ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2006 All dates/times are PDT. I frequently receive emails about my terminology - which to some degree means I'm a bad writer. But it is also that words and things we use almost interchangeably, represent quite different things in astrology. Some columns ago, I explained how career, work/employment and business were quite separate things in astrology. For example, for an ARIES person the sign VIRGO, and any planets or aspects affected by that sign, rule work - but CAPRICORN rules career, and TAURUS and SCORPIO rule business and finances. (Business is a hard one to tie down, because it comprises so many skills and influences.) Yesterday a LEO wrote that I said her sign was lucky in real estate right now, and that elsewhere I advised her sign to invest, but not to purchase anything. Now how, she asked, can I possibly invest in real estate without purchasing? The answer is both simple and complicated. Simply, in astrology, purchasing means to buy anything intended to decrease in value as time passes: food, clothes, cars, computers, etc. "Invest" means to buy something which we hope will increase in value over time: stocks, real estate, children, education, career efforts, business efforts, etc. (Of course, one might buy real estate in a declining market, having no hope it will grow more valuable, with no other motive than to live in it. In this case, the piece of realty is a purchase, not an investment. A clue here: in astrology, motive is 90 per cent of all meaning.) Significantly, the sector of the chart that rules purchases (the 2nd house) also rules memory, rote learning, accepting things as they are, easy but unimportant sex, and simply "living." But the investment sector (8th house) rules change in general, and all the commitments, actions and consequences that cause major change. Investments do change our life. So does deep, committed intimacy and sex (pregnancy often results, etc.). So does crime, and surgery, and lifestyle changes, and secrets, and compulsive subconscious urges and all the other things that astrology lumps in with "investments." In a psycho-emotional sense, investing and lust are not so far apart. The complicated answer, at least for you Leos, is: real estate might not be as lucky as it seems. (I've really already explained that to you - you know, the bit about your skepticism preventing luck.) Speaking of realty, for all signs the outlook (or at least the choosing process) should be better from late November onward into 2007 than now. It's not long to wait! Start Nothing: 1:01 a.m. to 12:56 p.m. Mon., 1:41 p.m. Wed. to 0:01 a.m. Thurs., and 0:49 a.m. to 7:34 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 A light, sweet trend brings romantic moments, gracious affectionate gestures from loved ones. But work and daily health - and your duties to dependents - impose on your time, demand attention. This year and next, healing rest is better than exercise, and prescription drugs might work better than preventive herbs, etc. Relationships excite, intrigue and please Sunday/Monday! Sex, secrets, research, potential lifestyle changes and large finances (debts, investments, etc.) arise Monday to Wednesday. In these, the legal, loving and friendly bring good luck; "dark assertion," lust or "serious work" will bring disappointment. Taurus April 20-May 20 Romance, beauty, pleasure, games, speculation, teaching children, vacations and creativity - these fill your days now! Enjoy, but heed this wee list of don'ts: don't follow temptation, don't "justify" actions to yourself, don't be aggressive, and don't put personal intimacy before social prospects. Tackle chores Sunday. Exciting meetings and opportunities arise Monday noon to Wednesday noon - with friendliness, hope, eagerness and fairness you could grab a good deal, even a new friend or mate! But with aggression or "dark hopes," you'll land only a cruel situation. You choose! Deep rewards Friday! Gemini May 21-June 20 Domestic issues take your time and attention - though one short trip or friend calls you away one last, nice time - perhaps Thursday or Friday - and one great romantic notion fills you with heady thoughts Sunday (August 27). Your family wants affection and a sense of security - which could explain the tantrums of August, and those of early September. Be gentle and understanding. A very subtle set of conditions advises against starting big new renovation, landscaping, agricultural or real estate projects - the return wouldn't justify it. Tackle chores Monday to Wednesday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Siblings, casual friends, short trips, paperwork, reports, details, communications and curiosity fill your days now - but the more you lean toward the consequential, profound and "long," the better. (E.g., a long trip rather than short.) Slow down; philosophize; leisurely study the world and life. Rushing through, writing hasty emails, at best wastes time, at worst gets you in a bit of trouble - applies intensely now, mildly later (to late 2007). Romance, creativity and pleasure slated Monday to Wednesday - be upbeat, NOT lustful! Exciting meetings and attractions appear Saturday! