ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS AUGUST 23 – 29, 2009 All times/dates are PDT. Some VIRGOS have written to complain that, though I promised 2008 was the last of a long, problematic period, their luck hasn’t improved in 2009. Well…yes…okay. But in astrology everything is layered. One influence will last 12 years, another lasts a year, another two months, another 7 years. That’s the situation for Virgo. A 13-year-long period of domestic upheaval did pass in 2008. But two other influences remain – one, a 7-year gauntlet of tense, unpredictable (yet zany and fascinating) relationships, will fade out partly in 2010, wholly by 2011. (Yet, simultaneously, Jupiter in PISCES in 2010 will give Virgo great luck in relationships.) Another, the two-year influence of Saturn, brings deepened sobriety and seriousness into every Virgo’s life, and makes them perform everything slowly and carefully (other efforts “won’t stick”). This restrictive influence ends temporarily late October, resumes briefly in mid-2010, then dissolves for 29 years. So it’s hard to give one, simple forecast. You’ll never simply be lucky (or unlucky). Astrology that faithfully addresses life must be as layered and complicated as life itself. (You see how hard it is practice astrology?) But there are ways to work with these influences, to gain their benefit rather than fight their impositions. For example, Saturn brings Virgo restrictions now (2007-9) but this is also Virgo’s romantic planet, so it can introduce a deep, stable, slowly growing love – or a quiet but powerful creative streak. Saturn also, wherever sign it’s in, nudges the person to get serious about life, to work harder and achieve more. (LIBRA, the next recipient of Saturn, November 2009 to 2011, will experience the same demand for serious, hard-work, especially in property, farming, and domestic areas. If Librans live up to this demand, they will prosper.) LEO Barack Obama is a great example of someone turning a “negative” or restrictive influence into a bonus. Over the last 18 months Leos have suffered the Moon’s south node of difficult karma. (It’s past, now.) This influence tends to give a person grief for every moment of self-centeredness. Barack chose instead to go out of himself, to pursue an opportunity, a goal and public interaction – and succeeded not only splendidly, but historically. You CANCERS, who now play host to the south node, should take note! ....On the other foot, the 18 months ahead will not be easy for Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford, Will Ferrell, Camilla Parker Bowles (Prince Charles’ wife)...or the USA, Iraq, and Canada. Unless these people and nations seek to bond with others, they’ll run into difficulties. On the other hand, CAPRICORNS (and Spain, Sweden, Switzerland) should “walk away” from enmities, and be wary of forming bonds too quickly/easily, without significant forethought. Start Nothing: 11:10 a.m. to 12:16 p.m. Mon., 11:34 a.m. to 8:16 p.m. Wed., and 10:26 p.m. Fri. to 7:44 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 You’ve just passed a period of deception (or misperception) in romantic and/or friendship arenas. For some of you, past weeks brought a spiritual bonding or hints of a relocation “across water.” Forget a recent mistake in love or investing – but do learn from it. The month ahead focuses on work, health, machinery and care of dependents – this will take your mind off emotional associations. (But don’t forget them too soon – Sunday, and Monday forenoon, offer great luck in relationships, while Thursday/Friday demand “relationship awareness.”) Don’t argue Tuesday/Wednesday; be cool, diplomatic! Taurus April 20-May 20 A month of romance, creativity, speculative urges and pleasure arrives now! You’ll ride a winning streak! Romance might be a little slow and sober, but it also has marriage vibes “built-in.” During all this gratification, don’t forget your career and social standing – they’re lucky this year, and Sunday (and forenoon Monday) will show how. A money streak ends now – less comes in, but your expenses shrink, too. Work grows busier, you grow more restless, travel-prone, and yet your home grows more stable, affectionate. Make or accept changes Tuesday/Wednesday – diplomatically! Gemini May 21-June 20 A month of domesticity, security and retirement concerns, gardening, children and nutrition lies ahead. Make basic decisions about your life direction. Nurture associations and projects that are growing, cull those that have gone stale or dead-ended. Several minor influences change this week. Your thoughts (and words?) grow more romantic (and creative). A luxury or “sweet” purchasing trend flees, while a seven-week flow of “heated money” enters – you’ll receive more, but don’t spend wildly. Avoid a money scheme that would disadvantage another, especially as October approaches. Love’s sweet Sunday/Monday! Cancer June 21-July 22 The weeks ahead hold details, paperwork, travel, casual contacts, siblings, communications and variety. Do things quickly here, for by September (technically, the 6th) delays and indecision will enter. For the 18 months ahead, eagerly make contacts and cultivate relationships – reject ultra-independence or withdrawal. Chase opportunities rather than protect your position. Sunday (especially) and Monday bring luck to the home front – a property deal could be a winner! Romance draws you Monday-Wednesday, but flaws exist. There will be other opportunities: your sexual magnetism heats up now to October! