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Saturn
shown to the left is the most spectacular of the planets, its rings made of
ice and rock reflect the Sun's rays. It rises at sunset and crosses high overhead
during the night. It is that bright object in the evening sky that almost
resembles the brilliance of Venus.
Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn. Sun moved into Capricorn at the
Winter Solstice, a time of year the day light hours are the fewest here in
the northern hemisphere. In Roman times Saturnalia was celebrated this time
of year, the return of daylight as the length of the day increases after the
Solstice. Christmas is a relatively new celebration, the church designated
the days to co-inside with traditional, pagan celebrations in hopes that we'd
forget our pagan ways.
To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces. If you'd like to know more about your year, look at the annual report from birthday to birthday available on this site, read more about it.
Saturn is the character in our lives play that teaches us to do without, to learn responsibility, and to take our time at getting to our destination. It can stagnate, maintain status quo, impose limitations, and make us acutely aware of what we lack. Saturn represents obstacles on our path. When Saturn travels through a sign, it makes us aware of the deficiencies in the area of the zodiac it is moving through.
Saturn is the main marker of time in the zodiac. It takes 30 years for Saturn to travel through the zodiac. Previously Saturn transited through Cancer from August 1973 to June 1976 with a short stretch in Leo Sept. 1975 - Jan. 76. From June 2003 until July 2005 Saturn will call Cancer home. People born during the last stretch in Cancer are becoming adults during this time, learning to take responsibility for their actions and lives, odd how we call becoming of age 18-21.
Those born approx. 59 years ago June 1944 - August 1946 will experience their second Saturn return, which is about becoming an elder, giving back to the community and the World at large. For those of us born with Saturn in Cancer, it is not about the lack, or having to do without, rather it is about what you need to learn in life in order to teach it to others. Saturn is also the planet of wisdom, learned through life's lessons and we all get these. Never more than we can handle, some of us are better equipped to handle a lot. Saturn simply depicts us forging ahead without ever losing sight of our goal.
Saturn has been travelling in the sign of Gemini for two years and continues here until June 2003. Until then we will continue to experience the crumbling structures and subsequent changes in the areas of education, transportation, communication and health care. We are finding these areas wanting, falling short of what these should be and what they should offer to us. It is not just in one country, but globally. The issues vary slightly, but on one scale or another, they make headlines.
Through the sign of Gemini we have a connection to Mercury, which governs issues such as communication, travel, health care, armed forces, and education; gadgets with wiring and businesses that sell services. All of these have emerged as current issues. Health care workers have gone on strike during this time, teachers have taken job action, and unionized workers have battled to retain their rights.
I mentioned last year that I wouldn't be surprised if there was a new travel document for crossing the longest unguarded border at the 49th parallel (between Canada and US), it is coming next year. All landed immigrants will be required to have an identification card and Canada is urging individuals to become citizens. What a befitting statement from a Cancer nation as Saturn prepares to enter that sign. It would be fitting if an inordinate number of immigrants chose to do exactly that.
Let's add another element to the above equation. Pluto opposed Saturn in the course of 2002. Pluto is the planet that exposes attitudes and issues that are no longer valid. Our attitude toward different races, cultures and religions is fast changing, with our awareness of the ugly and rotten side of these issue and attitudes exposed. The World has become a tiny place, where we connect with things foreign to us' on a daily basis. This aspect in action brought about the insistence of the US to have Canadian immigrants of arabic descent be treated differently with regard to the proposed new travel documents. Canada stood her ground aware of the changes in our collective consciousness, and as result all of our immigrants will be treated equally (at least on paper). United States has Gemini on the 7th house cusp, which represents, among other things, other nations. Other nations have been busily opposing some of the actions United States has been wanting to take. Always interesting to see astrology in action. To reiterate once again the planets describe what is happening not what we action we will definitely take. (Here is the link to my 2003 cheat sheet. to look at main planetary positions)
Saturn moves into Cancer in June 2003. Imposing those limitations and making us acutely aware of what we lack both from a material and emotional perspective. Our security emotional, financial and physical becomes the main theme. Cancer is about emotions, caring, nurturing and empathy and Capricorn is about control, structures, rules and regulations. These two signs represent naturally opposing energies, and in June 2003 the "clashing" begins.
Real estate markets will likely be the first to reflect the changing sky. Our perspective on home, family and our roots will likely undergo a transformation of sorts. If we are in an unsupportive environment either at home, work or play, we are likely to recognize that we do need support after all, and consequently we are likely to take baby' steps (Capricorn is slow and steady, not rash and sudden) toward getting that need met.
Saturn represents shortages, hard work with no time to play and have fun. We may notice that things that represent security, money for bills, homes for people and food are in short supply. World hunger and homelessness may well be topics in the limelight more than previously.
Food in North America has become fast-food', processed, pre-cooked and heated while we wait at the drive-through window. We have grown in size, being overweight has become almost norm. Most of us carry extra pounds, or extra layers of padding. McDonald's the huge franchised chain started to loose customers during the last 2-3 years. The recent moves of McDonald's and slightly prior to that of Wendy's (due to the heart-attack their face to the public, Dave, suffered) has resulted in lower fat and calorie content in fast-food meals. "In the early 70's we cleaned up our health, restricted our food intake, we simplified, went back to the land'. It was the Crunchy Granola generation . You are what you eat'. Whether trekking in a van, or trying communal living, wherever we were was home'. After extreme liberalization, we had to get serious about how we were going to support and feed our families."*
Saturn spends 2.5 years in a zodiacal sign, which translates to slow and steady changes that come after contemplation no dare devil stunts with Saturn energies. For each sign this affects a different area of life, based on the past 2.5 years (by June that is) of determining what we do or do not need in our lives, and as a consequence of the conclusions we make and we wish to put behind us. Saturn follows in the footsteps of Jupiter, who spent 12 months in Cancer from August 2001 to August 2002. That was a time frame where we potentially built all kinds of castles in the air'. Now we get 2.5 years to see which ones are more than evaporating cloud.
All inventions and great results start with a notion or a vision. While those
dates are still fresh in your mind, try to recall what great plans you cooked
up or dreamed up. Are you now willing to put in the work to realize concrete
results? Time is a wonderful teacher, we just need to accept that the schedule
is not set by us.
