ASTRAL REFLECTIONS
BY TIM STEPHENS
NOVEMBER 14-20, 2004 

	All times/dates are PST.
	You'll remember I picked Kerry to win - "with trepidation," because, as I said, Bush's charisma would be (I'm writing this October 22) at a 1-in-28 day high on election day, and Kerry's charisma would be at a 12-month low. In addition, Pluto would be on Kerry's Sun - the same Pluto aspect that wiped out democratic presidential contender Michael Dukakis in 1988. (Pluto causes power but alienation.) 
So I still don't know, at time of writing, who's won. But shortly after I called Kerry the victor, an icicle stabbed through my heart. Shortly after I sent that column off, Kerry stabbed an icicle through the heart of my hopes for him. The scene of the crime was the third debate, when the moderator gave Bush and Kerry an opening to comment on their wives. Bush with his sentimental Cancer Sun, deeply partnership-oriented Libra Moon, and romantic Leo rising sign, gushed with schoolboy charm and "aw shucks" emotion, speaking poetically of love at first sight when he met Laura. The camera panned to Mrs. Bush, and found a beaming, loving wife.
Then came Kerry, with his cheerful, friendly, but impulsive Sagittarian Sun, his Sagittarius rising, and his cool, quick, Gemini Moon. Not a sentimental bone in his body. In addition, Pluto (selfish isolation) was travelling over his Sun and opposite his Moon. Kerry started off with a lot of praise for his mother, and followed with a joke about "marrying up." But then_I kept listening, waiting for the words about his spouse - "I love her very much" or some such - but, incredulously, they never came. He finished and stepped back. The camera panned to his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry. She sat scowling and thoughtful. 
No pundits mentioned Kerry's omission, but I'm sure the American electorate saw it, even if only subconsciously. The analysts claimed Kerry won this third and last debate. Yet his polls went down, while Bush's rose. Then, incredibly, exit polls showed that 81 per cent of the people who voted for Bush did so because of his "values." Economy, war, unemployment, collapse of the stock market, retirements in ruin, even the war on terror - these ran a poor second to Bush's religious and family values. The American electorate would rather have Bush as President than a man who, on national television, showed no loyalty to his wife. Events change and events can assault us, and even a good man can find himself surrounded by difficulties; and even a good man can make mistakes. But a man who doesn't love his wife (or appearances) enough to sing her praises on national television - when specifically invited to do so by the moderator - such a man is suspect. 

Start Nothing: 7:57 a.m. to 10:33 p.m. Sun., 7:07 p.m. to 11:39 p.m. Tues., and 9:50 p.m. Thurs. to 2:38 a.m. Fri.

Aries   March 21-April 19
The mysteries continue. In some ways, you get "deeper in" now through December - into a sexual, lifestyle or financial commitment, into mystery, into a research or investigative project, or a health concern. Love confronts you this week, but love itself faces "hard" practicalities/realities. It's not the best time to dive into a new passionate affair - tragic feelings could result. On the other hand, life offers you friendships this week (even very prestigious ones) and boosts your home, property and financial and psychological security! Be careful Saturday - rest; avoid arguments.

Taurus   April 20-May 20
The accent lies on relationships, opportunities, challenges, opposition and attraction. Be diplomatic, eager to join. But not too eager - join in a career or workplace "partnership of interests" and say yes to any new friendship, but stop short of collusion. (If a confidential discussion is necessary for an "agreement," or if you feel guilty, stay out.) Avoid gossip.  Tackle all research, financial, debt, investment and health concerns now and next week, as late November will bring 20 days of confusion and delay. You could be a "career winner" now!

Gemini   May 21-June 20
The hard work continues, but this week you succeed in pulling the drawstrings of money! You have more clout in negotiations than might be apparent. But negotiate now, get deals firmed up, ask for that pay raise or promotion, suggest a partnership, grab an opportunity - the combination of mental activity, career, work, and money is lucky Sunday to Thursday! (From November 30 to December 19 all these things will slow down. Contracts signed, agreements or promises made in that period would be broken. So act now!) Avoid new love.

