ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 4, 2008 All times/dates are PDT. In the January, 2006 Year Ahead article, I wrote: "In September 2007 through November 2008, we could have a 'revisit' of the conditions that caused the major restructuring in airlines, auto manufacturers, and the general economy, back in 2001/02. It isn't as strong as the 01-02 period, but it could take the markets down." On September 16, 2008, the Dow suffered its biggest one-day drop since it opened after 9/11. The cause, of course, was the credit crunch, which first hit August/07. Major airlines went bankrupt this year, GM totters on the brink, and the general economy is a little ill_ (The investment banks I addressed in an earlier column, noting they'd face "an Armageddon.") If you want to know what lies within most politicians, look at your last legal bill. The photocopying outfit on the corner changes you 3 cents a copy. Your lawyer charges you 30 cents - ten times as much. When lawyers grow up, they become politicians_. In Canada's mid-October federal election, Steven Harper should defeat Dion - I actually made that prediction years ago, the week Dion was elected Liberal leader. Odd things between these two - Dion was delivered by a Dr. Harper, and a Dr. Dion delivered newborn Harper. There's a fascinating article in the Ottawa Citizen on the seemingly occult links between the two - Google "Stephen Harper birth date" and click on the Ottawa paper's link - about 4th or 5th from the top_ A few people have emailed to say they've seen an omen and what does it mean? But omens, coming from within (as I explained a few weeks ago) are difficult to interpret from without. (That's my polite way of saying I can't craft a big response to every email.) Yesterday, as I stood on the back balcony, three blue jays alighted - one about ten feet to my right, one to the left, and one directly in front of me, about three feet away. This bold one leaned toward me, bigger than a crow, vibrant and assertive. His (her?) black head-cap was frayed with white, perhaps from age or disease. His eyes looked right into mine, piercing, studying me. I've never seen wild animals (other than black bears) show sentiment. Coyotes, jays, wolves, even lions in the zoo, stare at you with a perfectly clear expression. No layers, no illusion nor false emotion comes between them and you. It's a perfect, brief connection, intense with rapt concentration. (Brief, because we don't fascinate animals: they see us once, for a second or two, then have other things to do and experience. And rapt because, I think, they spend their lives rapt -- spellbound.) After a few seconds the big jay flew off. Then his two lieutenants. Oh, the omen? Gee, I dunno_ Start Nothing: 10:30 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. Sun., 6:47 p.m. to 9:26 p.m. Tues., and 3:47 p.m. Thurs. to 8:14 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Since mid-August (when you might have made a first commitment or move toward another) relationships have trumped every other suit. So have such things as relocation, contracts, agreements, interactions with the public, and new opportunities. Some of this has been fired by a "false sun" - red and hot, instead of warm and benevolent. Now you or the other start experiencing second thoughts and indecision; a former mate or opportunity returns; and the "red and hot" of the last six weeks is replaced by warm, real relationship blossoming. Which means? Taurus April 20-May 20 Start nothing before October 15, especially in work, employment, machinery and health zones. Relationships are starting to grow more affectionate, but this week's only a foretaste of the romantic surprises to come! Tackle chores Sunday eve to Tuesday - after some glitches, you'll end on the accomplishment side. Relationships, opportunities (beware the new!) and challenges from others fill Wednesday/Thursday - and you end with the same old doubts. Ah, well - wait. Large finances, investments, intimacy, commitment and lifestyle changes lure you Friday/Saturday. You'll change your mind about these, so go slow. Gemini May 21-June 20 All the heat, assertiveness and determination about romance since mid-August fades late this week, to be replaced by a warm romantic blossoming that makes you realize the former state was - not exactly false, but - overdone? Thin? Off-base? Work goes well, and co-workers are affectionate, through October 17. But don't start any important projects, at work or elsewhere, before the 15th. An old flame might return - to your thoughts, at least, Sunday/Monday - but in the flesh, perhaps, any time now, but almost too late. Tackle chores Wednesday/Thursday. Relationships excite, surprise, Friday/Saturday! Cancer June 21-July 22 Start nothing new, project nor relationship, before October 15. Though you feel sluggish physically, and are inclined to spend your spare hours at home or in nature, especially Sunday-Tuesday, a mild romantic trend has already begun. You'll feel it Wednesday/Thursday, and late Friday begins six weeks of passion's intensity. At present, just dream, respond if lucky; but don't chase. You might have spent the past month or more laboring at a property, family, agricultural or similar project. Soon, this zone will grow on its own - little extra effort required! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Start nothing new - and buy nothing important - before October 15. Your home's atmosphere has grown affectionate over the last week. From Friday forward, though, it will be "sweet'n'sour." A legal or moral issue might enter to cause friction, into mid-November. Be gentle, understanding. Interesting short trips or newsy contacts enter Sunday to Tuesday. Home, property and security issues take center stage Wednesday/Thursday. Romance, creativity, beauty and pleasure visit you Friday/Saturday (but don't expect much Saturday afternoon). An old, flirty friend - or former optimistic goal - might return. It's light stuff. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Through October 15, buy nothing important - lemons surround you! Don't depend on your memory - make lists, file documents, re-read emails before you send, etc. Your communications with others grow sweeter, though, so mistakes will be overlooked, forgiven, especially Wednesday/Thursday. You're still tempted to make a sexy move, seek intimacy, or commit yourself in some other way (invest funds, commit to a program) - wait. Friday into mid-November will bring new ideas, new angles and views - probably making you glad you didn't commit yourself. Home, family and security need attention Friday/Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You remain indecisive, especially about legal, travel, cultural, publishing, media, love and ethical matters. That's okay, being so for two more weeks is far better than making a wrong decision or commitment. A Gemini or Virgo might be involved. Your money luck continues nicely. But Friday begins six weeks of heightened money flow - which can be good (coming in) or bad (much going out). Stem the tide. A partner or associate might be involved. DON'T spend before October 15 - it's wasted money. Your charisma and energy soar late Sunday-Tuesday! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Lie low, rest, contemplate and fulfill old obligations. One or two of those, long forgotten, are likely to return now. But don't accept any new obligations, start important new tasks, nor make any promises before October 15. Though you're weary (and should take frequent naps) you also glow with a soft charisma through October 17. Friday begins six weeks of heightened sexual magnetism, determination and assertiveness. So Friday to October 17 could attract an intense relationship! Careful October 18-21, when you could start a fight someone else will win. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 A former friend, "light" (flirty, inconsequential) lover, or social group could reappear through October 14. (Especially, perhaps, during a happy Sunday-Tuesday this week!) Friday onward, this might tempt you to start a clandestine or verboten love affair - one that would turn to bite you. Discretion, honesty best! If you have government or head office business to conduct, do it before October 18 - until then, beaurocrats favor you. But don't start any new, significant projects before October 15. Lie low, rest and contemplate Wednesday/Thursday. Your energy and charisma soar Friday/Saturday! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You feel indecisive about career and your relationship(s) with higher-ups, parents and VIPs, especially Sunday-Tuesday. If this makes you delay new starts, projects, meetings and/or commitments until after June 14, good! Your social scene has grown more affectionate and lucky lately - this continues to mid-October. Another influence enters this Friday to mid-November, to intensify social and group connections. The result: you're likely to drop one connection or circle, to join/form another. If not, you'll contemplate it, and start making your changes December into 2009, even into 2024. Happiness, Wednesday/Thursday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Start nothing before June 15, especially in romantic, legal, international, media, publishing, teaching, creative and cultural zones. Good things might come from the past in any of these areas, including an old flame. (Sunday to Tuesday stands out.) So might a hassle, especially in the legal arena - but legal difficulties, if they exist, will tend to dissolve after Friday. Higher-ups will be temperamental and impatient, Friday to mid-November, so put on your long-suffering humor hat. In general, you're protected this year and next. Social delights Friday/Saturday - but don't invest! Pisces Feb. 19-Mar. 20 The general accent lies on mystery, sexual urges, large finances, investments, lifestyle changes, health diagnoses, research, birth and death. Make no significant changes nor start any important projects before June 15. (Buying stocks is "important," unless you're a broker, etc.) Someone (or a document, message) from the past might return to reveal a secret or to make you see things differently - perhaps about a relationship. Friday begins six weeks of intensified opinions (on your part) - avoid legal hassles, but do spend on travel or education. Love is gentle, cerebral. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaws.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/