Astrologically Speaking

Taurus Edition - April 20, 2003 - 5:03 A.M. PDT

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Taurus Image The Sun moves into the zodiacal sign of Taurus at dawn on the 20th and stays in the sign until May 21, 2003. We are in the fullness of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The seeds of the Aries month are about to bloom. It is a back to the basics cycle that is launching now - learning about the ingredients of the good life. The senses awake and we get to glean insights into the essence of the simple life, time to eliminate some of the complexities and frustrations out of the equation.

Taurus is the fixed earth sign, known for sustenance, follow through and its role as the provider. It seeks material security and possessions. Taurus knows how to carry out the actions started by Aries, it does not mind the hard work involved nor the time it takes. In nature the little buds become blooms with the Sun in Taurus. This month's image is a Taurus garden with a white picket fence, the photo was taken by Dagmar von Hahn, a very talented photographer and student of astrology (it is a study for a life time), who has a unique approach in capturing nature on film. Taurus is a domestic sign, likes to own their own piece of land, put an inviting picket fence around it and rejoice in the bounty of the land.

To skip intro just read signs: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Astrology divides the zodiacal signs into sets of two, the opposites. Taurus is paired with Scorpio, which marks the seasonal time when nature becomes dormant, and the soil no longer nourishes growth in order to rejuvenate. Taurus on the other hand marks the time when the ground is rich and fertile. Opposites are what both attract and repel us. We look to others to complement us, someone to bring our dormant characteristics into light. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.

The metaphysical principle behind the opposites is that white cannot exist if there is no black, good cannot exist without evil and light cannot exist without darkness. One is manifested and the other duality naturally remains un-manifested. We cannot truly appreciate happiness without being aware or having experienced grief or sorrow.

Astrology further divides the zodiacal signs into quadruplicities, i.e., sets of four, or the three modes of expression - cardinal, fixed and mutable. Fixed signs are the ones that manifest physical form on earth, steady and unwavering. Fixed signs are interested in maintaining status quo, and change is not that welcome. Fixed signs cannot be pushed or cajoled into doing anything they do not want to do. The other fixed signs are Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. All of these signs are stubborn, not only Taurus, the first one in the sequence. All of the fixed signs have patience and staying power, they do not measure time in seconds or minutes but in years and decades, each one knows how to wait patiently.

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 need for material security dominates actions and the fives senses and what is concrete is more important than things that cannot be perceived.

Contemplation precedes action, the pace is steady and risk-free, time is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. Earth is the elemental force that helps give form and shape to our visionary ideas.

This year the element of earth is quite predominant as in addition to the Sun in Taurus, we have Mercury, the planet of communication, spending almost seven months out of the year in that elemental mode. There is an article about Mercury's travel's this year on this site. Mercury is the planet we associate with travel, communication and daily activities. For all of us Mercury travels through the earthy houses in our individual horoscopes (or astrological charts), and this year he does not breeze through the practicality, material-oriented areas of our lives as is his norm, rather he stays put in each of the earth signs for 67 days.

Mercury has three distinct cycles per year. We are in the second one at the moment in the earth sign of Taurus. At the start of Spring Mercury conjoined the Sun on March 21, 2003, which started the Evening star phase, which is associated with wisdom, contemplation, hindsight, and reflection.

April 26, 2003 we have Mercury turning Retrograde at the conclusion of the evening star phase, and for the first 10 days of this mini period we get to understand what issues we have failed to address in the areas of life that Taurus occupies in our natal charts. Naturally this column can only address generalities, assuming the Sun sign and applying as if the Sun were rising.

On May 6, 2003 Mercury Retrograde will once again conjoin the Sun, and this starts the morning star phase. The morning star phase of the inner planets is associated with feistiness, youth and tendency to take risks. It is about collecting information, knowledge and experiences. These two phases are when Mercury waxes (morning star) and wanes (evening star) as does the Moon in her monthly motion around the zodiac. Mercury moves direct May 20, 2003, and on July 5, 2003 he once again rises with the Sun and we will once again experience the evening star phase.

