ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 13 - 19, 2008 All times/dates are PDT. I apologize to all of you who have written me since March 21. I was out east - far out east! - and I'm not allowed, by my wife's dictum, to bring my computer when we travel. (Enforced vacation.) I used to warn people in this column about my pending absence, but after my house was robbed while I was away, I stopped that practice. So I am answering your emails, but slowly! Some readers have asked me to look further into the economic situation. I mostly do this on intuition, because there really is no chart for the world, and the charts of many nations, such as those for the U.S.A., are unreliable. (There are at least 10 different "birth charts" proposed for the U.S. by leading astrologers - the problem is, the U.S. was "born" over a duration of weeks, even months.) That said, I don't feel there is a large implosion imminent on the economic horizon - not for 2008. But as I wrote long ago, 2009 brings a problem and a restructuring almost as severe as 2001/02 did. Actually, this restructuring began last September (07) and continues through 2008 - but it will climax in 2009. The first restructuring (2002) deeply dented air travel, auto companies, etc. The present change affects agriculture, food and staples. These areas will be buffeted by unpredictable reactions on the part of the consumer and the public generally. Prices of rice, wheat, corn and such have already risen dramatically. But the two farmers I have business with - one a pig farmer and one in cattle - complain that they aren't making any money at all - and it's not due to the high price of feed, as both grow their own. The salvation of such farmers, and of the eating public, lies in technological innovation, perhaps involving water, drugs, or hydroponics. It's quite likely there will be violence (food riots, etc.) in November/December 2008, and July/August 2009. Worse, it looks like bad news for agro-productivity from August 2009 to March 2011 - we might see the worst harvests in almost two decades. Among nations most negatively affected will be Canada, the U.S.A., Iraq, France, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Malawi, Comoro Islands, Somalia, etc. But Spain, Costa Rica, Cuba and Romania, to name a few, will come through this nicely. Australia's 10-year drought should end in 2009. China's shorter drought should also end in 09. Vietnamese stocks will be a bargain in 2009. So will many high tech companies - or at least there will be a decline in their stock prices, probably because they've issued too many shares. Start Nothing: 9:56 p.m. Mon. to 6:07 a.m. Tues., 10:59 p.m. Wed. to 3:10 p.m. Thurs., and after 1:55 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Your vitality, magnetism and effectiveness continue on a high note. Remember that this is a great, lucky, big-step forward year for your career (in case you're wondering where to apply all your present clout). A slowly approaching disagreement with another (partner, spouse, etc.) will climax middle next week, so go ahead in ways that don't require his/her agreement. This isn't a big thing. Proceed gently on the home front, with kids, etc. Real estate - or quitting a stale situation - is on your mind. Romance, creativity soar Sunday/Monday - you're winning! Taurus April 20-May 20 Continue to rest, protect your health, and stay largely in the background through Friday. Fulfill obligations, clear away nagging chores - get your life ready for new adventures, which will begin soon. Saturday (April 19) starts a month of surging energy, health and luck! Sink deeply into rest and domestic needs Sunday/Monday. Contemplate what is ebbing, and what arriving, in your life. Romantic notions, creative urges and pleasure pursuits add sweetness to your routine Tuesday/Wednesday. A significant person might be growing closer. Tackle chores, health issues Thursday eve to Saturday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Wishes can still come true. Social delights, flirtations, friendships and merry optimism prevail. Everyone's friendly during a busy Sunday/Monday - charge into trips, messaging, writing. Request the truth! Rest up and handle domestic, property or security concerns Tuesday/Wednesday - someone's abrupt, unpredictable action (reaction) could trigger freedom, a lifestyle change, or a door to profit. One late, great chance at romance might confront you late Thursday night to Saturday. Think it through. A month of rest, quietude and planning starts Saturday. "High times" are ebbing. Continue to guard against wasteful spending. Cancer June 21-July 22 Give your ambitions one last big try Sunday to Wednesday (chase money and communicate) then use Thursday through Saturday to sum up, to contemplate what's happened, perhaps to work on your foundations, and to rest. Your ambitious mood will return next week, but Saturday (April 19) starts a larger month-long trend of reward, optimism, social delights, celebration and general happiness. Your ambitions won't get lost in all that fun, but the atmosphere changes. The hard work's over: late April and May will bring surprise, "unbidden" rewards for past efforts. