2008 Horoscope

Horoscopes for other signs, see side bar

Aquarius

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

The significant shifts in planetary energy began during the past four months, and we have many more to come. 2007 was a challenging year for many of us. When long cycles reach the final degrees in a sign, we feel a sense of urgency to complete EVERYTHING on our list. This naturally isn't doable, no matter how much we would like to conclude everything. In the last six-seven weeks of 2007, most of us became too busy to attend to everything, and that, which entered our lives since September, was emotional in nature and now we needed to learn practical ways of handling issues. In astrology, there are short cycles and extremely long ones—many are changing now, and the more changes we have in the stars the more changes we will have in our lives. Is it a curse or a blessing, when we are wished: "may you live in interesting times"?

Since September 2007, we have all felt 'stuck' somehow. Our experiences are all unique and different. Some of the potential events and issues, including dealing with family members and housing related issues more. Perhaps we have needed to rely on assistance more than we are accustomed. Organizing a trip, procuring insurance, dealing with an insurance claim or the loss of a family member are some of the issues that figure prominently now. Some of us are luckier, and we have only had to deal with the furnace seizing up on us, the hot water heater that no longer works, the washer and dryer, the fridge—anything that has a motor and deals with water.

Mars is retrograde in Gemini, as the New Year begins. It is regressing (going back in time…) into the sector for Aquarius associated with children, creativity and romance. You know that you have tons of things on hold with work, chores and obligations but for now, you are dealing with other things. Some typical comments include continuous distractions, needing to drop everything you do to respond to the needs of another. Perhaps you have frequent requests such as can you find out for me, can you help me get this done, or perhaps you are looking after a friend or a family member in need of care. Chances are you have more on your plate than you can handle comfortably. Remember that from March to May you will be playing serious catch up but with a different mindset than during the latter part of 2007, which has been rather 'stressful' for many of us.

Have you taken on too many things? Did you over commit by taking on too many obligations and responsibilities? When planets move against the norm, the issues they represent are 'in our face'.

Many of us have made statements such as 'I no longer want to do that or I REFUSE. This energy can be over reactive, meaning that we get upset over little things that aren't worth the effort of losing our control. Until early March, we have the opportunity to find intellectual, rational, logical choices to set on a different course through the maze of life. During January, we need to revisit past ideas, talk to our friends, children and partner about the most pressing issues and this time with an intellectual mindset not from a place of emotional turmoil.

Similar energy was in play from August 6 to September 28, 2007. The repeats typically take place once every two years; this period is an exception. The feelings we have been having for the past 2-3 months need to be addressed. If something is making you feel unhappy, emotionally alone or alienated, you need to speak up. There is that saying: Doing the same thing 'over and over again' and expecting the same results is insanity. Until March 4, you have the opportunity to revisit those issues and tackle them differently.

As the year begins, a new element enters the equation: logic, paper work, seeking professional advice, speaking to a counselor, attorney, adjuster, etc. The first two weeks of the year are intense, it is easier to get into arguments as we 'fight' for what is just and fair. On December 18 when Jupiter moved into Capricorn (Mercury and Sun followed by the 21 st ) we all got a glimpse of what direction we need to take. Granted most of us became aware that it will take time, patience and working toward our goals patiently and methodically.

Then from March 4 until May 9, you will be able to handle work/obligation matters differently. Are you doing what you love?

Pluto of change and transformation enters Capricorn this year. The preview period is January 25-June 13, and November 2008 begins 14-year main feature. For Aquarius this takes place in the most hidden or repressed areas of life. There are things we don't want to share: our fears, doubts and we are also reluctant to discuss our deepest beliefs and notions. Your spiritual side needs to be fulfilled during these years; you need to learn to understand your own inner workings. We are not 'human doings but human beings'.

You might not know what needs to change, but do know that there are things not to your liking. Over the past dozen years, your goals and aspirations have changed. Life is short and you plan to live it on your terms. Now Pluto of change, elimination, rebirth and 'fate' is shifting gradually into the sign of business, societal norms and ambition, Capricorn (dates above). If we observe, what people are busy doing every year this time we get strong clues as to what the planetary influence is most likely to bring us.

