ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS DECEMBER 3 - 9, 2006 All times/dates are PST. In 2001 I advised, "don't buy mutual funds." Recently posted on a financial website were these two figures: from 1983 to 2003 U.S. stock markets (the S&P 500) averaged a 13 per cent annual gain. Over the same period, the average mutual fund investor earned a mere 3 + percent. The 10 percent difference? Well, 3 percent was attributable to the funds' managers under performing the market. And 7 percent went to the managers of the mutual funds for their hard work mismanaging your money. (Yes, they claim MER - management expense ratios - of only 2 and 3 and 4 percent, but they don't mention trading commissions and gifts to your broker.) My advice (though I had nothing to do with it) was followed by the creation of ETF's_.'Way back in 2001 (a year before the big fall) I predicted the Dow would decline to 6300. Well, it only fell to 7400. Last January I said 2006 would see a fall in oil prices. We're now at a 15-month low. I also wrote that despite oil's fall Canada's stock market would be fine; like the Dow, it hit a record high a week ago_. Saudi Arabia's big downfall or regime change near the end of 2007 and into 2008 will signal the end of a major era in the Middle East_. Though this week I'm referring to all your opportunities and influences as if they existed only in December, that's not quite true. I'm focusing on December because it's the first and "tone-setting" month of a 9-month lucky run for everyone, in one area or another. December is, in many ways, the most powerful of these looming 9 months, and the best one for making an initial move, or birthing the first of a series of ideas, projects, meetings, etc. Some will be handed (or seize) a brand new life! But if you just can't get it together to make an effort, or can't see where to take a first step, don't worry - you'll have until August 31 next year to launch something. You'll need freshness of sight, a willingness to jump, to chase, to emerge from any secure hidey-hole you've built around yourself over the last couple of less lucky years_. What you start or envision in December can luckily expand for eight more months, perhaps longer - and for many of us, this represents a turning point, an "inflection point," in our entire lives. It will tend to wrap up (and hopefully solve) a decade-long dilemma, and begin a new process - one that rings a deep response in our subconscious_. You might notice that one of the "Start Nothing" times below lasts from Wednesday night to Friday pre-dawn - a very unusual occurrence. Act before and after. Start Nothing: 4:31 p.m. to 7:05 p.m. Sun., 3:11 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tues., and 5:13 p.m. Wed. to 3:52 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 You might get hung up on an old love affair, a conformist approach to children's affairs, or a stiffly unadventurous creative or speculative venture now to Apri/07. This "trap" is deeply rooted in your desire to appear strong and reliable, or to climb in status/career. It can make you miss a new and lucky expansion that's just starting to barrel into your life - it comes from the direction of far away, from a philosophical or broad-minded approach, from gentleness and a hunger to learn. Be cheerful, open - adventure beckons! Taurus April 20-May 20 December brews mystery, new depths, research, investigation, intimacy, commitment and consequence, diagnosis, surgery/drug regimes, therapy, and "large finances" (investments, debt, mortgages, inheritances, etc.). And all of these co-operate with, or flow smoothly with, your domestic, property, family - and even your philosophical and love interests! The seed of great, life-affecting change will be sown. Huge things loom. Be courageous, honest, true, and active. Delve, strike create calmly and in accordance with your hunches. Sunday-to-Tuesday's opposition shows you the boundaries. Wednesday to Saturday opens the door - step in! Pregnancy looms for some. Gemini May 21-June 20 Read Taurus' message (directly above) - that's exactly what you will NOT face this December. Instead, everything's open, aboveboard, with huge vistas and cheerful talk, camaraderie and welcoming strangers. Nothing's mysterious except in the sense of exotic - you'll soon meet an exotic, exciting person or an exotic new place, perhaps far away. Look for opportunities, especially in love, employment, health, fame and contracts - and be hopeful and eager enough to chase them! Love attractions will be open, obvious, social. Every travel ad will look like a bargain - for you, it is! Cancer June 21-July 22 Three choices face you: 1) You can take a huge step forward in employment (or in projects related to machinery, health, service trades, dependent's needs, repairs, renovations, domestic work, etc.) this month - and what you envision, start, or set up will expand luckily for the eight months following. 