ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS JANUARY 1 – 7, 2012 All times/dates are PST. Thanks to American readers who corrected my IRS item. I was mistaken – the U.S. tax code does allow for non-taxable gains on the sale of your principle residence if you’ve lived in it for 2 years – up to $ 250,000 (up to $ 500,000 for married couples). Over this, you pay capital gains tax. So the tax code’s unintended consequence – the encouraging of people to refinance – still occurred, but to a lesser degree, or you might say, at a higher economic level. For example, if you were a single owner who bought a $ 500,000 house in 1999 and it was worth $ 1,000,000 in, say, 2005 (not an uncommon occurrence) , you would still face the same dilemma, but now only face taxation on a $ 250,000 gain…. Of the biggest hills of history, I think we are climbing the first one or two, and tens or hundreds more exist….but not thousands, unless in another form. (For example, the cave paintings and Shakespeare could represent two pinnacles of art, forming the first two cultural “hills.” The mass migration to the Americas, and the Moon landings, were two journey peaks. World War I and II were perhaps a single martial peak.) That the world ends December 12, 2012, when almost every planetary phenomenon is benign, and humanity is in its infancy, seems both implausible and wasteful. Mankind is not only developing, it is developing at a faster pace every quarter century. Compassion and understanding grow; technology and the sciences grow; freedoms grow in China, Africa, even in North Korea. Speaking of Korea, one of my “Year Ahead” predictions came true after I wrote and submitted it, but before the article was/will be published – Kim Jong Il of North Korea died December 17 or 18, fulfilling one-half of my forecast: “Both Koreas will feel, politically, like their foundations have been yanked away.” Watchers expected Jong Il’s son to have several more years to learn the ropes of famine and dictatorship from his Dad…. You might notice that I often, in the Sun sign messages, mention good times to buy houses. This has nothing to do with the present housing market. The market, of course, is fragmented. AQUARIUS is most in line for good fortune in the housing market. That only lasts to next June, so you guys had better not delay too long. LIBRANS might or might not be fortunate in the housing market, but they are almost destined to change homes, buy a home or change rents, from November 2009 to October 2012. From June 2011 to June 2012, Librans are very fortunate in investments/finances – this should include a home purchase. PISCES should strictly AVOID buying a home before September 2012. VIRGO, though, can benefit from buying, selling, renovating or otherwise dealing with real estate through August 2012. In addition, Virgo, now through June 2012, will experience powerful investment urges. Start Nothing: 12:07 p.m. to 2:16 p.m. Mon., 0:47 a.m. to 2:44 a.m. Thurs., and 11:52 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. Sat. Aries March 21-April 19 Your power, energy, effectiveness, timing and charm are at a peak Sunday/Monday – go after what you want! A three-day run of monetary fortune comes Monday afternoon through Wednesday. Seek every money pathway except partnership. Siblings, friends, travel, errands and communications fill Thursday to Saturday noon. Take care with tools, speech and driving Friday night. Start a restful, “down home” weekend Saturday afternoon. This entire week lends itself to your ambition. It’s a good time to push forward, meet power players, propose projects to the boss, and display your talents. Taurus April 20-May 20 This is an easy, mellow, wise week, Taurus. Think profound thoughts, express yourself to a loved one, contact far-flung people, start any sort of study, intellectual, cultural or publishing venture. Rest, plan and contemplate Sunday to noon Monday. Your energy, effectiveness, charisma and clout surge Monday eve through Wednesday – start important projects, see and be seen. Someone is likely romantically interested in you – respond. Chase money and make purchases Thursday to Saturday noon. This last day begins a very busy weekend. Bosses, parents favour you all week – deserve it! Gemini May 21-June 20 Sex and money are your main themes during this easy but intriguing week. Secrets, hidden profit angles, private revelations abound. Optimism, friends and flirtations arrive Sunday. But retreat noon Monday through Wednesday – contemplate, plan, be restful, meditate, and deal with governments and institutions. Be charitable, spiritual. Your energy and charm return Thursday to noon Saturday – somewhat. You can get what you want, within limits, and relationships flow well – as long as you pursue financial, intimate, health or lifestyle goals, success should occur. Avoid shops Saturday. Cancer June 21-July 22 Relationships fill this easy, productive week. Opportunities and challenges, agreements and refusals are slated, but the world definitely tilts toward the beneficial ones. Be ambitious Sunday and the first half of Monday – you can accomplish much. (Better Sunday.) Your popularity, optimism and happiness rise Monday noon through Wednesday. You might meet someone in a group who challenges you, yet stirs your attraction sensors. Love isn’t out of the question! But retreat, rest and contemplate what’s going on Thursday to Saturday noon – later, your energy and charisma return. Leo July 23-Aug. 22 A mountain of chores faces you, Leo – might as well plunge in and get them done. Nothing else of much value will arise this week, and any work you do during this career-blessed year (and this easy, smooth week) will surely redound to your credit and profit. Gentle wisdom, mellow love invades your consciousness Sunday to noon Monday. Be ambitious Monday afternoon through Wednesday, especially Tuesday. Your happiness rises Thursday to Saturday morning, as some social delights, a bit of popularity, and a buoyant mood relieve some of the work drudgery. Retreat, rest later Saturday. Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 It’s the first easy, smooth week of an easy, smooth year, Virgo. The accent lies on romance, creativity, pleasure, beauty and charming kids. You’re ready to take a risk, and it should pay off. Sunday to noon Monday is sexy, and financial opportunities stand out. (The only barrier to success is your lack of sufficient income. That will change after October next year.) Gentle love and mental expansion float in Monday afternoon through Wednesday. Far travel, education and publishing extend a cosmic invitation. Be ambitious Thursday to Saturday morn. Later, joy, hope and friends! Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 The main accent lies on home, domestic concerns, land, realty, security, retirement, soul, stomach, gardening, farming. All is well during this easy, good week. Do three things: get some deep rest, improve your security situation (or that of your kids) and change your lifestyle. Relationships demand attention Sunday and early Monday. Sexy attractions (and financial ones) arise Monday afternoon through Wednesday. Leap on any opportunities during these days. Your mellow, wise side takes over Thursday to Saturday noon – love, but not permanent love, Friday. Be ambitious Saturday. Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 This isn’t an important month, Scorpio, so you can act without stress or worry. You’ll be busy – errands, chats, siblings, casual friends, paperwork, details and daily business keep you moving. But the stakes are not high. You’re in a great partnership year (to next June) in both love and business. Use this week and next to persuade and discuss, to bring another closer by communicating. Tackle chores Sunday to Monday noon. Relationships, exciting meetings, opposition and co-operation, these fill Monday afternoon through Wednesday – luckily! Depths rise Thursday-Saturday. Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Chase money during this pleasant week. Buy and sell, seek new clients, ask for a raise – and shop. (Don’t shop for visuals Wednesday—e.g., dvds – and don’t buy high-tech Saturday.) You might begin a sensual relationship – not an important one. Romance, creativity and “lucky risks” fill Sunday and the first half of Monday. Work – this year’s growing monster – expands yet further Monday p.m. through Wednesday. It’s good work, with good rewards, so p-lunge in. Relationships, exciting meetings, opportunities, new horizons and possible refusals, fill Thursday to Saturday noon. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You’re in charge during this easy, productive week. Start important projects, see and be seen, ask for favours, give instructions. Home, family, security and Mother Nature are big Sunday/Monday. Your thoughts turn to love and romance Monday afternoon through Wednesday. Or, if you have enough love, to creative, speculative, and pleasure projects. Either way, luck enters just when you need it. Tackle chores Thursday to Saturday noon – you’ll get a lot done. This is a good small period for health cures, also. An exciting meeting could occur Saturday – be semi-wary, stress endures. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Retreat, rest and contemplate for the three weeks ahead. Fulfill neglected obligations, liaison with head office, government or institutions. Be charitable and spiritual. Plan your future actions. This is an easy, restful week. Short trips, errands and casual conversations fill Sunday to Monday noon. Sink into your home and family Monday afternoon through Wednesday. Monday/Tuesday is a splendid interval to buy a home. Romantic notions, pleasure and speculative success visit Thursday to Saturday noon. However, this isn’t the best time to start a love affair. Saturday, light chores. Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Wishes can come true this week – but fulfillment will tend to be of the same nature as the week: calm, easy, smooth. Your popularity, optimism, and social joys rise, although you’ll still prefer a few moments alone. Chase money or spend it Sunday, but put a cautious hand on the wallet Monday. Errands, calls, visits, casual conversations, all pop up Monday afternoon through Wednesday – take care of paperwork, reports, application forms and taxes. Head home or sink into your foundations Thursday to Saturday morning. Shore up security, contemplate old age – where are you going? www.astralreflections.com. Email: timstephens@shaw.ca. /30/