/Wednesday - act quickly! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 The accent's on home, family, real estate, gardening, nature, retirement - and a comfy "hibernation period." But a hectic pace - and a dilemma - still exists at work. The dilemma climaxes late this week. Perhaps you have to choose between hands-on and delegating tasks; or between work and retirement. Don't make your choice in anger. (Just sigh and choose!) Your money picture looks good until Wednesday, so make any last-minute efforts to increase your income, or to purchase special items - especially Monday. Friends, loves and new horizons brim with luck Tuesday/Wednesday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 This month is not that important, Aquarius - nor hard - but it will be busy with calls, trips, details, paperwork, siblings and casual friends. Your "romantic streak" continues into April 13, but it's beginning to run out of steam, so move forward - those who dally, might lose out. Late this week, your romantic (and creative, pleasure-oriented and speculative) interests might go against the tastes or approval of your social circle, even against your own plans for the future. Research, investigate, invest Tuesday/Wednesday - these open doors to career success - bigwigs help! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 April is a great month to make money, seek a raise, and buy/sell. Casual sensuality will blossom. Keep a weather eye on your domestic situation and your career or community reputation this week. The tension or tantrums of last month climax - Monday's comment Monday leads to Saturday's showdown. You might experience this as parenting frustration. Be calm, cool, and above all, gentle. Compassion conquers emotional kingdoms. Your general luck, mood, and attractiveness rises nicely mid-week to early May. Chase a lucky romantic, creative, far travel, scholarly or media goal Tuesday/Wednesday! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/