ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JANUARY 21 - 27, 2007 All times/dates are PST. In a recent column I wrote that Poland would experience the biggest changes since the 1700's in 2007 and 2008. That was a mistake. I was misreading the Sun degree numbers. The changes I referred to should, instead, occur about 2023. This correction struck me, as I have long suspected the mid-2020's as the most likely martial period for the world in this century. But more on that later. Meanwhile, my apologies! People are flocking to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, buying up apartments in gleaming, sky-scraping towers - many of them not built yet, nor even scheduled for completion until 2009. Some developers are giving away luxury cars with every unit bought. So is it a good buy, has the peak passed - or perhaps more importantly, is the country stable? Well, U.A.E. is a Sagittarian nation with a Gemini Moon, so it would be hard to find a friendlier, more cosmopolitan place. It's a "place of the world." During 2007, Jupiter in Sagittarius promises even bigger crowds of foreigners will flood Dubai's streets seeking a place in the blazing sun. U.A.E. is a lucky country, also - but it has problems, long-range, with investments and net worth (so, in turn, might its real estate investors). In addition, there is a species of "split personality" in this nation: its dreams, promotions, masks, party-line, it's projections and persuasions, often sit at an opposite extreme to its conservative, pragmatic, realistic, "hard business" elements. Sometimes this personality aspect adds a dash of skepticism to its dreams, and leads to a good balance; sometimes, the two simply aren't reconcilable, and dashed hopes can occur. I think the present trend partakes of the healthy intermingling of dream and pragmatism. Dubai's real estate should remain protected until at least July 2007, and perhaps longer, into December 07. But after this, surprises are in store. If the buildings and accompanying infrastructure are well designed, good - they should survive the hint of a shock in November 2007 into 08. (And the strong possibility of water erosion 2012 through 2025 - heightened about 2019.) The problems might not be physical but societal, as the U.A.E. is essentially a slave-based economy. (So if you have a humanitarian's conscience, you might not want to invest or live there.) But the rulers are strong, steady, and practical. In 2008 to 2010, and again 2016/17, these rulers will face (probably successfully) some disturbances or upheavals. A precursor of this might happen earlier, in the spring and summer of 2007, in a gusty, swift way. All things considered, I suggest taking profits in Dubai by mid-late 2008. Start Nothing: Before 0:48 a.m. Sun., 11:11 p.m. Mon. to 2:52 a.m. Tues., 1:50 a.m. to 5:28a.m. Thurs., and 8:08 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Now to late February a wave of popularity, group activities, entertainment, flirtations, optimism and future plans surfs into your life! Ride this lucky wave - it can carry you to important, beneficial places: to other countries, to higher learning and cultural events (someone's wedding? Yours?) to legal matters, to publishing and media events, and to love. Rest, lie low, roll with the shocks Sunday/Monday - don't chase love. Your charisma and energy soar Tuesday/Wednesday - start something! Chase money Thursday. For six weeks, VIPs will be impatient and humorless - behave, be dutiful. Taurus April 20-May 20 Your status, career and relations with important people are emphasized during the four weeks ahead. This week, everyone in power (parents, bosses, judges) gives you the benefit of the doubt and favors your proposals. It's an excellent time for closed-door discussions (Tuesday afternoon PST, eve EST and Europe, and Wednesday) and ambitious action (Thursday, pre-dawn Friday). Earlier, Sunday and Monday are happy but "dangerous" - don't gossip nor endanger your reputation, and don't mix money (investments) and friends. Now to late February, legal and travel matters need caution, not impulsiveness! Gemini May 21-June 20 A sweet, mellow, broad-minded, understanding mood steals over you during the four weeks ahead. You could fall in love, mentally and physically. You could wed, start an affair, or meet someone you'll marry later. After years of puzzlement, even negative feelings, now you're hopeful about love - and more, about the wide world! Travel, foreign-born people, cultural affairs, legal matters, higher learning, philosophy, religion and publishing also surge with luck! Be cautious Sunday/Monday (in career, reputation and love) and Friday (retreat, rest). Be careful, slow with investments through late February. Cancer June 21-July 22 The month ahead emphasizes mystery, the depths of life - dreams, subconscious urges, research, lust, pregnancy, mortgages, investments, large commitments, lifestyle changes, everything that can change your life in major, long-lasting ways. Proceed confidently - respond to hunches (that fleeting little nudge inside) rather than logic. To late February, relationships will excite and challenge, attract and infuriate you. Make love, not war! Partnerships can succeed in ambitious areas. This week needs caution, especially Sunday/Monday (in work, health, legalities and those "mystery" areas) Tuesday (temper) and Friday (happy heart, aching bank account). Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Relationships and opportunities fill the weeks ahead. You might fall in love, or wed. Or you might strike up a creative, lucky business association/partnership. The (main) person involved is talkative, humorous, gentle, kind, adventurous and idealistic. Big chores confront you also, perhaps in legal, travel, publishing, educational or similar areas. Foreign-born people could play a prominent, lucky role. The present week is rather bumpy, so proceed with caution. Sunday/Monday need care with sex, intimacy, romance, risks, finances and commitments. Wisdom, love, travel fill Tuesday/Wednesday. Be ambitious Thursday/Friday. Happiness Saturday! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 A month of work, machinery, service and health concerns has just begun. Eat and dress sensibly, get regular rest. Your chores will be relieved (through February) by a streak of romantic joy. This attraction has an intense, mysterious, even lustful side - be honest, open! During the same interval, you're willing to take big risks in finances, investments and debt. You're basically lucky here, but proceed carefully. Relationships could disappoint Sunday/Monday, despite your optimism. Go slow. That deep attraction or financial commitment could arise Tuesday/Wednesday. Wisdom, gentle joys come Thursday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 I already warned you about friction at home or with parents/kids through late February -ease this with exercise, gardening, or discussing/starting hopeful real estate, renovation or similar projects with your partner. Despite the testy domestic atmosphere, the four weeks ahead bring pleasure, joys from children, romance, speculative and creative success - you're on a winning streak! Lovers fight; fighters love - but this can be a great time to work out potential problems. Be cautious Sunday/Monday - avoid love scenes. Relationships excite Tuesday/Wednesday. Seek intimacy Thursday, not Friday. Love, gentle joy Saturday! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov.21 The accent lies on your domestic scene, parent-kid relations, nurturing and sheltering others, gardening/agriculture, Mother Nature, real estate, foundations, sales territory, security, retirement, endings and beginnings. All these are accompanied by a smooth, productive luck, and they synchronize well with 2007's larger money luck. (For example, your income might be enhanced enough to support a new mortgage.) This is also a hibernation period, pulling you toward sleep and digestive/reflective moments, but you're restless enough to get things done! Avoid romantic and career showdowns Sunday/Monday. Work succeeds Tuesday/Wednesday, money or intimacy Saturday. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 The month ahead is busy but not important - except in the sense that all 2007 is a lucky, vital time for you. These weeks are great for gathering information - exercise your curiosity! But these are not great weeks for investments; money will flow to you, but you might be so scattered that you waste it. Be focused. A friend might become a "partner" (January 27?). Your energy and charisma soar Sunday/Monday - but you'll see the resistance that abides in love, legal, travel or learning zones. Romance, creativity, beauty arrive Tuesday/Wednesday! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 The month ahead luckily emphasizes money, earnings, spending, possessions, sensuality, memory and rote learning. Your sexual magnetism rises now through late February. So does your courage, executive ability, and tendency to say "this works, that won't." Launch financial projects early, as delays enter slightly before mid-February. Speak and drive cautiously Sunday/Monday. You'll be informed of a "financial reality." Sink into rest and contemplation Tuesday/Wednesday - you might start a significant project that ends one situation and nurtures a future one. Romance, creativity and pleasure please Thursday, disappoint Friday - act early! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Recent gloom and weariness ends! Now through February, your energy rises, your charisma shines; your effectiveness and sense of timing are superb! Start important projects, seek favors, submit proposals, and knock on the door of special groups. But at the same time (through February) be inscrutable, avoid "light talk." Don't announce your plans or intentions; others might think you're boasting, or plan a "competitive bid." Avoid violent people. Don't mix money and friends Sunday/Monday. Mid-week's great for paperwork, travel and details. Establish your launching pad Thursday. Romance calls Saturday! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Your energy and magnetism rise Sunday/Monday, but this is a short counter-trend - overall, the four weeks ahead lower your vitality. Nature wants you to rest, contemplate, and explore your soul. So have a lot of power naps, eat and dress sensibly, etc. You'll experience mild good luck in dealing with government agencies, institutions, charities, spiritual people, advisors, psychics, and warehouses. Don't accept new obligations Sunday/Monday. (And squelch rebellious impulses in the presence of bosses and parents!) Money succeeds Tuesday eve, Wednesday. Communicate, travel Thursday. Seek home, nature's beauty Saturday. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/