In addition the nodes of the Moon have shifted, and the North Node is in Taurus until the end of 2004, I wrote about this in the Aries 2003 Edition. The North Node of the Moon represents our mission and purpose. These shifts at 18 month intervals are akin to calibrating your natal intent with a mid-course check to see if you are sticking to your path or veering off. It is about the integration of your inner purpose with your active role in life. Despite the turmoil in the outer world we still need to do our thing. The transit Taurus North Node, astrologically speaking, talks about the importance of working on getting our security needs met, building our personal assets and working with shaping and forming our ideas to solid form.

The core essence of the earthy influence is to learn how to cope with life's basic issues better. Some things come to us naturally, others we need to learn about. The outer planets focus on the really big issues and the inner planets are more about our personal lives. Their cycles mingle to reenforce life's simple lessons - practical skills to provide for ourselves and to apply ‘elbow grease' to get the job done. In order to look after our money, we need to know how to manage it, account for it and naturally enough we have to earn it. Sounds really simple but not everyone has the skills to do this. In order to have a job, we need to have skills and we need to do tasks more often in order to learn to do them well. In order to gain status or climb the corporate ladder or the ladder of success, we need to work on our reputation and put our best effort in. These are all very material, earthy functions yet none of us do all of it to perfection some of us not even adequately.

During these periods of heightened focus April 6 - June 14, July 30-October 7 and December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004 the areas of life describe under each sign come under closer scrutiny and corrective action, and the subtler underlying theme continues until the end of 2004. Read the Mercury retrograde article.

Aries

The houses with an earth sign on the cusp for the fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius Sun or Rising Sign) are the 2nd, 6th and 10th houses. These are the material houses, where we earn our money, do our work and create concrete foundations in order to have our basic needs met, i.e., food, shelter and security.

April 6 - June 14: The issues of the 2nd house, which is about our money and possessions as well as our ability to look after ourselves and others under our care, is under careful consideration. On an issue level we have to tend to our perceived value both on the material and emotional level. Time belongs to this segment of the chart, and with the earth emphasis we can no longer afford to fritter our time away, but we need to make the days and months count in order to produce emotional and financial sense of security.

July 30-October 7: During this time frame the issues pertaining to the 6th house, which is associated with work, chores and health, as well as acquiring and honing practical skills and learning to cope with the practical side of life, are the issues that need to be addressed. In order to survive we need to have a set of skills, to cook in order to feed ourselves or at least know how to provide nourishment to ourselves. We need to know how to pay our bills, secure services we need and all kinds of practical mundane skills - common sense can go a long way, but in order to cultivate that sensibility we need to have learned basic coping skills. Co-workers are defined by this house, and while the influence is in this area of our lives it may be the time to learn to understand your co-workers and accept the things that cannot be changed and learn to take practical steps in order to work toward solutions with these relationships that can be improved. Back to top.

Taurus

The Earth houses for the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn Sun or Rising Sign) are 1st house of self and physical body, 5th house of romance, creativity and children and the 9th house of higher learning, travel and philosophy. These houses collectively are to do with creation and recreation. Our physical appearance changes over time, some of the changes we implement ourselves and others are due to time and our environment. Our attitude toward romance, children and our creative side also goes through adjustment as we keep on recreating our attitude. In the 9th our views, opinions and convictions go through big changes of time, looking back we seldom even resonate with who we were. Time to recreate yourself, become inspired and taking that inspiration to a heightened level and becoming more aware of the fire that fuels our life.