January 1 - January 21, 2003 Capricorn
April 26 - May 20, 2003 Taurus
August 28 - September 20, 2003 Virgo (Here
is a link to open a printable Mercury retrograde table 1972-2047)
Mercury takes 401 days to get to the same position as he held in the heavens on January 1, 2003 (28°Capricorn). This year Mercury will spend 200 days in the element of earth. There are three earth signs in the Zodiac (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn). Earth signs are sensible and dependable, and approach life from a practical perspective. They have an inherent need to order and organize their world to protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances, behaviour and hazards. Sensibilities rule over emotions. The sense of touch is an earthy feeling mechanism.
Earth signs are steady more suited for the marathon, energy is conserved and actions contemplated and considered before taken. Taurus likes to go at a steady pace, and thinking and planning the route before springing into action, and Capricorn takes the slow and well-planned action, time is of no consequence in the grand scheme of things.
All of the planetary cycles overlap and weave connections, this year Mercury retrogrades in the element of Earth as if to support the efforts of Saturn. Saturn is the earthliest of the planets, the main marker of time here on planet Earth. The 1st of the these three week periods begins January 2, 2003 the day most of us return to work and ends January 21. The most immediately noticeable events associated with Mercury retrograde are delays, mis-communication and changing plans and schedules. Patience is required to navigate through these small hindrances that truly only have nuisance value. We need to speak and listen with more care, so we don't allow misunderstanding to enter the equation.
Capricorn is Saturn's natural home. Mercury in Capricorn sticks to facts, and talks about what is rather than what could be. The retrograde period in any sign means that the planet spends a longer time in the same area. Longer exposure typically means that we have the luxury of time to notice things more up front, close and personal. Capricorn is about status and career, now is not the time to rock the boat, but play a patient wait and see' game.
Every astrologer repeats the same warnings, avoid signing documents don't buy equipment with wiring, and hey I would not book the electrician to rewire my electrical box during these times. This time is better used reviewing work already done or half-finished, which needs to improved.
I bought a car with Mercury retrograde. The wiring on that sucker (it was a luxury car) caused no end of grief, when we had to drive it without knowing the speed, etc. operating it blind-folded was not fun. The bonus was that during that 6-month period the distance driven did not register, so we eventually sold it for more money than we paid for it. At work we bought a big rig with it, boy, the amount of warranty work that truck has had in the past two years.
We cannot stop living just because the planetary alignments or positions scream': "just take a holiday" - by the way this is not a good time to book tickets to travel either. The key is to stay flexible and prepared to change plans, i.e., don't carve it in stone. Signing important documents is not advisable either, we all make typos, right? Now more so than ever as we have the tendency to rush without paying attention to detail.
These time frames, which continue in the practical, result-oriented earth element next year as well, are excellent for reviewing and researching how to give practical form to high, lofty ideas. The best inventions and boldest career moves all start with a notion, a daydream. Creative effort on any scale is 5% inspiration and 95% work, sweat and tears. Now is the time to focus on that 95% and how to accomplish it.
Last year and the one prior Mercury spent bulk of the time in the element
of air. We created and envisioned a future based on ideas, ideals, whims and
wishes. Our minds were more brilliant as ideas sparked seemingly out of nowhere.
Now that it will be about the work, i.e., blood, sweat and tears - we feel
overwhelmed by the obligations we took on. Speeding along on the wings of
inspiration feels like more fun, than drudging along one tedious step at a
time. However, we are now offered two years in which to become productive
and receiving rewards in direct proportion to the effort we choose to extend.
In life we can miss out on all of our chances by not participating in life.
Take part and do your
thing in 2003-04.
These periods are great for writers, who can now go back and polish off written
material. It is now easier improve the material with detachment when proofing,
rewriting and revamping. This typically leads to a better result.Read more
about Mercury's travel plans for the year.
This column subject to a re-write or three by the author.
Last year we had the feminine planet Venus retrograde in the Mars-ruled sign of Scorpio. Venus stayed in this sign for four long, long months. This year Mars, the most masculine of the planets, starts his retrograde motion on July 29, 2003 in Pisces and moves direct September 27. From June 18 to December 17 Mars will be residing in the sign of Pisces. That is six months!! When a planet is retrograde, it is physically the closest to planet earth, and we tend to feel the energy very strongly. We may have rushed past actions and choices we needed to make, and now we can pause and catch up, prior to proceeding forward once again.
Mars retrogrades occur once every 2 years 2 months. The last one took place between May 11, 2001 and July 19, 2001 in the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius. The previous Mars retrograde period in the sign of Pisces dates back to the period from August 10, 1956 to October 10, 1956. On August 11, 1956 Elvis Presley released an ode to Mars "Don't Be Cruel". Pisces is the sign we allocate to show business, which is not of this world', unreal, ethereal and filled and based on imagination and fantasy. Pisces is the global sign that connects the souls (a more mundane version is connecting people). On September 25, 1956 the first transatlantic telephone cable went into operation. The Hungarian revolution took place in the Autumn of 1956. In 1924 was the previous time Mars retrograded in Pisces and on August 23, 1924 Mars came closest to Earth since the 10th century. On September 28, 1924, two American aircraft returned from the first round-the-world flight. The journey took 175 days. The Mars retrograde periods tend to repeat at 15-17 year intervals. This 47-year one lapse of time between two similar cycles is an anomaly, which repeats.
We assign unions, hospitals, institutions, the subconscious and salvation to the sign of Pisces. Mars is the planet of action, wars and in general terms describes what we do. When a planet comes closest to planet earth, it appears to move backward from our perspective. It is retracing its steps, covering territory once travelled through already. The easiest description to give this time frame is one step forward and two steps back, getting nowhere fast. It is as if we are stuck on fly-paper. Mars in its normal mode produces fast action, which won't be the case in the heat of the summer as he moves retrograde.
August - September 2003 are the months life moves at a different pace. The themes for individuals are different to those out there in the World. What is in motion in June and July, will be still-frames' to use movie jargon. Pisces energy expressed through Mars is about saving ourselves from ourselves, while this is happening Uranus will also be in the sign of Pisces, making it very difficult to speculate what will be going on at the time. Giant steps in medicine and science are likely during this time. The headline screaming "first cloned human born" was in the papers late in 2002. In the course of 2003 we will hear how that is substantiated. Ethical questions surrounding this issue are likely to be under immense scrutiny during August-September.