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 The main emphasis is on money, possessions, buying/selling and casual sensuality. But don't be tied to your possessions now (through 2007). Invest rather than be a "consumer," and seek profound, deep sexual intimacy rather than casual interludes. (Real estate is semi-favored right now, especially Monday.) Your personal magnetism continues to radiate, so expect some compliments and good hair days! It's a good week to a) push career matters, and b) embark on a short trip. If the two combine, good! Interest rates worry you. Love, romance, creativity are lucky Friday! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your energy, charisma, sex appeal, timing and effectiveness soar! Ask favors, start important projects, propose, attend in person. But (especially this week) don't dive too deep, commit too irrevocably, nor chase the deep, dark side of life. You'll be tested over the next 16 months, mostly moral and morale tests - be good, be honest and philosophical (i.e., not bitter). This is absolutely important, as the next two years will give you a "blank sheet," to rewrite where you live and who you love. Love and happiness await - have faith! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Preserve energy. Sunday's rumors, inspiration or imaginative thoughts are "true." Money, earnings and purchases are favored Monday afternoon to Tuesday noon, and Wednesday dawn to noon, especially if you shop with a co-worker or friend. But sexual involvements, especially on the Q.T., could be a source of disappointment. (Until September 7, avoid making/seeking love or partnership commitments with anyone.) You'll ponder the pros and cons of social life and (or versus) romance often this week. The full answer will come in years, not days. A lucky trip Friday! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Rest, lie low, plan and meet with "quiet allies" Sunday/Monday. All's smooth and productive. Your energy, charisma and effectiveness surge Monday p.m. to Wednesday. Friends and unselfish friendliness both benefit you - and could bring romance, creative inspiration, even a wee winning gamble! But wanting to be part of a large group (especially a co-worker group) - or wanting to use friendly connections for power or money - would bring disappointment, even ill will. Choose! You might worry about your job or home situation (or about interest rates). Make money moves, decisions, Friday. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 The accent's on your career, community status, and dealings with VIPs, but you'll do best to remain quiet and discreetly un-ambitious. Friends contribute to a celebratory atmosphere Sunday and early Monday - get out, greet, call - you'll get a taste of happiness and optimism (valuable things!). But retreat, rest, and contemplate Monday noon to Wednesday. Friends, home, family lead to happiness; but romance, secretiveness, power plays, withdrawal or insistence lead to disappointment. Your charisma and energy climb nicely Thursday/Friday. Worries/delays involving school, legalities or far travel peak, will dissolve soon. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Avoid legal situations if you can; be casual and hypothetical; use "what if's." Your career, relations with higher-ups and parents, ambitions and reputation are tops Sunday - start something, ask for favors, submit proposals, display skills! (But remember, practical "growth" projects are probably best left until December onward.) Your social, optimistic side rises Monday p.m. to Wednesday - you'll be popular, flirty, happy! Friendship, money, buying/selling, and discussions lead to success; but retreat, collusion, secretive moves, power plays, and international, legal or educational forays are ill-timed. Quiet delight Friday; energy Saturday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Legal, educational, travel, publishing, religious and philosophical matters flow well Sunday. You might be dreaming of a fascinating person you met this month (or of a long-time association, formed since 1990). But this person is a lot more sober or conservative than you, and the deep, quiet mistrust fostered by his/her "practicality" and your "mysticism" climaxes this week. So, what to do? Be ambitious Monday p.m. to Wednesday - effort brings joy, even friendship; but collusion, scheming or power plays bring failure. Happiness, popularity enter briefly Thursday/Friday! Rest and contemplate Saturday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Secrets, research, investigation, lust, intimacy, deep urges, financial inspirations, lifestyle changes or commitments - these are a few of Sunday's potentials. It's a success-starred day, so be active and seize some opportunity! Legal, travel, educational, cultural, love and philosophical matters sweep you up in their tide Monday p.m. to Wednesday. If you're friendly, discreet, social, eccentric and irreverent, you'll rise with this tide: if you're determined, ambitious, have a "take no prisoners" attitude, or chase someone relentlessly, you'll sink. Save your ambitions for Thursday/Friday, when they succeed! Saturday's friendly, happy! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/