Astrological Report for April 2009

April's menu is full of spice and there's a need to go with the flow as events come out of nowhere around mid-month. Adopt a cautious attitude whilst savouring all the variety that life has to offer

PLANET REPORT: Tension mounts as Mars first opposes restrictive Saturn on the 5th, bringing situations to a crescendo, and then closes in on revolutionary Uranus on the 16th, sparking off a rather unusual two-year cycle. This simultaneously held back but high voltage set of aspects is likely to be very obvious for those people who have mid-month birthdays in March, June, September and December but Virgoans and Pisceans will feel particularly singled out! Have patience dear people as this is one of the harder months of the year but will soon pass. Try to strike a delicate balance when sudden and unexpected events propel us into new directions of activity since it will be hard to know where this change will lead to with Mars in a fugitive, free-floating state in Pisces. From the 24th on-the-run Mars finds a safe harbour in its own sign Aries and that’s when we will see an inkling of a pattern emerging and the results of what has taken place in early April. Enthusiasm and optimism are sure to rise by month’s end. Until then this can be a highly creative mix where we can put an inventive touch on our lives and interests but there is also the chance that we can act without really considering the consequences simply because we are trying to invoke change in the stale situations signified by Saturn on the 5th. And since we are hotwired emotionally and will find it difficult to buffer ourselves against stress, tiredness and fatigue, we can easily find ourselves acting or reacting harshly or rashly. Try to relax and pull back as much as possible. Physical - but carefully undertaken - exercise is a top priority since internal energy can build up and pool too quickly thereby providing fuel for any outbursts or conflicts; there could also be an increase in addictive behaviour and its costly consequences. Like attracts like now and if we are feeling a certain way chances are we will draw people and situations that will provide the outlet so try to mould and shape thoughts in a positive direction despite the adversities. Venus in Mars’ sign Aries moves into Pisces on the 11th and turns direct on the 18th – this signifies that unfinished business resurfaces from the 11th and a turning point occurs on the 18th; however we need to wait for Venus to gather her strength once more. Lunar activity is gentle this month thank goodness - the Full Moon on the 10th at 2:57am (NZT) in the sign of balance and compromise, Libra, trines Jupiter and is supportive of positive thinking and humanitarian ideals. The New Moon on the 25th (NZT) in Taurus at 3:24pm is a very fertile lunation and a great time for planting seeds that will take deeply in the future. The trick is to keep on nurturing and caring despite the upheavals and restrictions earlier in the month.

ARIES: Wow, what a lot of action in your sign as your birthday year takes hold Aries. Happy birthday! And even though a new cycle has commenced with the last New Moon in your sign on March 27th, it will be from April 23rd, when Mars moves into his own sign, that energy and vitality truly arrives. In the meantime, there is a lot of old ground to cover in relationships and your personal health and wellbeing as well as fiscal matters before you can move ahead. It’s all about what you value and treasure in your life in terms of time and energy and of going over issues and putting them to rest once and for all. This will be further accentuated around the Full Moon of the 10th when a delicate relationship issue comes to a head – avoid making too many judgements and long term decisions then but do resolve to find ways to tackle complications. While this month will tend to be volatile and cramped, on a personal level you can afford to be highly creative in your attitude.

TAURUS: The last month of your birthday year has once again arrived and with your personal New Moon occurring on the 25th and the Sun moving into your sign at 10:45am on the 20th, this is the month to work diligently behind the scenes in preparation for the new beginnings that will soon become apparent. Mercury moves into your sign on the 10th and this bodes well for thinking and calculating as well as communicating ideas that have been incubating over the past month. Wait until after the 25th to implement plans but even then it could take until June to really get going as May will be the month to finish old business before money and work matters can truly be ironed out. Leave a wide berth in distracting friendship or group issues around the 16th when disruptions and odd situations arise. Stand back and be reserved in your judgement as there will be more facts that come to light and an unusual twist around the 16th. It’s a time of allowing space and letting people be themselves! A travel issue will take a new road by the 25th.

GEMINI: April is a wobbly month with all sorts of potholes within your family and career sectors. Use this time wisely to sort the wheat from the chafe as unexpected factors wash your carefully laid plans into the sea of confusion that is around this month. Try to be as clear as you possibly can rather than leaving others to second guess; by the same token make sure you are on the same page as others and have clearly understood their intentions or needs. And above all count to ten when reacting to people who orbit within your career or parental spheres as this is very much a short-fuse month and yet things need to change for the better. It’s the way the change occurs that is of significance and around the 16th there will be evidence of what and how this will take place. The biggest dilemma now is that we may all tend to react to restrictive situations in a revolutionary way thereby undoing all the good work that has taken place so far, even if this is not evident on the surface.

CANCER: A sea change happens this month with regard to publicity ventures, travel, an educational pursuit or your beliefs and ideologies when unexpected events occur in the lead up to the 16th that shake your worldview. These events, people or situations that appear - seemingly out of nowhere - will be a learning experience that could lead to a career turnaround from the 23rd. You will certainly be reassessing your values and trying different creative approaches from the 11th but it may be wise to wait a little bit longer before confirming a course of action. A brother, sister, aunt, uncle or close neighbour could bring news that changes everything around the 5th; or it could be that everything hinges on an important letter, email, text, fax or phone call at this time - better to prepare for the most practical of responses to a pressing issue than expect everything to fall into place easily. Life is very complicated now so easy answers are few and far between. That’s why it is important to take the adjustments around the 16th very slowly.

LEO: The world of travel, education, publishing and publicity is very important to you now as that will be your key to the future but after the 11th you will need to revisit a property, business or finance issue that has even longer term repercussions. Ever so slowly you are building or rebuilding your fiscal life but this month there are other people or parties to consider so agreements and bargains need to be struck with great care. It’s all in the details Leo so take your time and read the fine print as there is too much room for confusion when situations take a sudden turn. At the same time, concentrate on the opportunities that could arise from the people you meet during the course of your professional life because by the New Moon of the 25th life will take off in fertile directions both professionally and in your public life. After the 24th you can return to the bigger picture.

VIRGO: Like Pisces, your sign is in the direct firing line of the restrictive but disruptive qualities that Saturn, Mars and Uranus will play out between each other during the first half of April, especially around the 5th and the 16th. It’s been a long haul having sombre Saturn trawl through your sign since September 2007 but the end is in sight and there are only six more months to endure before he moves into Libra (though there will be some unfinished business to tie up between April and July 2010). This month it will be very important to keep the longer term picture in mind as April will be one of those months where turning points and realities will seem to become obvious. But because there’s a danger that you are developing tunnel vision due to the length of time you have been involved in a certain project, situation or relationship it is important that you accept nothing at face value if you sense something is not quite right in an important liaison. It could be that the people you are involved with are shaping your perceptions from their standpoint or agendas or simply because of the stresses in your life and either way it is important that you proceed with cautious steps.

LIBRA: You are at the half-way point of your birthday year already Libra so this is the ideal time to take stock of how life has been shaping up since last October. Your personal Full Moon occurs on the 10th and this brings many conclusions to personal situations as well highlighting the state of play of your health and well-being. For some of you, the workplace will be the area where dramas and conflicts reveal the weak spots that we are all discovering at some area of our lives, and you may be taken by surprise at just what is happening here. Some developments could purely be a reaction to the stresses of big work loads but in other cases there may be a real reason to work through issues as calmly as possible. For stay-at-home Librans, the daily grind could prove just as exhausting as a full time job but without the pay, appreciation or kudos and for either scenario – work or home - it is important now to take time to simply “be” without doing. Step back and look at the confusion from a distance.

SCORPIO: If you are involved in an on-going situation with a child, an investment or creative project that hinges on a group effort - or even sports or leisure activities - then you could find that April brings unique twists and turns that throw you off balance. Proceed with caution rather than laying down one set of rules after another in an attempt to control a situation that is quickly turning to custard. It will be hard – especially around the 5th and the 16th - but pulling back and allowing a breathing space will be much better than charging in full steam ahead as this will only result in the opposite of what you are trying to achieve. This is an insecure month for a lot of signs and it may not always be obvious what is going on in people’s lives and minds. You can find out so much more with good communication and an open mind. From the 18th the tide will slowly begin to turn so that by May life will be that much more transparent. The New Moon of the 25th will also be significant and a relationship, pact or agreement will head off in a new direction.