Actions with Mars retrograde are akin to driving your vehicle with the emergency
brake on, chances are that the vehicle is moving but damage to drive train
and wheels is taking place. While Mars is in the reverse' gear, do not
force the issue, take extra time and act with utmost care. Check facts twice
and don't give into illusion. Hostility and anger can run rampant. Hear Elvis'
song - "Don't be cruel." Idealism can be prevalent in the minds
of people, right or wrong may not enter that equation.
On March 10, 2003 Uranus enters Pisces. Previously Uranus was in Pisces from
January 1920 - April 1927. It was a time of conservatism. It was a time of
great social change. From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces
clashed to produce the most explosive decade of the century. In music, the
three sounds were jazz, jazz, and jazz. Youth ruled everything, from the young
styles of dress to the latest celebrities. If it was young, it was the thing.
Over the first few years of the 1920s, the automobile became a hit. Commercial
radio broadcasts and movies with sound made a debut. The airplane quickly
became an integrated part of American business during the 1920s. Mahjong was
the game of the decade, complete with the appropriate oriental attire. Agatha
Christie penned her first Poirot novel. The comedies of Charlie Chaplin were
some of the most popular.
Medical discoveries in the 20s include:
Discovery of thyroxin, adrenaline, acetylcholine
Discovery and therapeutic use of insulin
inoculation against TB
Discovery of the iron lung
Development of a technique for freeze-drying tissues
Development of antitoxin for scarlet fever
Freud made the words "repression," "sublimation," and
"complex" a regular part of our vocabulary. Carl Jung's personality
types became very popular game as people calculated the personalities of others
- especially celebrities - based on 40 simple questions. First TV-BROADCAST
test, pictures transmitted via wire, the start of electronic communication
and many broadcasting companies. The first Miss America was chosen in 1921.
Jekyll and Hyde a 1920 silent movie. What a decade! To view a list of events
click on this link
http://mediahistory.umn.edu/time/1920s.html
Alignments from the 1920's are not repeating, only the fact that Uranus was
in the sign of Pisces. In the decades since the 20's the inventions and trends
have changed and shifted. Psychology and the media in terms of movies and
entertainment are issues associated with Pisces. Medicine is partially under
the auspices of Pisces and the discoveries of the 20s significant. Undoubtedly
we can expect more along these lines in the next 7 years.
The domain of Neptune, Pisces and the 12th house encompasses issues ranging
from saving the world to unions that bargain on behalf of the many. Hospitals,
institutions, the psyche, faith, dreams, illusions and hidden, behind
the scenes' politics. Uranus on the other hand is responsible not just for
Eureka' but all things sudden and unexpected. Therein lies the problem
of predicting what. How can it be unexpected if we emphatically know what
it is. It would not be a surprise or a shock if we could see it coming. That
after all defines the innate nature of Uranus.
So learn to expect the unexpected in the Piscean realm, watch for the associated
topics dominate the head lines, and read the paper and watch the news with
care on the day the shift occurs - March 10 - as it typically offers the most
clues. We all predict' - join the ranks.
One topic I see dominating very clearly over the next seven years is cloning.
Not just replicating a life form, which is probably a reality as I write this,
but growing a new liver, kidney, other organs and maybe even body parts from
healthy cells.
Uranus moves from his own sign Aquarius into Pisces ruled by Neptune. Neptune remains in Aquarius. We have a mutual reception out there for a few years yet. This is potent energy, as both these energies are free to take the best of both worlds, so to speak. The dreams and visions we can have with Neptune in Pisces and the incredible discoveries while Uranus disposes Neptune occupying his own sign. I for one am going to watch the events of 2003-2010 with awe, thrilled that I get experience these exciting times. Maybe these will be known as the roaring noughts, no-one has yet named this decade we are living, or is it that the decade hasn't defined itself yet? An interesting conundrum, isn't it.
"Uranus in Pisces, that mad, mad era of the 20's, personifies in the
drunk Flapper, dancer
Isadora Duncan, in a madcap drive down a twisting mountain road at night.
Her signature flowing scarf became caught up in the low sports car wheel and
strangled her. The end of an era. The interesting thought, to me, is that
it was peace time between two World Wars. I wonder if we can hold out for
7 years?"*
Eclipses take place every year, 4-6 per year. In 2003 we have four:
May 15, 2003 24° Scorpio 53' - this is a full Moon thus it is a Lunar
eclipse - total
May 30, 2003 9°Gemini 20' - this is a new Moon thus it is a Solar eclipse
- annular
November 8, 2003 16° Taurus 13' - this is a full Moon - total lunar eclipse
November 23, 2003 1°Sagittarius 14' - new Moon - Solar eclipse total
On the day of the December 5, 2002 eclipse I was in Australia, anxious to view the eclipse. People were asking me what might an eclipse like this bring, my comment was that on the day these typically cause events in the news - earthquakes, hurricanes, scandalous news, etc. A few hours prior to the eclipse bush fires broke out in Sydney, approx. 30 fires destroyed about 50 homes, and most were lit by arsonists. One teenager was caught. An eclipse event, most definitely.
For most of us, these act as timers for something already in motion. The
eclipse has to hit a personal point in the chart within less than 1° for
an event to take place. We can typically speculate what it might be, but it
is speculation at best.
The May 15 and November 8 eclipses are within 5° of the Nodes of the Moon
(a point used to define an eclipse) and in my experience the close proximity
makes the eclipses quite strong.
The eclipses occur in close proximity of the nodal axis. As these shift into Taurus-Scorpio, we know that the nodal axis has moved into the preceding signs. This takes place approx. once every 18 months. The nodal axis is like the needle of the compass in our lives, we were born with our own unique needle pointing toward our destiny, and once every 18.6 years the cycle through the zodiac completes (now this answers why we call 18 or 19 years olds adults - see Saturn above).
We have the earthy theme at play for two years with Mercury our favourite trickster, and the eclipses this year and next two occur in these two signs, to support the lessons the nodal axis movement in transit', has in store for us. Note the eclipses emphasize the lessons we need to learn after the 15th of April, 2003 and until the 27th of December 2004. The North node is best described as Dharma or destiny and the South is Karma. South Node eclipses are linked to Karma, reap what you have sown' good or bad. North Node eclipses are linked to Dharma or destiny and these tend propel events in our lives forward with gusto.
