ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS DECEMBER 16 – 22, 2012 All times/dates are PST. I dunno, Obama’s recent actions involving the “fiscal cliff” give me pause. Obama’s a Leo with a GEMINI Moon, so he loves talking and attention. It’s natural for him to make a show of the fiscal cliff problem, to negotiate in public, to speechify and try to get public opinion on his side, his reasoning being that public pressure will push the Republican congress to compromise and work out a deal with him. But when have the Republicans ever worried about public opinion? In the last election they cared so little about it that they lost – even Romney, who is very sensitive to the public and knows how to change his mind to jump on the bandwagon – could not save them. Romney didn’t lose the election: the Republicans did, with their stiff-necked disdain for the average Joe. Had the Republican core had their way, they would have lost by a much larger margin. So I think Obama’s on the wrong track. I think he should have gone silent (or extremely diplomatic) on the cliff, which would show respect for the losing party. After that first warm “we’re all buddies” press conference with Republican leader Boehner, perhaps Obama should have begun an “in camera” round of negotiations. Boehner is a SCORPIO, as stubborn as Obama. You can seldom publicly belittle or “dare” a Scorpio, then expect him/her to softly fold into your version of the universe. Obama’s prods can only get Boehner’s (and his Republicans’) backs up. You can’t intimidate a Scorpio, either. Right now, Obama’s at the tipping point: he has to retreat into good manners and good negotiations, and stop the “pushy” public statements, warnings, jabs and teasing. Remember the children’s story about the sun and the wind? The wind bragged that he could strip a man of his coat faster than the sun could. You’re on, said the sun. So the wind huffed, puffed, blew cold and sheer – but the man only pulled his coat tighter around him. The sun then said, Let me. He shone warmly – so warmly, the man took his coat off himself.... In Canada, we face a long decline in the value of our oil. The “eastern” pipeline proposal, to ship oil from the prairies to the Atlantic coast, is a perfect short-term solution, as it will permit the country to sell at the world price (presently about $ 110 per barrel) and stop selling to the U.S. at the “captive” north American price (about $ 87 per barrel). British Columbia, with its TAURUS Moon, will likely not allow the Enbridge pipeline to cross its province (to ship oil to Asia). Taurus is gentle and velvet but extremely stubborn, and loves nature, the earth. The Moon governs the general population, and the land. Start Nothing: 10:11 a.m. to 4:48 p.m. Mon., 9:19 p.m. to 11:43 p.m. Wed., and 4:57 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 This week starts with hope – perhaps too much hope, as your logic weakens in the face of fond feelings or fond fantasies. Still, enjoy the friendship, popularity and happiness Sunday/Monday. By Monday eve, retreat to plan, contemplate, and rest. You might experience a philosophical difference with someone, or a snag in dealing with government or institutions Tuesday, but Wednesday holds a sparkling love attraction, or a smooth breakthrough in legal, educational or travel zones. Your energy and charisma come roaring back Thursday into Saturday morning – start something ambitious. Taurus April 20-May 20 Focus on career, business, your ambitions and prestige relationships Sunday/Monday. Though this is a quiet, deep month, involving big decisions in lifestyle, finances and intimacy, lighter notes come midweek, as entertainment, popularity, friends and optimism buoy your spirits. Thursday through Saturday morning, though, seek solitude and quiet; rest, contemplate and plan. This interval might bring a new, lucky idea involving your career, government or head office (or some authority) and the fruits of research, detective work. An investment or financial manoeuvre might be involved. Gemini May 21-June 20 This is your last week of exciting meetings, new opportunities and new horizons (perhaps relocation). Take advantage – make contacts, travel, call, make your bid. You feel wise and loving Sunday/Monday – but don’t blend a love relationship (even worse, a secret or collusive link) with your ambitions/career. By Monday night through Wednesday your actions and reputation will be scrutinized by higher-ups: if you pass, success follows. Be cautious to Tuesday noon, then pursue your goals. You could meet a new love Wednesday. Thursday/Friday bring light romance, social joy and new hopes. Cancer June 21-July 22 This is your last week of drudgery. Tackle all chores, get them out of the way, because several new opportunities and friendship prospects will arise Friday into late January. You’ll want your energy and time to be free for these. Sunday/Monday feature investments, debt, large finances, sexual urges, subconscious desires, health diagnosis and lifestyle decisions. Midweek emphasizes far travel, wisdom, learning, gentle love. It also brings splendid career/work luck and inspiration (Wednesday). More emphasis on your career, community status, Thursday/Friday. Saturday, happiness! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 This is your last week of “heavy romance” or deep creativity, Leo, so don’t waste it. (By “heavy,” I mean deep or significant.) Sunday/Monday bring partnership prospects, exciting meetings, new horizons, opportunities – and potential opposition, even enmity. You might be deceiving yourself about the chances of sex with someone very attractive. Be aware, astute. Midweek emphasizes sex, intimacy, large finances, changes and commitment. True love’s possible – you might even agree to wed. Wisdom, a mellow mood, culture, rituals, far travel, learning – and love – flow Thursday/Friday. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 It’s the last week of emphasis on your home, on security, real estate, kids/parents, retirement, etc. Though this zone begins to fade now in terms of big projects, demands and burdens, it now begins to bless you with sweet results and affection, especially Wednesday. However, don’t try to force “home delights” on a partner or prospective mate Sunday. (This day and Monday are for chores: eat and dress sensibly.) Midweek brings exciting meetings, new opportunities. Thursday to Saturday feature sexual urges, financial luck. Friday begins a month of romance, risk and pleasure. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 The fast pace of paperwork, travel, errands and calls continues – until Friday, when a month of deeper, domestic concerns will begin. Sunday/Monday are romantic – take a risk, collect your reward. Applies in love, and money too. But beware misunderstanding the import of a remark or message about work or health-related drugs. DON’T buy machinery. Midweek brings many chores (tackle them) – and a possible heart-thumping development in love. You might meet a new mate, or “rediscover” one. Thursday/Friday emphasize co-operation, opportunities, barriers and enmity – pick the positive. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Continue to chase money or collect possessions, Scorpio. Friday begins a month that won’t contain the same solidity of reward – so go all out before that day. Sunday/Monday feature home, security, foundations. Don’t let a love of money (or possessiveness) interfere with a slowly blossoming romance or creative project. Midweek emphasizes romance, adventure, risk, self-expression, love, teaching, beauty, pleasure and creativity – but it also offers “sweet luck” (Wednesday) in work/money. (In some cases, sudden love.) Tackle chores Thursday/Friday. Saturday brings money opportunity. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Your energy, charisma and effectiveness remain high, Sage. Remain focused on big, important projects, people, relationships. Let the small, the details, paperwork, etc., wait until February – but tackle the most pressing of these Sunday/Monday. In past weeks you’ve attracted attention (don’t blame me if you’ve hidden from it). Now to January 7 you radiate a subtle charm that can turn friends into lovers, competitors into friends. Remember, until June/12 you have to be the chaser in love and money (if you want luck). Home, midweek. Romance, creativity Thursday/Friday – risk it! Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Stay quiet, restful, contemplative until Friday – then one of the best months of your year begins. Until then, plan near-future actions/projects. Chase money Sunday/Monday. A sensual attraction might lure you, but deception or illusion can make you uncertain of your footing, or bring an element of gossip or “sneaking around.” Midweek brings errands, casual friends, paperwork (and newspapers) – drive carefully, as you’re a bit weary. Head home Thursday/Friday – Thursday for rest, Friday for getting ready to launch. Saturday your energy rises: chase romance or grab an opportunity. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Enjoy your social life while you can – Friday brings a month of quietude, rest and recuperation, thinking and planning. But until then, the social delights continue! Your energy and charisma draw others Sunday/Monday: start things. But shop only carefully: (mild) deception invades money matters. Midweek, chase money, pursue new clients, etc. Buy electrical, auto or computer items afternoon Tuesday to 2 p.m. (PST) Wednesday. Siblings, casual friends, trips, calls, visits, news, errands and paperwork fill Thursday/Friday. Friendship might turn to romance. Home, rest, Saturday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Remain ambitious, Pisces. Put your best self forward for bosses, parents, other VIPs – they will favour you now to early January. Be restful, quiet, contemplate and plan, Sunday/Monday. A parent or child might do you a favour – or argue. Your energy and magnetism rise nicely midweek – be bold, see and be seen, ask favours, start projects and relationships (before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday). Your money luck rises briefly Thursday/Friday. Avoid engine/electronic/computer purchases Thursday afternoon. Friday begins a month of social delights, flirtations, wish fulfillment and optimism! www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-886-4808. /30/