ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 1 - 7, 2007 All times/dates are PDT. Well, I told you something would happen the opening day of media tycoon Conrad Black's Chicago trial for racketeering, tax evasion and fraud. I predicted an event that might "show crime committed by the prosecution." That "the forces arrayed against Black could hit some major barrier_that could throw the prosecution's case off..." Turns out the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) decided, the weekend prior to the trial, to announce it had obtained a huge settlement for fraud with Conrad Black's closest associate, David Radler. This gave every juror in the trial a chance to see, in the newspapers and television, to hear, on radio news and in coffee shop gossip, a major authority - THE authority on stock market fraud - announcing, in essence, that Black was guilty by association - immediately before the trial began! This might seem, on the surface, to be a bad blow for Black. But from another perspective, it favors him. First, it forced the judge to spend time sequestered with the jurors - which basically hinted to them that their view of the case had been compromised and tainted. In a criminal trial, Black must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; the SEC's actions, if anything, by (unintentionally?) working to prejudice the jurors, must create doubt within them. The jury tainting, whether intentional or accidental, could also make the jurors suspicious of the prosecution's motives and methods. When the prosecutor embarrassedly denied any involvement with the SEC's weekend announcement, his words might have rung hollow with the jurors; and in fact he did subsequently admit a link. Second, the SEC's "accidental" manipulation might have introduced a thread of skepticism into the judge toward the prosecution. Third, the weekend events could later provide grounds for an appeal, if needed. Whether this media event helps or hurts him, it seems to supports Black's contention that there is a cabal of dirty-trick enemies arrayed against him. This was actually the second jury-tainting event in three days. The first occurred when one of the jurors - a professional accountant who worked in the very area Black's accused of violating - corporate governance - declared that he was sure Black was guilty - before the other jurors, and before the trial began! Conspiracy theorists would have a field day_ But again: The Moon on the trial's first day (March 19) does show a change in lifestyle, residence, and fortunes for Conrad. And the actual courtroom number adds to an 8, showing many who enter that room are convicted. (Of course, there are 4 defendants.) Start Nothing: 6:37 a.m. to 8:43 a.m. Sun., 7:29 p.m. to 9:36 p.m. Tues., and 7:54 p.m. Thurs. to 9:57 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Your energy, charisma and effectiveness remain high - start important projects, tackle things you've found difficult, seek favors, see and be seen. Your money picture continues to be lucky. Romance has some problems, but they aren't insuperable - could even add spice, dynamism. Intellectual, legal, far-travel, higher education, cultural and religious projects begin to enter a second-breath, delay phase (to early August) - give things time. Exciting meetings arise Sunday to Tuesday - but a new person who appears Sunday will make a great friend, bad love. Protect your money; avoid investments Wednesday/Thursday. Taurus April 20-May 20 By Friday, the disfavor of bosses, parents and judges dissolves, leaving you more free to pursue your own ends - but mostly, taking a load off your shoulders. Still, this is the month when your problems and obligations tend to swell to the fullest. So take a plodding, quiet approach. Tackle chores one by one, and avoid chasing parties, popularity or romance. Rest, pamper your health, eat sensibly. You can still charm people, so ask favors, seek allies and confidential meetings. Two siblings or friends will prove supportive. Mysteries Friday/Saturday. Gemini May 21-June 20 Happiness bubbles up despite problems! A dream could come true this April. Ultimately, no wish can manifest without others' involvement - and it looks like the wish most likely to manifest now involves relationships: love, marriage, a contract, fame, dealing with the public, negotiations, even the new relationships that spring from relocation. These areas also hold potentially huge changes for your life, changes that will boost your finances in 2008. Chase wishes late Monday, Tuesday and late Saturday - other times, realize others have "agendas." Higher-ups grow critical Friday into mid-May. Cancer June 21-July 22 This week was made for a mountain goat - it's craggy with peaks of luck and ill fortune. For success, act Monday noon to Tuesday night, Wednesday p.m., Friday p.m. and Saturday late night. Otherwise, proceed with caution. Your financial situation needs care and deliberation, not impulse. Your popularity remains sweet! AVOID lawsuits Friday through May 15. (If you work with the law, or are asked to testify, study, travel, or lecture by your boss, you could be heading for praise or a promotion!) In general, your ambitions are alive! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Your worldly status, career, dealings with VIPs and business links remain sweet, affectionate, favorable. A powerful attraction-repulsion situation will change, Friday through mid-May, into true love, or understanding, or "depth." That depth could be sexual intimacy, could be mystery/lust, could be a decision to break away to freedom - or, in business situations, it could be investment, enmity, infighting, or deep co-operation. Both the good and the bad are open to you, depending on your approach. This week let your mellow mood carry you over some rocky spots. Romance, April 7/8/9! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 The mysteries of life unfold for the next 20 days. Research, investigate, see behind appearances. What you learn can affect/inform how you handle the changes and opportunities that loom before you all year, in domestic, birth, child-related, security, real estate, retirement, therapy, and family situations (clues April 7/8). These 20 days can bring medical procedures, investments, lust, sexual intimacy, pregnancy, dreams, occultism, and lifestyle changes. Next week's better than this one. Friday through May 14 all these matters affect a partnership or agreement. Same period brings fiery, feisty attractions! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You face opportunity and opposition. Exciting meetings occur. It's an all-or-nothing time. You fully agree, or disagree. Others hold the power, so be diplomatic, co-operative. Your energy and charisma rise Sunday to Tuesday. A quick-witted person might charm you Sunday - don't invest, nor kiss strangers this day. Monday p.m. and Tuesday accent short-term success - don't initiate long-term things. A nice romantic streak (even if you didn't act on it) ends Friday. In the weeks ahead, you want equality, "partners" - or nothing. Your work pace intensifies Friday to May 14. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 The April emphasis lies on work, health, and other uninteresting things. Just plod through (especially this week, which has a number of glitches and problems). On the plus side, others treat you politely, even affectionately (at least through April 11). Friday begins a strong romantic, creative, speculative and inventive streak, lasting to mid-May. This could trigger an attraction to a co-worker, with sexy outcomes. (But it won't be a co-worker you meet before April 10.) Lie low, contemplate and plan Sunday to Tuesday. Your charisma and effectiveness surge Wednesday/Thursday. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 April promotes romance, creativity, speculation, risk, child-related projects, joy, pleasure, beauty, sports and games. You're on a winning streak, but this week has definite ups and downs, so proceed with some caution. Don't fall in love (or break the law, or take on new obligations or employment) Sunday, and retreat for a short rest Wednesday/Thursday. Otherwise, Sunday to Tuesday bring happiness and popularity - a love affair might surge forward! Your charisma and energy soar Friday/Saturday. Friday through mid-May, domestic friction increases. Be diplomatic. An older male is a (cautious) ally. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 April's emphasis lies on endings and new beginnings, on your domestic situation, land, property, parenting (being parented, if you're young) on security, Mother Nature, gardening, agriculture, and "soul matters." Your body is trying to hibernate, so relax into a slower pace. Grab afternoon naps. Enjoy romantic dreams/feelings. Despite your relaxation mode, Friday begins six weeks of communications, travel, ringing phones and "busyness." Make lists to reduce wasted effort. This week is studded with problems, but Monday/Tuesday open lucky career/status doors. Your mood, not events, is happy mid-week. Rest Friday/Saturday. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Life's lively! You're traveling, talking, writing, taking notes, handling paperwork and the details of living. This week has a few rough spots, so be diplomatic, hold your tongue when you sense someone's sensitivities. Your home and family members remain sweet, affectionate. Spend a day wandering through a park or garden. Friday begins six weeks of increased money flows - bank it, remain disciplined about spending. Friday/Saturday bring happiness, flirtations - now through July, former social contacts and an old wish will reappear, come true. Handle your career, reputation carefully Wednesday/Thursday. Pisces Feb. 19-March 21, 2007 April holds money events for you - most of them good. But tread carefully this week - poor investments, loans or other financial decisions lurk Sunday and Monday morning. (Lucky finances arise later Monday, and all Tuesday.) Take care with career, reputation and dealings with higher-ups and parents Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Friday/Saturday. (Saturday night holds lucky ideas for practical endeavors.) A complex week! Friday through mid-May, your sexual magnetism, will power and courage will intensify. You can hatch two fine money plans or projects during these six weeks. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/