April 6 - June 14: It is about you, your attitude and physical body now as the 1st house and your Sun are influenced. The Sun, astrologically speaking, defines your life force, ego, energy, who you are becoming and defines the process of becoming self-aware in the course of this life time. The earth signs, are all connected the material world through the five senses - you are sensual and the importance of enjoying good food, satisfying hobbies and pursuits, nature's visual and nourishing bounty is part of your innate make-up. Time to get that physical body in shape, put yourself first for a change and revamp your attitude and appearance. This is an excellent time to start a healthier regimen. You know exercise, diet and relaxation time. A healthier you becomes a more vibrant you. This is one of those vibrant areas of life, the fire that fuels your entire being.

July 30-October 7: The affairs of the 5th astrological house come into focus now. This place in the chart houses our children, whose affairs can become of concern for you, both positive and negative. The duality of life does extend beyond black and white. Your role may be to dole out practical sound advise for them in order to teach them lovingly to handle life's ups and downs in a more matter of fact fashion, rather than simply allow events to control their lives. Creativity lives here as well, it is the off spring of our mind - whether you have always desired to paint, write or create ‘masterpieces' with your hands out of wood, metal or cultivate that perfect garden or even a scrap book - now is the time to apply the skills of your hands and mind to make something creative that gives you a sense of satisfaction. This is also the area of life where we need and desire to have fun and to PLAY. We need to balance all facets of our lives in order to feel content. This is the time to create contentment in your life.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The affairs and issues of the 9th house become focal. This is the house of higher knowledge, foreign travel and our views on life. This house represents the area of our lives where we philosophize about life and life's mysteries. Religion is the domain of this house, the intent is to learn about comparative religion in order to grow our own convictions and ideas. This is the house where expand our horizons venture out there to learn something new about the part of life that does not exist in the familiar neighbourhood of our daily existence. In this house we question our existence and seek knowledge. This is not faith for the sake of faith, or because that is what the doctrine states; this is where we develop our belief system, it is the 12th house and the sign of Pisces that represents surrender. Politics are firmly held opinions thus belong to this area of our lives. This is where make our initial connection with the world at large, the stage where we share that connection is the 10th house. So many inter-weaving cycles, and now is the time to learn to connect some of those dots, remove those proverbial ‘blinders' and review and revise our views. Back to top.

Gemini

For the Air signs (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius Sun or Rising Sign) the houses with an earth sign on the cusp are the 4th house of home and emotional security, the 8th house of death, taxes and commitment, and the 12th house of the subconscious, faith and insecurities. Collectively these are the emotional houses of the zodiac, and the houses of endings. The issues that are part and parcel of these three areas of life, are where we experience family, death and our insecurities. This where we experience domestic bliss, complete surrender to another and surrender to the unknown. During these periods of heightened focus April 6 - June 14, July 30-October 7 and December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004 these areas of life come under scrutiny and corrective action, the subtler theme continues until the end of 2004.

April 6 - June 14
The 12th house is a private, and intimately personal area of life. This is the house where our baggage from the past has relatively free reign. This is where we face or ignore our fears, become intimately acquainted with our insecurities and often fail to recognize our innate strengths. This is the astrological area that represents isolation, solace and respite from the hectic pace of our lives. The subconscious mind and our dream world belongs here, and when the cycles activate this area of our lives we need to address some of these issues. It is also the segment in the annual cycle that defines the process of ending a period so we can launch a new year starting with our birthday about a month away. The energy of Taurus is practical, no nonsense and filled with strength. The normal month long cycle does not apply this year nor next; now you need to do deeper level work on the issues described by the 12th segment of the chart, as listed or illustrated in this paragraph. Might as well get out the notebook in order to record your dreams, the next step, of course, is to get a dream dictionary or a book of symbols. Our collective set of symbols varies little between cultures, but the essence of symbols remains about the same. When we dream of cooking we are creating sustenance, and a nurturing atmosphere. When we dream of the Ocean it is to do with emotions. Learn about your own nature and coping mechanisms by paying attention to your dreams.