SAGITTARIUS: You walk a fine line this month between domestic and professional life but it will be home where your attentions should be concentrated as this is where the major disruptions will come from. An on-going issue with a family member, boarder, tenant or landlord - or if you are selling, buying or renting - will come to a head around the 5th and the 18th when a very wobbly set of aspects threatens to upset the apple cart. Being the outspoken and direct person that you are, you will need to muster a heap of self-control to ward off any collisions with key people. With all the astro activity arising from a Water sign (Pisces), take care with anything around the home that has to do with water. From running a bath to using the pool or if there are plumbing issues, forgetfulness could lead to expensive repairs or be the icing on the cake when you are already stretched for time as deadlines and other pressures loom. Keep an eye on the big picture as this will soon pass just like any other crisis; and this is actually a great time to end matters even though emotions will run high. The Full Moon on the 10th will be somewhat helpful but the New Moon of the 25th will bring new activity at work or in health.

CAPRICORN: You have a lot to consider when it comes to a property sale, a house move, or a tenant or boarder issue, and the dynamics this month will be turned up a notch or two. Take especial care if you want to give someone a piece of your mind, especially if it’s in the written form since there could be unexpected repercussions. Take your time or take a walk before you commit anything to paper now and if you must do it, then word your thoughts carefully. With the stifling aspects that are affecting all of us, it’s hard to keep an eye on the bigger picture but all this tension will eventually pass and that’s when you will be glad you held back. By month’s end the New Moon of the 25th will shine a light on the realm of children, romance, creativity, or on a leisure pursuit or hobby that could prove productive so inject as much energy then into any or all of these areas then.

AQUARIUS: Money, money, money! It’s what makes the world go around but this month it is what will drive you to distraction if you continue to try to push square pegs into round holes. Stretched to the max, this is definitely a time to pull back and conserve your own resources while you wait for a second or third party to give their opinion, verdict or offer around the 5th. A claim, settlement or offer may have you dangling by a thread. By the 16th sudden changes will propel you in new directions anyway freeing up space on your financial hard drive so that fresh beginnings can take hold, especially at month’s end when the New Moon highlights property, home and family matters. It’s all a matter of compacting situations that have been dragging on too long but this requires a delicate approach and implementing strategies in a carefully balanced manner.

PISCES: April will be a very interesting month for all of us but most especially for Pisceans and Virgoans! Mars in your sign until the 23rd will bring a series of events, people, feelings or situations that will be both challenging but life-changing. The first challenge will occur around the 5th when a friend or foe will figure prominently and it will be very important to strike a balance between the pair of you; at the very least keep back judgements until more information comes to light. By the 16th the picture will change dramatically and you may find that a complete breakaway to pursue your own course of action is what you really want to do. This will be an extremely testing time in all relationships but most especially the intimate one to one connections that make your life what it is. It is important for everyone to allow space to work through issues otherwise the tension will increase. There is unfinished business to attend to from the 11th so financial affairs will have to put be on the back burner as you attend to health and wellbeing.

March Astrological Forecast

There will be significant twists and turns in relationships, creativity and business ventures until April 18th. Revisit the past and finish up old business and put new ventures on the back burner

MARCH PLANET REPORT: March will prove to be a fated month in relationships, creativity and money. As a very weak Venus in go-get 'em Aries does an uncommon, once-in-18 months turn to retrograde direction on March 7th we may find ourselves going into damage control when sudden twists and turns in relationships, business or creativity play havoc with our sensibilities. We may feel full of adrenaline but have narrow options for releasing our energies constructively; this is a period of internalisation rather than outward action. Romantic or platonic, professional or playful, we will enter into a vulnerable period where the ability to be assertive yet diplomatic and gracious becomes very important - feelings are extra sensitive but it becomes difficult to express what we need to communicate. The result is that we are highly-reactive and taut. This translates into imposing manners or actions. Remaining in this backward, muted state until April 18th, people and activities from the past may resurface and we could find ourselves attending to unfinished business - the best kind of business to be attending to in March because new ventures are likely to be fraught with disputes or contrariness. Venus highlights the balance of give and take and our feelings of love and being loved; she is the yardstick by which we measure our pain or gain in our interactions with others and from our material security. If we are involved in important negotiations, we may find all sorts of differing viewpoints or unexpected obstacles slow down the rate of progress unless there is willingness to compromise. Mars, ruler of Aries, travels through Pisces from the 15th adding confusion and sensitivity; however, this is a good month to take time out and dream a little. Aries birthday year begins at 00:45am on the 21st (Autumn Equinox) and Mercury joins the Sun and Venus on the 9th. This creates urgency in situations that really require forethought and patience. The Full Moon of the 11th highlights the bigger economic picture and brings a climax to situations that have been present since last September. The New Moon of the 27th is very significant as it highlights the theme of relationships and communication - the trick is to avoid the intensity that Pluto could trigger when we encounter blocks and obstacles.

ARIES: The spotlight is on Aries folk this month, not just because your birth time begins at the Autumn Equinox on the 21st at 00:45am but because Venus, the planet of relationships and interactions, is poised to turn to apparent backward direction on the 7th. This indicates a major review period for many Rams that will last until April 18th. This will be a time when you will be very aware of your personal world, your physical wellbeing, appearance and how you perceive those around you and vice versa. As this phase takes hold you are likely to feel confusion or a lack of energy and this can translate into sensitivity and quick reaction times. There are many sides to Venus - from laidback and indulgent to feisty and warrior like - so it will all depend on what is happening on a personal level. In Aries, there is a chance that the assertive side of your nature will emerge, especially if you have issues that are lurking just around the corner. Wait until later in the month when this energy will be more settled and Mercury has entered Aries (26th) and your personal New Moon will take hold (27th).

TAURUS: Your normally unflappable ruler Venus is in an uncommon state of flux from the 7th making March a time to take things easy and review any situations that have come unstuck. You will need to take a disciplined approach and steel yourself against Venus' tendency to overindulge and do all the wrong things as there is a laidback side to her that can encourage a larger appetite than usual. She can also bring on a spell of laziness or a lack or energy which means that important projects can run out of steam quite quickly. If you are creative, you may find your usual sources of inspiration dry up too, or you may simply feel like disappearing and doing something completely different - that's why this month is great for kicking back and waiting. Financially, it may be best to wait until mid-April to make decisions on new activities. It is better to research and dig deep than it is to make decisions based on emotions. People from the past may reappear now or you may find you take a trip down memory lane.

GEMINI: Friendships, acquaintances, groups, bands and team members all become highly significant now with Venus turning to backward direction in this area from the 7th. Your hopes and wishes are also highlighted and this could be a good time to resurrect those dreams that have been pushed to the back of your must-achieve list. Suddenly you may be filled with a burning desire to revisit a past aspect of your life in order to understand where you are now, and the result may be a revised but passion-filled list of ideas that you can implement as the year goes by. Wait until April 18th to begin anything but in the meantime have fun doing your research. People on the other hand are likely to be changeable or centred on their own concerns; the best way to handle this is to work together rather than react with impatience. Career and your public profile become important from the 9th and there may be a need to explain a situation that is anything but clear cut. Around the Full Moon of the 11th try to keep things simple despite a natural inclination to expect or give complicated explanations. It's best to keep a low profile and go with the flow of unexpected changes in the first part of March.

CANCER: Everyone will be feeling the strangeness of life during March, especially during the first half when Venus does a U-turn and brings a change of tide in recent developments. The crazy-making Full Moon on the 11th is likely to rock many boats but for Cancerians there may be unexpected spin-offs - you just need to be on the look out for that opportunity that can pass through your life without you even realising it. If you are too wrapped up emotionally in personal situations you will lose sight of the bigger picture. Professionally or parentally, there are changes afoot that will require a concerted effort in the art of patience; again, it could be timely to review arrangements and agreements that may no longer hold water. This could be a time to learn the art of diplomacy since your dealings with others are likely to be fraught with indecision and changes of direction. Educational or travel prospects are also likely to go through a period of doubt so be sure to double check your ideas and take care before you speak. In April you will be given the chance to apply your knowledge.

LEO: For some Lions there arises a need to revise travel or educational activities since well-laid plans can sudden go awry or some aspects are not the way you thought they were initially. People and places outside of your usual territory are highlighted now but there appears to be a twist to situations that could delay plans - this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long term but in the short term there will be a flurry of rearrangements to be made. Travellers should double check all arrangements and bookings and get reconfirmation before leaving - or, leave plenty of time for fowl-ups. For others, great discussions revolving around philosophical or religious views are also possible and if you can keep an impartial point of view you can learn a great deal that will lead to a broadened outlook in the future - it's all about compromise rather than pushing beliefs and ideas uphill. For others still, publishing or web-based ventures may also need to be revised and this is a great time to research and put your ideas together for implementing after April 18th. The Full Moon of the 11th will pack a punch that will shake us all out of any inertia so this is a month to be prepared to change tack at the last moment.