Our natal chart is filled with planets and points that define our life, but the nodal axis is what conjoins the Sun and the Moon as it is their paths that are integrally linked to this abstract mathematical point.
So for clues from the past we need to look at the last time, always learn
from history. We are thus transported back to the period from September 12,
1984 to April 6, 1986. That is why so many astrologers are referring to these
dates when predicting for this year. The theme repeats the story-line is somewhat
altered now. If you happen to be a Taurus or Scorpio, you will likely remember
that time well and feel the changes the most. This also applies to the other
two fixed signs Leo and Aquarius. Life is shifting into a new gear, despite
the fact that the brakes are on late this summer (refer to Mars above).
Those of you born with this particular pairing of the Moon's nodes will implement changes for the next 18.6 years. (On the Order Reports page you can print your natal chart free of charge, date, place and time of birth required. If you don't know the time use 12 noon to half the error and ignore the Ascendant and Midheaven.)
At different ages these are the main issues:
18½ career, life direction choices
273/4 getting ready for life's responsibilities
37 Am I heading in the right direction is the question.
46½ reviewing the purpose of your life
55½ Am I heading where I wanted to head
643/4 What is retirement?
The North Node will be in Taurus, which is an earth sign. It has to do with sustenance, values and priorities. It has to do with providing for self and others. Whatever we are gearing toward, and what path we have chosen has to feed' us so to speak. We need to be more self-sufficient in the area of life that is ruled by Taurus.
The South Node will be in Scorpio, which is an emotionally charged sign,
that delves into the very depths of the soul. We will need to dig deep and
uncover issues, ideals and even people, that are no longer important or valid.
Relationships in the Scorpio segment of our chart will change or disappear,
not necessarily with ease.
Jupiter is in Leo from August 2002-August 2003, check last years write up on Jupiter in Leo. On the 28th of August, 2003 Jupiter moves into Virgo. Great for Virgos and the other two Earth signs, not bad for the rest of us. Jupiter always delivers, we may have built up our expectations so high that they are out of touch with reality. Jupiter increases our expectations so that we work on realizing at least some of these potential rewards'. Jupiter spells generosity, this year be generous and you'll receive the same back tenfold. With Jupiter in Leo, children's issues and their well-being have become prominent issues. Many of these have been rectified in the course of the Jupiter year. Virgo people are those that look after others - people in the service industry, healthcare workers, soldiers, teachers and all kinds of support workers. On a global scale these people's lack of what they deserve and have rightfully earned becomes something we need to address. And in the course of the Jupiter Year August 2003-September 2004 some of the current wrongs will be righted.
For individuals the rewards are in the Virgo ruled area of the chart, and that will be addressed in the write up for the signs.
Your career, avocation and your position in the world or the corporate hierarchy
needs honest, realistic evaluation through Jan 1 - Feb 15. The time frame
to take pragmatic, practical action in career, money, and work related matters
is from 2003 to 2004. Chores, schedules and alike obligations need to be stream-lined.
Time is an asset, allocate it as if it were money. You need recognition and
the freedom to work effectively in order to make a difference. You want to
leave your mark in the annals of time.
In April-May the focus is on time, money, assets and resources - you need
sustainable income, assets that increase in value and work that satisfies
your soul' or is at least headed in the right direction. In August-September
you'll be working harder than you thought you could or even wanted to. Now
you need to focus on improving your time managements skills, organize your
responsibilities properly and eliminate redundant obligations. Try delegating
those that you feel you have outlived'.
The nodal axis shift in mid-April emphasizes the issues centred around money, assets, priorities and your self-assessed worth both financial and otherwise. The theme repeats until you start working with the issues. Are you expanding your energy in areas that lead you forward along your chosen path in life? Who is reaping the benefits of your efforts? It ought to be you. Two of the eclipses happen in the same area as well, so now is not the time to ignore the importance of these issues. Simultaneously you may be faced with the matter of joint resources, assets and commitment as well as death and taxes. The major focus, however, is on cashable assets.
Your ruling planet, Mars, is working against' you August-September, your vitality may suffer, perhaps you should schedule some holidays for then, and get any urgent work done well ahead of time. Sleep patterns may be disturbed during this time as well. Your inner life, subconscious and all those fears you typically push to the background form a big part of the year. You know that you are intuitive, almost psychic - work with it not against it. The perfect year to become an expert on dreams. It might be a good idea to learn meditation or at least ensure that you get plenty of physical exercise. Both help you in becoming more balanced.
In June there is yet another major shift, as Saturn of limitations and obstacles moves into the area of home. Did your house suddenly become too small, too constricting or just too expensive to maintain? This shift can be the harbinger of a move to somewhere that is closer to family, the ocean or represents a home for those golden years. Obligations with family members tend to increase during these times (2.5 years from June 03), and you may find yourself looking after an older or ailing relative.
Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. Opportunities in the latter
part of the year arrive on the work front or at places where you volunteer
or offer your time, skills and effort. Yours is the task of preparation and
hard work. Now is the time to give it your all. Relationships with co-workers
and/or subordinates need to be handled with kid gloves. Constructive critique
laced with compliments for tasks performed well, will yield better results.
Choose words with care, you get more bees with honey. Learn to be a good listener
this year, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Destiny beckons, 2003-04 is the time frame, that has the potential to change your entire outlook on life. During Dec. 7, 02- Feb. 15, you are likely to find that your views and opinions are changing. You are exposed to new ideas and world views, and willing to take those blinders off. There is more to life than meets the eye. It's a great big world out there, but technology has shrunk it down to a manageable size. It is a small global community and you want to be a part of something bigger, something that will make a difference. Where your future lies forms a large part of this period. You are becoming more focused on you and your attitude, perhaps recognizing that it needs some fine tuning. April-May it is about you and your attitude toward life, the way others see you may not please you, and you want to change. It is a great year to transform not just your attitude but also physical appearance.
Need to loose some weight this is the year to take positive steps in that
direction. Is your wardrobe still in the 90's or 80's, time to update and
revamp. We need to stay with the times to keep young at heart. August-September
children, romance and all kinds of creative enterprises are in sharpened focus.
