ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2003 All times/dates are PDT. ALL SIGNS: Mercury turned retrograde last Saturday (April 26) - so, now through May 19, DON'T start any new projects of importance, especially in money, earnings, spending, taxes, banking, communications, service industries, employee relations, computing, media, paperwork, detail-work, real estate, and machinery (including cars) or tools... Several readers have asked me to write about the stock markets again, so here goes. First, to brag: Back about May 2002, I wrote that the Dow Industrials would eventually fall below 6000, but that in the meantime I'd "nibble on" stocks if the index dropped to 7400 or so. It dropped there in July and October 2002, and March 2003. Each time, the ensuing rally would have given you a 10 to 20 per cent profit. Several weeks ago, I wrote that Nortel and Ford would rise after the south lunar node left Sagittarius April 15. On April 16, both stocks rose during a falling market - Ford went from $ 7 to $ 9. (You can apply the same to airline and auto stocks generally - despite huge operating losses, they started soaring April 15-17.) I also wrote several months ago that there would be a pull-back, and a low about mid-March. That's exactly what happened. Said here that Saddam would "escape" April 15 onward, and he has (or, he died before the April 15 "protection" influence entered his Taurus chart.) In last week's column (which sparked a lot of angry emails - thanks!) I said America should defuse Canadian anger. I might also have slurred Germany - if so, sorry. The day after that column appeared on the 'net, Sec. of State Powell said Canada and the U.S. "are inseparable," and since then, then U.S. has shown a conciliatory tone. (No, I'm not crazy enough to think the White House reads this wee humble column!) So, the stock markets. (Remember, I'm no expert.) We might face a pull-back into mid-late May. Then a rise into August. Then everything's uncertain, because Jupiter (luck/law) and Pluto (death/crime) "fight" from September/03 into August/04. Depending on who wins, we could see a soaring market, or a new Dow low. (November/December 2003 gives a clue to the outcome. Seek bargains November 17-26.) My assertion three weeks ago that there was crime on the NYSE ("cabal of crooks") was proved April 17 (the floor trading scandal). More will come, in exchanges and investment banks. May 15 to December (03) brings a wild ride for central banks and interest rates. Be ready to lock in your mortgage. Be short-term in bonds. In company names, favor "first initials" B and I over K - C, E, X, J, U, and Q will show some "recovery." Start Nothing: 10:18 a.m. to 6:54 p.m. Sun., 11:12 p.m. Tues. to 7:26 a.m. Wed., and 10:27 p.m. Thurs. to 8:27 p.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Don't start any new earnings or spending projects before May 20. Old bills - and money owed you - arrive from the past. Your physical charms shine all week, especially Sunday night to Tuesday. You'll attract love, can fall in love. The angst, darkness and struggle of the 1970's through mid-1990's are gone. Life and love have turned gentle and sweet! Now to late August is one of the best romantic times in your life - don't waste it! If you're married, the same luck imbues children's affairs, speculation, creativity, spousal love. Taurus April 20-May 20 In your April 13 message, I advised you to buy real estate May 20 to August 27, "but not as your own residence." That should have read: "ESPECIALLY as your own residence." You're dynamic and charismatic now, especially Wednesday to Friday, But indecision or mistakes impede romance, speculation, creative ventures, a vacation, children's interests, and decorating or beauty projects, until May 19. Wait! Enjoy social delights late Sunday. Retreat, contemplate, rest Monday/Tuesday. Despite the "indecision" in the air, Monday could offer a superb real estate (or family, security) opportunity. Gemini May 21-June 20 Handle overdue tax, governmental, institutional, or head-office paperwork. Visit an old friend who's lonely. Be charitable. Buy nothing, though. You might be ambitious Sunday - just let it go. You can see your future in your past Sunday night through Tuesday - perhaps an old flame appears. One you flirt with might become a mate. (This applies generally through mid-May, and to some degree deep into June.) If you're unattached, phone someone Monday daytime. Retreat, rest Wednesday to Friday. Your energy returns Saturday, but truth and clarity don't - until this night. Cancer June 21-July 22 Until June 17, but especially this week, a subtle unease about your financial or sexual situation can tempt you to leap into an investment, a financial arrangement, a sexual relationship or big life change. (Just to wipe out that unease.) Wait until May 20 onward to decide to change your life, chase sex, or invest. Until then, focus directly on ambition, especially this Monday/Tuesday - VIPS, bosses and parents favor you strongly for two weeks. It's hard to know your future this month, and to decide whom to spend it with. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 You return to a former career role or project now (especially Wednesday to Friday). If you're a parent, your tasks seem like deja-vu. Take this in stride - there's something good (perhaps very good) in it. Reject Sunday's financial ideas: buy/sign NOTHING. Love, far travel, ethics, law, religion, education or publishing interests arise Monday/Tuesday - yes, you might be falling in love. (If not now, anytime before September.) Yes, a wedding is favored in May. If someone appears, do not let old bitterness over lost love hold you back. Love again. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Now through May 19, don't start new legal, educational, far travel, media, ritual (e.g., wedding, mitzvah) or similar projects. Stick with the old, former, or on-going. Work is hectic, will continue so until late June. Be prepared, pace yourself. (It will help if you avoid new tasks, finish up the old. Don't seek new career roles/challenges.) Avoid relationship commitments Sunday. Your financial and sexual desires will be fulfilled, through mid-May (perhaps, deeply so, this Monday/Tuesday). Overall, your mood is sweet and mellow: revisit one whose mind you once admired. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 DON'T launch any new financial, investment, debt, sexual, diagnostic (health cure), lifestyle, commitment or similar projects now through May 19 (especially this Wednesday to Friday). This same period, though, could bring you nice things in these same areas - from the past, or merely by apparent "happenstance." Accept! Love is very possible this spring, might grow upon you like sweet magic with an on-going flame, or a former who returns. Chores bore you Sunday. Relationships assume lucky importance late Sunday to Tuesday. Be diplomatic, eager. Love's sweet confusion arrives Saturday. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Believe no promises, make none, now through May 19 (and especially Wednesday through Saturday). Circumstances, business factors, and personal feelings will change. An "ex" might return, offering wisdom. You'll re-examine your marriage or other partnership(s) this May. To be in is better than to be out! You might fall madly in love (actually, lust/infatuation) during the second half of 2003 - realize this could be just the first of many. Don't let it strain your household or impact your work relations through mid-June. Be careful, honest and wise. Tackle chores, health Monday/Tuesday. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec.21 Don't start new work, health, fitness, nutrition, pet/animal-related, service industry, machinery/tool or renovation projects before May 20. DON'T buy tools, a car, computer, etc. Major lemons lurk. On the good side, an old job might return to "save you" in a stressful money situation. All these themes are highlighted Wednesday to Friday - stay safe; keep your map open and your wallet closed. You're restless now through mid-June - don't scatter your efforts too much. If single, you'll hold flirtatious conversations with someone - a light, easy love's possible. (Clues Monday/Tuesday and Saturday.) Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Romance soars - an old flame might appear. This is good, if for no other reason than wisdom. Don't stand on pride. But DON'T start any new romances - nor any new creative, speculative, artistic, decoration or child-teaching projects. Don't buy beauty products. All this applies until May 20 - and is emphasized Wednesday through Friday. More money flows to you - bank it. Your home, kids, nature, garden, security and soul surge with luck these weeks, especially this Monday/Tuesday - Monday's great for a real estate purchase or "find." Marriage and life are sweet! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 DON'T buy real estate, nor start new home, renovation, (major) gardening, child-related, security, sales-territory, business foundational, and similar ventures before May 20. These areas are blessed, but new projects will go in circles. DO continue with former, old, or ongoing projects here. All is sweet, relaxed - though your energy and determination are pretty high through mid-June, and your sexual magnetism soars! Don't let this spur you into plunging into those areas listed above - instead, travel, visit, talk, make love and love life! Happiness and luck fill Monday/Tuesday and Saturday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Money's easy and mildly lucky to mid-May - especially this Monday/Tuesday. Buy a small luxury, treat yourself. Ask for a raise or charge more - you'll get it, Monday! Travel, communications, paperwork, details and appointments run into glitches Wednesday to Friday, and generally until May 20 - take this in stride. Don't start new projects in these areas. Nice little rewards can come from your past efforts/involvements - you find a lost love letter, or a ticket stub triggers a realm of dreams. Be home Saturday. Now to mid-June, avoid government-related "arguments." All's well! www.astralreflections.com. E-mail: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337 /30/