VIRGO: Life is full of surprises this month and for Virgo folk, there may come a need to revise finances in relation to other people and their sudden whims or changes of heart and situation. Sorting through money and property issues is important now anyway but this will need to be done with care and due diligence - things may not be as clear cut as they seem, especially from the 15th when the puzzling behaviour of others creates confusion. Avoid change for change's sake or through running out of patience while you wait for others - which may happen around the Full Moon of the 11th when unpredictable events will catch us all off-guard. However, some change will come from other people and you may have little choice but to go along with the flow of events in relationships and relevant agreements. Keep in mind that everything will change again further down the track. Your busy work and daily schedules will quieten down after the 15th when Mars moves into your other people zone.

LIBRA: Your ruler Venus is not only turning to backward motion on the 7th but it is also travelling through your opposite sign Aries - a place where it tends to bring out the combative side out of your normally diplomatic nature. The trick is to fight only for those aspects of your life that you feel are truly threatened rather than reacting out of impatience or because you expected more. The Full Moon of the 11th will reveal to everyone that expectations need to be scaled down anyway so the line of least resistance is the best way to conserve energy. Another trick now is to wait for developments to take on a life of their own, run their course and then reveal the true nature of events after April 18th. From the 21st you enter into the second half of your birthday year and this can be a time of low energy and a natural desire to conduct a stock-take of the past six months. Work and health take on importance after the 15th so be prepared for a sudden rush of tasks. Organisation is the key word for March.

SCORPIO: Revise work and health matters during March as sudden changes in patterns will be evident and there will be a need to apply the brakes to the way you have been conducting tasks or dealing with physical issues such as medication, diet or exercise. Whilst this turn in the tide will create confusion as you adjust or make sense of where to from here, eventually life will reveal the underlying issues and then decisions can be made. However this will become evident after April 18th when life resumes a normal course so hunker down for a particularly lengthy period of indecision or hesitation. Prepare for this period with good organisation and an open mind, especially after the 15th, when your ruler Mars transits into Pisces and emphasises the confusion that we will all be experiencing. On no account should hasty decisions be made around the 11th when the Full Moon forces unexpected situations to a climax. The New Moon of the 27th will provide a space to discuss concerns but again forcing issues is better left for another time.

SAGITTARIUS: Children, romance and creative ventures are highlighted in March but there will be a need to go over the ground that has been recently established, perhaps revising certain situations and adjusting to changing needs as more insights arise that were not obvious before. Self-expression is particularly important so have or allow space to speak and lay the facts on the line in a matter-of-fact but non-combative way. Hobbies and leisure time activities are also highlighted in the same manner for Archers and patience is the order of the day in whatever you do. If you are counting the score, there will be some confusion over what the finally tally is and this will be open to interpretation until April. Home life will be affected by events around the Full Moon of the 11th and a level head will be needed to deal with unexpected people or dilemmas that crop up then. By the New Moon of the 27th you will be ready to embark on a fresh course of action but keep the lines of communication flowing freely.

CAPRICORN: Venus is on the turn through your home and family sphere until April 18th highlighting all the little nuances that exist between family members or in shared living arrangements. It will be amazing who and what pops up now and if there is a time when old skeletons resurface with a passion, it will be now! For those of you who are buying, selling or moving, this may be a time when previously hidden facts can suddenly make an appearance. If you are redecorating, be absolutely certain that you can live with your decorating choices during this phase - research and browse but try to delay starting until April when your aesthetic side is back in synch. Take care with art especially. On a relating level, this is a sensitive time when all sorts of feelings come up that have their origins in the past; and despite the discomfort of reliving everything all over again, you will find that in the long run you will clear the path for your bigger life direction. The Full Moon of the 11th presents an interesting polarity in beliefs and mindsets and you will need to strike a careful balance in communications. Siblings and neighbours could play an interesting role this month.

AQUARIUS: Mars shifts out of your sign on the 15th making life a little less robust than it has been since half the planets in the sky have taken up residency in your sign! Destiny certainly seems to be at work this year and as we head into a wobbly Full Moon on the 11th, there will be amazing conclusions to the first chapter of a situation that is likely to go on for some time in your finances and material security sector. Other people will play a big role so it's important to find the middle ground if you have made significant headway recently in a deadlock situation. Venus retrograde in your communication zone says that compromise and balance is the key to striking a bargain or agreement. Take time to think things through without pressure from other people so that you can connect with what is truly shaping your thought patterns. Anything you feel particularly passionate about requires deeper understanding. You may be surprised at what you discover.

PISCES: March is the month to proceed with extra care and diligence in any major purchases. You will either find the bargain of a lifetime or pay too much for something. Venus is about striking a balance and this can only happen when the facts and figures are perfectly clear or if you know the value of something through prior experience or research. The same can be said for wage negotiations or if you are exploring your true worth when exchanging time and energy for money. Mercury shifts into your sign on the 9th paving the way for communications that are not always accurate and because Mercury is followed by Mars on the 15th you could be prompted into taking action when you should really pull back and assess life. March is great though for turning up the passion in physical pursuits but try to count to ten when it comes to pushing for a desired outcome, especially since the Full Moon of the 11th may prompt extreme reaction.

February Astrological Report

An action prone month that, while highly creative, will be given to flights of fancy and possible confusion. Use cool, clear logic and do things slightly different

FEBRUARY’S PLANET REPORT: Mercury is stationery as February begins and poised to turn direct on the 1st bringing about a very interesting and extremely active start to the month. It may take until mid-February for life to settle and to really take advantage of what has transpired during the past three weeks but at least the facts and figures are emerging and calculations and judgements can be worked on with more certainty. The solar eclipse at New Moon on January 26th ushered in all sorts of unexpected distractions, awakening events or hurried decisions. Whatever began then will culminate at the lunar eclipse at Full Moon on February 10th at 03:50am but will continue to vibrate until August’s Full Moon. February’s creative and somewhat imaginative but also murky Full Moon occurring in royal Leo and opposing nebulous Neptune on the 10th means we need to keep a watchful eye on events as they develop and take extreme care when dealing with issues that involve pride and high emotional stakes – there’s a tendency to gloss over facts, distort the truth or be dazzled by someone or something. From the 15th Mercury’s ability to rationalise and communicate will be somewhat restored when it moves into logical Aquarius and communication and thought processes kick into action again. Mars blazes a cool trail through Aquarius from the 5th sparking off adventurous plans and helping to put into action the exuberant Jupiter ideals that will formulate over the next twelve months. This will be a year of amazing discoveries and digital revolution and life will be geared up to make everything move much quicker and more efficiently than usual. It is also the year of the humanitarian and how we can assist those people or communities to keep abreast of these rapidly changing times. Royal families around the world may be part and parcel of the changing landscape this year. Pisces - your birthday time begins at 01:47am on the 19th but it will be after the 25th that you get your green light and your year truly commences. Venus transits through Aries from the 3rd making a lovely aspect to Mars on Valentine’s Day suggesting a romantic day where doing something completely different will appeal to the more adventurous types and could make all the difference to flagging relationships. February will tend to be a “karmic” month where we get what we need rather than what we want but it will take some time to see where the benefits of what is occurring lie. Despite this, there are golden opportunities around mid-month to expand on a social and intellectual level and to really make a difference to the community spirit. Because we are in eclipse season life will tend to work out in unexpected ways.

ARIES: Mars shifts out of Capricorn and into Aquarius and your zone of hopes and dreams on the 5th. An activating influence, this could be a good time to take another look at what goals and personal achievements are best for your long-term future. People figure largely in this picture too despite the emotional content of the last New Moon on Jan 26th and there will be key friends and associates who can help you to formulate or revive ideas. Communication is important – pay attention to the conversations and facts that are poring in at a very fast rate as there will be nuggets of information that you will find useful. The Full Moon of the 10th highlights children and young people, romance and creativity but it would be a wise Ram who takes what happens with a grain of salt. With Neptune creating a smoke and mirror effect over affairs this month, avoid investing in hare-brained or unlikely schemes that appear glamorous at first glance. There is a lot happening now that is good for the soul.

