ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JANUARY 1, 2006 All times/dates are PST. Happy New Year! Jupiter resides in Scorpio in 2006, so many secrets will be revealed about the police, military, meatpackers and pesticide firms. We've already seen some of this (Jupiter entered Scorpio last October) with the revelation of the CIA's secret prisons in Europe. Sober rulers and august bodies will tend to overrule or restrict the police, military, etc. The CIA will be reigned in. A Jupiter-Saturn square hints at a difficult year for many people economically. When planning your financial actions this year, remember this: the planet of prosperity is in the sign of investment, diagnosis, investigation and "quiet action" while the planet of restriction and possible loss is in the sign of gambling, creativity, the arts, diving into the pleasure of the moment, etc. If investing, stick to properties or projects which conform to at least one of the following criteria: 1) it was discovered or started before September 24, 2004, or between August 15 and October 22, 2005; 2) it's a real bargain, because the seller is suffering, bankrupt, can't seem to sell, etc., 3) it's old or used. This aspect hints of recession. However, I don't think Jupiter-Saturn alone is strong enough to cause a worldwide recession - that might loom on the September/07 horizon, though. Today, January 1, the Sun and Moon are in the sign of ambition, hinting that business in 06 will be very active and assertive - very like 2005, unlike 2000-02. In 06 our hopes will rise high for rapprochement with the Islamic world, events will seem to indicate a cooling, goodwill, etc. But hard reality shows a deep ill will residing under the surface. George Bush's ideological task is impossible to achieve. Future history runs against it. The cosmos, at this turn, doesn't want Democracy or Christianity, Communism or Islam or any established creed to "win." It wants a new outlook, a transitional set of beliefs. That's because, long-term, codified religion is destined to dissolve. After 55 centuries of written laws and "literature-based" religions and beliefs, we are living in the death phase of all these. After 2200, written religion, legal codes, even writing, will be replaced by an imagistic, flowing consciousness. Here are some clues for 2006: We should not listen to widows or those disappointed in love. An infamous executioner will continue to be "protected" by the cosmos, and will act unimpeded. Suicide bombers will hold a valuable secret or clue to the new "outlook" discussed above. Balloons will rise higher than before. Oil will dampen the demand for natural gas. A conservative man in a black-and-blue striped tie will engage in fiery speeches - these run the risk of war. Start Nothing: Before 4:14 a.m. Sun, 3:44 a.m. to 4:43 a.m. Tues., 4:10 a.m. to 6:44 a.m. Thurs., and 6:34 a.m. to 11:09 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Be ambitious and friendly (the two go together) especially Sunday to pre-dawn Tuesday. This is an easy, smooth, productive week. VIPs, parents and higher-ups like you, will give you benefits and favor your proposals now through February - take advantage! Rest, contemplate, lie low and plan Tuesday/Wednesday. Your energy and charisma surge upward Thursday to dawn Saturday - get things done, start important projects, ask favors. You'll win, you'll impress everyone (except perhaps your mate/lover - you seem too ambitious to be soft and affectionate). 2006 is your year of big changes! Taurus April 20-May 20 A mellow mood, love, cultural pleasures, understanding, compassion, a world-wide view, university, higher learning, religion, philosophy, publishing, law, far travel and foreign-born people - one or some of these bless you this month! Significant romance surrounds you. You might marry, or set a wedding date. Love entails a sacrifice (step-children?) but there are powerful indications of real love. Just go in with your eyes open. The same advice applies in contract signing and relocation. Mid-week brings wishes true, if you can break away from a temptation. Rest, lie low Thursday/Friday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Secrets, mysteries, sexual urges, investments, financial maneuvers, health diagnosis, research, investigation, dreams, commitments and lifestyle changes fill this month. Fortune, having seemed to abandon you in these areas the last two weeks, returns. A deep, perhaps secret wish will come true in these things within two months. (Bringing a secret love, spiritual answer, perhaps investment in a hideaway - but beware the final fruits of solitude.) You could see a clue to this - or actually take a step toward it - Sunday morning. You're mellow Sunday morn, Monday. Be ambitious Tuesday/Wednesday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Relationships are the fulcrum of your life for the two months ahead. January promotes open attraction, negotiation, contract signing, relocation, "raw opportunity" - while February brings the deeper side of these, intimacy in love, funding in business, fulfillment of contract terms, etc. Both phases are fortunate, affectionate. True love is possible now - and through the whole year ahead. Love that arises now will demand little sacrifice, but later "romances" probably will entail a financial or similar restriction. Much, in life, is in the timing! Look deep Sunday/Monday. Look wide mid-week. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Read Aquarius' message - are you the "dead weight?" If so, lighten up! It's ALL attitude, outlook, gloomy versus optimistic. Even if you're fine, loved and wealthy, cast your gaze over the next 20 months: resolve not to be too grim or serious, despite any evidence justifying such an attitude. The truth is, you're extremely fortunate over the two years ahead, as the first one brings an almost unassailable security, ad the second a huge bonanza of love, creativity or pleasure! Look deep Tuesday/Wednesday: your financial, sexual underpinnings are changing, fortunately. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Romance, beauty, pleasure, creative surges, winning gambles, charming children fill your life this month, and February! Love has been "more probable" since last July, Virgo; this probability increased last November/December, and now reaches its height. If you aren't already in love, look for it! That said, no one is promising you stability, not this decade. (If you don't believe me, ask him or her.) Still, it's a much-needed adventure. Tackle chores (or finances or sex) Sunday morning and Monday. Relationships mid-week. Sex, finances, life changes Thursday/Friday - results are mixed. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your home life grows important - and sweet, affectionate - through February. It's a grand time to renovate, decorate, show the family you love them, to hold quiet, even confidential discussions about the future. Some single Librans will be drawn into (or already have been, since last summer) an extramarital attraction. Lust is a potent force, recommended by Mother Nature, condemned by Father Society. These two months could also bring a favorable change in the underpinnings of your life. If a far horizon fascinates you, give in to the urge - go! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Short trips, details, paperwork, communications, relations with siblings and casual friends - all bring sweet results now through February. Read the paper, emails, ask questions - follow your curiosity to opportunities and new horizons. You could begin a friendly romance. But you also feel irritation; anger could disguise desire. Settle into home, nature, or cozy up with loved ones Sunday morning (not evening) and Monday. Romance, love, creativity, beauty and pleasure call you mid-week - act Tuesday, Wednesday might cause a cleavage. Tackle chores and health concerns Thursday/Friday. An easy, smooth week! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 There is some thorn in your side, has been since last summer, involving a child, a romance, a job or a health matter (your throat?) - January/February (especially Sunday morning) gives you a chance to solve it. The solution might involve spending on something beautiful or healing. You might slide into a sensual link now. That's okay, sex is good, but realize this is casual, not deep. Your money picture looks good all January/February - you'll be able to purchase a luxury item. Angle for a pay raise. Seek beauty, create Friday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your energy, magnetism and "love appeal" reach great heights now through much of January/February! If you're married or involved in a love affair, this only helps. But if you're single and looking, look around - someone's attracted. (The most potent love could be nearby, e.g., a neighbor, introduced by a family member, etc.) You can use your heightened charisma in business and everyday affairs, too - you go to the head of most lines! Chase money Sunday morning and Monday. Write, call, visit Tuesday (not Wednesday). Be restful, contemplative Thursday/Friday. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 You have been tempted to devalue your mate, to see him/her as "dead weight" - this started last summer, and endures through August 2007. Before you run away to join the Foreign Legion, consider what your mate does, has, and will contribute - it could be massive! Work and duty fill your life this month. This includes fortunate contacts with institutions, shut-ins, government agencies, charities, and big corporations. Visit psychics, advisors, financial counselors; meditate, seek therapy, plumb the depths of your soul - you'll find love, beauty and warmth way in there! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Your social life expands this month. Your "chatty side" finds a friendly response. Grace and affection grow between you and others. If single, you'll meet someone poised and sweet - and sexy - at a social function. Wishes come true, especially ones connected to love, travel, friendship and communications. Don't spend everything on travel tickets, though - you'll be tempted to! (All 2006 expands your far travel prospects.) This is a happy, lively, affectionate month! Be optimistic - you have reason! Rest, lie low Sunday/Monday. Emerge to impress people Tuesday/Wednesday. Money's "mixed" Thursday/Friday. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/