ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS NOVEMBER 4 – 10, 2012 All times/dates are PST (Pacific Standard Time). Mercury retrogrades Tuesday and stays that way until November 26. During this interval, none of us should start significant projects – don’t buy (or list) a house, new car, washing machine, TV, computer (or software) etc. Don’t initiate an important relationship, partnership, business venture; don’t start a garden, build a road, begin renovations or construction. Etc. During Mercury retrograde our thinking is fuzzy; we often skip essential steps or fail to see crucial factors, which forces us, later, to start again, run in continual circles, or abandon the venture. On the plus side, Mercury’s retro can bring past connections, projects, ideas or desires into prominence – and these are usually free of the retrograde effect. Whether these “returnees from the past” are beneficial or not, depends on other factors. In general, if they were beneficial in the past, or negative in the past, they will be so again. For SAGITTARIUS and GEMINI this retro can bring back an ex-partner, or a long lost opportunity. For SCORPIO and PISCES, the story’s much the same – an old flame burns bright. For CANCER and CAPRICORN, an old friend might reappear. In all these, look at the relationship: if it broke up because it was toxic, it remains toxic. But if breaking up was a mistake (of youth, circumstance, blindness, etc.) then that mistake might be sweetly corrected now. I often receive emails during a Mercury retro, asking if the writer can still start a new job. Listen, if you need the money, a job landed in a mercury-retro period is far better than no job. But if you do start a job in the retro interval, think of it as a way-station on your journey to a more suitable position later.... The U.S. election occurs the very day Mercury turns retrograde. Re-thinking, cautious steps, and unintended consequences will mark the next four years. Who will win Election Day? Probably Obama. But nothing’s sure: the Moon’s in his (LEO) sign, bringing power and charisma. But the Sun’s in Mitt’s 9th sign (and his Moon sign) which is often a conduit to higher office and fame – more clues in their messages below. Remember I promised to add some emoticons sent me by a lady (Maria R. A.) in Finland? My mistake, she’s really in Iceland – Reykjavik. In Maria’s own words: “I use *blush* sometimes, and think it's really cute. When I want to convey a sense of being starry-eyed or innocent I use *.* My personal emoticon, that my friends all know me by is this: ~.~ which is a look of serenity. Recently I've been using this: ~°~ for Buddha consciousness, and sometimes ~*~ for an alert third eye.” Start Nothing: 1:37 a.m. Sun. to 11:39 a.m. Mon., 7:27 a.m. to 8:35 p.m. Wed., and 4:27 p.m. Fri. to 1:35 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 The accent lies on depths, mysteries, lifestyle changes, sexual urges, large finances, partnership finances, and commitment. It’s an all-or-nothing time. New relationships (formed in the last year) either grow deeper, or break apart. Your subconscious rises to the surface, letting you understand or glimpse your motives, true desires, even your destiny. Start nothing new before November 26. An old flame might “appear” in the ten days ahead; after that, a former lust object or financial or lifestyle idea might return. If good then, good again. Romance colours Monday-Wednesday. Taurus April 20-May 20 The general accent lies on relationships, opportunities and challenges, co-operation and disunity, allies and enemies. Relocation might appeal. However, do not start anything important, especially in these areas, before November 26. Until then, a relationship from the past might re-appear and grow important, presenting you with a choice. Safest approach: don’t make any decisions before late November. Sunday’s for superficial things. Focus on home, security and property Monday to Wednesday (but don’t buy anything). Romance, creativity visit late week. Chores, Saturday: be safe. Gemini May 21-June 20 Start nothing new before November 26, Gemini. An opportunity (and/or relationship) from the past might re-appear in the days ahead, but by next week the things returning are chores. You might have to redo something at your place of employment, or fill in at a former position. Watch schedules and supplies: disruptions and delays are likely, so plan well ahead, and have a back-up arrangement. Buy nothing Sunday. (It would prove useless.) Travel, communicate Monday-Wednesday. Be home, attend to family, property, security late week. Romance, Saturday? (Better in evening, night.) Cancer June 21-July 22 Romance, adventure, creativity, beauty, pleasure, sports and games fill the weeks ahead. Not this week, but the next two, could bring an old flame. Judge whether this is worth taking up again. What were the original problems? Your energy and charisma ride high Sunday – but don’t start any important new relationships (old flames excluded) or projects before November 26. Chase money, buy and sell Monday to Wednesday – but don’t buy big or expensive things. Travel, communications lure you late week (Thursday best). Be patient: answers can take a long time. Home, family Saturday. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Lie low, rest and think Sunday, Leo. Your energy and charisma bounce back Monday to Wednesday. You attract admiration and ride a wee winning streak these three days. (It would be stronger if this month were not so domestic and “ending-oriented.” Still, it’s probably enough to put you over the top – or rescue you. Obama’s a Leo.) Still, until November 26, it’s not a good idea to begin anything significant, buy anything important, nor initiate a relationship. An old love affair or a favorite child might return – it’s good, but short. Chase money late week: but buy nothing important. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Start/buy/love nothing new before November 26, Virgo. Until then, you’re not seeing all elements of a situation or project. This leads to minor delays or mistakes with ongoing ventures, but proves deadly to new ones, if started during this interval. Do old or ongoing things only, especially in home and career zones. You might revisit an old haunt. Sunday’s useless but fun – enjoy! Retreat, lie low Monday to Wednesday. Re-examine all planned action: any flaws? Your energy and charisma surge upward late week. A career-money plum awaits your pluck! Buy NOTHING significant Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You might feel ambitious Sunday, but your efforts would be wasted – relax. Now to November 26, do not launch any new enterprises, whether in business, practical or family affairs, or love. They would tend to run in circles and never “finish.” Old ventures, circumstances might re-appear in the next three weeks, especially in intellectual, learning, travel or governmental zones. If these are obligations, handle them. If opportunities, examine once, then grab ‘em. A former money opening might return next week or the next. Social delights arrive Monday-Tuesday. Retreat, contemplate late week. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your energy, charisma and pizzazz ride a wave of joy to late month, Scorpio – enjoy it! But don’t start new projects of any kind, especially in financial, sexual and social spheres. Stick to the on-going, or reprise past, abandoned projects – these can succeed. Your heightened magnetism might attract someone from your past, particularly next week. Watch for mistakes, check your bank account, repeat instructions or phone numbers. You’re ambitious Monday-Wednesday: but remember, nothing new. Social joys, popularity, light romance and delicious optimism visit you late week. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Lie low, rest and contemplate, Sage. Your energy reserves are low. Take care of your “nest” (and nest egg). DON’T start new projects or relationships before November 26. Past contacts and ongoing obligations/work roles are best. A former relationship could appear – good, all things being equal, before November 14; not so good for love, good for therapy and confessions November 14 onward. Someone could make your heart rise happily late week. Research or rest Sunday. Your intellect awakens Monday to Wednesday. Ambitions, authorities figure prominently Thursday/Friday: behave! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Wishes can come true over the next three weeks, Cap – old wishes. At least one or two joys from the past will appear – a former light, fun romance, a past group of friends, a formerly planned then abandoned social, convention or political event, a former bright plan. You’re happy! But DO NOT start new projects or relationships, especially in these zones before November 26. Relax, worship Sunday. Mysteries, financial and sexual urges appear Monday-Wednesday. DO NOT commit. Travel, intellectual and legal areas are highlighted late week. Saturday’s ambitious: night time’s best. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Your career, ambitions, status and reputation are highlighted this month. (You seldom care about reputation because you’re usually innocent of bad motives.) A former career role might return. In all areas, avoid starting new projects, plans or relationships before November 26. Instead, stick with ongoing situations, and protect these from mistakes, misunderstandings, missed meetings or supply shortages. A former friend might return briefly, to point the way. Exciting meetings, relationships fill early week (not Sunday). Mysteries and sexual, financial urges visit late week. Pisces February 19-March 20 Your dreams, plans and intellect turn backward into the land of revision this week to November 26 – start nothing important before that date. (This is Mitt’s sun sign.) Instead, address missing factors, read and research, and stick with ongoing projects and relationships – or reprise past situations and links. Sunday’s sweet, romantic, pleasurable, but with little result. Tackle routine chores Monday to Wednesday. Your relationships, good and difficult, fill Thursday/Friday (Thursday better). An investment-property deal, or sexy-security attraction, lights up mid-to-late week. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. /30/