TAURUS: Taureans may be finding the going exciting but tough with the sudden u-turns that are occurring in work and parental matters but rest assured that so much good will come out of what happens now. You have such a down-to-earth view of the world that change can be disconcerting. It’s all a matter of following the zig-zag to see where the path will lead rather than resisting what is taking place or basing decisions on assumptions. Having said that, so much will remain up in the air until mid-month when the Full Moon on the 10th brings a certain reality home to roost. In the meantime, do your homework and avoid making decisions that are based on events or activities that are happening in the home or with family as there is a lot more to these situations than meets the eye. Cloudy thinking or an issue of pride will bring out emotions that are anything but logical so wait for this stormy phase to pass before acting. Your ruler Venus makes a lovely aspect to Mars around Valentine’s Day so for attached or seeking Taureans this is the perfect time to consolidate or initiate an important relationship. And whether it is a romance or a financial activity, you can make good investments in the second half of February. It might not seem it but what takes place this month will be very fortuitous in hindsight.

GEMINI: You are learning about certain activities and subjects at an amazing rate. Even if you are not formally involved in education you will be picking things up by osmosis. The result will be following up on an idea or stepping beyond your normal boundaries and expanding out intp the world in some way. Via the internet, books or physical travel, faces and places at a distance hold an almost mystical appeal and will definitely rub off into your everyday life. Publishing ventures or educational prospects look great for the year ahead so take a look at what is available and put yourself out there. As February begins, your ruler Mercury turns direct so life should take a more predictable course where finances and other people’s assets, property or money are concerned – hopefully you have done your homework and checked and rechecked your calculations and have a clearer picture than previously. Watch the Full Moon on the 10th, which is a lunar eclipse, as there is a tendency for all of us to glamorise or dismiss certain people or activities.

CANCER: The lunar activity (solar and lunar eclipses) at the recent New Moon and coming Full Moon on the 10th may be turning your emotions inside out but underneath it all there is something happening that will help you to further yourself or expand on a financial level in the long term. From the 1st, life will begin to resume a straighter - if not less predictable course - in an important relationship with a loved one or even an opponent, so lie low until you can sense your way through the minefield of emotions. It could all just be a matter of communicating as honestly and clearly as you can so try to keep assumptions aside. The mysteriousness of the Full Moon on the 10th may make you wobbly-kneed or extra sensitive so avoid people who can bring out your vulnerabilities. If you sense any underlying feelings or motives that are not particularly clear then it would be advisable to wait for this period to pass before proceeding to the next stage. Above all keep your own motivations and ideas as above board as possible as Neptune has a way of revealing what is really going on.

LEO: Despite the high-energy planetary patterns that are at work in your opposite sign Aquarius, there is a lot going on that will do you the world of good in the long run. Relationships – past or present – whether romantic, platonic or adversarial - will be particularly fortuitous, and headway can be made to make or break your liaisons for the better. Jupiter signals that it is time to make a clean sweep this year but it may take until after the Full Moon of the 10th to really set sail. At that time mixed emotions and signals will keep you guessing but as long as you avoid making rash decisions or jumping the gun you will be fine. Eclipses have a way of clearing the dross and whilst they may rouse feelings they also get rid of excess emotional baggage that keeps new energy from entering one’s life. Whatever began in late January/early February will be relevant until August so prepare for the long haul when it comes to partnering or opponents. From the 15th you will return to a discussion that began in January and this time the details and facts should be clearer than they were.

VIRGO: Your ruler Mercury resumes course on the very first day of February so the wild ride that you experienced during January will begin to settle into a more predictable pattern. There will still be a few twists and turns on the rollercoaster and much will still be up in the air until the second half of the month but at least your creative urges have been stimulated and you will soon be applying an artist’s touch to your everyday work and living routine. Issues with children and young people will resolve themselves so that by the 15th you will be free to put all your intellectual energy into work and health matters. Unusual results or treatments may be evident then too. Saturn in your sign creates tension for the second time running (the first was October/November 2008) but you will be more accustomed to dealing with variables and unforeseen obstacles and challenges. Inventive is the catchphrase for February and what transpires now is actually very good for your overall wellbeing.

LIBRA: The end of matters is signified where you are locked into negotiations or discussions with significant family members or over real estate or home issues. From new flatmates or boarders to a parent or purchaser, you need to clarify the finer details and make sure you are all on the same page, especially if things have been going on for some time. After the 15th you can relax into the new 12-year cycle of recreation that has begun and that will last all year. Creative ventures get a huge injection of inventive mental energy and you will find it hard to resist the urge to get cracking on a new project. Children will also fit into this picture somewhere along the line for some of you. For others, romantically and socially you will find yourself involved with someone who operates on very similar mental levels. Be alert though for potential pitfalls that can become long term problems around the Full Moon of the 10th. There’s a murky tendency then that could obscure problems that become apparent later.

SCORPIO: After a busy year of moving around and being out and about, home is where the heart is in 2009. With the amazing build up of planets in Aquarius, you will find that soulful experiences are to be had right on your own doorstep or in the heart of your own family. This is the year to upgrade, redecorate or expand your living quarters or even add to your portfolio – a very exciting option if you want to enter the real estate market. January was a catch-up month and you spent a lot of time on the phone or writing emails and letters but as February begins - and provided you have done a thorough analysis of deals, quotes and negotiations - there should be little to hold you back. Even if you are only in the market for a lick of paint, this is the year to make your surroundings as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. From gadgets to garages, big or small, you will feel a strong need to alter something within the home base. A breakthrough with a parent is also possible for some of you and situations that have been of concern have a good chance of being resolved now. If possible wait until after the Full Moon of the 10th which is too fanciful to truly see the practical details. If you can try to stretch things out so that activities are begun by the New Moon of the 25th.

SAGITTARIUS: Communication is the biggest tool in your bag of tricks this year and whatever you say or write has the best chance of making an impact on your immediate environment. It simply takes time and patience to present your proposals. Sharpen your interpretative skills so that you can read your surroundings and the people within it. Your interest will be piqued by anything technological too, and you may find all sorts of new ways to use information in an electronically packaged form. Certainly this is a year to take short courses to get up to speed with software or systems. Languages might also appeal now and you will be amazed at the rapid strides you make in a very short time. If you can wait until the second half of February to commit to one particular method or school of thought, you will avoid the pitfalls that the solar eclipse might reveal to you around the 10th. In the meantime, you can continue to work on presentation and how you might approach the people who matter to you most. For some reason, how you appear to others makes you stand out in your own particular way this year. From the 5th, you will be biting at the bit to get cracking on ideas.

CAPRICORN: January was a month of rapid changes and unusual ideas and anything that began then is likely to go through a period of adjustment as February rolls around. It is quite likely that what seemed a good idea last month will appear quite differently in the cold light of day this month and that this process will take until the 15th to play itself out. Hopefully you have not committed to anything without a clause that allows for change and also that you have done a thorough assessment of whatever you want to initiate. While Mercury – the planet of ideas and plans - has been affecting all of us, for Goats it is even more important to be vigilant and alert as this fast little mover has been moving backward through your sign and is usually quite mischievous when it is going through these quirky little phases. Thorough research and delaying decision-making is the key to handling this energy so that you can uncover hidden details. Financially, 2009 is a great year for taking up opportunities to earn more, become independent or simply cash in on your own talents and assets.

AQUARIUS: Happy birthday Aquarius! February is likely to be another amazing month, especially after the 15th when Mercury moves back into your sign and you have a second chance to pick up the slack in a new idea or venture that began back in January. Mars moves into your sign on the 5th and this really puts the fuel into your rocket – whatever you do now will last the whole year long so make the most of opportunities. Hopefully you will be prepared for lift off having done your homework and waited to sign on the dotted line in big deals or negotiations. Travelling to expand yourself and your activities is also likely now and this may be undertaken with associates or friends who will play a huge role in your life this year. You will certainly have lots of company in your ventures and have the generous support of key people from your social circles. If you can wait until after the Full Moon of the 15th which will be like a wet blanket, then even better. A new financial beginning commences on the 25th when the New Moon brings a dream-like opportunity. Your innovative thinking and ability to rationalise will be at an all time high this year and you can afford to be experimental.

PISCES: Your birthday month commences when the Sun moves into Pisces on the 19th at 01:47am. 2009 is a year of winding down before a fresh 12-month cycle begins in 2010 - you have probably already seen signs of this in some areas of your life over the past month. Highly creative, this is a year to set tasks for your unconscious mind to work on so that by the time 2010 rolls around you will have fully formed ideas and projects to launch yourself into. As hidden as these ideas may appear to be right now try to be patient when you feel nothing is happening because without a doubt this will be when the most work is taking place on an inner level. Like a dog chewing on a bone and then burying it for a time in the future when it can be dug up and rediscovered all over again, your inner self will be hard at work coming up with all sorts of inventive schemes. You can help this process along by doing things behind the scenes that are completely different to what you have done before.