July 30-October 7: The 4th house is our home, family and our roots. It represents our need for security in terms other than money - what is it you need in order to feel safe? The people of your home are those with whom you share an emotional bond, where your love is as close to unconditional as we can get. On a mundane level this can be a period of renovations, moving or big shifts and changes within family. Children may leave the nest or move back in. This is the area of life where we look after those we consider family. Now it is time to stand on your own two feet and make practical choices in order to move forward in life. At this time you may find yourself contemplating your view of yourself as opposed to how you think others see you. At the minimal this is the time when you spend more time in family type activities than normal, maybe even the time you think of starting one.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The 8th house is the area of life where we encounter commitment to others, inevitable issues of life - death, taxes and elimination. We change dramatically in the course of our lives in this area. The shifting cycles periodically bring this portion of our life into the forefoot. This is the house of joint resources and property, inheritance and insurance. Now that the practical Taurus energy enters this stage in your life's play it is time to get practical about these issues. Let's look at the elimination process as an example. If your septic field has ceased to function, calling the tanker guys in each monthly is a band aid solution, the existing field needs to be removed and a new one put in its place. The human body is the same, we can only apply band aids for so long. When something has ceased to be of value or importance, it is no longer mutually inclusive - then it needs to be gutted and redone. Committed relationships fall here as well, time to renovate, rejuvenate and to stay completely honest and open. House of secrets perhaps, but some of these we cannot afford to keep. It is also the time to ensure that financial matters are in order, wills and insurance is up to snuff and that you continue to grow your shared assets and resources. Back to top.

Cancer

For the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces Sun or Rising Sign) the houses involved are the 3rd, 7th and the 11th houses. This group of houses collectively are our relationship houses. In the 3rd we venture out into our neighbourhood and commence our basic learning. The 7th are our relationships in general, the spouse in particular, this is the astrological area we look at to determine how you relate and with whom and how you form partnerships. The 11th house is where we venture into groups and associations, what kind of acquaintances we choose and what types of people do we share our ideals with.

April 6 - June 14: You get to tackle groups and friends first in the course of this cycle. Now it is time to enter the big world, restart networking, make connections with people who share your interests and passion for making a difference. It is time to meet new people, and to form long-lasting bonds. This represents the area of life, but we address our long-term goals, our deepest desires and aspirations - those five-year plans or in this instance 7 year ones. Time to roll up the sleeves and bring some of these into concrete reality by giving ideas form and a chance to mature into something worth owning or taking pride in.

July 30-October 7: The third house is our neighbourhood, siblings, cousins and our daily life. This is where we collect information, data and perceptions about our environment. This describes a naturally busy environment, and it now became even busier. Going to school is a third house activity as is shooting the breeze with the neighbour, or chatting on the phone or these days on-line. This house represents how we communicate and get from A to B. So now the issues that need to be addressed with a no-nonsense hands on approach could be as simple as sprucing up the car or as complex as starting in a new educational institution. Before we can start anything we do need to analyze it, research the pros and cons and then make an informed decision. A good time to mend any broken or strained relationships with sisters, brothers or similar individuals who used to be part of your daily life.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The all-encompassing word OTHERS is what astrology actually assigns to this 7th house of relationships. It is about partnerships at all levels not just about a marriage partner, but who we might choose to pick as our lawyer, accountant, grocer or business partner. What is interesting about our relationships is that from a metaphysical or philosophical point of view - people we encounter and associate with are a reflection of both our strengths and weaknesses. When we vehemently hate a characteristic in someone else, it is ultimately about ourselves and we have yet to own that trait, or have failed to let that part of our nature go. Conversely when we idolize a trait in someone else we have yet to claim that characteristic as our own. Others are a mirror which reflects our own image back to us. That is a difficult concept to own, your short comings are my short comings. So now is the time to address these issues and your relationships with others in general. Easy to put into words, sometimes tougher to live through. Back to top.