Be conservative and practical in solutions you wish to implement. Slow and
steady progress is the way to go, regardless if it is a child unwilling to
grow up and resume responsibility, or that book in the attic, you thought
you'd finish one of these years. With romance it may be the time to rekindle
those feelings, which have been buried under daily responsibilities and obligations.
Seize the moments with gusto. Do take the time and extend that effort to have
some fun this year.
Money matters cease to be of prime importance, as Saturn changes location
in your chart. Now it is more about your daily life, you find yourself wanting
more activity despite the fact that you have too many things on your agenda.
It is a trim down' year - you need to free up time for things you want
to be doing. Some obligations have become a habit rather than a necessity,
it is always hard to let go. Yet it is time.
March starts a new period of gaining freedom and independence. Your dearest aspirations start the nagging process, that soon becomes almost reckless abandon in order to make life exciting again. Routines and the daily rut need to be eliminated, you need to feel excited and inspired with all of life's little moments. Create lots and lots of moments, don't stagnate in the lap of life's little luxuries, which are ever so tempting. Start changes rather that experience unexpected disruptions that you don't want to welcome.
Romance and birthing new ideas is sweet particularly August-September but
does continue through Autumn 2004. Luck and bounty is to be found here. Take
the time to plan your course of action to realize those dreams. Be choosy,
aim higher and you'll gain more. If your work environment is tedious, look
at ways to use your creativity in a productive manner - improve don't eliminate.
Word of caution stay away from gambling, those types of windfalls aren't par
for the course.
Life lightens up around your birthday, Saturn leaves your sign, and you can let out a big sigh of relief. You did the hard work, and are better equipped to cope with the new challenges of 2003-04. Your surprisingly practical emotional take on life is in a very private limelight'. Until mid-February you may find yourself searching for the meaning of life, and your role in it. Savings, shared assets and resources, as well as taxes and other compulsory expenditures need your undivided attention. Don't leave those important financial transactions to the last minute - plan them. Organize and you will have to agonize less. Keep tax records and similar documents on hand for potential audit.
April-May could bring fears and doubts about the year, and how you can tackle all of it into a sharpened focus. Lots of help in terms of dreams, and insights. Listen to those inner voices, and life will roll along more smoothly. Energy levels may be quite low heading into your birthday time, look after your health and well-being - it is your body, you are responsible for its maintenance. August-September the spotlight moves into the stage of home. Both obstacles and rewards appear on this front. We all have issues, this year the issues seem to with those nearest and dearest. Consequently you will find yourself more emotionally involved than typical. Looking for quick solutions to dilemmas is not in the stars, sometimes we need to acknowledge that we cannot fix everything. Kids need to make their own mistakes, and friends don't always listen to sound advice. On the offering advice front, keep these to the minimum. Speak less, listen more and you will feel better about the way events turn out.
Home may grow fuller in terms of occupants or you may indeed find a bigger place or extend the one you have. Your home is your castle Aug. 03 - Sept. 04, make it worthy of the title. The nodes of the Moon shift into the most private of places for the next 18 months in mid-April. This year is about learning to focus on your inner life, it is about finding what it is you have faith in and what you truly believe. This can range from the philosophical to the religious, but when all is said and done, your convictions will have changed. Recognize the heightened need for solace and solitude this year, take time out frequently.
Surprises, disruptions and sudden changes happen on the career front. Your place in the corporate world, in the family unit and as a member of your community undergoes big shifts. The changes can well be outside of you, losing colleagues, experiencing down-sizing or even achieving an unexpected promotion. Try to see the other side of each issue when dealing with those in positions of authority over you. Life stopped being boring and humdrum didn't it?
Saturn enters your house of money in June and stays there for 2.5 years.
It marks the time when you need to grow your assets, budget your income and
learn to keep a tight reign on expenses. This is also the time when you test
your worth, not through the eyes of others, but through your own. Who is a
tough judge now? Money has always been an emotional issue with you, now you
have the opportunity to harness that energy and become a master of your assets.
You may have spent some time in the past three months thinking and working through an issue regarding your romantic relationship or lack thereof. Now through February 15 the communication within that relationship, and relationships with others in general, needs to be addressed. In the months gone by the issue was perhaps that you wanted your significant other to show you their feelings, now you need to discuss these and share your goals and aspirations with each other. The best relationships are those that have open communication lines. You may be able to sense what people feel and think, but sometimes that feels too much like a guessing game. You do not want to speculate, you'd rather have the facts from the source. April-May is the time for addressing friendships through a similar lense. This year there is a lot of focus on all kinds of relationships. It is also the time to scrutinize your plans and goals for the next five years.
In August-September it is your daily relationships, people in your neighbourhood and those you have daily dealings with that grabs your undivided attention. At that time education, teaching and collecting new activities on your list to do becomes more important. You like variety and have spent a long while apart from or somehow disconnected from the daily hustle and bustle of the world, time to join in. From Aug. 03 - Sept. 04 this is where luck happens, and where we keep busy with life. Relationships with siblings are in for a boost as well. You'll travel more, communicate more and visit more people, your social life is in for a major boost.
From your birthday onward it is time to buckle down and get serious about what you want to accomplish in the next couple of years. Decide which route is going to get you there with the best results. Life is a journey not a destination, however, this year you need to find a destination of your choice, the one that you want to focus on for the next 2.5 years. Remember Saturn is about doing without, get your clothes shopping and the like done prior to that. Saturn is about discipline, and once it is in your sign, you have all it takes to apply yourself - choose something worthwhile to expand all of this energy on.
The nodal axis shift re-enforces the importance of having long-term goals and aspirations, these are those at the cross roads' years, plan your map and travel plans on the road of life with due care.
Travel and education, higher learning and religion are areas where you can
expect surprises. Your opinions and convictions are in for a radical change
this year and for a few years to come. You may find yourself making unusually
rash and sudden choices from the perspective of those around you. You, however,
have been mulling over these things for a while now. You know that you want
something different, you want to be and feel unique.
Seven more months of Jupiter in your sign, lap it up, life is good. However, life is about change, and sometimes, when we reach those pinnacles we dreamt of they feel hollow and empty. Often the biggest turn-on is the anticipation. When we return from a holiday, we feel a big let down when forced to face the daily routines. The fact that the first Mercury period occurs in the house of work, chores and service and last until mid-February probably isn't helping. You may feel that working is downright repugnant right now. The inspiration does not grip you at the moment, and the tedium of producing results is harder, when it feels like you are working it alone. Perhaps the setting at work has changed to something you don't like.