January 2009 Astrological Forecast

Despite the on-going frustrations of the bigger cosmic picture, in our personal lives variety is the spice of life. With Jupiter in Aquarius sparking off a new 12-year cycle, we can afford to be experimental now.

PLANET REPORT: The year begins with an unprecedented cosmic bundle across Saturn’s two signs – Capricorn and Aquarius – and a solar eclipse at New Moon in Aquarius on the 26th at 8:26pm (NZST). Jupiter shifts the global mood significantly when it moves from Capricorn to upbeat Aquarius on the 6th (NZST) and a new cycle of activity begins for each and every one us. From staid Capricorn to innovative Aquarius (where it will remain until January 2010), it’s time to get the thinking caps on and explore outside the square in our personal Jupiter areas (see individual signs). Despite Saturn turning to backward direction on New Year’s Day and Mercury turning retro on the 12th, which will make us feel like the brakes have been jammed on and there is little movement, keep eyes open for amazing opportunities that will appear around the New Moon on the 26th (NZST), which promises to bring about the unexpected. Whatever begins then will culminate at Full Moon in July. Even though we may not be able to implement things smoothly until mid-February, this is an excellent time to iron out the wrinkles, fine-tune loose plans, lay the groundwork or strengthen foundations. Once February rolls round, we will be wired to go with all the ideas, offers and projects that are positively humming. Jupiter encourages us to think big or to take on grand challenges, so if you find yourself wanting to dive in at the deep end in large projects you will need to pare life down to the essentials so that projects can be comfortably managed. Reorganise and tidy up during January and tackle those duties that have been put off so that the way is clear. We may be tempted to update or upgrade technological devices but use January as research time and wait until February before making big-ticket purchases since this phase brings all kinds of chaos with pricing, data and functionality. On a bigger level, we may not be out of the woods with the economic readjustments that are taking place until after July 2010 but we certainly have bigger and better opportunities to experiment with or the chance to come up with fresh twist on stale situations and projects – even resurrecting ideas from as far back as 12 years ago. A willingness to look at life from another angle, imagination, a strong sense of detail and seamless systems are the winning factors. Administrator Saturn keeps us on the straight and narrow with the smallest of details being emphasised now, and unfinished business will take until May 17th (NZST) to work through – a thorough job and good management are needed otherwise overlooked details will trip us up. February and September 2009, April and July 2010 are hotspots of activity as a continuation of events that took place in October and November 2008 surface but there’s more optimism and better solutions just around the corner.

ARIES: From January 6th a new 12-year cycle begins when Jupiter enters your friendship and social network zone. This area also rules your hopes and dreams, aspirations and future plans. Not only will your interactions with others increase, you will find yourself re-imagining old dreams and ideas – look for an inventive twist or apply something that was ahead of its time then but which fits your situation now. Group-like situations such as clubs, teams, coffee rooms, after-five drinks or discussion forums become very attractive and easy to fit into due to the camaraderie and chemistry. Certainly, you will be attracted to technological means as a way to communicate with others and an expanded breadth of vision will be the result as well as a sense of relief in the understanding you discover. This upliftment will overflow into your ability to deal with the bigger issues that are at stake in your career, parental, home or life direction departments. Old friendships may be revived now and the part of your journey that you shared then can be laughed or cried over. Sketch out plans, discuss ideas and do your research but wait until mid-February to launch anything

TAURUS: Your career or social standing may go through leaps and bounds after Jupiter moves into this area on January 6th and a new 12-year cycle commences. There may be a striking similarity between what happens this year and what took place in 1997 – you can look back now and see that it was a learning experience that can be applied today even if you are not doing exactly the same thing. January will be great for learning and making discoveries. The greatest challenge for Bulls will be your ability to go with the flow of events and change habits or setups that are well-ingrained. Overcoming your resistance will bring about unexpected spin-offs. An increase in activity in your professional, public, parental or home life will become a bit of a balancing act so whittle down your obligations so that you can concentrate on the biggest tasks or opportunities. The New Moon on the 26th will see the start of a potentially prosperous new cycle but you will need to handle everything with kid gloves and take measured steps. Tying up communications that have been evident since July will become important around the 11th when you will find it easy to express yourself in writing or verbally. There will be significant faxes, emails or phone calls then.

GEMINI: A new 12-year phase that involves teaching, learning, travelling, religion or publishing commences on January 6th; and with your ruler Mercury turning retrograde on the 12th this is the perfect time to review your financial situation to accommodate your need to experience life in a bigger and broader way. Shared assets and finances may be the biggest issues to discuss and sort out this month so the way may not be clear until mid-February. The same applies to loans, mortgages, taxes, insurances or inheritances – there is a lot to sift through but doing so will pave the way to explore life on a grander scale in 2009. Interesting people and conversations crop up this month that could you lead you to change tack in the coming months and despite the bigger doom and gloom scenario, there is lot of positive support this year that will lead to career changes in 2010 – it’s all up to you. The New Moon on the 26th could trigger off a new educational direction, a new look at your beliefs and how they affect your outlook, web-based publishing ventures or a fantastic itinerary of places and people to visit this year.

CANCER: Your annual Full Moon occurs on the 11th bringing many aspects of a relating issue to a conclusion. Whether they are a professional, a best friend, a partner or someone you share your house with, there is an issue that has been gathering pace that will suddenly become rectified or sorted out. This clears the way for the eclipse on the 26th at New Moon to spark off events that are part and parcel of a new 12-year cycle that commenced on the 6th in your shared assets and property department. Optimistic Jupiter moving in this area until January 2010 indicates that your finances, business or real estate matters that involve second or third parties will go through a period of rapid change. It’s all in the way you deal with the issues, opportunities or obstacles though that will seal the outcome. Maximise the potential on offer by establishing good planning and budgeting patterns and cultivate a strong sense of stability while embracing innovative ideas and suggestions. Wait until February to sign on the dotted line or settle big decisions and prepare to be patient as the details sort themselves out.

LEO: For Leo folk, relationships are the biggest area of focus this year as Jupiter moves into your opposite sign Aquarius and into your other people zone. From professionals to platonic relationships to opponents, there will be an amazing array of people to keep you busy. Your public image is also in the spotlight and how you deal with clients and customers will be very much on display. Put your best foot forward Leo, especially around the New Moon on the 26th when an interesting person enters your life with potential possibilities. Well-travelled, educated or honorable, you will spot this person a mile away – allow yourself to be inspired by tales of their experiences. Even those people who oppose you or who are at odds with your philosophical stance can be seen in a new light – it’s all about putting a fresh spin on your worldview. Mercury retrograde from the 12th to February 1st suggests that there is still some unfinished business in your work and health sector that needs to be attended to and you may not be able to move forward until this is sorted.

VIRGO: The health and service sector is where a brand new 12-year cycle begins for Virgins on the 6th. Big opportunities are nestled in your employment area, especially if you have a special talent for organisation, innovative thinking and a systematic approach, but it will be the right attitude, researched approach or special angle that will reveal the treasure. A lot of Virgo folk excel in their attention to detail and ability to help others, and it will be this trait that will land you the important job of making sure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. Research your options during January as your ruler Mercury is out of service until February 1st and January is likely to be full of chaos and unexpected events and people. You will need to focus on child-related activities this month before you can move forward with work, routines and health options in February. Diet and exercise can also benefit from a determined approach, or perhaps you make a breakthrough in a health issue. Frustrating Saturn continues on in your sign until October so while life can’t be hurried and will need to be worked at diligently, especially in February and September, you need to keep positive and avoid taking shortcuts.

LIBRA: Even if the great personal changes you are experiencing with domestic life are ongoing, the pressure in your home life will ease from January 6th. You can definitely look forward to a bigger and brighter romantic life and heightened creativity over the coming year. Whether single or in a relationship, this is the time to mix and mingle, do something completely different, and generally improve the intellectual rapport that you enjoy with others as a communicative Air sign. Self-expression is at a 12-year high and whether you create a masterpiece or a baby, meet the person of your dreams or deepen your existing love you will feel fulfilled and inspired. Adopting or taking a young person under your wing is just as possible as giving birth and just as meaningful. You will also feel an optimistic urge coming on and as a consequence doing things that put you in the right frame of mind to attract what you need and to also be in the right places at the right times. Synchronicity could be at work now! Your interest in social outings such as movies, theatres, clubs and bars will be increased and socially it could be a very busy year with celebrations and invitations galore. You can afford to take a gamble!