Leo

April 6 - June 14: The issues belonging to the10th house come under both internal and external impetus for improvement. The 10th house is where we deal with authority figures starting with the parents, and continuing through bosses and governmental bodies. It is also the house of career and status. This astrologically speaking, represents the best we can be in terms of contribution to our family, community, country or the world. This is the house that astrologers view with care to determine our worldly success, our climb on the corporate ladder or the ladder of life experiences. Taurus is a steady climber, preserving status quo and desiring results and rewards in the fullness of time. During this time frame we need to learn how to improve what we have accomplished, work solidly toward attaining new rewards and goals, and putting our best foot forward. Naturally enough this can also be a time frame where the dissatisfaction that has built up over time demands that we instigate changes so that we can have a career/status or avocation that feeds our inner goals. Taurus, however, does not make impulsive changes, but explores and contemplates its options with more care.

July 30-October 7: The issues of the 2nd house, which is about our money and possessions as well as our ability to look after ourselves and others under our care, is under careful consideration. On an issue level we have to tend to our perceived worth both on the material and emotional level. Time belongs to this segment of the chart, and with the earth emphasis we can no longer afford to fritter our time away, but we need to make the days and months count in order to produce emotional and financial sense of security.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: During this time frame the issues pertaining to the 6th house, which is associated with work, chores and health, as well as acquiring and honing practical skills and learning to cope with the practical side of life, is what needs to be addressed. In order to survive we need to have a set of skills, to cook in order to feed ourselves or at least know how to provide nourishment to ourselves. We need to know how to pay our bills, secure services we need and all kinds of practical mundane skills - common sense can go a long way, but in order to cultivate that sensibility we need to have learned basic coping skills. Co-workers are defined by this house, and while the influence is in this area of our lives it may be the time to learn to understand your co-workers and accept the things that cannot be changed and learn to take practical steps in order to work toward solutions with these relationships that can be improved. Back to top.

Virgo

The Earth houses for the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn Sun or Rising Sign) are 1st house of self and physical body, 5th house of romance, creativity and children and the 9th house of higher learning, travel and philosophy. These houses collectively are to do with creation and recreation. Our physical appearance changes over time, some of the changes we implement ourselves and others are due to time and our environment. Our attitude towards romance, children and our creative side also goes through adjustment as we keep on recreating our attitude. In the 9th our views, opinions and convictions go through big changes of time, looking back we seldom even resonate with who we were. Time to recreate yourself, become inspired and taking that inspiration to a heightened level and becoming more aware of the fire that fuels our life.

April 6 - June 14: The affairs and issues of the 9th house become focal. This is the house of higher knowledge, foreign travel and our views on life. This house represents the area of our lives where we philosophize about life and life's mysteries. Religion is the domain of this house, the intent is to learn about comparative religion in order to grow our own convictions and ideas. This is the house where expand our horizons venture out there to learn something new about the part of life that does not exist in the familiar neighbourhood of our daily existence. In this house we question our existence and seek knowledge. This is not faith for the sake of faith, or because that is what the doctrine states; this is where we develop our belief system, it is the 12th house and the sign of Pisces that represents surrender. Politics are firmly held opinions thus belong to this area of our lives. This is where make our initial connection with the world at large, the stage where we share that connection is the 10th house. So many inter-weaving cycles, and now is the time to learn to connect some of those dots, remove those proverbial ‘blinders' and review and revise our views.

July 30-October 7: It is about you, your attitude and physical body now as the 1st house and your Sun are influenced. The Sun, astrologically speaking, defines your life force, ego, energy, who you are becoming and defines the process of becoming self-aware in the course of this life time. The earth signs, are all connected the material world through the five senses - you are sensual and the importance of enjoying good food, satisfying hobbies and pursuits, nature's visual and nourishing bounty is part of your innate make-up. Time to get that physical body in shape, put yourself first for a change and revamp your attitude and appearance. This is an excellent time to start a healthier regimen. You know exercise, diet and relaxation time. A healthier you becomes a more vibrant you. This is one of those vibrant areas of life, the fire that fuels your entire being.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004 The affairs of the 5th astrological house come into focus now. This place in the chart houses our children, whose affairs can become of concern for you, both positive and negative. The duality of life does extend beyond black and white. Your role may be to dole out practical sound advise for them in order to teach them lovingly to handle life's ups and downs in a more matter of fact fashion, rather than simply allow events to control their lives. Creativity lives here as well, it is the off spring of our mind - whether you have always desired to paint, write or create ‘masterpieces' with your hands out of wood, metal or cultivate that perfect garden or even a scrap book - now is the time to apply the skills of your hands and mind to make something creative that gives you a sense of satisfaction. This is also the area of life where we need and desire to have fun and to PLAY. We need to balance all facets of our lives in order to feel content. This is the time to create contentment in your life. Back to top.