Every year when many planets are in Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 20), people seem to do a big purge around their homes—in with the new at Christmas and out with the old after Boxing Day. When the planet known for its ability to eliminate, to make redundant moves in Capricorn, purging things and people, who have outlived their usefulness can become a strong theme.

For Aquarius, those changes are about your inner world, your subconscious and your beliefs. The next 14 years bring many internal realizations and learning to understand that there is more to life than meets the eye. In our subconscious, we house both our fears and dreams; addressing these issues is seldom an easy process. Some of your long-held beliefs prove to be redundant as are some of the goals you set for yourself. During these years, it might be a good idea to learn about the symbolism in our dreams, investigate the 'supernatural' and perhaps learn meditation or yoga (or other similar practices). Pay extra attention to your health, as energy levels tend to fluctuate with this influence. With this influence we need more downtime and more alone time.

Saturn moved into Virgo back in September and lasts until mid-2010. This for you influences shared resources and investments, liabilities and debt as well as mortgages and taxes. You are not very likely to love this part of what the stars bring, but you will do the work because you are naturally responsible. Your intimate relationship needs to be committed from here on out, you need to know that obligations not only the profit are shared. During this time, you may take out your first mortgage, marry or have a child. The older Aquarians may plan retirement, how to handle money in retirement and/or downsize. The ones in the middle group may work hard at establishing a retirement fund, savings plan, etc. The major theme is to conserve rather than spend.

The timing cycle for the direction in our lives shifted into your sign; this lasts through mid-2009. You will be making new choices for yourself, more pronouncedly if you are one of these ages this year 18.5, 37, 55.5 & 74 or 9, 27.7, 46.5 & 64.7. In the first group, you are choosing a new direction in life. If you are 18.5 this year, you will be entering the bigger society either in the workforce or at college/university. At 37, we yearn to accomplish something worthwhile. At 55+, we need to discover your role as the Elder and at age 74 how to share your wisdom. In the second age group, we are assessing our progress toward the targets we set for ourselves 9 years earlier. The eclipse cycle follows this cycle of the Nodal Axis. February and August are the eclipse months. The New Moon at the beginning of February (6 th ) is an eclipse, which repeats from 19 years ago (1989). Old opportunities and/or meeting new people we feel we have known all of our lives are likely around that date. The Universe provides us clues about how to proceed through external events. This cycle divides our lives to 4-5 complete, repetitive cycles.

During January and February, the planetary energy supports new ideations, becoming enthusiastic about life regardless of the ups and downs along the way.

In August and again in November there are external events, which are likely to drum the message home. Some things we do willingly, others require coercion from outside of ourselves.

June is a lovely month for you this year, as is September, things flow with ease; love could enter your life or your existing relationship might become so much more rewarding. This year is the one for becoming enthusiastic about life. What do you want out of life? What is stopping you? It is time to let go of excuses, don't look for reasons as to why not—say yes to life.

During 2008, Jupiter of abundance is in Capricorn with Pluto, which emphasizes your desire to eliminate things in your life that inhibit your growth as a spiritual being or affect your beliefs negatively. Jupiter brings expansion into our lives, and for you acts like a 'guardian angel' this year; there is always a 'silver lining' from your perspective. Because Pluto and Jupiter are dancing in the same sign bulk of the year, the energy is more volatile.

Handling Issues with Logic

This year the Mercury cycle is in the element of air, as in 2001-02. For you, these cycles influence relating at a variety of levels. The emotional theme of 2006-07 gives way to handling matters more rationally. This approach 'feels' more comfortable to you. It is also a year of new ideas and we can have a delightful time playing out those 'what if' and 'why not' scenarios.

This year Mercury is in your own sign for two months, and spends 204 days in signs associated with life, romance and future. This is very good for air signs, and Aquarius is one of these. The retrograde periods can be challenging this year, see dates below. During the first one, which takes place in your sign, life and events are personal and potentially related to your health, pay extra attention to safety and do not ignore lasting pains. When was the last time you visited the dentist or had a physical? The second one in Gemini, express your views with your romantic partner, children and people you love with clarity and compassion; don't proffer the sound advice at every turn. During the final one for the year pay extra attention to legalities and proof anything written with care; and avoid altercations with relatives.