SCORPIO: Opportunities lie on your own doorstep this year. Real estate, your home and family have suddenly zoomed to the top of your agenda but it won’t be until February that things really start to take shape. Reinventing or improving your living arrangements so that there’s more mental or physical space – whether it’s a special corner that you can work out of or an added room - is a priority. And even though your wants and needs have already been formed, use chaotic January to spring clean and restructure your ideas, write letters, discuss or read the fine print before embarking on a set course as there are too many variables now that will change later on. Chance conversations or meetings with a close relative or neighbour could reveal unexpected opportunities or lucrative twists. Even if you don’t move or renovate, there will be an increase in activity around the home and whether you take in boarders or have visitors or simply upgrade the technology, there will be exciting diversions or additions. The realm of children and romance will continue to prove challenging so try to keep your boundaries strong but flexible.

SAGITTARIUS: After last year’s period of reconstructing and streamlining your income and savings and making them work better by budgeting, cutting back and experimenting with new avenues, the endless scrimping and saving, whilst still ongoing, will settle into a more predictable groove. The steadier your finances become, the more the coming 12 months will blossom with imaginative thoughts and wild ideas. 2009 will hold a much better frame of mind where the power of possibility is enough to inspire you to think outside of the safe square you have drawn. Of course, it is one thing to think and another to do so a concerted effort is required but this is definitely a time to establish good thought patterns that will ultimately shape your reality. If you already have an idea or two in the wings try to launch them after mid-February as there are too many x-factors this month. A busy year is indicated with extensive short trips, an interest in courses, more interest in your immediate neighbourhood as well as improved connections between siblings and relatives. Contracts, the written or spoken word will hold more power than usual in this paper-shuffling year.

CAPRICORN: January proves to be an action-packed month that pushes you even further into the spotlight than you already are making you very aware of how others view you. The Full Moon on the 11th will bring sensitive relationship issues to a culmination and this will involve someone on a one-to-one basis in marriage, business or socially. You may need kid gloves when handling situations that need to be discussed clearly and what you glean from others will give you good insights into yourself and how you can improve, capitalise on, or change how you see yourself and the world around you. Shortly after, a new beginning is signified in your financial sector when a solar eclipse (New Moon) on the 26th sparks off an array of events that changes the flow of your fiscal department. It’s all good though as Jupiter, the greater benefic, has moved into this area for the next twelve months bringing unexpected spin-offs or opportunities than you have had in 12 years. You have a good chance now to wipe the slate clean financially.

AQUARIUS: Jupiter moved into your sign on the 6th heralding a brand new cycle in your persona, image, interactions and health – look back 12 years ago for clues on how this might develop in the coming year. Did you embark on a new personal journey then and where did this lead you? What can you improve upon this time? Even though Mercury will confuse matters during January by moving back into the shrouded and mysterious areas that you are emerging from, beyond February 2009 is a time to look forward. You may be naturally drawn to self-improvement tools, changing your look, travelling or moving around more, or to taking up a course that will enhance or add to what you are already doing. Because the financial issues that you have been experiencing lately will be on-going, this would be a great year to establish good habits and curb excess as Jupiter can also incline to recklessness if we are not careful. The greatest danger is pushing for results out of frustration before plans are fully developed.

PISCES: Despite the on-going changing landscape of your friendship and social circuit, what you do in your own time or behind the scenes holds the most significance this year. Jupiter, your ruler, moved into a very personal and quiet area of your chart on January 6th heralding an increasing gravitation toward solitude, privacy, confidentiality and possibly even secrets, which can suddenly be exposed now. You may be attracted to reflective pursuits, especially those that calm your mind, bring greater understanding of the mysteries of life or that give answers to mysterious suspicions or questions; you may also be involved in out of the ordinary activities that require you to keep a low-profile because of the nature of events or situations. The New Moon of the 26th sparks off this once in 12 year cycle so look for clues then on what may transpire later in the year. By the same token, look back 12 years ago. People-power is also important and what you do with others on a collective level can bring great changes. Avoid power struggles where possible and keep new friendships on an even footing until they are well and truly established.

December's Astrological Forecast

Warrior Mars is active this month in idealistic Sagittarius. As we cross into not only a new year but also a new era, tread lightly and aim high.

DECEMBER PLANET REPORT: Tighten your seatbelts! With major aspect patterns forming at both the Full and New Moon, December will brim with an urgency to act as impatience grows with the current limitations. With Mars assuming a warrior-like position in Sagittarius, an exciting rollercoaster of a month with extraordinary events that began around mid-08 punctuating the festive season - can we keep the lid on the bubbling pot as we head toward the reckless Gemini Full Moon on the 13th at 05:38am(NZST). With so many unexpected distractions creating more work and delays, we’ll have greater control if we organise seasonal projects early so that we are ready for anything – mentally we might be all over the place as we try to keep on top of to-do lists and to meet the deadlines that are humming around in our heads. A highly idealistic Mars encourages optimism at this time but the emotional stress of the Full Moon provides a counter argument that tries to dampen any grand expectations. Issues that have built up over the past six months will require an intense period of negotiation, bargaining, cajoling, or even threatening to pull them off or sort them out! What it boils down to is very good communication and making sure you are on the same page as whoever you are dealing with. The written or spoken word has the biggest impact, so choose words with care - read the fine print and be clear about proposals – cool, clear logic will win over emotional displays so look for the counter-point of your own point of view to remain balanced. After the Grand Cross formation of the Full Moon, by month’s end there will be a total of six celestial bodies occupying conservative Capricorn and a New Moon in this sign occurring just before New Year (28th at 01:23am NZST). This signals a very cautious, somewhat pessimistic start to 2009 but also an underlying itch to create new structures so that we can move ahead. Develop flexible long-range plans to give a greater sense of security or accomplishment – Capricorn likes to feel it is achieving something and to stay still is as detrimental as moving too quickly. This New Moon, which also coincides with a new 2-yearly Mars cycle, also shows signs of great concentrations of energy and intensity. If we are aware of the tendency from mid-December to think in black and white terms we will have room to change and shift as we pick up on the moods and feelings of others or of the larger global trends. After the stress of the closing year, if you’ve got the energy to burn, this new cycle of activity can benefit from a boost of structured, purposeful input – with care, rebuilding can commence in practical and fiscal affairs but on a scale that is in line with our circumstances. On an everyday level, with the high-impact lunar aspects this month, take care on the roads this holiday season and keep an eye out for others. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

ARIES: December opens optimistically enough but with your ruler Mars involved in the New and Full Moon this month, it’s a time to tread carefully and to readjust your long range goals and work commitments as new developments come to hand. You will be quite surprised at what transpires and despite it being the holiday season, after the 22nd professional, public or parental issues become increasingly important. There are one or two people who will play walk-on roles in your life, and one will inflame while another is just as likely to urge you on to new heights. Caution is the key, but not so cautious that you end up paralysed by fear of making the wrong decision. Faith can be a big ally for some, while for others the sense of looking to the future by making plans to explore new territories is the guiding star.

TAURUS: This month’s Full Moon falls in your earnings zone and highlights financial issues that have been brewing over the last six months. Tying up the loose ends of a business, real estate or income-related deal is the order of the day but you need to make sure your thoughts follow logical steps rather than throwing in the towel at the last moment – you have put in a lot of hard graft over the past month so it would be a shame to spoil the foundations that you have been laying. Second or third parties involved in claims, settlements or loans may be overly emotional or concerned about numbers, facts and figures but you can get around this with your practical, orderly nature and by employing good negotiation skills and laying out a sound plan. Security is what it is all about when dealing with others.

GEMINI: Much of the celestial action in December falls around your sign with the Full Moon in Gemini on the 13th. In aspect to impatient, idealistic Mars, it will be hard to contain yourself and sudden conflict could flare up. Issues that arose six months ago may have flared up at last month’s New Moon and is now building to a culmination. With your tendency to say what you think, it will be all too easy to agitate others who have high expectations and are impatient to move on with projects and plans. The second half of December heralds in a new phase in shared finances. All that is lent, borrowed or shared will be highlighted. This will be a good time to lay down new structures with a good plan of action to save, budget, divide or spend money.

