ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JUNE 1 - 7, 2008 All times/dates are PDT. A reader pointed out that for the late May to late June period I advised PISCES in one column that 7 weeks of hard work began. In the following week's column I told Pisces they faced a month of relaxation. Actually, both are right. Mars in Leo all June brings hard work to Pisces; but the Sun in Gemini makes Pisces tired. So you Pisceans will probably work hard, then crash on the couch. You'll succeed best if you work in two areas during this period: money earning, and food-shelter - e.g., building a house, gardening or fixing the stairs_. At intervals, I receive emails asking about eclipses, telling me how important they are, and why don't I ever mention them? Most people believe eclipses are malevolent influences, causing natural disasters, wars, loss of job, broken hearts, etc. But in the main, this phenomenon indicates birth - of new conditions, situations, etc. Because eclipses create a darkening effect (Moon obscuring the Sun, the earth's shadow obscuring the Moon) we have associated them with loss and "dark portents." But if you think about it, most of nature's conception and birthing takes place in darkness: we have sex at night, coitus takes place in the dark vagina, seeds germinate underground_ I actually do pay attention to the "building blocks" of eclipses - the Moon's north and south nodes. By paying attention to these nodes we get to watch the constant progress of an influence that lasts 18 months (the time a node takes to travel through one zodiacal sign) rather than being surprised by one single event/eclipse and trying to make it mean something. The nodes right now sit at 21 degrees AQUARIUS and 21 degrees Leo. They'll crawl through these two signs until August 22, 2009. You can read more about their effect on your sign in the "Karmic Forecast" on the astralreflections.com web site. Eclipses occur when the Sun or Moon cross the north (good eclipse) or south (bad eclipse) node. All eclipses signal a new birth. But life is crowded: often one situation can only be born if another situation dies - for example, a king ascends because the former king died. One job replaces another. Often, an eclipse occurring on the south node emphasizes (or makes us notice) what died, and when on the north node, what's born - but both elements, death and birth, co-exist. The next eclipse occurs August 1/08 at 9 degrees Leo - on the south node track, so this eclipse might be of the "taking away" variety. I'll focus on the element of birth in the brief "eclipse forecasts" that follow - in next weeks' preamble - and you can interpret what might have to "die off" for these births to occur. Start Nothing: 6:03 a.m. to 3:06 p.m., 5:09 a.m. to 2:16 p.m. Wed., and 2:32 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Avoid starting any major projects before June 19. You're riding a nice adventure/romance streak all June. Yet - perhaps it puzzles you, perhaps not - things remain ultimately casual and friendly rather than deep-down passionate (especially this Monday eve to Wednesday). That could reflect the person you're with, and/or could emerge from your own wishes. Either way, this week's smooth and happy! Sunday/Monday are sensual and money-shopping oriented. Settle into home, the goodness of the earth, splendid meals, Wednesday eve to Friday. This night and Saturday bring romance, beauty, joy, loving! Taurus April 20-May 20 Start no new significant projects before June 19. Look for old sources of money, pay long-overdue bills, and protect your bank account and wallet. Protect, also, ongoing projects from delays, misunderstandings and mistakes - have a "Plan B." And assiduously ignore all taunts that could fire your temper to overflow, especially on the domestic scene. (This Saturday could begin a whole new regimen on the home front.) And, while I'm at it, avoid sunburn. Your money luck is high, despite delays - collect some, Tuesday! Good "light" friends help out Thursday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Start NOTHING important, Gemini. Instead, use your present high charisma and energy to give old projects and relationships new life, or to push ongoing ventures. Your "touch" with research is excellent now. You can pick up where you left off with a real estate plan. Friends and conversations surround you - fire off those emails, etc., especially Friday/Saturday. Travel brings joy - but avoid quick, spontaneous arguments or unintended odd comments. Rest, catch a second breath Sunday/Monday: study the problems ahead. Charge forth Tuesday/Wednesday. Gather money (but don't "spend big") Wednesday/Thursday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Start nothing new, big and significant before June 19. You could find yourself enmeshed in neglected governmental, administrative or institution-related chores, especially paperwork ones. Well, clean it up once and for all, so you and your desk will be clean and clear when late June and July bring big opportunities. (And double-check all figures and all language before you send it on.) Otherwise, rest, quietly contemplate where you want to go and the "environment" that you'll have to deal with; be spiritual and charitable. It's an easy week, Cancer. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Hopes, happiness, social delights, popularity, flirtations, light romance and entertainment buoy you up! Make and accept invitations. Old friends, even an old flame, might get in touch. Socializing in connection with work - networking, attending or running conferences, etc. - is beneficial, also. But don't start new projects in this (or any) realm. Be ambitious Sunday, but take care before noon - you're coming on too strong. My social promises might seem defunct Monday eve, but have faith - Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday eve/Saturday bring happiness! Lie low, rest Wednesday eve to Friday afternoon. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Start nothing new in any area, Virgo. Ambition might spur you forward, but in going that direction, drag something from the past with you, reprise a past role, rather than risk money, effort or reputation on a new venture. (Its flaws are hard to see, which makes them even more potent.) Love is still your forte this year - so is creating a happy, prosperous home, especially if you're already married. But in June, avoid sexual lures - and dark alleys, belligerent people, etc. Wednesday to Friday say your future's splendid! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Don't start new projects in any area before June 19. A former teacher, lover, spouse or friend might re-appear. You might travel to an old haunt, or deal again with a legal, scholastic, intellectual or cultural situation. Monday eve to Wednesday emphasize these. Check insurance for lapses. Nostalgia drifts in. Don't begin re-writing a former piece. Mysteries intrigue Sunday (a morning wish won't come true, but afternoon luck's high in real estate, therapy or security). Be cautious Monday. Ambition rules Wednesday/Thursday. Wishes come true, social delights please you, Friday/Saturday! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 The accent lies on mysteries, lust, intimacy, bonding, large finances, investments and debt, lifestyle changes, life, death and rebirth, diagnosis, research, dreams and the occult, and ultimate consequences. Until June 19, avoid new starts, protect ongoing ventures from delays and mistakes, and accept situations or relationships that return from the past. Bosses and VIPs remain impatient for results, which puts you in a bit of a bind. Safest approach: smile, calmly explain the delays or complications, show your eagerness to solve them, and nod a lot. You'll be fine! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 A former spouse, serious lover, business partner or associate might return. So might a contract, agreement or promise you'd made. You might look longingly on a past relocation opportunity that you didn't grab. These might be fine, or blah - portents are neutral, which is a clue in itself. If they return from pre-1996, they definitely deserve a chance, a second look. If from pre-1984, that goes double. Monday night to Wednesday brings clues, events, and Thursday/Friday deepens everything. Don't start any brand new projects or relationships before June 19. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Start nothing brand new before June 19. Until then, protect ongoing ventures from mistakes, delays and misunderstandings. Buy NO machinery, cars, computers, software, etc. You could be impatient to dive into financial or sexual areas all June - partly because something has ended or is ending, and you're trying to find your feet, launch a new life. Use the 18 days ahead to deal with the past, to clear away obstacles, to free you for new life-changing (sexual/financial) steps. Don't act too early - August is far better, and December (onward) wiser. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Avoid brand new starts before June 19, Aquarius. In projects and relationships, stick with the ongoing (and protect them from misunderstandings) or reprise the past. An old flame might re-enter, or your vacation might take you to old haunts or former friends (especially mid-week). A former speculation might pay off, or a creative effort finally be recognized. You're on a fairly good winning streak, despite delays and mistakes. Relationships are intense all month, especially Friday/Saturday. Anger or attraction can be sparked (and the former might mask the latter). Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Until June 19, start nothing new, especially in relationships, contracts, relocation, public dealings, real estate, domestic arenas, security or retirement. Someone from the past might enter, to offer an opportunity (or to oppose you) for the second time. Judge this in light of what occurred the first time around. Tackle needed repairs at home, but DON'T start new construction or renovation projects (despite Monday night to Wednesday afternoon's temptation). Passion, nostalgia, sweet feelings (or a creative mood) well up in you Wednesday eve to Friday afternoon - respond, you're lucky! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/