Mercury is in your sign (Jan 7 - March 14); there will be shorter rerun about the same time in 2009. However, the ones with this intensity repeat rather seldom (the last one was in 1995). It is all about you; how you think, how you do things and how you express yourself. You thinking processes are finely tuned now. Note the dates when Mercury is retrograde, as this might not apply during those three weeks. Making major decisions is the theme; add this to the theme of the year, and I bet this is an exciting time!

From May 2 to July 10, Mercury is in Gemini; there will be shorter rerun about the same time in 2009. This is associated with romance, children, play and creativity. Are you having fun? Do you wake up in the morning excited about what the day might have in store for you? Do you make time to play? Is there something you have always wanted to try but think that you wouldn't be able to because (or but…). Why not! During this time, you have the opportunity to discuss matters with loved ones building better rapport. This can be a rather romantic time for you.

During May, you can be more 'reckless' about things in general, romance and affairs in particular. You might take risks without considering the outcome from different angles, or you might tell everyone who will listen exactly what you think without mincing your words or saying it without much tact or diplomacy. If this is something you've wanted anyway, it can feel rather liberating.

In June 2008, matters set in motion in the Summer of 2004 (remember the 'really hot' one) come to a finale. This can be serious 'falling in love' time or 'let's have a baby' time.

From Aug 28 - Nov 4, Mercury is in Libra, the concepts are travel, philosophy, advertising, convictions, opinions, and those grand plans for the future. This is probably one your busiest times for the year. In-laws and relatives (the family we have chosen to own) can be prominently in the picture. There are some significant changes in September. If you are involved with publishing, travel or higher education, this could mark a significant accomplishment.

Mercury Dates:

Aquarius Jan 7 - March 14

Gemini May 2 - July 10

'Doing as he pleases' May 6-27, 2008

Libra Aug 28 - Nov 4

Retrograde periods:

January 28 - February 18

May 26 - June 19

September 23 - October 15

Summary for 2008 from the first column of the year

What are your choices? That's the big theme this year; we can and do create our own destinies. 2008 is about getting excited about life, rediscovering inspiration and getting enthusiastic about what is possible. Travel, publishing, relocating somewhere far away, getting new in-laws, discovering religion, philosophy…broadening your horizons. It is a big news year—milestones: baby, grandchild, engagement, marriage, first home, etc. It is time to begin financial planning; seek advice if it is too much to handle alone. Starting now and for about 14 years, your subconscious mind, dreams, beliefs and spirituality are big issues, at the tail end you'll have changed more than you dreamt possible.

Want to know more about your Year

Our personal year begins on our birthday. Astrologers cast a solar return for each year in order to look at the prominent themes for the year. The write-up here is based on the sun sign and if you happen to know your rising sign, I recommend you read that as well. If you need more information than the columns on the web and your newspaper can provide, I recommend you talk to a professional astrologer. In addition to offering personal consultations, I also have two astrological reports for your personal year.

For the past few years, I have written rather long annual horoscopes for the year, which is once again a theme. Remember I am generalizing because the write-ups are intended for the millions who share your Sun sign, an astrologer can get more specific about your life once your date of birth, time of birth and location of birth are known.

Special Report Offer January 10 - February 29, 2008

Most of us are interested in learning more about ourselves and yearn to know what the future might hold for us. Many professional astrologers have written computer-generated reports, which offer a wealth of information. Each one I have purchased has been handpicked, because I personally liked it and it gave me additional insights about me. For example, I have two astrological reports for your personal year. The reports are available directly on line or you can email your request and pay with PayPal (the rates are posted on the order page). Two for one offer: one solar return and one transit report OR two solar return reports (nearest birth date will be used) via email directly from Anne for $10. (Note that time of birth is necessary for the solar return report).

The reports are insightful but cannot replace a personal consultation with an astrologer.

Personal Consultations

If you are looking for more information than the horoscopes and reports can provide, you might want to consider a personal consultation.

Anne Massey, CAP (ISAR) is a certified professional astrologer. For personal consultations with Anne call her office at 604-888-9552. More details on the services page. Note you can now purchase reports and charts via email or regular mail and pay for personal consultations using your credit card and the convenient shopping cart which is hosted by Paypal. The pricing and types of readings are listed on the services page.

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