ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JULY 16 - 22, 2006 All times/dates are PDT. So if we shouldn't start anything important until July 28, what can we do? Well, this time favors investigation, research, nostalgia, going over plans to find flaws, re-examining anything, reprising the past, contacting old friends, reunions, etc. A few readers have written, freaked by my "reminder" that August shows a bear market indicator (Mars opposite Uranus). The bear should start within four months, if I remember financial astrologer Arch Crawford's missives correctly. Economically though (in my view) we'll go the other way, and might actually improve into 2008. But October 2009 through 2011 brings economic meltdowns similar to 2001/02. The NYSE might soar in 2010, then crash in 2011, as geopolitical tensions erupt on a massive scale. CAPRICORN, let's look at your 18 months ahead. During this past 18 months, your "karmic focus" made career difficult, but blessed home/security areas. Now to December 2007, this karmic axis switches to intellectual, travel, and communications zones. At times, distinguishing between good and bad, between productive paths and long, involved, subtle dead-ends, will require some astute assessments - not only of a situation, but of your own motives. Here's a big clue: you'll find smooth, easy action in short trips, daily communications (emails, phone calls, etc.) paperwork, details, errands, reports, newspapers, magazines, night school or short courses, and dealing with facts, figures, anecdotal evidence and advertising placement or production. But you'll face barriers, dead-ends, subtle traps and temptation (without reward) in all the "long versions" of the above - international travel, books, advertising concepts, abstractions, large truths, law, religion, philosophy, higher learning, scholarship, degree programs, statistics, insurance and cultural rituals (weddings, etc.). It will be better to accept a casual, verbal understanding, than to design and sign a contract. Stay far away from lawsuits: settle early if you have to, and don't start any. (During these 18 months, lawyers will view you as the cornerstone of their new mansions.) In general, a casual contact, an everyday friend at a coffee shop, is better than pushing relationships into profundity. In the broadest way, Cap, 2007 will be a year of quiet reflection, an "ending." Complete obligations; contemplate where you're going in the two decades ahead. 2008 brings huge good luck - and kicks off 16 years of massive, irrevocable life changes. Your social circle will change; so will your life plans, and your source(s) of happiness. This change begins with an upward trajectory, with expansion, freedom and optimism in 2008. Some increased responsibilities will be attached. Get ready to see and grab opportunities! Start Nothing: 6:33 p.m. to 8:44 p.m. Mon., 10:48 p.m. Wed. to 1:38 a.m. Thurs., and 8:17 a.m. to 8:28 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 It's a very mixed time, Aries. Domesticity, food/shelter, security concerns and physical sluggishness mingle with impatience and affection. Someone - more likely a relative than a lover - might have second thoughts, and try to win your affection after earlier rejecting/ignoring you. Saturday starts a month of romance, creativity, risk and adventure, but the first few days (July 22-24) offer rewards at home, not outside. Start nothing new; buy NO machinery. This is a week to simply sit back and enjoy, rest, luxuriate - and maybe travel a little (family reunion?) Thursday/Friday. Taurus April 20-May 20 Domestic strife might flare Wednesday, but generally the friction of June/July is ebbing. Saturday begins a month of relative peace and joy in domestic matters. In the next thirty days, you'll either reconcile yourself to your domestic situation, especially in love, marriage and legal areas, or you'll take one more step toward ending a "legal bond." (This trend began July 2005 and lasts to September 2007.) In the weeks to come, you'll experience a streak of romantic intrigue, a bent toward secret adventure, or a creative or speculative surge. Gemini May 21-June 20 Remain cautious - start nothing big, new or important before July 28. Until then, a former opportunity might return involving real estate, a monetary/income situation, or a sensual relationship. A "mothering" woman might be involved. Take care - this might or might not be an opportunity, especially if real estate is involved. If you have doubts, exit. Your money and income pictures improve Tuesday into August. You're happy and friendly Sunday/Monday, but ease into rest, contemplation Monday night through Wednesday. Your energy and charisma return Thursday, auguring a pleasant, lucky weekend! Cancer June 21-July 22 Start no new relationships or projects before July 28. You might attract an old supporter - or an old detractor. Your charisma, already high this month, gains a new graceful, genial element Tuesday into August. Soon (Saturday onward) you'll be talking to higher-ups, parents and VIPs. The extra charm won't hurt! Be ambitious Sunday/Monday. Socialize, have fun Tuesday/Wednesday, but don't overspend, nor expect too much sexually. Retreat, lie low, rest and take care of old obligations (especially red tape ones) Thursday/Friday. Your energy surges back Saturday, to start a lucky weekend! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Old obligations come due, especially in red tape, governmental, management, warehousing, health, and institutional zones. Tackle these, rather than starting anything new. Don't work fast - double check facts, figures, application forms, get plenty of rest, and eat and dress sensibly. A former spiritual contact, a very friendly person, might re-enter your sphere. Wisdom and a mellow mood accompany you Sunday/Monday. Your skills and reliability are being observed Tuesday/Wednesday, so keep your nose to the grindstone. New and old hopes visit you Thursday/Friday - the old ones are the best ones! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 A former social contact or group will welcome you back. Among these could lurk an old temptation, either of power or sex. You can avoid it/her/him, or confront it directly and solve an old puzzle or problem. You've been in "the sweet spot" with parents and higher-ups the last few weeks. By Tuesday this "sweet spot" transfer to your social life. Saturday brings seven weeks of determination, will power, and an increased drive toward sex, power, secret knowledge (research) and large finances. But start nothing big before July 28. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Remember, start neither new projects nor relationships before July 28. (A new relationship, for example, would never attain a permanent partnership stage; a new project would turn in circles, never completing.) Remain aware, alert for mistakes, delays, and faulty schedules, especially in career and business zones. You've weathered some career pressures quite well over the past year or so - now, Tuesday into August, VIPs, parents and higher-ups will show their admiration or appreciation - you're accepted! Love's understanding arrives Thursday/Friday. Saturday begins seven weeks of "caution flags" in all relationships. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 An old flame might be around. This person is, all told, no better nor no worse than "present prospects." For the past two months, higher-ups have been on your case - temperamental, demanding, impatient - that ends Saturday, just in time for an important career month! (It begins the same day.) Your stock is about to go up with bosses and parents, judges and VIPs. (Meanwhile, don't lose your temper Wednesday p.m.) Legal matters are also starting to go your way (Tuesday into mid-August). Don't start major projects/ventures before July 28. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Start no major projects or ventures before July 28. For a month, you've enjoyed affectionate (or at least pleasant) responses from others, and exploration, relocation, or an adventurous mood has brought you to interesting places. Tuesday shunts this "mild luck" into deeper, perhaps more secret places: intimacy, large finances, research, occultism and "power corridors." (Your major luck, which isn't very major these days, resides for now in government connections, institutions, and charitable and spiritual areas.) So look ahead to anything from pleasing financial success to "sweet clinches." Happiness ahead! appiness Capricorn Dec.22-Jan. 19 Opposition is fading. From Tuesday onward (into mid-August) others will treat you with increased affection, pleasantness, even love. You could meet a valuable "partner in ambition." But remember, start neither new relationships nor new projects before July 28. (Until then, a former flame or partner might wander in.) Saturday begins two important trends: a month of deeper involvements, secrets, high finance, investments, investigation, lifestyle changes and significant commitments, and seven weeks of legalities (or learning, or publishing or travel) involving one of these: real estate, family, security, retirement, or business territory. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Start nothing new before July 28. Life, though, will be starting three new trends for you. (Wait, study new influences/situations until July 28, rather than react with only "half the information.") Tuesday begins a few weeks of pleasant, affectionate relations on the work scene. A bit later, Saturday starts a month of opportunities, relationships, public meetings and relocation themes (and of a choice for you, between co-operation and opposition). The same day kicks off a seven-week intensification of sexual urges, financial impulses, and a desire to change your life. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 An old flame might enter your life (or recently has). Your home, family, and "Mother Nature" have brought you deep, sweet periods of rest lately, or an affectionate interlude. Tuesday onward (into mid-August) this beauty and sweetness enters romantic, creative, and child-related zones. Almost simultaneously Saturday intensifies your partnership zone for seven weeks, bringing excitement, potential money partnerships, adventure, sexy attractions, and sparks of disagreement. A potent combo! But Saturday also starts a month of hard work. Let these new feelings/influences tiptoe in: start nothing brand new before July 28. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/