Cancer   June 21-July 22
Dive into romance, create, seek beauty, express yourself, take risks, be adventurous and brave - you're on a winning streak! But don't start a new love - someone will get hurt. You could be surprised at how sexy you feel late Sunday into Monday, and Wednesday/Thursday! These are also great days to approach a loved one (or even a higher-up, boss or VIP) for a financial or other favor, to invest, to re-arrange your major commitments, and to ask someone to be your partner in business or life. (Remember, no brand-new loves.) 

Leo   July 23-Aug. 22
You can achieve a great home-related accord with a spouse, or a stable employment-related agreement with "head office"-or both! These could include a new mortgage, an investment in property or renovations, "family planning" for a new child, etc. It's a great time to settle things with an ex-spouse, too - be legal. If you're unattached, you'll be drawn by sex for the next five years (before kindness, grace, goodness, etc.). This needs care - but this week, sexual attraction works, brings fine results. DON'T toy with a casual acquaintance. 

Virgo   Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Settle any debts, collect what's owed you, and make final purchases. Electronics, computers, used items, cars and machinery make good purchases. Despite your inclinations now, luxury goods will disappoint. Though you're in a busy, friendly, causal "state," love (and, frankly, sex) draw you all week. You could meet someone solid who would make a good long-term co-operator, and/or someone who's adventurous and a "wild ride." Either is okay, but don't count on either for a formal wedding - it won't happen. Avoid a gracious person whom God "dipped in charm."

Libra   Sept. 23-Oct. 22
You start this week busy (Sunday) but you soon settle down to look after home, family and your soul. You want a stable love, but one that sparkles with ongoing desire. Well, don't seek it this week. You'll do far better to remain with the love you already know. New ones could lead to emotional "tragedy." That said, early week is strangely romantic or sensual - almost in a "what was that?" way. Midweek is openly romantic - a good time to arrange children's affairs, to create, beautify. Be self-protective Friday/Saturday. 

Scorpio   Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Your energy, charisma and effectiveness remain high! Start important projects, ask favors, and put proposals to higher-ups. But don't start projects that are too huge - many delays and confusions will enter late November through December 19. Start what you can finish before the 30th, or anything that you can let "percolate" for a post-December 19th "second stage." A short trip, visit or casual meeting could curl your romantic toes early week. A smooth stability reigns in career and travel arenas. Don't start a new love affair Friday. (Avoid Taurus.)  
	
Sagittarius   Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Home, financial and intimate matters succeed. Remain restful. Recuperate from recent toils. Contemplate; enjoy Mother Nature. Well-wishers remain loyal, but socializing hits a limp note. In one week you'll burst into a more energetic, go-get-em phase - but you'll have trouble making decisions, creating priorities, and vanquishing others' inertia. That counsels you to do one of two things: create your priorities, your "must do" list now (at least enough of them to see you through December 19) or simply wait, study the situation, and act after December 19. The latter's better.

Capricorn   Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Optimism, popularity and social delights continue to visit you - and they intensify this week! Your charisma grows early week, when a series of busy, perhaps madcap events whirls you up and spins you down the road of adventure. You could meet an assertive, primitive yet indefatigably cheerful person. Chase money Wednesday/Thursday - you'll find it easy to achieve agreements, to woo your spouse, to deal with others. All week, a subtle opposition exists to your career goals - be patient; don't present something too early. Pass up a new love attraction. 

Aquarius   Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Make one last effort to please higher-ups, to fortify your career position, or to enhance your community reputation - but don't try too hard. Assertiveness could create the wrong impression, or set in motion the law of unintended consequences. Another warning: don't fall in love this week, especially not Friday. Those cautions aside, it's a great time! Sunday brings optimism and friends. Sunday/Monday offer a sudden career/money break (beware a hectic pace, though). Your energy climbs midweek, bringing legal, learning and travel luck, affection and a stable financial prospect.

Pisces   Feb. 19-March 20
It's your last week of mellow feelings and elevated ideas, of gentle love. Recent involvements in travel, learning, law, publishing, religion, advertising or media continue during the five weeks ahead. But a "grim determination" will replace what's been a rather serene pace. This determination could bring monetary rewards. Be inventive, ambitious (and money-oriented) Sunday/Monday. Flirtations, optimism and popularity arrive Monday/Tuesday. Withdraw, contemplate Wednesday/Thursday - government agencies, head office, psychics and advisors benefit you! You attract admiring glances Friday/Saturday - but avoid starting an intimate affair - it holds future tears. Relationships "transform," Saturday.

www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337.


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