ASTRAL REFLECTIONS DECEMBER 20 – 26, 2009 BY TIM STEPHENS All times/dates are PST. Sometimes good and bad luck combine. Often this isn’t “luck” so much, as strong undercurrents pushing you one way and another. One seems bad because we don’t want to go that way; another seems good because it accords with our desires. For instance, two factors or “forces” affected ARIES' career in 2008: 1) great luck or expansiveness; 2) a major change. The luck lasted about a year, so it was “medium strength.” (In astrology, usually -- not always -- the longer a phenomenon or “aspect” lasts, the stronger its effect on our life.) The “change” or transforming aspect was a biggie – and it’s only a fraction spent, for it will be pushing Aries’ to change their status, career or worldly position for 15 years to come. This aspect becomes more powerful when and if we fight the change. So when I predicted great good fortune and splendid prospects for Aries in career zones in 2008, some truly experienced that. Others didn’t. I mentioned both influences, but focused on the luck, to urge Aries to chase the "luck in the change." Because the change factor was much more powerful, I think many Aries, in a sort of subconscious rebellion – or more accurately a subconscious puzzlement and dislike of meeting a huge new force and not understanding it – dug in their heels and refused to budge. Uh-oh, there went the luck, because it could only flower if/when Aries was flowing with the change, too. Luck is a delicate thing that needs an exacting environment. It never thrives in an atmosphere of anger, bitterness, revenge, or any negative emotion. Do you ever notice depressed people being lucky? So some Aries, during this lucky career year, quit their job and couldn’t find another. One Aries wrote me and said that her career luck never arrived. But, she admitted, the supplier that suddenly went out of business, leaving her in the lurch, led to her finding a new, better product at a cheaper price. And the guy who ran away with a couple hundred of her dollars, had introduced her to another person who became a client worth many thousands of dollars. I hated the whole year, she wrote me (and I’m paraphrasing) but looking back I have to admit it was one of the luckiest years ever for my business! So, she was lucky anyway. I was just thinking about this in terms of the AQUARIANS who denied having a lucky year in 2009 – and thinking about Christmas Eve and Day, too. These days contain some pretty difficult aspects this year. But if we relax, and flow, we’ll probably be happy! Luck comes to the young, the cheerful, the optimistic, and those who believe in luck. Luck is always a result of our radiation: our thoughts, feelings, love and hope. If we’re bitter, skeptical, we’ll never receive it. That’s why “beginner’s luck” truly exists – beginners in anything, poker say, have not had enough experience – enough hurt, losses – to look on the game with negative emotion: so luck comes! Start Nothing: 4:54 a.m. to 3:42 p.m. Mon., 0:09 a.m. to 3:39 a.m. Thurs., and 3:44 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 The four weeks ahead accent status, prestige, ambition and career, and your relations with parents, bosses, judges and other authorities. The whole time, a competitor or ally is in a position of strength, yet people “on high” favour you. This week (more than the others) a change seems imminent in your status, one that either emerges from or affects your net worth and/or intimate relationships. A real battle or competition could occur Thursday/Friday, when you’re feeling strong, energetic and focused. The results could remain in doubt, though, as Saturday begins three weeks of indecision. Taurus April 20-May 20 A month of mellow contemplation begins now. Love, compassion, understanding, broadening religious or philosophical views, far travel, legal affairs, higher education, advertising campaigns and cultural involvements are slated. Do anything “new” and short in these areas now – nothing long, because all these things will “go backward” and enter confusing waters late week through mid-January. A former love might be waiting around the corner. Be ambitious Sunday. Wishes, flirtation and social delights please you Monday to Wednesday. Retreat Thursday/Friday – fight another, better day. Gemini May 21-June 20 The four weeks ahead accent secrets, mysteries, sexual and subconscious desires, finances, investments, new worth and money shared with others, lifestyle decisions, research and diagnosis, and almost hidden power struggles. No matter how good or bad things seem in these zones, a subtle, long-term “force” favours you. You’ll fare best with a level-headed, careful, “long-term view” approach, rather than taking chances, leaping, or fleeing in panic. E.g., with investments, quietly pursue what you can “live with” for 20 years. Be ambitious Monday-Wednesday. Avoid socializing late week. Cancer June 21-July 22 In the weeks ahead, relationships will create a whole new world, evolving like a slowly unfurling mystery. The depths of love, discovery, pleasure and creativity you face over the decade and a half ahead are like the 1984-1995 period, but more significant, more surprising and powerfully realistic. Some of that will roll your way now through January – especially this week ahead. Be diplomatic, a joiner. See what others desire and try to fulfill it. That way you gain. Don’t argue Christmas Eve or Day. Otherwise, this weeks’ splendid for sex (early) love (middle) and social joys (Saturday). Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Well, work had to come sometime, and here it is, through late January. Just plod through. Do tasks carefully, and complete them. Better to finish three than start six. Saturday begins three weeks of having to re-do anything you did hastily. Careful Christmas Eve and Day – legal, educational, international or cultural matters – and a relationship – could fail or cause you grief. Otherwise, this is a great week. Relationships are sweet, poetic Sunday/Monday, mysterious Tuesday/Wednesday. Those last two days are good for research, intimacy. Be ambitious Saturday afternoon! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 The month ahead holds romance, pleasure, creative surges and gambling urges – you’ll be a winner in more ways than one! But this week starts two slowdowns: one affects your sexual and financial/investment zones until early March. The other affects those romantic, creative and speculative zones until January 15. Both counsel against starting anything new in these areas (and generally) especially this Thursday/Friday. The return of an old flame is very likely, but think deeply: how restrictive will this person be? I’d guess very. Relationships please Monday-Wednesday. Love, late Saturday? Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Major changes affect your home this month and next. The real “action” – though it’s on such a deep level you might sense rather than see it – occurs this week, probably Thursday/Friday. You can be challenged, especially by an Aries. Be diplomatic, but know this: you have the controlling hand in the long-range picture. That other person needs to, and will (now to March) examine his/her life. Now to January 14, avoid starting new domestic or property projects. Sunday’s happy, poetic! Tackle chores Tuesday/Wednesday. Mysteries, mysterious attractions, slated Saturday p.m. Scorpio Oct.23-Nov. 21 The month ahead isn’t important, so you can relax – relax into busyness, as there will be a slew of errands, messages, trips and paperwork. With all these, be careful, think twice, make lists, for mistakes, wild goose chases, delays and confusion will reign until January 14. Don’t start new projects. This week might signal a change in your communication methods, tone of voice, or you might decide to change cars. Sunday/Monday accent home and relaxation. You’ll dream big. Romance, creativity, pleasure, kids’ joys Tuesday/Wednesday. Careful Thursday/Friday with health, work, machines. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Chase money and pay bills over the four weeks ahead – but don’t buy anything, and avoid new income projects. Your methods, source and amount of income will change over the 15 years ahead (already has, a bit, in 08/09). This month – and especially this week – moves one of the gears of this change, deeply, perhaps silently. Wrong attitude: defensive. Right attitude: knowing you can build a castle of money, now to 2024. Sunday’s chatty, restless. Be domestic, restful Tuesday/Wednesday; study how you arrived at this place. Social/romantic zones need caution Thursday/Friday. Peace best! Capricorn Dec.22-Jan. 19 Your energy, charisma and clout soar skyward over the month ahead! But I left off “effectiveness” – because work and service areas slow down now to March, and a period of general delay, mistake, and indecision hits late this week, to January 15. Start nothing: finish everything. You might wonder about your true course in weeks to come. Here’s the best clue: to change, transform yourself, to build a new future and social circle, these are your “destiny” now to 2024. Chase money Sunday. Communicate Tuesday/Wednesday. Study situations well Thursday/Friday. See flaws, avoid unstudied action. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Lie low, rest, contemplate and plan over the month ahead. Be flexible, charitable, deal with spiritual questions/truths, institutions, corporate administrations and government agencies. These all face a sea-change for the 15 years ahead; like the weather over the ocean, it will be gradual yet surprisingly swift; silent yet huge. Research will yield benefits, particularly in career zones. This month, and especially this Wednesday to Friday, accent these subtle changes. Be watchful; avoid center stage and someone else’s argument. Action, money and quiet happiness flow for you Sunday to Wednesday! Pisces Feb.19-March 20 The weeks ahead spell happiness! Your popularity and optimism will rise, social joys will enchant you, fresh horizons will appear, dreams will come true, and you’ll formulate new plans for the future. That’s the rosy view. It’s true, but there’s a deeper, quiet thing going on: this “future compass” – actually, your future itself – is revolving around a deep seed of new knowledge, or new understanding of the world. Be alert, recognize hints of semi-conscious knowledge. Revere the mystery. Rest Sunday. Your energy surges Monday onward. Careful with money, sensuality Thursday/Friday. www.astralreflections.com Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 905-372-8996.