CANCER: Along with Capricorn, the celestial spotlight is focused around your sign this month with the Full Moon on the 13th being a highly reactive point. Occurring in a very private area of your chart, there’s a tendency now to want to retreat from the pressures of work and daily life just when the demands are greatest. Co-workers, employees, customers or service people may demand more or rub you up the wrong way but at least you have the holiday season to look forward to. Try to go the extra mile with a smile until then. Your relationships are also in focus – as they normally are at this time of year – and because this area will be sensitised as well, keep the lines of communication open and avoid second-guessing or presuming what others are up to, which could lead to unnecessary disputes. You may see friends and foes in a new light when a new chapter in relationships opens from the 28th.

LEO: The realm of babies and children will be the focus for some Lions this month while for others romance and love bubbles along in a very positive way. Be aware though that emotions will tend to run high as we run into obstacles after the first two weeks. More than other signs, you will weather the storms that are building up with the wobbly Full Moon on the 13th so remain positive and focussed despite the tendency for life to run at break-neck speed by mid-December. Work and health will be highlighted too and you may need to look after your well-being and avoid becoming run down. You will have plenty of time to think about changes to routine and diet in the year with the New Moon in this area occurring right in the heart of the holiday season. This time you will be very serious about carrying out your resolutions.

VIRGO: Family and home continue to dominate your personal life and there is the distinct possibly that many aspects will reach a culmination at this month’s Full Moon on the 13th. With more room to manoeuvre after this date, try to keep to a structured plan and work within boundaries and budgets and try to get as much signed, sealed and delivered by this date too as much can go awry after then. Mercury retrogrades in early January – not a good time to conduct business - and with the holiday season fast approaching, it will be difficult to get key people such as accountants and lawyers to handle your affairs. Professionally there may be sudden changes that catch you unawares and this creates a complete rethink of where you are heading both in life and job-wise. Visitors and unexpected disruptions make this an exciting if not stressful period.

LIBRA: Short trips, neighbours, siblings, writing projects and your communications in general are the focus for Librans up until the 13th when a spectacular Full Moon brings a climax to affairs that may have begun around six months ago. Communication is the key to working through blocked situations and being flexible whilst retaining boundaries is also very important. The second half of December brings the need to restructure home life and family affairs and you probably won’t be able to move on until the 28th when a New Moon in Capricorn signals a fresh but somewhat lean start. Whittling away at the dead wood and setting goals and priorities is the best way to tackle the rather stern energy of the new era that is coming into being. Old-fashioned values and a down-to-earth style will become all the rage in 2009.

SCORPIO: This month’s Full Moon occurs in your finance house and brings not only what has started in the last two weeks to a rather spectacular culmination but also any dealings you have had since mid-2008. It’s been a tricky path that we’ve all followed since this time but last month’s late New Moon signalled a step forward in your earning potential. Savvy Scorpio’s will hopefully be putting their best foot forward to secure that raise or cash in on other money-making ventures and getting paid what they are worth. You will get true results in about six month’s time so aim for long-range goals rather than short term solutions. The second half of December is just as interesting as the first but the focus shifts to intellectual projects, neighbours, siblings and short trips. Whatever you undertake then requires research and diligence and a lot of word power.

SAGITTARIUS: Happy Birthday Sagittarius! Most of you - but especially those born around the 13th - have some grand challenges to tackle as this month’s Full Moon triggers off a whole avalanche of issues that will certainly alter what you are currently doing. Where other people and your relationships are concerned, a culmination of what began around mid-2008 is likely to occur. Preparing to bring things to a natural conclusion will put you in the driver’s seat; however, it’s the twists and turns of fate that will be the x-factor in determining outcomes – so much can happen now. Keeping communication lines open and being flexible in your own thinking can minimise disruptions to deals and negotiations, pacts and agreements. Commitment is a word that is elusive now but after the 22nd life will tend to move very quickly and financial, property or business related matters will be on the front burner. Rest assured that a lot of pressure will lift and that you will be in a new cycle of activity as the year opens.

CAPRICORN: Without a doubt by the end of the month your sign will be in the celestial spotlight! With six planets occupying the sign of the Goat at the New Moon, you will be more inclined to look to the future than you have for some time. So much of your personal life is awakening now that despite the scene of gloom and doom, you are actually in a prime position to draw up new ground rules for some concerted action. Whatever you do, movement and change is what you crave, and with the New Year just around the corner, what better time to make a positive start. Life is not without challenges though so there are few guarantees that this will be easy journey, however, going with the flow whilst taking heed of signals and continually adjusting your strategies will ensure you inch toward new goals and hopefully a new you who is more in control and ready for action in 2009.

AQUARIUS: What an end to your personal solar year. Coinciding as it does with the New Year, the last month of your birthday cycle puts you in a perfect position to realign yourself by taking time to pursue private activities after the 22nd. A quieter festive season than usual, there are any number of reasons why you might withdraw to a place of solitude. Rest and recuperation could be part of this picture, or you may be drawn to meditative activities as a counterpoint to the end of year stress. Dreams and your inner life are very revealing now. The first half of the month highlights the realm of children and events in this area could trigger off issues that are intensely emotional but which require good communication. And whether this is through a pregnancy, your own, a step or a friend’s child, try to work through the complicated emotions with your famed logical approach to life. You will be amazed at the breakthroughs that will set you on a new course.

PISCES: Vacillation and high expectations may encourage you to avoid committing to the many professional or parental obligations that are being thrown at you as December begins. Since the first half of the month will be particularly volatile this could be a good thing as changes could upset the carefully stacked apple cart. After the 22nd though, friends and allies encourage you to follow personal dreams and goals or to join a team, band or group that can give you a greater sense of structure. You might also be drawn to activities that give you a feeling of achievement rather than simply floundering in indecision. The New Moon on the 28th ushers in a new six monthly cycle in your society-related affairs making the latter half of December/early January a perfect time to lay social foundations for the new year.

November 2008

Life's options may appear to be narrow now but there is adventure ahead as we move into a new era

NOVEMBER PLANET REPORT: The skies are busy this November not just with planets changing signs from mid-month but because there are major astro-themes unravelling in the bigger scheme of things. This is definitely a time to go with the flow of activity since new structures are being carved out that will define the period up until 2025. Being observant and accepting of the need to change gears will keep us alert to the opportunities that often get missed in times of fear and negativity, however, there are few soft options and all require diligence and attendance. After the deadlocks of the 4th, a quickening in the form of short, sharp events will catapult us into new realms around the 28th when Uranus turns direct - be vigilant by anticipating the areas of your life that are most vulnerable. Currently being opposed by Capricorn ruler, Saturn, there is a polarisation to this aspect where law and order and chaos exist side by side. In Virgo, the tiniest detail is under the microscope as Saturn prompts us to examine and analyse facts, figures and the “health” of our intentions and actions, whether personally or globally. Uranus baulks at this kind of scrutiny - as he does to any kind of restriction - so there is a tendency now to feel squeezed by having to account and take stock; this is a time of wanting to play one’s own game rather than be controlled by the powers that be and until the 27th, we will tend to internalise outward changes but then this energy will manifest in real terms - Uranus will urge us to throw off any attempts to control or regulate in the old way and yet there is something that harks back to earlier times. This cycle began back in late 1987-1988 with the first square occurring in 1999-2000 and now we reach the midpoint, which is generally a time of stress. Simultaneously, Pluto crosses the very sensitive Solstice degree joining Jupiter in corporate Capricorn on the 27th. After nearly 13 years in zealous, extravagant, high-minded Sagittarius this marks the end of one era and the beginning of another in the world of conservation and capitalism. Pluto has already ventured briefly into Capricorn between January and June 2008 and we are already seeing some of the effects of this significant transit combined with Saturn/Uranus via the crumbling walls of our financial system, but now Pluto returns to tenant Capricorn on a fulltime basis until 2025 - this is where new cosmic roots are taking hold that will define the coming years. As we pass from one age into another, the trick is to shift one’s thinking rather than hold on to the old way of doing business and it all starts now. The Full Moon occurs on the 13th in Taurus at 19:18pm (NZST) and will provide a shining light amidst the doom and gloom, however, take care that what you see is what you are get. The New Moon occurs on the 28th at 5:56am (NZST) and highlights the importance of walking the talk. Communication will account for everything then. The Sun travels into Sagittarius on the 22nd at 11:44am (NZST).