2) Even if you don't pursue these things, they will expand, but not as luckily. For example, your workload will increase in December. Or, 3) you can fight against these trends, grumble about work, etc. - but why prevent your own luck? Leo July 23-Aug. 22 December is made for love - love of children, of the world's beauty, self-expression or creativity, love of a gamble. If you're single, romantic vibes begin to come in like waves on a beach. You could meet the love of the century. What you start in December can blossom for another 8 months, even for a lifetime. One caution: job, restrictions, the whole conservative urge in you, will try to hinder your embrace of the new, bold and passionate. If you allow this, you'll "walk backwards" for five months. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 The lucky accent, this month and throughout 2007, will be on security, food, shelter, real estate, home, family, agriculture and such areas. But don't construe this to mean withdrawal, retreat, planning, privacy, or "looking at the world from a distance" - in these areas (and in government links, institutions, red tape, spirituality and meditation) expect delays now through April/07. And now throughout 2007, do not be independent: be other-oriented. So go out, explore new regions in distance, emotions and intellectually - and, in one of these, your "happy new home" will appear! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Sunday daytime isn't much, and truthfully, Sunday to Tuesday isn't much - but Monday/Tuesday do bring you a mellow, loving, understanding mood. Just avoid significant commitments. Career, status, short travel and friends (especially co-workers) proceed well Wednesday. You hear an echo of destiny Thursday. Popularity, social delights, optimism and wish fulfillment arrive Friday/Saturday! (However, these meet impediments December to April/07, so enjoy without extending them.) Any paperwork, writing, communications, delivery, office systems, computer, telephony, travel, intellectual or similar projects you begin in December will grow luckily over the year ahead. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chase money this month. Try to make your gains permanent - a long-term pay raise is better than one month of overtime. Purchases are lucky - think big and "growing" - e.g., buy something that will drip money into your life - a dividend-paying stock, a machine to increase production, a status car to impress your clients, etc. Be wary of investments and any financial arrangements Sunday to Tuesday. Wisdom, love and sensual attraction come Wednesday. Friday/Saturday boost your ambitions, status, career. But now to August, chase the money, let the prestige follow. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Get out, approach others, ask favors, issue orders, start important projects - you've stepped onto the winning wheel! This month (and '07) marks the end of a long, enlightening, difficult decade, and the beginning of a massive new era. It's you life's biggest turning point. Be brave, honest and true, envision what you really want - then pursue it. Travel, learning, a cultural event, publishing, fame might be involved. Hard work will be required! Before Wednesday, co-operate rather than fight. Wednesday onward, luck, love, intimacy, secrets, understanding and joy arrive! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Now to April/07, it might be difficult to tear yourself away from power struggles, investments, lifestyle changes, secrecy, deep research, occultism, a sexual fascination or a collusive atmosphere. But all these will go a) nowhere; or b) backwards. So steer yourself instead toward an emotionally similar but different arena: toward spirituality, forgiveness, surrender, beurocracy, planning sessions, government liaisons, institutional involvements, warehousing, mass production, and charity. In these, luck, expansion and growth occur through August/07 - especially if you dive into them in December. Work/health need caution Sunday-Tuesday. Relationships excite, reward, Wednesday-Saturday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 A door will open to a new circle of friends in December; step through! Plan your future; envision, hope, dream - wishes will tend to be fulfilled within nine months. (Wait until you're alone and calm. Write your two biggest, most "true" and courageous wishes on a piece of paper. Fold the paper twice and put it under your mattress. Leave it there until you forget it's there. Your subconscious will aid you from this point on.) Romance, gambling and creative urges need caution before Wednesday. Friday/Saturday bring exciting meetings! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Approach VIPs, higher-ups, important clients, and/or your parents this month - after Tuesday, but before December 21. Ask for their faith, for a chance to show your abilities, to take on new responsibilities - seek a promotion, or an investment in your business - try to open up a newer, wider channel to the top. Forget drudgery, the daily grind: it will get you nowhere now to April. Your ambitious efforts will have a beneficial - perhaps a gigantically lucky - effect now or later! Do NOT "shut down" your position/prospects Sunday to Tuesday. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/