March 10 marks a major shift. The issues that are present here range from a potential tax audit to those life altering decisions, where nothing remains as it was. In order for you to do anything, you need to feel committed to the cause'. For someone known as the centre of any party, it is surprising to learn that you tend to pair for life in relationships. The most intimate of partnerships are changing, shifting and becoming more meaning yet elusive. You could find yourself drawn to the metaphysical or at least a primer course in psychology. This marks the time when you want to understand you and your motivation better. You have done a lot of quiet soul searching, now this quest revs into a new gear. You don't want to hear about it, you want first-hand experience.
April-May career issues are focal once again, now it is not outside your control, rather it is about what you desire. What you do has to reflect who you are or have become. You need to find your career' or chose avocation rewarding, not simply in terms of money but quality of life. You may be ready to embark on a new adventure. Hold off decisions until late May, so that you end up with fewer regrets. You may not know the roaring 20's, but that feeling takes hold, and you want to leave your footprints in the sands of time. Life is about change, it is time. The eclipse in August near your birthday re-enforces this inner message.
In August-September the energies flow through another connected area of your life, money, assets, personal resources and these can grow if you use the skills that you have spent a life time honing. Each one of us has a talent, using yours now can produce extra ordinary results about 3-5 years down the road.
The Nodal axis shift is another astrological event that focuses on the career'
and home axis. This lasts about 18 months, time to take steps to veer onto
another path. Life is what we make of it, right! What is it you want to do
with yours? Responsibilities and obligations have lessened since June and
you are freer to do things just for you. Ultimately the only person to hear
your confession' on what you did with your life, skills and talents
is you. How will you feel about your efforts at the end of the road, during
your golden years when that chapter is written.
You are truly in your element this year, all support systems are ago! The focus until Valentine's Day is on the affairs of children, your creative efforts ranging from making something with your hands to writing that masterpiece, and love. Lots of areas in here, life is never about one thing. With children you need to remember that you are the parent and the best you can offer is unconditional support despite what your solutions might be. In love the theme is much along the same lines, except that you are the one giving, and expecting back in return is not where it is at. Is there such an animal as unconditional'? You'll find that out for yourself. Creation of anything is always that proverbial 5 percent inspiration and 95 percent perspiration; time to sweat and put in the hard work. Gems can be produced at these times, it is 2003-04 not just the early part of 2003, which serves as the impetus. Forward movement, we cannot ever go back.
March brings all of your relationships into the limelight. You have a dreamy outlook on others, in your eyes they are perfect, you can help them eliminate any of those potential imperfections, right? Now you may find that someone you idolize has feet of clay. You will also likely meet lots of people this year, and plenty of those individuals you might normally classify as eccentric. Except now they fill a void and help feed your creative side, we all have one, you just need to identify yours.
April-May is a time of destiny; the time to dream big and expand your horizons. The world extends beyond your every day environment. It is a global community out there, do join in. Explore new things, yoga, meditation, metaphysics and higher learning in general. You are ruled by Mercury, the planet that gathers information for sharing and inseminating. Germinate the seed in your mind, you are the best equipped at categorizing and analyzing information into a form that we all can use. Share what you learn.
In August-September optimism soars and the attitude adjustment you were looking for appears to happen on its own volition. You are becoming bigger, better and more likeable in your own eyes. Always ready to assist others, now even more than in previous years. What we put out there is typically returned tenfold (it is a statement in the bible, that I never understood until I explored the wonderful world of metaphysics).
Saturn of limitations and obligations leaves your career house for good in June and enters the rewards from career, friendships and aspirations/goals stage' in your personal play. Now it is time to get serious about whether you are receiving the recognition for your efforts, is the world and those around you supporting your quest' in life? The time to make long-term plans, what is it you desire from life? Are you on the path to getting to your desired destination? These issues come up periodically and we can choose to ignore them now and deal with them later. The choice is yours.
The nodal axis shift supports the quest for understanding life and all its
complexities better and finding new avenues to explore. How does returning
to school' sound, use this energy that shifts mid-April to make more
of your life, to increase your skills and talents. At the very least start
preparing for that potential promotion in the next 3-5 years.
Home and changes with the place you call home are on the forefront as the year starts. Some of you may have just completed a move to somewhere less ostentatious or more affordable. Downsizing has become such a prominent word in our everyday vocabulary. Capricorn is about tightening that proverbial belt. This also the time to reacquaint yourself with yourself, the first six weeks of the year this remains the theme. The emotional side of life comes into heightened focus this year, as do the things you need in life in order to feel secure. This is further illuminated for the next 2.5 years after June 5.
In March there are some interesting developments on the work front, those of you involved in the entertainment industry and its off-shoots may find your niche. Discovery, and over-night success is possible. We all know that years of hard work precede any newfound glory. Make sure you are prepared to take a chance on those opportunities, we all know how seldom opportunity knocks. Mars, the planet that rules others in your life as well as money and assets, stays in one sign for an exceptional six months. The last time that happened was 1956, do you even remember that far back? If you have something to market take the early part of the year and work it, work it, work it. Remember 95% pure sweat!
April-May money and resources are once again in the picture, but this time we are talking about access to the resources of others. Help is available but you need to find it. Sometimes this is easier said than done. The Nodal axis shifting here also enforces the message, learn to use your own resourcefulness to get what you need out of life. Explore your motivation and that of others, use your detective' skills, oh, you do have those, you just hide those behind an extremely pleasant facade.
If you are forced to a routine this year, after avoiding that for months and/or years, take it in your stride. Take the philosophical rather than pragmatic approach; easier to swallow. Our free will, in my opinion, is our attitude toward life and what it throws in our way. Your goals and desires in life have shifted so far off the mainstream that returning can be a challenge and a half. Career and/or avocation, that is your place in the Sunshine (at the top) looks solid, provided that you have extended the effort. The rewards for the next 2.5 years won't fade away, as you have earned these ones.
August-September it is soul searching time. Getting deep within your own
psyche, I did say this was an emotional kind of a year. But from September
on that proverbial Guardian Angel is really looking after you and not much
will phase you. Remember that in Sept. 2004 Jupiter will be in your sign,
and that is the best of years. Prepare for it this year, get ready for your
encounter with Mr. Luck!
