PrFont34Bin0BinSub0Frac0Def1Margin0Margin0Jc1Indent1440Lim0Lim1ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS APRIL 18 - 24, 2010 All times/dates are PDT. A reader recently asked me about Arch Crawford's prediction that our world will virtually come to an end around August 1, 2010. Arch is a respected stock market astrologer who, I'm sure, makes millions from his newsletter. He's made a lot of good calls, so we should look at his warnings. He doesn't know what will happen, but says the possibilities range from economic collapse to nuclear war to a switching of the magnetic poles. (The latter would, supposedly, wipe out most life on earth.) A melt- down of stock markets, bigger than 1929's, he opines, is the least that might happen. And he bases this on valid astrology. From late July to early August, 2010, Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, Saturn and Pluto - all the heavyweights except Neptune - will form a "T-square," a very stressful or problem-indicating aspect. Both World Wars and the Great Depression began with a less massive array of squares. So yes, it bears investigation. But neither an eclipse nor full tides, nor a peak solar flare/sunspot cycle, are joining the negative armies arrayed against our kingdom of Peace and Preservation. (Peak sunspot cycles usually accompany major negative events. Then again, World War I started just after a solar "minimum" similar to 2010's.) So the picture's mixed. Let's broaden our view. From about 1737 to 1984, the world was in a friction-prone Pluto era marked by constant war. But in 1984 we entered an era of consolidation (1984-2232) the last era of a 3,000 year cycle. We are in the "wrap up" 250-year phase - generally a peaceful, consolidating and stable 250 years. (Since the 1980's there have been police actions, not big wars.) But an era of consolidation, an ending time, might also be a collapse time. Unfortunately, we don't have enough history to intricately view the last consolidation era (about 1000 B.C.) At the very least, though, our present 250-year "ending era" might rearrange monetary, financial and ownership systems throughout the world. The credit crunch of 2007-08 was an early manifestation. There will be more, and I think bigger ones. But so soon, when we have 220 years left to get the job done? Perhaps. July 2010 (rather than August) might begin another financial dislocation or "reshaping." It could arrive suddenly and markedly like the 2008 market crash, or it might creep upon us slowly - I suspect it has been stealing up on North America since about August 2009. (This is why I advised caution toward the stock markets September/09 onward.) Within an apparent success, a failure might lurk; if so, it will likely "show itself" before March 2011. More on the "August event" next week. Start Nothing: 3:21 a.m. to 4:39 a.m. Mon., 7:07 a.m. to 8:42 a.m. Wed., and 8:35 a.m. to 11: 24 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Delays and mistakes affect everything, but mostly money, earnings, purchases, sensual contacts, and memory. Be cautious, check the ground before stepping forward, like a boy on a bog. Start no new projects - stick with, and protect, the old and ongoing. This advice applies until May 11. Otherwise, this week is fairly smooth. Sunday's busy. Retire, rest, steep yourself in home and nature Monday/Tuesday. Romantic, creative and risk-taking urges swell Wednesday/Thursday. There's no harm here, but perhaps not huge success, either. Work and money proceed splendidly Friday p.m., Saturday! Taurus April 20-May 20 Start nothing new before May 11. (You'll be tempted to buy something beautiful after April 24 - don't!) Your magnetism's high - you could attract an old flame now or in May. Trouble is, you couldn't live with this one, not peacefully. A major dream or wish is coming true this year, but be patient with any delays to this through May 10 - pushing could wreck it, or introduce a "third element" that leads you away from your goal, to nowhere. Tackle neglected communications Monday/Tuesday. Romance, pleasure, creative thrills, speculative luck visit you late week! You're winning! Gemini May 21-June 20 Your energy and magnetism rise slightly Sunday, and your intuition soars this eve: you can sense what's going to happen in major areas such as career, parenting. But overall a natural weariness grows on you this week and the next few. It's time for a rest, time to recuperate, contemplate (but don't form plans) reconnect with your spiritual, charitable sides. Deal with government agencies, head office, hospitals, red tape generally. (Are your taxes done?) Do not start new projects of any kind. Protect the old and ongoing from snafus, delays, supply shortages, etc. Home sweet home late week. Cancer June 21-July 22 Don't start any new projects before May 11. Prepare for mistakes, delays and indecision. Your mood will be great, though, as optimism, popularity and flirtations fill your days! Thus would be an excellent time to take a vacation, as you're in a fun mood, and not much will be accomplished in work arenas anyway. (Perhaps worse than not much.) As always this spring (especially Wednesday/Thursday) , beware of spending money without forethought. Lie low, rest and dream Sunday. Your charisma surges nicely Monday/Tuesday - someone notices! Friends, calls, trips please you late week. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 You're still full of vim and fury, your mind's still racing with ideas, your life with potential - but now to May 11 the whole world slows down, and you'd be wise to slow with it. Start no new projects. Instead, protect ongoing endeavours and duties from delays, missed appointments, supply or employee shortages - have a Plan B, order extra back-ups, etc. Higher-ups are watching, so it's important that you perform. They'll applaud if/when you overcome problems. A former career role, or boss, might return. Happiness Sunday! Lie low Monday/Tuesday. You'll impress, Wednesday onward! Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Start nothing new. Protect and nurture the old, past, or ongoing. What you declare, write or sign today through May 10, you might want to deny or retract later - even earlier! Delays, mistakes and second-guessing are rife, especially in law, higher education, foreign travel, international spheres, intellectual, religious and cultural venues, and love. A "secret" or home-related restriction (or a sexual/ethics test) might loom large. Delay final decisions. An old flame might stand before you. Marriage, relocation could result - but there's no rush! Four opportunities exist in 2010. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Delay new starts until May 11 onward. Ventures begun before then will be subject to delays, mistakes, second-guessing, and tend to remain forever unfinished. Stick with the ongoing, and reprise the past - but know some strife lies therein, especially if a former financial or sexual attraction appears. E.g., a long lost love returns, but is married. Or an inheritance arises, but a family member fights you over it. Still, benefits lie here, too. Be honest, loving and assertive. Wisdom comes late Sunday. Work hard Tuesday. Wishes come true mid-week! Rest, lie low Friday/Saturday: deep destiny afoot. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Start nothing new before May 11 - it would eventually fail. That includes projects and relationships. The exceptions are opportunities or relationships from the past. A former partner, friend, lover or spouse might return. This person has been experiencing friction (or a major fight) in domestic or security areas - and still is. But he/she can be a "good catch" for you - and your work, or ambitious approach, could solve his/her problem. If old love re-blossoms (especially if it's returning from 1984-95, or 1957-70) give it a chance! Ditto re a relocation, contract or fame opportunity. Hopes come true late week. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Work and health issues confront you during the weeks ahead. A former task or employment might return - fine, but don't violate any personal principles for it. Do not start any brand new work projects or health regimens, nor hire new service people before May 11. Despite all these "warnings," work will be enjoyable, co-workers pleasant. All's good! Bend to another's preferences Sunday. Your own road would hit a snag anyway. Mysteries, intimacy, other people's money, inheritances occupy you Monday (some difficulty) and Tuesday (success). Work/career success Friday/Saturday. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Your world is going backward, returning you to a place and role in which you feel more comfortable. You'll be in this "comfort zone" until late July; use it to reset your compass, especially morally and philosophically. Contemplate the world so that your ambition, when it returns, will be intelligent, informed, rather than just a knee-jerk reaction. Until May 11, do not start any new, significant projects. Protect ongoing ventures from mistakes and confusion. Patience is your best tool. An old flame might return, carrying a moral and/or sexual dilemma. Love is love. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Things end in the weeks ahead - most, pleasantly. Usually, this ending phase would also be a time for new beginnings, planting new seeds. But this time around, the only things worth beginning are from the past. An old relationship, a former opportunity for intimacy or security, an investment or realty purchase, a chance to re-align your kids' future, etc. - something you might have missed out on before, or unwisely abandoned. (These arise Wednesday to Saturday.) But if it's new, don't touch it. Love suggests, doesn't guarantee, Sunday. Tackle chores Monday/Tuesday. Pisces Feb.19-March 20 Don't start any new projects before May 11, especially in mail, communications, paperwork and travel. Delays and mistakes are rife, so recheck addresses, figures on checks, etc. You might hear from a "long lost" sibling or casual acquaintance, or find a note or memento you searched for in vain months ago. This is not an important time, so be patient with hold-ups, traffic, and wandering talkers. Home, nature are sweet Sunday. Romance calls Monday/Tuesday - your luck is evident! Tackle chores - cautiously - Wednesday/Thursday. Relationships, love's depths, flow Friday/Saturday. www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. For a reading: 416-686-5014. /30/