ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JANUARY 12 - 18, 2003 All times/dates are PST. Did I already say the Saudi princes would fall in 2007/08? That, or some massive domestic upheaval. The same influence occurred recently in North Korea's chart, bringing famine and, in a "post-reaction" way, N.K.'s present nuclear brinkmanship. On sweeter themes: CAPRICORNS face a "happy dilemma" this year. Many of this sign will veer into a better lifestyle now through August. Many will see their net worth expand. And many already face lucky conditions in sex, pregnancy, research, detective work, the occult, the subconscious and similar mysterious things. Some Caps will get the hots for someone they shouldn't - but others might become pregnant with a child who will always be a blessing. Or grow their family fortunes. Those researches and investigations Capricorn's drawn to in '03 will dispel old ghosts and fears, light up dingy corners and nudge them to view the deeper workings of life in a philosophical rather than threatening way. But the dilemma? It's simply this: because Mercury's retro in Capricorn most of January (Cap's birth month) this sign starts off the year indecisively. They have a bunch of pent-up energy, itching to apply itself to something ambitious and productive - but all signals are flashing: "Stop!" These signals are correct - all of us, of every sign, should be "waiting things out" until January 22, rather than leaping into any new venture. But for Capricorn, this is their yearly "launch time." So the confusion of not knowing where to go and what to do extends into the whole eight months ahead for this sign. (And for North America.) So Capricorns face a great, fortunate change in circumstances, sexual, financial, lifestyle - one or all - yet can't decide which road to take. (E.g., "I'm attracted to ten different businesses. Which do I buy?" "Do I marry A, or B?") Here's the best way to deal with these dilemmas: 1) go with the flow; 2) act spontaneously (AFTER January 21) - follow your impulses, for they are part of the flow; 3) August is the best month to act, except in family, parenting, food/shelter or real estate zones (act on these areas before June for better results - April's best); 4) if you're single, a mate is coming, June 2003 through 2005, so don't leap too soon; 5) seek a psychic or other advisor's advice in March; 6) old opportunities/loves/flames, might well return this year, especially in May and September - so decide, do you really want to go back, or go forward? (I don't favor either - except to point out that a change from present circumstance will prove to be very lucky, will bring you to abundance.) Start Nothing: 9:44 a.m. to 2:08 p.m. Mon., 6:16 p.m. to 11:56 p.m. Wed., and 2:48 a.m. to 6:29 a.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Pay attention to parents, bosses, authorities and VIPs this week, display eagerness - but don't agree to start anything before January 22. Hold your ambitions in check. Chase money Sunday. This day's superficially good for buying, also - but machines, computers, such items bought now would give you trouble within a year. Communicate Monday eve to Wednesday - a fine, talkative friend is ready for some high-jinks! Settle into home, family Thursday/Friday. Romance, pleasure call Saturday - but avoid "elusive people." Now to early March, shun legal hassles. An international trip might arise. Taurus April 20-May 20 Be very wary of an investment, financial, debt, sexual or "lifestyle escape" temptation which arises between this Thursday and January 30 - it would almost certainly lead you into a form of trap - one you'd think (later) was entirely unfair. After this, to mid-April, be merely mildly wary of the same things. Deal with whatever's/whomever's close, near, loyal - and "sensual sans mystery." Your energy, charisma shine Sunday/Monday - Sunday's best. Chase earnings, purchasesTuesday/Wednesday - the latter afternoon is superb for computers. Casual friends, trips, talk, paperwork Thursday/Friday. Saturday's for family, nature's beauty. Gemini May 21-June 20 Start NOTHING before January 22 - particularly in finances, investments, lifestyles, health regimes, and (new) sexual liaisons. An opportunity might return from your past involvement in these areas - e.g., an old sexy flame. But I don't see much profit here, so tread cautiously. Thursday to early March heightens the lure of relocation, of mating, of forming a partnership, dealing with the public, or signing contracts: no, no and no - don't, especially in January! (Someone might "attack" you - ignore it, and they will "go away.") Good secrets Sunday. Success, charisma Tuesday/Wednesday! Cancer June 21-July 22 You're happy, optimistic, and social delights unexpectedly occur, Sunday/Monday. (They're much better Sunday.) Your hopes might be rising about a special person or relationship - but be wary here, there are many delays, indecisions, a possible misunderstanding. AVOID leaping into new relationships, business agreements, litigation, relocation, or public dealings before January 22 (late that day). From Thursday to January 30, absolutely avoid leaping into a new job or career project. (Then, to mid-April, merely avoid "drudgery work.") Rest, contemplate mid-week. Your energy and charisma soar Thursday/Friday! Be "money wary" Saturday. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Don't buy equipment, cars, computers, nor start new work projects, before 5 p.m. January 22. Remain alert on the job, accept delays. Your "do not chase romance, pleasure, teaching or creative projects" warning intensifies Thursday through January 30. Legal trouble or a "bad wedding" can result. You'll be on fire, will want to ignore this warning. Yes, love might come anyway, but DON'T initiate it!) Wait - April 14 to August 27 will bring the real thing, without any negatives attached. Career success Sunday. Happiness, optimism Tuesday/Wednesday! Rest, contemplate Thursday/Friday. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 An old flame is around. If you're happily attached, don't chase him/her. If you're free, go ahead. A former creative project, child's concern, or vacation spot could return, also - all's well here. Don't start a brand new love affair or creative or teaching project before January 23. DO NOT start a reno, family, real estate, security or retirement project before April 14, especially this Thursday to January 30 - severe monetary or other loss can result. Love, wisdom, church Sunday. Be cautious Monday. Career's lucky Tuesday/Wednesday. Social delights Thursday/Friday! Rest Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Don't start new home, family, real estate, reno, security, retirement or similar projects before January 22. Prodigal kids (or parents!) might return. Old photo albums, schoolbooks, etc. give you a sweet attack of nostalgia. The weeks ahead bring affectionate communications. Starting Thursday, some of these "messages" will be about a partnership, marriage, love, relocation, litigation or a business opportunity/agreement. The first of these - last week right through January 29 - are better "not touched" - they're a doorway to a trap. After that, to early March, the valuable contacts arrive. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Embrace someone Sunday! Don't start new mail, communications, paperwork, detail, tool/machinery, computer or similar projects before January 22. You can now find a valuable missing document or evidence by poking into musty corners. Attractive money news/prospects have begun to arrive, but they contain pitfalls. Do this: invest Tuesday/Wednesday (p.m. best). Then, Thursday through January 29, accept money prospects (jobs, purchases, etc.) involving affection, gracious people, luxuries, relationships or the public - reject those involving "sweat work," machinery, steel or assertive people. Your money flow surges now to early March - practice saving! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Avoid new money ventures before January 22. Pay, collect old bills. A former casual sensual partner might return. Your physical charms have begun to glow and, Thursday through early March, Mars habits your sign - a romantic zinger that makes your sex appeal surge, and your heart turn hunter! But watch your romantic, creative, teaching and pleasure-prone motives through January 29 - you might conquer an empty city. In February, all systems will say go! Work hard Sunday, warily Monday. An admirable person, Monday eve-Wednesday. Keep sex, finances, secrets "light" Thursday/Friday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your energy, magnetism, and social skills remain high! The last two months brought a wider, brighter (and social, romantic) view of your future. Preserve this view - it's a valuable "guiding light" for the years ahead. But accept short-term delays: start nothing important before January 22. Your feelings have turned a bit inward - or a "secret love" is starting to occupy your thoughts. Take care - the rest of January offers tempting traps in these very areas: secret desires, privacy, dealings with government, and family. Romance, pleasure call Sunday, perhaps Thursday/Friday! Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb, 18 Don't start new governmental, institutional, administrative, spiritual, charitable, retirement/pension or similar ventures before January 22. But do focus on past elements in these - old tax returns, former spiritual interests, red tape you previously ignored, etc. Your social scene is starting to brighten mildly, and will grow markedly more busy from Thursday onward (into March) - but for now, treat this cautiously. Look for flaws - and flawed associates! Home's productive Sunday, disrupted Monday. Romance, creativity, beauty sweeten Tuesday eve to Wednesday. Tackle chores Thursday/Friday. Saturday brings an opportunity - a suspect one! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 You're happy, and you're going to stay that way for awhile! But don't start new social, political, or other group-oriented projects before January 22. (Nor, in general, throughout 2003.) Through April 14, you should NOT initiate any career changes - though they might be "done unto you" by destiny. After April 14, you should definitely strive for new career goals - luck's high April through August. Just recently, VIPs have begun to look kindly on you - but Thursday onward (to early February) they're going to be aggressive, temperamental. So step lightly! www.astralreflections.com. E-mail: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/