ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2008 All times/dates are PDT. I feel badly about giving the Canadian federal election such short shrift. My prediction was that Harper will win, simply because Dion's chart seemed unable to defeat Harper's. That doesn't mean I like Harper, though. Stephan Dion is a LIBRA with a fifth house Moon - that makes him idealistic, intellectual, gentle and creative - an all-round "good guy." A teacher of children. But Harper is a TAURUS with a tenth house Moon. That makes him proud, ambitious, practical, and stubborn - an all-round leadership type. Harper was born with Neptune opposite his Sun - an indicator of prevarication. Harper's Sun degree is that of the father, or shepherd - he would never desert his children, or his electorate. He probably feels that some of his more draconian actions (e.g., decimating senior's nest eggs via the income trust betrayal) were necessary "for their own good." Dion tends to benefit others more than himself. Harper's Sun degree also demands sacrifice - from others. As for Barack and John, I've already analyzed them to death. Barack looks set to win, but as I've mentioned several times, the lunar south node (bad karma) passes over his Sun during early-mid November. This doesn't mean he'll lose the election, but it casts a shadow. Possibilities range from simple bad luck and dissipating gains (e.g., some of those who told pollsters they'd vote for him won't, because he's black or possesses a Muslim name) to the assumption of a "winless presidency" (i.e., economic and martial problems too big to solve) to simply an inner dissatisfaction with what he's wrought, and the tendency to embrace the less admirable side of his personality. I'm not guessing assassination here, as virtually every American president who's been assassinated was elected with Jupiter and Saturn either conjunct or square. That's not the case this time. There is another possibility: the south node passing over our Sun tempts us to grow independent, aloof, arrogant and alone. People with a big bucket of moral goodness (I believe Obama possesses this) can go completely the other way. They focus on others, co-operate, seek to merge and bond, and emphasize the other's desires and needs. This keeps them virtually free of the south node's negative effects. Obama has already shown the capability, even the tendency, to act this way. However, he's also grown a little blas‚ about the adulation of the crowds, a little aloof ("cool," the pundits say) and a little too sure of himself - this way lays the south node. There might even be an effect of the south node which we don't see, and won't be aware of until much later - a backroom deal, a hidden action or decision, etc. Start Nothing: 2:52 a.m. to 4:40 a.m. Sun., 4:55 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. Tues., 10:53 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Thurs., and 6:02 p.m. to 7:47 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 A period of new and intriguing contacts and opportunities is ending (technically, Wednesday eve) - turn your thoughts toward ways to steer these into deeper waters from mid-week through November. Deeper = intimacy, sexual bonding, commitment and deep truthfulness on the emotional side, and funding, operational merging, contractual fulfillment, investment/debt and other commitments on the business side. Notice "commitment" is common to both. So would be "change," for that's coming, also. Look deeply, research, and be brave. Legalities, cultural "habits" and foreign contacts favor you. Tuesday/Wednesday and Saturday are pivotal. Taurus April 20-May 20 Others have opposed, teased or chased you in October. That last is best, of course, and could indicate real love - you'll know by mid-November. Relationships intensify Wednesday onward. For lovers, "wedding nudges" loom. For openly unhappy folks, legal divorce might arrive before year's end. On other levels, opportunities to relocate, contract, negotiate, meet new associates or grab a money opening, fill the month ahead. The best of these will occur October 23/24, 28/29, 31, and November 5-8, 10-12, 16, 20/21, 24/25, and 29/30. Be diplomatic, eager, "other-oriented." You'll succeed! Gemini May 21-June 20 Romance and sweet protective feelings will continue for some time - you might even meet someone new and exciting now into January 2009. Clandestine attractions, especially with a co-worker, could occur in the weeks ahead. But some of the romance ebbs now from any situation as you encounter, mid-week through November, the demands of practical life - employment, domestic chores, dependents' needs, repairs, and day-to-day health. Some of these chores/duties began early in October - are they the right task? Chase money or shop Sunday/Monday. Home and family need you Thursday-Saturday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Midweek begins a month of infatuation, pleasure, creativity, successful speculations, beauty, and the joys of teaching/raising children. You've had a taste of this all October, but now a winning streak begins in earnest! The time ahead might bring romance - and valid marital prospects. If you're already married, life takes on a lucky glow - opportunities naturally sprout around you! Show affection for someone who cares. Co-workers - and work - will be pleasant, cheerful for the few weeks ahead. Your magnetism and energy rise Sunday/Monday. Chase money - and spend - Tuesday and Thursday. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Wednesday begins a month of domesticity, recuperation, family issues, gardening, security, retirement, eating, nutrition and similar themes. This arena has already heated up a wee bit, perhaps sparking friction, since early October. If you've been hot under the collar about something at home, soon you'll roar your displeasure. Simultaneously, the weeks ahead also offer a sweet gamble, and a streak of romance, creativity, and joys with children. Outside attractions might make you impatient with the restrictions of family. Lie low, rest and contemplate Sunday/Monday. You attract admirers Tuesday-Thursday! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Mid-week starts a month of busy activity, but the stakes aren't high, so proceed in a "relaxed frenzy." A lot of your errands, communications, paperwork and short trips will relate to an income situation or purchase. The few weeks ahead grant you affection and mild good luck in domestic and family arenas, real estate, security and retirement concerns. Optimism and social delights bless you Sunday/Monday - you'll sense your future in glad ways! Retreat Tuesday-Thursday - contemplate, rest, deal with government. Your charisma, effectiveness and energy shine Thursday midday to Saturday. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Wednesday starts a month of earnings, buying/selling, possessions, casual sensuality, and reliance on your memory. This zone has already "awakened" late September to the present, so you know what's afoot. But the pace grows fuller, more productive, over the next four weeks. REDUCE spending. Many short trips, errands and communications will make you feel friendly and alive. You might start a sexual relationship with someone who appears to be good mate material. Careful. Be brutally frank - with yourself. Be ambitious Sunday/Monday. Social joys and flirtations bring happiness Tuesday-Thursday! Retreat Friday/Saturday. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Doom and gloom end, weariness dissolves. Wednesday brings a month of heightened energy, effectiveness and magnetism (which is already high, but will increase). In the weeks ahead, start significant projects, tackle tasks that formerly intimidated you, ask favors, see and be seen. Your money luck will continue buoyant through November 12. Ask for a raise - show higher-ups how giving you more will save them money. Be gentle in intimate clinches. Mellow understanding arrives Sunday/Monday. Be ambitious mid-week. Social delights, flirtations and bright plans fill Thursday eve to Saturday! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Wednesday starts a month of quietude, rest, and spiritual concerns. Deal with head office, institutions and government agencies. Things lightened for you a bit in 2007. At the end of this quiet month ahead, the light will begin to shine brighter than it has since 1996. Light - a glow of returning confidence, wonder, a looking up again to the far horizon - even a more buoyant step when you walk. It's coming! Mysteries arrive Sunday/Monday. Mellow understanding, gentle love, learning and travel draw you mid-week. Be ambitious Thursday afternoon onward. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Pressures ease by mid-week, as you enter a month of social delights, optimism, flirtation, fun, entertainment, and wish fulfillment. It won't be "high octane" fun, as another influence nudges you to enjoy your solitude. Best to mix these - have fun, then retreat for contemplative sessions. Your life is about to launch down a new channel - see this, study your future potentials. You have hopes tied up with family, real estate: go ahead with these, cautiously. Relationships, power plays confront you Sunday/Monday. Mysteries, sexual desires and large finances fill mid-week. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Wednesday begins a month of pressures, ambition, status concerns, and intensified relations with higher-ups, parents and authorities. Some of these are already displaying temper and impatience - just smile, do your job and let it roll off your back. DON'T fight back! The weeks ahead also sweeten your social life - and your hopes for the future. Talk plans over with good friends. Tackle chores Sunday/Monday. Relationships demand diplomacy mid-week, but opportunities come also, from vibrant, friendly people. Mysteries, sexual urges, and investments attract you Thursday noon to Saturday. Be careful. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Your relations with VIPs, bosses, parents and authorities will go splendidly in the weeks ahead. You're appreciated! But the main emphasis will be on the vast realms of thought and distance - love, religion, philosophy, higher learning, media, international contacts, far travel, legal and cultural affairs. There's a bit of a barb in these waters, so proceed with some care - avoid legal hassles. And don't rush a reluctant person into a wedding, school, contract or trip. Romantic notions give pleasure Sunday/Monday. Tackle chores Tuesday-Thursday. Thursday noon onward brings exciting meetings. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 604-261-1337. /30/