ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS AUGUST 20 - 26, 2006 All times/dates are PDT. Yes, married folk get a partial exemption. Several GEMINIS, after my "karmic" warning not to buy real estate before December 2007, have written: "I'm a Gemini, but my husband (wife) is a SAGITTARIAN (or any sign) - what if he/she buys a property/house/condo instead? We really need to buy something next week!" Well, these writers are lucky, in a way. (Especially if their spouse is Sagittarian, for this sign is favored to buy realty - right into 2008.) If their spouse chooses, buys, and puts the new house in their name, then the "difficult karma" doesn't apply to this new address. And if this is a loving, stable couple, it should work out nicely for decades to come. However, the Gemini here has to be trusting (and have chosen a mate wisely in the beginning!). And there are still a few minor sticking points: 1) the Gemini won't find the new place to be entirely satisfying; it might restrict him/her in obvious or subtle ways in future years; 2) if both pick the new house, if it's a "consensus choice," this increases the possibility that it might be a bit of a dud, especially if the Gemini is typically strong-willed, and the spouse subconsciously "looks through the eyes" of his/her mate when choosing the new house; 3) if the new house is put in both names (joint tenancy, etc.) this reduces the freedom from poor karma; 4) everyone, of every sign, should be cautious about buying real estate before December 2006. (I've been stating that in this column for over a year - it's the Jupiter-Saturn "problem," the same one that's slowing the U.S. - and most countries' - economies.) And finally, Gemini will face major good luck in all investments and lifestyle changes during 2008 - it might be worth waiting a mere 16 more months! VIRGO, on the other hand, is tremendously favored to buy real estate from December 2006 through August 2007. At the same time, you Virgos are already favored for relocation (and will be until December 2007). These two trends, put together, signal a huge new life potential for Virgo, and the end of 12 years of upheaval. Many LIBRANS have written, bothered by love's recent absence. In September/October your lust for relationship, and a rising sex appeal, attract potential mates (but ask yourself: would it be a practical union?). This December into 2007 brings friends and friendly romance. In 2009 your romantic luck soars. From 2011 to 17, an exciting, challenging, electric "marriage-for-love" influence enters. This can cause adventures, true love, or unstable relationships, depending on your maturity and flexibility. Start Nothing: 0:06 a.m. to 11:33 p.m. Sun., 11:19 p.m. Tues. to 11:08 a.m. Wed., and 12:00 p.m. Fri. to 0:01 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Your romantic life will continue in a sweet, affectionate, mildly lucky way to early September, but the main thrust of energy fades after Tuesday. So chase love Monday/Tuesday, while you have the ability to impress someone in deep ways! Wednesday starts a month of work and health concerns. A new employment, machinery, or dependent-related project might begin Wednesday/Thursday: but don't be the originator, and don't place unrealistic faith in it. Relationships draw yet puzzle you Saturday - perhaps this person wants you to display ambition and loyalty rather than ardor. Taurus April 20-May 20 A romantic, pleasure-filled, creative and passionate time begins now (Wednesday through late September). (Until Wednesday, rest and contemplate.) You'll also feel like taking risks, you'll feel like a winner, and you'll want to teach youngsters. But don't let any of these rejuvenating, pleasurable things draw you into compromised situations or compromised moral choices. (E.g., don't leave your spouse for a romantic whirl, or teach the kids a dirty joke.) Your home life grows sweeter, more relaxing. Try some gardening. In truth, Taurus, almost everything is benevolent and improving! Work Saturday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Send last-minute communications, write reports, buy tickets or embark (short trips best) Monday/Tuesday. This area (travel and communications) remains affectionate and lucky the rest of August, but your "drive" fades, as Wednesday starts a month of frequent naps, contemplation, and nature's beauty. Your domestic situation will be emphasized, as will real estate, gardening, agriculture, retirement, security and similar concerns. In all these, be cautious. Handle problems without expanding or starting ventures - right into December 2007. Romantic notions, creative and risk-taking urges bring pleasure and confusion August 26. (Sweet confusion.) Cancer June 21-July 22 Your "money enthusiasm" wanes temporarily for the month ahead, but you'll still experience financial luck for three weeks. Give money projects one last lucky push Monday/Tuesday - the p.m. of both days is most effective. Wednesday begins a month of travel, talk, writing, casual contacts and curiosity. Don't mix talk/travel and career; and try not to waste time in rambling conversations or pointless trips. And remember the saying: "curiosity killed the cat." That said, you're on a long winning streak, especially in romance, creativity, teaching, raising children, vacations and pleasure. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Your heightened energy and charisma receive one last boost Monday/Tuesday - make appeals, submit proposals, impress others, meet in person. You'll shine! (Rest quietly Sunday, in preparation.) Wednesday begins a month of money, earnings, buying/selling, casual sensual attractions, memory, rote learning, and concern over possessions. Handle problems in these areas; that done, the less you delve into these things, the better, right into December 2007. When tempted, aim for safety by lengthening your sights a bit: deep, committed sex instead of casual impulses, long-range investments instead of buying/selling, etc. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Enjoy your sexual magnetism - it surges now into early September - but don't take it too seriously. Temptation disguises traps. Rest, contemplate, meditate, contact government agencies Monday/Tuesday. Wednesday begins a month of heightened energy, charisma, effectiveness, and better physical health. It's a great time to start significant projects, seek favors, and tackle chores that previously intimidated you. But realize that, now to December 2007, you will gain more from interdependence than independence. Use your heightened energy now to seek partners and opportunities, to go outward rather than inward, and to relocate. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Sunday calls for thinking, not doing. Continue with ongoing projects. Your social life rises and a wish might come true Monday/Tuesday! You feel popular and optimistic. But Wednesday begins a month of relative quietude, withdrawal and rest. Accept the need to slow down, to pamper yourself physically, to think and retreat - but don't overdo these things. Tackle chores and fulfill obligations, especially this Wednesday/Thursday. Continue to be wary of those who would chase, partner or propose to you, through September 7 (especially if this person's nose has been broken). Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 Monday/Tuesday could bring a career plum, or introduce you to a powerful person. Push your ambitions! A month of celebration, socializing, entertainment, popularity, flirtation, optimism and wishes arrives Wednesday. You feel generally upbeat, optimistic and lucky this year (far different than 2005!) so this upbeat month should really please! But if you look carefully, you could see that a core of satisfaction is missing. That's because your heart (and the cosmos) wants you to reach into deeper things: intense romance, creativity, self-expression, risk and "heedless" pleasure. (NOT with co-workers!) Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 Monday/Tuesday bring the past mellow weeks to a nice apex: far travel, legalities, higher learning, love, philosophy, an advertising concept/campaign, a cultural event - one or more of these will succeed! Wednesday begins a month of career pressures, relations with higher-ups and VIPs, ambitions and status concerns. Play this whole area lightly, Sage, for you could be tempted by unrealistic (even unethical) goals now to December 2007. Until then, relax, find domestic joys and Mother Nature. By December 2006, you'll start to see a new life, with major new goals! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Tackle a major commitment with one last surge of bravery Monday/Tuesday, Cap. This could prove lucky by September! Wednesday, you enter a month of legal, advertising, media, international, cultural, higher learning, religious and similar interests - and you start it in a way that creates new beginnings almost immediately. Take care: you should solve urgent problems, but not seek rewards or growth in these areas now through December 2007. If you can't avoid these zones, then reduce and shorten - e.g. an international trip of two weeks, rather than a six-month voyage. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Perform routine chores Sunday. Then, leap forward (actually, outward) Monday/Tuesday - after 1 p.m. Monday - to make contact, chase opportunities, relocate, deal with the public, negotiate, sign agreements, or show someone how they've impressed you. These "relationship" areas will shower lucky little "breaks" down on you into early September, but this is the last chance to "push them." Be eager, diplomatic! Wednesday begins a month of mysteries, depths, large finances, research, intimacy, sexual and lifestyle commitments - in these, handle problems, be honest, ethical, but don't expand, now to December 2007. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Be romantic, indulge in games, beauty and pleasure Sunday, but don't start new projects. After this sweet respite, tackle a major chore Monday/Tuesday - what you accomplish could bring little rewards (or employment) your way throughout the next two weeks. Wednesday begins a month of relationships - intriguing (rather than exciting) meetings, challenges, struggle, co-operation, partnership offerings, contracts, negotiations, relocation themes and dealings with the public - and all these contain subtle traps. So proceed lightly, solve problems, but let no one glue themselves to you, now to December 2007. Intrigue, Saturday! www.astralreflections.com Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/