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 For the next seven weeks, your legal position might not be good. So walk softly, observe, rather than shout for justice. You might also, same period, find your education, citizenship, life philosophy or yen for travel are met with restrictions. Bear these good-naturedly, or you could build to a winter/spring explosion! You grow more talkative into September; your personality radiates affection and grace, and attracts the same! The weeks ahead emphasize money, spending, earning, possessions, memory, and sensual attractions. Get accounts, taxes, etc. in order now, as September brings delays and mistakes. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You charisma, energy and luck rise to a nice peak over the weeks ahead, Virgo! I haven’t used the word “effectiveness” because September starts a series of slow-downs, mistakes and indecisions that will affect first your money and purchases, and second, your personal decisions and commitments. If you have anything important to start or accomplish (especially in monetary and personal zones) tackle it quickly. Your money luck soars Sunday through Monday morning – it might be now or never! The month ahead also brings sweet moments of solitude, luck with government, and hope about sex. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Retreat, lie low and rest. Find a place of sweet solitude. Deal with old obligations, government agencies, institutions, charities and confidential situations. All this, for 4 weeks. But this is not your typical “September shut in” phase – you’ll be more restless and talkative than usual, and friends will seek you out. (New social contacts made now are more intrinsically valuable than those of the last 18 months.) You’ll be assertively ambitious for 7 weeks. This could strain a partnership, and incur the ire of bosses. But it could also bring OPPORTUNITY. Act now (especially Sunday/Monday!) as September brings delays. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 The month ahead brings optimism, happiness, social joys, flirtations, and could fulfill a wish (perhaps involving office systems, communications or transportation—e.g., a new car – but it will come slowly, and you’ll – willingly enough – pay for it.) Bosses and parents will favour you, through mid-late September. You’ll be involved in closed-door sessions. You might experience a secret sexual attraction. For 7 weeks, avoid legal hassles. Your job might send you to school, a foreign country, or onto the lecture circuit! Buy stocks, real estate Sunday. Someone’s troubles could create your love. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 The weeks ahead feature ambition, business, prestige relations, status in the community, and your parenting role. Nothing will come swiftly, easily nor “free” in this zone through October – in fact September brings delays and mistakes in this and other zones. Despite this, you can advance (ultimately, toward bigger earnings); and the more serious you are, the better the progress. You’ll be helped in the month ahead by affectionate wisdom and happy social interactions. Charge into the latter Sunday, Monday morning! Take care mid-week with finances, sex and commitment – big changes lurk! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Relationships grow “white hot” Tuesday to October. But love’s gentleness flows over you during the weeks ahead, producing various effects: understanding, empathy, a wider vision of the world, cultural involvements – and perhaps marriage! These are serious, deep, steady – no overnight breakthroughs here. In fact, September will bring slowdowns and indecision, so you’d be smart to dive quickly into anything you want to accomplish – September 2 will be your last chance to begin, and even then you might be too late. Seize lucky career/ambition opportunities Sunday to Monday morn. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Finances and intimate relationships blossom over the month ahead. It’s slow, serious, with sober restrictions, but it’s there, and growing. At the same time, your involvements become more affectionate and agreeable. You might also talk/think of marriage or other cultural events (film festivals, foreign travel, higher education, etc.) – but all these will run into indecision and delays through September. If you want to accomplish something in this love, marriage or cultural arena, dive in immediately, Sunday through Monday morning. Work grows more hectic, consequential, to mid-October. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 A month of important emotional and business relationships begins, though you could almost feel, at times, that the important things have been done, that you’re “starting at the end.” Work mates will be affectionate, fun. But other bonds/opportunities are complex: Tuesday to mid-October brings a powerful streak of romantic passion; or, in business, speculation. That’s good, but on deeper levels, sexual embrace, lifestyle changes, financial commitment, you’ll meet indecision, mistakes or delays in September. If you want success here (sex, business or investments) dive in this lucky Sunday/Monday! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timsetphens@shaw.ca. /30/