ASTROLOGICAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2004 All times/dates are PST. All signs: Mercury goes retrograde next week, April 6 through 30. As usual, this period advises against starting any important projects, especially any involving communications, distribution, travel, details, machinery, computers, cars or office systems. This particular retro starts in Taurus, a sign that likes to "keep doing what I'm doing" but soon slips back into Aries, the "let's get started" sign. This hints that this mercury retro influence will nudge us back to the beginning, to start projects, relationships and plans over again. Usually the retro brings links from the past -- this one, though, seems to almost push us back to the past. (A small difference, perhaps.) Though the retro period hasn't technically started yet, things should be slowing down already. So use the ten days ahead to finish your projects, seal deals and batten hatches, rather than setting sail on any new ventures. In the same exceptions vein, though the "backwards" influence lasts until April 30, I'd advise you to take advantage of excellent aspects April 28 and 29 - starting things these two days shouldn't hurt, and reprising "almost got away" opportunities or old plans these two days could be a superb, lucky thing to do! (E.g., buy that property you almost walked away from....) I promised more on CAPRICORN. Capricorn is, with TAURUS and VIRGO, an earth sign. These three love solid things, earth and wood and real skies. They love sensual pleasures; romantic love, for the earth signs, is usually connected to physical urges. The misconception that earth signs are not "intellectual" (or intelligent) is massively untrue - the world's greatest writer (Shakespeare) was a Taurus. So was a great philosopher, Marx. (That he was wrong, and his system trashed by 20th Century events, is no smirch - every philosopher has been wrong, and always will be.) Capricorn is usually portrayed as a serious, sober curmudgeon. But Chekov, one of the most lyrical, human, sensitive and gently humorous of writers, was a Capricorn. Still, the "ambition" label sticks to this sign. Capricorn can sacrifice everything to ambition. Richard Nixon and Howard Stern, in wildly opposite ways, have done this. A Capricorn woman should never marry an unambitious man - he will drive her crazy. In the 1984 to 1995 period, Capricorns experienced tremendous anxiety and frustration, as Neptune transited their sign. Neptune replaces "solid certainty" with doubt, psychic sensations, and everything uncertain. Capricorn loves solidity, and fears uncertainty. Now to July 2005, Capricorn will find solidity if he/she forms a partnership or love union. Chasing money exclusively will wreathe the tendrils of old doubts around these people. Start Nothing: 8:00 a.m. to 10:07 a.m. Tues., 3:56 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Thurs., and 10:23 a.m. to 11:52 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Your energy, timing, effectiveness, magnetism and luck are high now! Take advantage - ask for favors, seek attention, impress significant people. This is an excellent time to communicate, travel, handle paperwork. But DO NOT start important new projects before April 28. There's one exception: you can start a significant project connected to the past. E.g., travel to visit old haunts, reprise old opportunities, re-establish contact with former friends or relations. Careful Sunday, with driving, gossip and tools. Romantic feelings, creative surges and pleasure urges cause delight Tuesday-Thursday! Tackle chores Friday/Saturday. Taurus April 20-May 20 Money flows to you in the months ahead. There are two trends - a swift and unexpected money surge now to early May, and a mellow, lucky flow May through July. To early May, DON'T SPEND - bank extra income, refuse to incur debts. May to July, you can purchase a luxury item. Now to July, apply for a pay raise, chase new clients, sell things, etc. Your physical and emotional batteries remain low until late April - pace yourself, contemplate, dress/eat sensibly. Don't start new communications, romantic, creative nor government-linked projects before April 28. Gemini May 21-June 20 A wish could come true! Don't be impatient nor anticipate it - just live life to the fullest, take some chances, and you'll see yourself ride a wave of popularity and "good feelings" to a goal you've always cherished! Your assertiveness climbs, your magnetism simmers "hotly" to early May, then turns into affectionate charm May to August. You'll get your way! (Be reasonable, though.) Tie up a "red tape" project this week. Start NOTHING brand new now to April 28 - instead, plunge into past situations, goals, contacts, loves, neglected chores. Cancer June 21-July 22 Your magnetism and energy are tops Sunday to early Tuesday - take advantage, ask favors. But DON'T start any major projects, especially in ambitious, career-related areas. (Wait until April 28 onward.) The month ahead will bring you to a former missed opportunity, an old boss, career situation, or ambition. Be a little sceptical about leaping in for a second deep effort, but do cull the past for rewards. It's a matter of judgement, of degree. Chase money Tuesday to Thursday. Spiritual, government and red tape matters grow important for four months. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Law, far-travel, higher education, larger concepts/ideas emphasized - but DON'T start new projects in these areas before April 28. Instead, let yourself flow into a past situation - especially, let past contacts into your life. Your popularity and luck in groups rises now to August. You could find love, great friends, happiness. Join a class-action suit, or a philosophy club. Rest, contemplate life (and avoid a sexual attraction or tempting investment) Sunday/Monday. Your energy and magnetism surge back Tuesday noon to Thursday - ask favors, be seen! Money's tricky Friday/Saturday. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Major life changes brew, most obviously in career, community status and parenting areas. This Sunday (March 28) and April (and August) will confront you with tremendous choices. Not all people, all factors or situations, will "blend." You'll have to choose between people, options and projects. In doing so, remember that personal cheerfulness and security are your two deepest needs, and should be your strongest "green flags" or hints this spring/summer. VIPs are testy, but ready to do you favors. In finances, investments and sex, stick to "former allegiances" until late April. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Someone might ask you to marry him/her this spring or summer. This person is sincere, but ask him/her to re-propose in October. Married or single, rituals, law, far travel, higher education, religion, life-philosophy and love wind through the 5 months ahead. The six weeks ahead bring important relationships to the fore - until April 30, those re-met from the past (e.g., old flames, old business associates) are more significant than anyone newly met. (The newly-met won't endure.) Be careful, safety-conscious Sunday. Forget romance, chase career Sunday/Monday. Joys arrive Tuesday-Thursday! Rest, Friday/Saturday. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Don't invest Sunday (nor April 5, next week) - and be cautious with health, sex, romance, gambles and "unapproved" actions. You'll feel wise, mellow Sunday/Monday, so tackle mail, intellectual, education, legal and international chores. You're going to feel very strong urges to rearrange your finances, change your lifestyle, or seize intimacy and a commitment from someone now through June. These can be good AFTER Sunday, but during the April 6 to April 30 period, they should be linked to the past somehow, as new projects, investments, etc. won't succeed. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 One of the most significant relationships in years could appear anytime now through the summer. If you're single, love and marriage - though not the calmest one! - might await you. Married or single, lucky business links, relocation opportunities, public-related openings/fame, a new clientele and similar providence arise all spring/summer! In April, these opportunities will likely be linked to the past - be wary of signing "new deals," as they might not be fulfilled. The weeks ahead are romantic, and filled with beauty, pleasure, charming kids, gambling and creative urges. Be safe Sunday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Finish any ongoing real-estate, home, family, gardening, renovation, business foundation or sales territory projects. Avoid brand-new commitments/starts in these zones - don't sign a new lease! Work remains hectic through early May, so pace yourself. Avoid heavy physical exertion, machinery and driving Sunday - social disruptions are possible, too, so hold your tongue. Late Sunday through Monday, relationships are an "opportunity." Life's depths (investments, finances, sexual intimacy, secrets, research) are lucky Tuesday/Wednesday. Seek romance, or indulge in a trip or good movie, book Friday/Saturday. This will rest you for next week. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Romance, love, pleasure, beauty, creative urges, joys from children, games and a "winning streak" accompany you now through early August. You might be racing to accomplish pedestrian things (paperwork, communications, short travel, details, etc.). But love, luck, surprises - and the opportunity to make a deep commitment - will spring up in your path. Take pleasure's detour! A powerful relationship awaits singles; a powerful change (pregnancy, retirement, new home, etc.) awaits marrieds. An old flame or former creative project will re-enter your life soon. Finish chores Sunday/Monday. Opportunity knocks Tuesday to Friday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Chase money this week and the next few. But DON'T start new earnings projects, nor buy anything important before April 28. Major events unfold in home, family, real estate, security, gardening - and your soul. These zones will be thrown into a wee turmoil to early May - but from this will come a sweet, calm summer of success and beauty. E.g., March's or May's renovations could lead to "home beautiful" by July! (Don't start renos in April.) In love, a "secret option" appeals. Tackle chores mid-week. Relationships challenge Friday/Saturday - be diplomatic! For a reading: 604-261-1337. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca /30/