ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS NOVEMBER 16 - 22, 2003 All times/dates are PST. We should all be using the next four weeks to complete ventures and projects, as Mercury will turn retrograde December 17. The effects of this - essentially, the "useless zone" for starting new projects - will begin even by early December. This week and next, we all face a few more problems, and decisive turns in direction, than usual. Mars, which is being pretty heavy in starting forest fires, keeping Iraq unstable and lifting interest rates, will square Pluto, the planet of birth, death, and major changes. So we might see a brief cataclysm on the stock markets, or a blow-up of an oil refinery, etc. In terms of importance, this isn't on the giant scale. Every once in awhile in this space I rant about banks, business, stock markets, etc. And right after my last one (wherein I told you not to trust any financial worker, not even your friendly neighborhood banker) there was an article in a national newspaper exposing the rip-off that banks practice in selling you mortgage insurance. And then, of course, there were those mutual funds. (You might remember I warned you against them back in 2001.) But I'm not going to rant anymore. It gets tiresome. But one headline today kept bothering me: "McDonald's sales increase 8 per cent in October." How and why did the entire world buy 8 per cent more burgers in one month? This bit of news is typical these days, with corporations reporting good news and bright prospects everywhere. Something about it all bothers me... However, as I wrote last spring, the darkest cloud over the economy ended partly in April 2003, and partly in June, 2003, as both Saturn (business) and the Moon's south node (bad karma) left contact with Pluto (death and change). There might be a few bad days for the markets in late November. Airlines, cars, trains, oil tankers, etc., could see a repeat of their disastrous 2001/02 (now and in 2004) but they could also soar into unexpected success. There won't be any middle road with these stocks. Their ruler, Jupiter, is now "square" or in conflict with Pluto, that planet of death and rebirth. But Jupiter's in a "ruling position," so for these transportation concerns - and to some degree for us all - luck should conquer deeper stuff. Still, I expect restrictive, belt-tightening times for North America generally, and for consumerism and real estate worldwide. I know my house price decline prediction hasn't come true yet, but I do think there's a ceiling evident. Prices could remain stable through 2004, but shouldn't increase, and should gradually fall for some years, with one provisio: if hyper-inflation occurs, house prices will, of course, soar. (This would mean Saturn's causing "hard times" for prospective owners rather than for owners.) Start Nothing: 4:38 a.m. to 6:36 a.m. Mon., 6:15 a.m. to 11:42 a.m. Wed., and 11:44 a.m. to 1:24 p.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 This is your last week of crucial changes and power plays, Aries - stay alert for tensions and disruption involving social connections. Your deeper (or secret) motives might fly against the group's (family's, friends') wishes or principles. Otherwise, some interesting things take place - among them, a possibly destined meeting with someone sensual, loving and marriage-prone! For marrieds, this week might bring a foreign journey, a legal involvement, important document, or the start of a "destiny-altering" educational program. Tackle chores Monday/Tuesday. Be diplomatic, show your attraction, Sunday and Wednesday to Friday. Taurus April 20-May 20 Relationships remain of prime importance - and are a "prime temptation." Deep attractions lie under the surface. Through December, you can be lustfully attracted to a person you meet socially. This could "test" (tarnish) your reputation. Strictly avoid collusion and relationships which thrive on "tawdry power" or violate society's rules. If you're honest, direct and hopeful, you could meet true love, or score a financial coup (now into autumn 2004). Remember, the entire 13 months ahead advises you against signing documents or forming "partnerships." (So enjoy love's pleasures, but don't marry.) Gemini May 21-June 20 It's your last week of hard work, boredom, drudgery and health concerns. You'll grow impatient with your duties, be tempted to "bust out" into long-distance travel, a creative intellectual project, etc. Your duties could also interfere with a planned wedding or love affair. Be patient, give work its due. You'll have opportunities to "bust out" as soon as next week. Trips, talk, fill Sunday. Be home, look at real estate Monday to Wednesday dawn. Romance, pleasure, beauty draw you Wednesday to Friday, but be patient. Complete outstanding chores Saturday. Cancer June 21-July 22 The emphasis continues on romance, beauty, pleasure, risks and children. You might see the difference between romance and lust this week - or between an investment and a gamble. If you don't see the difference, you'll likely run into a "tight spot" by the 20th or 21st. That's okay - this tight spot actually frees you. You could be in an "let's end it" mood about a relationship. Be cheerful, love life, soak up the beauty - choose love and gambles over "power-gathering" motives. That way, everything works out. Grab luck Saturday! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 You might bring a final end to a situation or relationship you feel is imposing, unfair, or constantly pressuring you. Just be sure that you aren't running from a healthy challenge. It's possible you might be better off WITH this situation/person. Determine this one way or the other before you act. Sometimes, we can't stomach what will cure us, or can't surrender to what (whom) we might love. This applies to business, practical zones this week, as well as to love. You could find an "exotic retreat" early week. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 "Destiny" taps you on the shoulder in family, real estate, soul, therapy, "mother nature" or similar areas early this week. Listen to clues, hunches, feelings - you'll be ready to act on them next week through early December (or in 2004). A document, schooling or an international location might be involved. Rest Sunday. Your energy, magnetism soar Monday to Wednesday. Partnerships succeed Wednesday night. As Friday approaches, you might grow more and more impatient about a work, travel or communications situation. Be careful with tools, electricity, and while driving Thursday/Friday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Conversations are pleasant, travel pleasurable. Mingle socially Sunday and Wednesday noon to Friday. But keep it light - neither a true, deep love, nor a valid marriage prospect, is likely to appear. You could be tempted to "settle for" a co-worker this autumn/winter - not a good idea. If you're already mated, your relationship might be a little scrappy, but it will right itself after mid-December. Retreat for sweet rest, quietude Monday into Wednesday morning. All week, a sense of adventure, newness or expansion imbues your chores and duties. Conserve money. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your energy and charisma remain high and strong. You're effective now, so start new projects, seek favors, display your talents - show up in person, you'll get someone's attention! Start "projects for the long-term future" Sunday through Wednesday. Begin short-term ventures Friday p.m. and Saturday - but avoid legal, contractual efforts this week. Chase money, earnings, now through the end of November. A real estate or family "situation" has returned the last couple of months - now you can take this situation in hand. Try a diplomatic solution; if impossible, be rude! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Your energy and magnetism remain low for one more week. Avoid competitive situations, seek quietude, rest and spiritual progress. (These, somewhat suspect the last three weeks, are okay these few days.) Travel, conversations and paperwork tire you. Rest is more important than accomplishment - except Monday/Tuesday, when VIPs might be watching to see how you perform. Sunday/Monday could bring a tap on the shoulder from destiny, about your future social and/or work path. Wednesday-Friday could spark major changes on your career and/or home fronts. Flow with changes, keep your temper! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You remain popular, social and hopeful. But you know these things are not all they're made out to be, and you especially feel this now. That's good - keep one eye on the deeper pleasures and crucial "creativeness" of life. Sunday's mysterious, nudges you toward investments, research, sexual desire. Protect your health, especially from accident and nervous stress. A wise, mellow and compassionate mood steals over you Monday-Wednesday. Your ambitions rise late Wednesday to Friday, then a social weekend starts. All week, don't mix money and friends. A relationship climaxes. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Continue to do what you must in career, status and business areas, without over-reaching. Don't be ambitious; be dutiful. By next week, a month of social delights, optimism and light romance will begin. Even now, you're receiving invitations, running into bright meetings, hearing news of future possibilities. Destiny could bring a new person, or "delete" a contact early week. Be patient with relationships Sunday. Life takes a deeper turn into critical sexual, health, financial or psychological realms Monday into Wednesday morning. Wait until 2004 to make a big commitment. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Continue to be wary about legal, far travel, intellectual, religious, philosophical, advertising, broadcasting and similar zones. This week could make one last effort (November 21/22) to tempt you into these subtle dead ends. Otherwise, you feel mellow, wise, and mostly calm! Two exciting meetings occur, probably from Monday through Thursday. Your own magnetism is high, and you're attracting cheerful, ebullient people. (They might, like you, be on a temporary "high.") A hidden person, urge or secret could suddenly "jump up" late week. This "surprise" signals the end of secrets. www.astralreflections.com. E-mail: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/