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 The major accent continues on foreign affairs, international travel, higher learning, legalities, profound relationships (and ideas) cultural events, and religion/philosophy. Be broad-minded; peer far. Expand your understanding of hidden places, impoverished people, civil servants, institutions and spiritual zones. Your thoughts are charitable - are your actions also? Higher-ups are willing to listen -soon, by Saturday onward, they will become more prominent, will urge you to new efforts, accomplishments. Meanwhile, your magnetism and energy soar Sunday/Monday! Chase money Tuesday/Wednesday. Short trips and communications fill Thursday eve to Saturday: you see clearly! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Investments and debts, sexual intimacy, commitments and major, life-affecting decisions, remain important. You're indefatigably hopeful about these - you see the silver lining even in a possible "loss scenario." Still, that's no reason to be foolish, passive or merely reactive - first be wise and compassionate AND realistic, and then go forth (especially Tuesday/Wednesday!) to change things, affect events. A chance, an open door, might be hovering around you - involves dreams, subconscious urgings, research, secrets. Rest, withdraw and plan Sunday/Monday. Demand changes Tuesday/Wednesday. Deal cautiously with money Thursday to Saturday morning. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 A relationship has reached the "now or never" stage. Either you join, accept someone's advances or propose something, or not - or you have to choose between quitting someone, or carrying on. These options refer to business relationships as well as those of love. "Going on" will entail ambition as well as friction. You decide. Things look hopeful Sunday/Monday - optimism, joie de vivre, and social delights flow in! But you contemplate the quiet, spiritual, deeper, even the "imprisoning" side of things Tuesday/Wednesday. By Thursday-Saturday you're ready to decide, and act! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 It's your last week of drudgery, Scorpio - might as well plug along. Important chores, especially those involving school, media, travel or legal matters, won't be wrapped up until early-middle May, but much of the weight lifts from your shoulders by April 19/20. Meanwhile, you could be called to speak with the "big boys" Sunday/Monday. Be ambitious, start projects, seek promotion or community prestige. Flirtations, socializing, entertainment and optimism arise Tuesday/Wednesday. Despite Thursday-Saturday's weariness, work steadily to complete old tasks and obligations, as Saturday begins a month of fresh opportunities! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Romance, creative and speculative projects, pleasure, beauty, joys with children - these remain vibrant and lucky. (But gather your pleasures while you may, for April 19 begins a month of work and health concerns.) All these - romance, creativity, etc. - are, March to May, linked to the secret or mysterious side of life - to "destiny." Be honest, upfront. Romance might have more consequences than usual, could lead to a lifestyle change, pregnancy and/or a sharing of finances, etc. Think about this Sunday/Monday - find wisdom, make decisions. Be ambitious mid-week. Wish, Saturday! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your recent sluggishness and pondering over domestic, child-related, security, property and retirement themes continues for another week. These matters will remain in your thoughts into early-mid May, but the essential "productive action" should take place this week. E.g., buy that property, re-arrange retirement savings, or quit a stale relationship now - Sunday/Monday gives you a perfect chance to do any of these, and/or to effect a big change in your life! Leave the legal or travel aspects of these for Tuesday/Wednesday, when unpredictability and good luck combine. Love lies ahead! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Continue to travel, ask questions, be curious, read and write, call, handle paperwork, errands and details. These are a bit more work than usual (all March, April, May) but work has its reward (somewhere!). You're starting to think about domestic issues, property, family and a "delicious retreat." These will come in the few weeks that begin April 19. Meanwhile, Sunday/Monday bring exciting meetings and opportunities - and opposition. Be diplomatic. Secrets, research, sexual urges (or intimacy that binds) and financial maneuvers form a lucky skein Tuesday/Wednesday. Secrets are true Thursday/Friday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Continue to chase money, to buy/sell, seek a pay raise, pursue lucrative clients, etc. Be creative, even speculative - take a chance! You could find romance (or a creative project) is all tied up with monetary considerations. That's natural at the moment, so don't rebel against "life's flow." Sunday/Monday bring chores and health concerns - slog away. Exciting meetings, opportunities arise Tuesday/Wednesday. Be unpredictable - you're allowed! Step warily Thursday eve to Saturday - investments, sexual commitments, and lifestyle changes hold some difficulties, even traps. You'll see a person or situation very clearly. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/