ARIES: Being a Cardinal sign, along with early-born Cancerians, Librans and Capricorns, you are in the spotlight with Pluto’s sign change on the 27th (NZST). For those of you born in the first couple of days of Aries, a significant shift in life-direction, career, public status, vocation or parental matters is written in the stars from this month and will unfold over the next year or so. You have already had a taste of this between June and January but this phase settles into a permanent feature and is the beginning of a long journey that will give you the chance to get down to the bare bones of your life. Some of this change will be self-generated and some will be via events and people who bring the change. You may also feel great tension within your work and health sphere too but once the Sun and Mercury move into Sag from the 22nd (NZST), you’ll look at the big picture more philosophically. Travel, educational or publishing ventures get off to a brand new start on the 28th (NZST).

TAURUS: Pluto is hardly gentle when it manifests in one’s life but you are better placed than most to withstand the great changes that are upon all of us when Pluto crosses the ultra-sensitive Solstice degree on the 27th (NZST). Entering your zone of wider territories and possibilities, advanced learning, publishing or publicity ventures, this is the time to willingly grasp hold of the opportunities to rewrite your destiny. Whether you are thinking of packing your suitcase or whether you simply rise above the lay of the land so that you can conduct a survey, you need to willingly get out of your own way and allow the magic carpet ride to begin. Secret beliefs surface now and since Pluto exposes what lies underneath, you may be surprised at how your life aligns so that you can express your heartfelt feelings. A major overhaul of your spiritual life could be the result. You may feel your son, daughter or a child close to you is on another planet right now as they swing from one extreme to other - handle their needs with equal amounts of freedom and responsibility.

GEMINI: Whilst the Cardinal signs are sitting on the brink of change, you on the other hand can heave a sigh of relief as Pluto moves out of opposite sign Sagittarius and into Capricorn. Thirteen years is a long time to have had Pluto in your relationships zone producing hotspots of intensity with other people at various points. From now you will be required to regenerate or renegotiate the structures of your money, assets and resources that you have in common with second and third parties (especially those born in the first days of Gemini). From child support to tax to mortgages or credit cards, Pluto requires drastic changes to the way your financial life is set up. Of course, money can come in the other way too - you may receive an inheritance or gift, or you may borrow for the first time. Whatever the circumstances, there’s an underlying power that will require a great deal of thought and responsibility for what you receive, share or give.

CANCER: Great changes are afoot that will redefine your relationships and intensify your interactions with others. With Jupiter already in this zone, you may have briefly connected with someone who will become more important during the next year. Emotionally, you play for high stakes and invest yourself 100 percent in people who grab your attention however there will be something quite different about this particular liaison as there is a cool quality that is quite intriguing. Friend or foe, current or ex, situations will require even more investment and you may need to adopt a high-minded and philosophical approach. Mars continues to stimulate your creativity until the 16th (NZST) and self-expression is a top priority whether through artistic ventures or romantically. You may also find yourself in the headlines for some reason. The Full Moon on the 13th (NZST) underlines friendships and team activities, whilst the New Moon on the 28th (NZST) helps work or health issues move into a new phase.

LEO: Moving, redecorating, taking in a flatmate or saying goodbye to one, the focus is squarely on your home and domestic life until mid-November. A great time to get ready for the festive season or summer holidays in the southern hemisphere, channel your energy into cleaning up and revitalising. Get rid of the rubbish that clogs the garage or basement especially around the 12th (NZST) when a sudden event or opportunity arises that moves your home life into a new phase – be prepared for anything then. A health or work issue requires special attention too, especially one that has been slowly developing over the course of 2008 – everything is likely to intensify by the end of the November and will continue to do so over 2009. Financially, you have been feeling the squeeze but hopefully you are drawing up new budgets or readjusting spending or looking to increase your earning potential. This financial aspect of your life will continue to be important for quite some time and around the 13th (NZST) something will come to a full-gone conclusion so that you can move on and live within your means.

VIRGO: With Saturn opposing Uranus from your sign until the 19th (NZST), is it any wonder you are all over the place with the many areas of your life coming to a peak this month? This long-haul aspect that began back in 1988/89 will come and go in effect over the next two years and what transpires this month will reveal a signature of events that will give you clues as to how this transit will unfold. Physically, this transit has a strong bearing on your body and can be a taxing time so be sure to get plenty of good food and rest. With so many dimensions of your life undergoing restructure between now and July 2010, take considered steps that take the future into account. Seek professional advice in whatever department you feel necessary because others can help you form a picture so that you have the correct structures in place. On a self-expressive level so much is evolving and some of you may connect with the artist within while others will have experiences with children in a completely new way.

LIBRA: Pluto’s move into Capricorn on the 27th will already be having a profound impact on Libran’s lives, especially those born in the first day or two. Shifting the most personal realm of your life such as your home base, family or parental issues, you will become increasingly aware of one or all of these areas from this month. The first degree of Libra (where the Spring Equinox occurs) is a pivotal point that allows a rush of energy in whenever a planet aspects it, and because Pluto is a heavyweight representing the depths and the mysteries in one’s life, this transit will be far from trivial. A 15-year span of completion, there will be many aspects of your life that you will settle and find closure with, and what affects one family member will have an impact on everyone else. Deal with past issues as they come up and release the energy in a productive manner.

SCORPIO: The way you speak, write or communicate your ideas and thoughts is about to undergo a subtle but radical overhaul that will take up 15 years to develop. You have already experienced an increase in activity in this area with Jupiter expanding your mindset since last December, but when Pluto moves into this zone on the 27th (NZST), a whole new world will open up that builds upon the new intellectual structures that are already in motion. Leaving no stone unturned, your mind will operate with precision and depth and whether you are taking up a new study, increasing your knowledge informally, or simply learning through a sibling, there is little that escapes your attention. Short trips can have a profound impact too, or you may become involved with neighbours on a completely different level. November is the month to power through life making the necessary adjustments that will usher in this new cycle.

SAGITTARIUS: By the time your birthday month begins on the 22nd (NZST), you will be ready to move onward and upward. Say goodbye to transforming Pluto who leaves your sign on the 27th having occupied Sag for the last 13 years. Just look back at this era to see how radically things have changed on such a personal level for you – there are sure to have been many alterations in your outlook and beliefs, and even physically you may look completely different having gained or lost a lot of weight for example. And now that this physical change is over, Pluto will begin work on the financial side of your life, which looks set to undergo a radical overhaul. Sweeping changes in the way you earn a living, control your cash, treat your possessions, or value your time, energy and skills will affect the years to come. And because the world is such a different place, now is the time to think long-term about how you will structure your financial and material security. Letting go as well as allowing new energy to enter your life will make this journey tremendously exciting. Your personal New Moon on the 28th (NZST) is bound to shift your thinking.

CAPRICORN: While the other Cardinal signs will be experiencing the power of Pluto from the 27th, it is your sign that he is moving into and this means that great change is on the way that will radically alter your outlook, physical wellbeing, and perspective. You are probably already experiencing a need to measure the value of everything you do but from this month you will become even more obsessed with the depth of your experiences. Capitalise on the new structures that are forming by taking your activities to even deeper levels – it’s a time of intense exploration and for slowly opening Pandora’s mysterious box so that you can understand your life on a very meaningful level. And even if you come face to face with life’s bigger questions, it will help if you can go with the flow of whatever is taking place. Take the power and run with it. May the force be with you!

AQUARIUS: The inner you is about to undergo a subtle change that begins this month and will occur in stages over the next 15 years. Pluto is all about gradual change and whilst we will all experience its power in some form or another, for Water Bearers it means coming face to face with the part of your makeup that can only surface in sleep, meditation, contemplation or through being away from public life. Increasingly, you may find yourself drawn to reflective moments and past-times and retreating from the busyness of routine from time to time to work through the past or some aspect of your inner programming. Profound insights can be the result. For a very few, this could also mean having more to do with large institutions either voluntarily or through circumstance, while for others secret activities will become an important part of your life. This can also be a time when skeletons surface or mysteries are unveiled.

PISCES: The realm of friendships and socialising is about to undergo a radical change that will deeply affect how you network or mingle with others. In stages and over the next 15 years, whatever happens on your social circuit is sure to impact on you by altering your hopes and fears and emphasising the goals that you set for yourself that are distinct from career or profession. People come and people leave making you realise that life is an ever-changing wheel of fortune. Some people will affect you by the depth of feeling that forms between you, while others will act in ways that break the bonds that you thought were there for good; in this respect, it’s a matter of moving with the changes or giving up the link altogether. It’s all about moving with the chemistry and setups and looking beyond appearances. You may also throw yourself wholeheartedly into group activities where you discover your own power as well as the power of numbers.