Writing, communicating and staying busy every day - all day - launches off 2003 for you. The world may be fuzzy or at least the people in it. Count to ten, before letting that sharp tongue past the lips. I know, typically you don't say anything you have not contemplated at length, but forewarned and all that. Work that involves any form of communication may be very challenging at the moment, don't rush it. The difficult phase will end Jan. 21 and by mid-February Mercury is in the breezy sign of Aquarius, which is filled with inspiration. With siblings and neighbours stay aloof, don't try and mediate at this time, listen and learn rather than offer advice. This theme repeats in April-May and August-September, refer to Mercury's timetable above.
March 11 new winds sweep the landscape you call your life. Your ruling planet also shifts into the same sign a day prior. Children will surprise you, and hopefully with less shock than you had dreaded. The pace of your life doesn't slow down, but your everyday routines likely will. A great time to spend time with the muses, rekindle the romantic flames with your chosen one. You tend to partner for life (until death do you part, and you will probably outlive your partner) and once in a while you like to shake things up. Now's the time, and if you choose to follow this snippet of philosophical advice then you're likely to have seven years of this enticing, roaring energy in your love life. Those involved in work that requires creativity and inspiration will benefit from the energies out there. The hard work does not intimidate you for long.
April-May you need to cultivate and work on your relationships. You can be mighty intimidating for us mere mortals, lighten up and learn to smile (for the cameras). It isn't always about do or die'!. Show your truly caring and protective side to those individuals, who matter to you. You are one of the most sympathetic of the signs, you can make a difference with others - share your wisdom. You have spent years analyzing and scrutinizing your own inner workings, share that knowledge with others.
In June Saturn changes location from your financial resources sector and commitment sector to the 9th house of travel, higher learning, teaching and convictions. Now these issues will be tested. Are you ready to teach or to learn something new? Are you going to put your ideas on paper and share these? Your views are in for some more honing', practice makes perfect, and views you once held may be found hollow this year and in the next two. Great time to publish, plan the future and travel. This is about expanding your horizons within strict boundaries. You are the one that gets to set those boundaries. Religion may become something you wish to explore; either because your current one no longer feeds your needs or because you haven't contemplated religious beliefs in years.
August-September we are in the arena of long-term aspirations and goals, if you didn't reach a consensus earlier in the year, you get to address this issue again (will also repeat next year). Time to trim the superfluous, some of the things deeply desired a few short months or years ago have lost the luster, let these go, eliminate. Rewards from career type activity are well-deserved. Until the shift the luck was with career and your place in society, now the time has come to bring in the harvest. We get to decide what that harvest will be by putting in the appropriate effort. Use the opportunities and chances, take a few risks this year. Do not turn down offers that could serve you in the long-term.
August-September your ruling planet, Mars, is slowing things down. Time to
realize those opportunities that you meandered by earlier in the year, stop
and take stock, then in October you can march forward with new-found confidence
and conviction.
The burning issues at the start of the year are the lack of time, and perhaps also money. Try to focus on what you have rather than the do not haves'. This is a temporary situation, by mid-February things are looking up. You may be agonizing over something that you have failed to organize and look after for awhile and painting a rather gloom picture as a consequence. Excellent time to prioritize events, schedules and issues in your life, take stock and trim off the non-essentials. You need to reallocate your time, can't continue doing for others and neglecting self.
In March the limelight shifts into the arena for home, disruptions, changes, and the space you have yourself has changed. New responsibilities, lots of people coming and going, routines are out the window now. You like adventure, call the changing home-scene your survivor' set. You know the axiom what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. We could be talking about a baby on the way, or having to live without a kitchen for two months. In the course of the next seven years you'll also get reintroduced to the real you, that is exciting. At times excitement you could do without, yet there it is. Life is about change, these are the times, astrologically speaking, when we get shaken out of any rut we may have created.
April-May the focus is on work, health and any service or work that you provide. Pace yourself this year, energy levels are likely to fluctuate. Do not skip that doctor's appointment this year, get the assurance that you are doing fine or address any health issues with the sincerity they deserve. Wishing seldom makes us well, I am all for the power of healing energies, but sometimes we need that plain old physician. Potentially testy time with co-workers, be supportive and do not get emotionally involved.
In June Saturn shifts into the financial resources sector of your life, time to get long-term finances in order, check insurance coverage and look at your financial obligations in a realistic light. It is never about what you make but what you manage not to spend. Hey, you do get 2.5 years to deal with this one. This area is also about commitment be it to a cause or another human being. This is the place we surrender ourselves. So this time can co-inside with getting married or getting into a partnership of some kind.
August-September the spotlight is bright on the career front, what you have done well and what you have neglected equally judged. Luck on this front is on your side, even if faced with temporary setbacks, you will land firmly on your feet. At times we just linger on too long, when we have felt that change was necessary. It is easier to hold on than to let go. Perhaps it is time that you instigated the change and moved on to something where praise and recognition was more forthcoming.
What is you want to do? The focus is on you! We all have choices and decisions to make. This year your main ones are around the issue of what it is you are prepared to offer and to do. These are tough calls. The Mercury events happen in the destiny houses, you seem to have less control than you'd like. Some of the calls are not yours.
Your energy levels are low until mid-February, acknowledge this and take some downtime. You are not the Energizer' Bunny. By March 11 you'll be singing a different tune, it is liberating to make choices based on your own desires. You were putting plans and ideas in motion throughout 2002 and many panned out for you. Now you need to expand concerted effort to realize those. Some of the tasks you took on, might not seem such great ones now, you know you can toss them aside, you do not have to find a new owner' or home for these.
April-May the second step in establishing your new goals is to decide which ones are fun. Sounds simple, yet how often have you stated that your life is all work and no play, keep those obligations that allow you to play, have fun and give you plain enjoyment. Creativity is anything that makes you inspired, baking cakes is just as creative as painting a portrait. We all have a special gift to offer.
In June Saturn moves from the house of work, chores and overwhelming schedules to the house of relationships. This you can handle with your hands tied behind your back. A less hectic schedule and all you have to do is deal with difficult or challenging people, oh bring it on. The drawback, of course, is the fact that this lasts until the end of 2005. You will likely meet less people now, but the ones that you do meet are solid and the kind you can trust. This can be a good time to build a more solid foundation in your marriage or similar situation.
