ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS SEPTEMBER 21, 2008 All times/dates are PDT. MANY THINGS: We're close to the autumn equinox (September 22, 8:45 a.m.). This autumn begins with Mercury retrograde - none of us should start any important projects before October 15. I've outlined the special areas for each sun sign below_. I've received a few emails on the super-collider that was built under Switzerland to reproduce conditions of the Big Bang that allegedly kick-started our universe. Readers wanted to know if it would, as some predicted, cause a black hole, swallow our Earth, and end our feeble existence. One reader asked me Tuesday, the day before the collider was to be fired up. I said I'd let her know on Thursday. This reminds me of emails I keep getting about the Mayan prophecy that the world will end on December 21, 2012 (the latest date put forth). And earlier, of the fashion in the 1980's and 1990's, to point to "alignments" of the planets that would cause huge catastrophes. This goes back to Velikovsky, a scientist (?) who, in the 1950's, wrote a book called Collision of the Worlds, in which the gravitational pull of one of these alignments was to cause the planets in our solar system to crash together. (In astrology, an alignment is called a conjunction or opposition, depending on whether the planets - and Sun and Moon - are on the same or opposite sides of the zodiac. These alignments occur all the time - this September alone contains 26 of them.) These "end of the world" prophecies have been around so long, in various forms, that they must reflect a consistent psychological phenomenon - probably egoism, or a kind of self-indulgent craving for importance. When one is pronouncing such heavy things as the end of the world, one can speak in weighty tones, and bask in false importance_. Sarah Palin is Aquarius, Obama a Leo - these are natural mates and natural enemies. Each is the other's sign of "open enemies," of competition, opportunity, attraction, and of "the opposite." So it won't be surprising if Obama and Palin spend the entire campaign squaring off against each other - a major break in "form." (Usually, in a presidential race, the presidential candidates face each other, while the VP's wrestle.) Unfortunately for Obama, the lunar north node (protection, blessings, inexplicable good fortune that highlights the best side of the personality) spends all of 2008 in Aquarius, Palin's sign. The south node (lack of protection or forgiveness, inexplicable ill fortune, and personality flaws exposed) spends the entire race in Barack's sign. I've mentioned this before for Obama. His south node affliction will hit its peak in November/08. Start Nothing: 10:04 p.m. to 10:49 p.m. Sun., 2:17 p.m. Tues. to 2:13 a.m. Wed., and 4:20 a.m. to 6:52 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Start nothing new through October 14. Neither make nor accept promises - they'll likely be broken, softly. An investment or a secret sexy attraction might lure you soon - there's sweet reward in money or affection here, but the whole affair will also be fraught with mistakes, indecision and backtracking. By late October, the stream of life will whisk you away to other things. A former spouse, lover, friend or business associate might reenter in the weeks ahead - it's ephemeral, so don't "build a life" on this. Sunday's fascinating. Romance mid-week! Taurus April 20-May 20 Delay all new starts, especially in work, health, machinery, service, employment and care of dependants, through October 14. DON'T buy machinery, computer, car, etc. - lemons lurk! Delay might be difficult, as others push you to plunge ahead. Hold your ground. Relationships grow sweeter now to late October. Others respond graciously, want to help - and someone new could arouse you heart to "dream stage." This is a great year to fall in love and marry - but relationships that develop after October 14 will have a better chance of proceeding, long-term. Gemini May 21-June 20 Start NOTHING new and important now through October 14. That applies to appliance purchases, real estate, family issues, romance, creative projects, investments, etc. Your luck soars - and will save, even reward you. For example, a risky investment could succeed - but get in and out quickly! In general, reprise the past or protect ongoing projects (from mistakes, delays, confusion). An old flame could flare again, prompting you to reach out. But ask yourself why the flame sputtered in the first place. Work tends to go well; co-workers are affectionate. Cancer June 21-July 22 Don't start new projects or relationships through October 14, especially in home, real estate, security, retirement, farming, gardening or similar areas. A deal you missed before becomes available again - think twice. Nostalgia comes like an old friend with this autumn weather. A prodigal child might make contact. Call out-of-touch relatives. They will remember your more ambitious days - for better or worse. Be gentle with family. Romance, pleasure, beauty begin to touch your days. Children charm you. Sunday's significant, but quiet. Your energy, charisma rise Monday/Tuesday - get things done! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 A rising emotional breeze buoys you Sunday, tells you the future will be good, especially in relationships. (Despite this, the 24 days ahead bring the past, not the future.) Your intuition is smack on about someone before dark - if you feel like calling him/her, do so. Retreat to recharge your mental and physical energies Monday/Tuesday. Your charisma and energy bounce back powerfully Wednesday/Thursday. Tackle chores Friday/Saturday. Now through October 14, do not start new projects. Expect delays in money, mail, messaging, distribution and supplies. Buy nothing significant - lemons abound! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Much will be delayed now through October 14. It's a great three weeks for contemplation, vacation, rest, and catching up on old business, old friends and old chores. DON'T start new projects for the duration, especially in money, earnings, and purchases. You'll possess an unfailing ability to buy lemons. So relax, let the world turn on its own. Money, purchasing and career opportunities might return from the past - these are fine. Travel and communications, though prey to some glitches, will be affectionate and pleasing for four weeks. Career's lucky Sunday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Through October 14, avoid all new starts in legal, foreign, cultural, publishing, far travel, higher education, religion, creative writing, government, management, institutional, spiritual, charitable and similar areas. In general, communications and agreements will run into mild delays, misunderstandings and "retreats" (from former promises or positions). An old flame, spouse or former teacher might return. Your money prospects look good into mid-October. Something extra will come in! Regard your increased assertiveness and determination with some skepticism until October 3 - it could get you into uncomfortable situations. You're attracting the opposite sex! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Be wary of new initiatives, ventures, and projects through October 14. Messages and instructions can be misunderstood, supplies late, schedules awry. Avoid new starts in governmental, institutional, administrative and social/group areas, as well as in large finances, debt and investment, sexual intimacy, and lifestyle changes. Research goes well - so should investments from the past (over 10 months ago) perhaps ones you missed the first time around. A former sexual interest might return, but holds little for you, long-range. Your style and charisma increase now, despite weariness. Happiness arrives Friday! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Don't start any new projects, ventures or relationships, and make no promises (nor accept any) now through October 14. Your vision of the future is confused - actually, is based too much on the past. Your future will be much different than the last 12 years. You're going to build a castle of money - hopefully, in doing this, you will also find love, and when it appears, not take it for granted. (Romance, creativity WILL arise.) Mysteries - and bad investments - appear Monday/Tuesday. Wisdom and love come mid-week. Be ambitious Friday/Saturday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Careful, Cap - don't initiate new plans, projects or contacts in career or business through October 14. You might be asked to reprise a former career position, or run into VIPs and higher-ups from the past. Both these occurrences can benefit you - for a short time. Don't sign any long-term contracts - or any contracts, period. Higher-ups and parents are still impatient, temperamental (to October 3) so maintain a sense of humor. They'll forgive quickly, too. Friends grow more affectionate. Work and money combine nicely Sunday. Wisdom, love bless you Friday/Saturday. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 DON'T start new projects, especially in legal, travel, international, cultural, love, educational, publishing, religious, insurance or similar zones through October 14. Wedding plans made now (cultural zone) or an agreement to marry reached now, could face the danger of cancellation. A lawsuit initiated would lead you down a path called "lawyer's get rich." Something or someone from the past could arise in any of these areas - including a former teacher or old flame (perhaps Wednesday to Saturday). Good - but don't build your future on this. True love Sunday? Maybe. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Make no commitments, investments, sexual bonds, nor lifestyle changes through October 14. In general, avoid new starts and new relationships. Your relations will alternate between the frankly, hotly lustful, and the sweet, gentle and affectionately distant. The latter type will bring far better results this time around - the former could get you in hot water or money-losing situations. Sunday's great for domestic, property and security concerns. Romance hits a few snags Monday/Tuesday. Work hard Wednesday/Thursday. Exciting meetings occur Friday/Saturday! Some of these spell opportunity, some bring very short liaisons. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/