Libra

April 6 - June 14: The 8th house is the area of life where we encounter commitment to others, inevitable issues of life - death, taxes and elimination. We change dramatically in the course of our lives in this area. The shifting cycles periodically bring this portion of our life into the fore-front. This is the house of joint resources and property, inheritance and insurance. Now that the practical Taurus energy enters this stage in your life's play it is time to get practical about these issues. Let's look at the elimination process as an example. If your septic field has ceased to function, calling the tanker guys in each monthly is a band aid solution, the existing field needs to be removed and a new one put in its place. The human body is the same, we can only apply band aids for so long. When something has ceased to be of value or importance, it is no longer mutually inclusive - then it needs to be gutted and redone. Committed relationships fall here as well, time to renovate, rejuvenate and to stay completely honest and open. House of secrets perhaps, but some of these we cannot afford to keep. It is also the time to ensure that financial matters are in order, wills and insurance is up to snuff and that you continue to grow your shared assets and resources.

July 30-October 7: The 12th house is a private, and intimately personal area of life. This is the house where our baggage from the past has relatively free reign. This is where we face or ignore our fears, become intimately acquainted with our insecurities and often fail to recognize our innate strengths. This is the astrological area that represents isolation, solace and respite from the hectic pace of our lives. The subconscious mind and our dream world belongs here, and when the cycles activate this area of our lives we need to address some of these issues. It is also the segment in the annual cycle that defines the process of ending a period so we can launch a new year starting with our birthday about a month away. The energy of Taurus is practical, no nonsense and filled with strength. The normal month long cycle does not apply this year nor next; now you need to do deeper level work on the issues described by the 12th segment of the chart, as listed or illustrated in this paragraph. Might as well get out the notebook in order to record your dreams, the next step, of course, is to get a dream dictionary or a book of symbols. Our collective set of symbols varies little between cultures, but the essence of symbols remains about the same. When we dream of cooking we are creating sustenance, and a nurturing atmosphere. When we dream of the Ocean it is to do with emotions. Learn about your own nature and coping mechanisms by paying attention to your dreams.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The 4th house is our home, family and our roots. It represents our need for security in terms other than money - what is it you need in order to feel safe? The people of your home are those with whom you share an emotional bond, where your love is as close to unconditional as we can get. On a mundane level this can be a period of renovations, moving or big shifts and changes within family. Children may leave the nest or move back in. This is the area of life where we look after those we consider family. Now it is time to stand on your own two feet and make practical choices in order to move forward in life. At this time you may find yourself contemplating your view of yourself as opposed to how you think others see you. At the minimal this is the time when you spend more time in family type activities than normal, maybe even the time you think of starting one. Back to top.

Scorpio

April 6 - June 14: The all-encompassing word OTHERS is what astrology actually assigns to this 7th house of relationships. It is about partnerships at all levels not just about a marriage partner, but who we might choose to pick as our lawyer, accountant, grocer or business partner. What is interesting about our relationships is that from a metaphysical or philosophical point of view - people we encounter and associate with are a reflection of both our strengths and weaknesses. When we vehemently hate a characteristic in someone else, it is ultimately about ourselves and we have yet to own that trait, or have failed to let that part of our nature go. Conversely when we idolize a trait in someone else we have yet to claim that characteristic as our own. Others are a mirror which reflects our own image back to us. That is a difficult concept to own, your short comings are my short comings. So now is the time to address these issues and your relationships with others in general. Easy to put into words, sometimes tougher to live through.