August-September is the time to make travel plans, a nice winter get-away, a well-earned holiday. Expand your horizons, learn something new whether it is auto mechanics or comparative religion, doesn't matter, as long as you get to meet new and interesting people and expose yourself to new, previously unexplored ideas. Jupiter will stay in the same locale until Sept. 2004 and can be indicative of learning philosophy, metaphysics or exploring your religious beliefs. Maybe there is something to going to church to find solace from the hectic pace of our World.
The nodal axis shifted in mid-April and now you find yourself planning fun activities and those that feed the soul. Doing something just because you enjoy it rather than because someone is paying you to do this. Learn to play and have fun this year, you've earned it.
August-September Mars comes down to a grinding halt, and moves back on so
familiar terrain. Did you plan a manageable schedule in the spring? Your daily
routines and the way you live your life comes into another agonizing focus
once more. This is to ensure that you are doing and pursuing things you want.
This is about what you do with your hours, you know, 40 hours a week, and
your leisure time. Do you have leisure time - do get some. Ensure that your
vehicle gets its scheduled maintenance this year.
The year launches with an emphasized need for solitude, a strong need to spend time alone and watch the world go by without having to take part. You have had seven years of excitement', radical changes in your attitude and in your approach to life. That will come to pass soon, glad to see it over yet sad as you enter a time frame with more unknown factors, i.e. less control over situations. This is an excellent time to catch up on old work, polishing' it off will result in an almost perfect product'. Getting started may feel like a hurdle. Make sure you take time to recharge those internal batteries, so you are ready to charge forward after your birthday launches your new year.
March 10 your ruling planet Uranus moves into Pisces. We are talking about your values and self-worth from your personal perspective. Did these stagnate over the past decades? Wake up time, take note and maybe you had gotten a little stale in your assessments. Just to shake things up a bit more Mars is going to set up home here for six months! We also have money and other cashable assets here as well as time. Money tends to come out of unexpected sources during these times, and for a bigger part of 2003 gets spent on equally unexpected expenditures with surprising speed. We still only have 24-hours in the day, and you will quickly realize that you have allocated far too many already. It is time to prioritize, somethings' have lost their luster and need to be discarded. You can choose to take part in the process or opt to have the universe dictate a different order to you. Make a list with two columns, dedicate on side to the things you do, have or own and the other to what you'd like to do, have or own.
April-May you need to become pragmatic about home and your sense of security. Once again what do you need in order to feel secure and what is really only an encumbrance are issues that need to be addressed. The nodal axis moves in here as well for an 18-month stay. You have more time to focus on this than you thought. You will likely find yourself spending more time at home, perhaps even opting to work from home. Feather your nest or relocate it and above all make it a place of comfort; a place you can feel at peace with yourself. This is also an extended period for scrutinizing who you really are. One of my favourite quotes is "you do are what you are". Are you doing that or just planning to do so one of these days? These days have arrived, they will return in the future as well, but are you willing to postpone the inevitable.
In June Saturn the other planet that rules Aquarius (yes, you get two of the big boys, Saturn and Uranus) moves into your house of work and schedules, chores, routines and obligations. Hard work in the stars' for you until end of 2005. That complicates the issue that came to the forefront in the spring, now what is it you are busy working on? Is it a job that you keep to pay the bills, or something that gives you satisfaction. Saturn has a knack of making us aware of things and issues that are useless or serve no bigger purpose. Once we see that, we ideally want to implement positive, constructive changes. Saturn is not about destroying, but making better and improving. You need to love what you do in order for you to feel satisfied.
August-September brings shared assets, property and taxes into the limelight.
Time to get those in order. Same applies to insurance and investment matters.
This is the house where things are destroyed before elimination, the old ways
have to give way to new ones. Committed and sexual relationships are in this
domain as well. Honest, open communication with your partner is demanded now.
Invest time and loving care into your relationship.
The year launches with strong focus on your aspirations and goals for the next 5+ years. You are the one that needs to decide what you can realistically pursue and which ones are just pipe dreams. Perhaps start with timing tips, when do you want to realize results? Pick dates at six month intervals. By mid-2004 life as you know it now, is but a distant memory. In your choices focus on what you want, not what others think you ought to go after. Ultimately your own advise is the best.
Around your birthday life starts rocking and rolling', surprises left, right and centre. Had you noticed that life had stagnated and needed livening up? Your thoughts are racing, one new idea after another, what to pick, huh? Mars stays in your sign for 6 months this year - that is energy galore, even while he moves at an usually contemplative pace, you keep making steady progress. Just stay flexible as your dreams and wishes keep changing, becoming more concrete while you become more focused.
April-May is the time when you are likely to notice how busy your life has become. Daily life becomes hectic and wrought with trivial issues. This is the time to gather information, check out facts and figures to collect bits and pieces of information. Do vehicle maintenance prior to this time, as it is notorious for reflecting car problems, brakes and wiring. Not a good idea to buy a car, even a new one at this time. Now it is about getting from A to B both literally and figuratively. Signing up for short-term classes might not be a bad idea. Increase you knowledge in the areas you wish to succeed.
In June Saturn moves from the home stage to the house, which, astrologically speaking, represents romance, children and creative pursuits. Time to get serious and pragmatic in these areas. Children and individuals, who have that type of role in your life need to tow the line, and you need to stick to your guns and be responsible. Romantic relationships may either become more than that or simply cease to be of particular importance. All of the ideas you've had all year need to be given practical form. Now is the time to work it, work it and work it. Those that you let slide by without extending the extra effort will not survive. Time to polish off any projects that have been on hold for months or even years.
August-September the way you relate and those that you have relationships is an area of your life you need to address. You are meeting new people, perhaps even having several romantic relationships in your search for the right person. You should be cautious about offering advice, rather opt to simply listen and empathize rather than get involved in assisting someone else make a choice, as it may turn out to be your choice not theirs; and then you'll be the one regretting how the relationship went sour.
Lots of luck and recognition and very positive feedback on your accomplishments
this year and until Sept. 04. Overall you feel very optimistic about the turn
of events and life in general.
© Anne Massey 2002, All Right Reserved. No part of this material may
be reproduced without written authorization of the author. - Saturday, January
18, 2003
© Anne Massey 2002-03
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