PrFont34Bin0BinSub0Frac0Def1Margin0Margin0Jc1Indent1440Lim0Lim1ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2009 All times/dates are PDT. I hate to talk about the stock markets again, but as the markets go, so does the economy, hence jobs, houses, families, et al. Our region (Vancouver) experienced a sudden surge of house buying (with multiple bids) in May. The stock markets, too, went on an upward binge. Both these, I think, were a result of Mercury retrograde in the money sign Taurus - we "revisited" earlier, optimistic times. I think the buoyancy will last, though not so intensely, through June and July. August becomes questionable, September "dangerous." In September Saturn, the planet of practicality, realistic boundaries and economic cycles, hits a difficult aspect with Uranus, the planet of high-tech, rebellion, and surprises. This aspect occurred earlier, in February/09, marking the January-March market crash. The same aspect, in late 2008, sparked the entire winter decline. The "September crisis" is likely to be much milder than the winter of 08/09, partly because we've learned some things, and are used to the problems, and partly because this aspect occurs all on its own (i.e., is "separated" from the other two by seven months). But, a big but, Saturn, that planet of economic cycles, runs into an even bigger problem (with Pluto) in November/09, January/February 2010, and August 2010. Pluto is in charge of all the government's restructuring of economic hierarchies you see about you - the TARP payments, the interference in banking, the de facto nationalization of GMC and Chrysler, etc. I warned about this tendency to restructure hierarchies; it's a major trend, continuing into 2024. From Nov./09 through Aug./10 the economy (Saturn) and the governmental restructuring (Pluto), rather than co-operating, will start "fighting" each other. Either the economy will prevent further government-inspired, dictatorial changes, or the changes will pull the rug out from under the economy, perhaps causing a collapse. (By the "economy" I mean factories, stores, bakeries, house prices, all our everyday efforts to survive and thrive - our workaday world.) Unfortunately, that ain't all. Uranus hits a difficult aspect with Pluto from 2010 through 2014, with lingering "threats" (that won't come true) in 2015. This long, powerful aspect is not essentially economic - but it might bring huge (even beneficial) upheavals to high tech, and could trigger a war by hierarchies against "rebellious" movements or populations. Uranus rules violent, zealous, idealistic and rebellious groups, while Pluto rules gangsterism and the will to use any means, legal or not, to eliminate threats (in this case to a hierarchy). The effects on our everyday economy of such a major stress are not likely to be benign. So make money now, but preserve your options long-term. Start Nothing: 1:32 a.m. to 8:17 a.m. Mon., 11:00 a.m. to 3:44 p.m. Wed., and 7:18 p.m. Fri. to 1:24 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 The accent lies on communications, travel, casual friendships, errands, paperwork and details. It's a busy but not important time. Extra money flows to you, through June 11. But this flow can "reverse" (and empty your bank account) if you splurge on luxuries or pursue wasteful projects. Every day, think "save," not "spend!" You'll accomplish wonders if you dive into chores Sunday. (All recent delays are over.) Relationships face a stubborn, perhaps subsurface denial or opposition Monday, but they lounge into a happy compatibility Tuesday/Wednesday. Investments are NOT profitable Wednesday-Friday. Taurus April 20-May 20 Chase money, buy/sell, seek new clients and reconnect with old ones. Recent delays and indecisions end - as if this was a cue, you suddenly become talkative, alert, romantic (Sunday!) and ready to risk. Delayed payments come through. Your monetary and sensual instincts rise, as does your magnetism and will power - strongly now, powerfully next week onward! Work and machinery need caution Monday, succeed Tuesday/Wednesday. Relationships could be a door to destiny mid-week. But DON'T gamble, with hearts or money. (Because the short-range succeeds, but the long-term won't.) Mysteries, Saturday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Recent delays, missteps and indecision have ended. Charge forward now and for three weeks ahead - ask favours, seek attention, start significant projects. You're on a roll, especially in publishing, far travel, higher education, cultural and legal affairs, love and religion! Romantic forays would be rebuffed the first thirteen hours of Monday (with inexplicable resentment - this person is not for you). Later, love wins! All week, you build to a property, family, security, retirement or child-related "recognition of reality." Good - recognize, accept, then act. (But don't invest before June 8.) Cancer June 21-July 22 Lie low through June 20. Dress, eat and rest sensibly. Contemplate, plan, hold closed-door meetings, seek therapy, contact governments, agencies and institutions, and get involved in charitable or spiritual pursuits. Despite your yearning for solitude and peace, you'll be invited, called, and leaned upon for social projects. This week, your career or ambitions propel these social activities; next week, your family and friends join in. Ah, well - get as much rest as you can. A friendly romance or flirtation might begin. Reject triangles! All week, avoid travel and gossip. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Delays and indecision end, especially in career, parenting and prestige situations. The weeks ahead combine ambition and dealings with higher-ups (expect action, demands, impatience and rewards - more successfully after June 5) and a bonanza of social delights, entertainment, wish fulfillment, flirtations, popularity (even fame) and all-round optimism! Chase money or make purchases Sunday (then be cautious the remaining six days). Travel, communications and casual friendships hit subtle glitches Monday daytime, but succeed later through Wednesday morn. Settle into home, or visit people in cafes, homes, or seek nature, Wednesday-Friday. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Be yourself Sunday - charge ahead, make an ambitious move - forget shyness! The delays and indecision of May are over. (Even if you feel indecisive Sunday, act - your instincts will pick the right road.) Monday noon hints that money habits (and sources) have to change. But later, and Tuesday/Wednesday, you can spend, earn, find new clients or otherwise succeed with finances. Be ambitious all June - don't be too conservative, prudent, or others won't feel like investing in you. So talk, display your ideas, Wednesday to Friday. Seek home, rest, Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 June's sweet, mellow mood has already wafted into your days. The barriers and indecision of May are over, so proceed into philosophical, intellectual, cultural, publishing, far travel, legal, love, higher learning, and similar pursuits. Love is tricky - your lust level rises two notches this month. This can simply trigger great sex. But it can also inspire extramarital attractions, changes in relationships, or prompt you to confuse sex/security with love. A deep curiosity spawns research, detective work, investment actions, etc. DON'T harm your reputation this week, nor buy real estate. Scorpio Oct.23-Nov. 21 Relationships and mysteries fill the weeks ahead. At first (this week) they'll frustrate or involve work or health. But next week onward, the mysteries will turn sweet (spurring affections) profitable, or otherwise lucky! The delays past weeks end now, so you can march forward, especially in financial, sexual, lifestyle, relationship, relocation, negotiation, fame, contractual or similar zones. But carefully: Sunday brings success (socially and in research and communication) but the seven days hold some risk - DON'T invest, make a lifestyle change, pursue intimacy, seek pregnancy or gossip - guard your reputation. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Relationships, in business and love, enmity and friendship, fill the weeks ahead. The indecisions and delays of May - either on your part or another's - end now. You should pursue a person or opportunity, unless you first encountered him/her/it in the last three weeks. Do the pursuing, as others hold the cards and resources. You'll succeed best with work-related relationships for most of June. Your work and health spheres race forward - a co-worker romance might brew. If so, tread carefully. Chase ambitions Sunday - you'll succeed! Happiness, maybe love, visits Tuesday/Wednesday! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Work and health issues face you for the weeks ahead - recent delays are over, so march confidently ahead. Take chores in both hands. Delays and indecision also end in a romantic, speculative, creative or pleasure-oriented situation - here, will power and a major decision replaces past uncertainty. Next week onward, sweet affection will also rush in to join hands with that determination. A love affair might be brewing! However, this week puts chores uppermost. You might even break off a romance (temporarily?) to get your work done. Happiness visits, Wednesday-Friday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Recent delays end. Charge forward with home, security, real estate, parenting, retirement - and romantic, creative, speculative, pleasure, sports and beauty issues. These two zones (home, security and romance, creativity) form a complex mix now to early July. Don't look too far afield for love - it could be waiting in your "back yard." Similarly, a thriving romance might start growing domestic, comfy more than passionate. Deep matters - sex, intimacy, research, commitment, investments, debt, health - succeed Sunday, but NOT June 1 to 7. Be cautious. Love, wisdom, travel, legal success Tuesday/Wednesday! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 The accent lies on home, security, property, parenting, retirement, gardening, nutrition and similar "down home" themes. Recent delays and indecision end. Perhaps you never thought one of your decisions might revolve around whether or not to end a relationship or "supportive" situation. You'll feel - or events will nudge you toward - the "ending" side this week. If you don't like that, then wait until June 8 onward to contemplate your stance. It's NOT a good week to start a new relationship. Research uncovers value Monday eve to Wednesday! Wisdom, Wednesday/Thursday. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. Readings: 604-261-1337. /30/