July 30-October 7: You get to tackle groups and friends second in the course of this cycle. Now it is time to enter the big world, re-start networking, make connections with people who share your interests and passion for making a difference. It is time to meet new people, and to form long-lasting bonds. This represents the area of life where we address our long-term goals, our deepest desires and aspirations - those five-year plans or in this instance 7 year ones. Time to roll up the sleeves and bring some of these into reality by giving ideas form and a chance to mature into something worth owning or taking pride in.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The third house is our neighbourhood, siblings, cousins and our daily life. This is where we collect information, data and perceptions about our environment. This describes a naturally busy environment, and it now became even busier. Going to school is a third house activity as is shooting the breeze with the neighbour, or chatting on the phone or these days on-line. This house represents how we communicate and get from A to B. So now the issues that need to be addressed with a no-nonsense hands on approach could be as simple as sprucing up the car or as complex as starting in a new educational institution. Before we can start anything we do need to analyze it, research the pros and cons and then make an informed decision. A good time to mend any broken or strained relationships with sisters, brothers or similar individuals who used to be part of your daily life. Back to top.

Sagittarius

The houses with an earth sign on the cusp for the fire signs (Aries, Leo and Sagittarius Sun or Rising Sign) are the 2nd, 6th and 10th house. These are the material houses, where we earn our money, do our work and create concrete foundations in order to have our basic needs met, i.e., food, shelter and security. During these periods of heightened focus April 6 - June 14, July 30-October 7 and December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004 these areas of life come under scrutiny and corrective action, the subtler theme continues until the end of 2004.

April 6 - June 14: During this time frame the issues pertaining to the 6th house, which is associated with work, chores and health, as well as acquiring and honing practical skills and learning to cope with the practical side of life, is what needs to be addressed. In order to survive we need to have a set of skills, to cook in order to feed ourselves or at least know how to provide nourishment to ourselves. We need to know how to pay our bills, secure services we need and all kinds of practical mundane skills - common sense can go a long way, but in order to cultivate that sensibility we need to have learned basic coping skills. Co-workers are defined by this house, and while the influence is in this area of our lives it may be the time to learn to understand your co-workers and accept the things that cannot be changed and learn to take practical steps in order to work toward solutions with these relationships that can be improved.

July 30-October 7: The issues belonging to the10th house come under both internal and external impetus for improvement. The 10th house is where we deal with authority figures starting with the parents, and continuing through bosses and governmental bodies. It is also the house of career and status. This astrologically speaking, represents the best we can be in terms of contribution to our family, community, country or the world. This is the house that astrologers view with care to determine our worldly success, our climb on the corporate ladder or the ladder of life experiences. Taurus is a steady climber, preserving status quo and desiring results and rewards in the fullness of time. During this time frame we need to learn how to improve what we have accomplished, work solidly toward attaining new rewards and goals, and putting our best foot forward. Naturally enough this can also be a time frame where the dissatisfaction that has built up over time demands that we instigate changes so that we can have a career/status or avocation that feeds our inner goals. Taurus, however, does not make impulsive changes, but explores and contemplates its options with more care.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The issues of the 2nd house, which is about our money and possessions as well as our ability to look after ourselves and others under our care, is under careful consideration. On an issue level we have to tend to our perceived worth both on the material and emotional level. Time belongs to this segment of the chart, and with the earth emphasis we can no longer afford to fritter our time away, but we need to make the days and months count in order to produce emotional and financial sense of security. Back to top.

Capricorn

The Earth houses for the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn Sun or Rising Sign) are 1st house of self and physical body, 5th house of romance, creativity and children and the 9th house of higher learning, travel and philosophy. These houses collectively are to do with creation and recreation. Our physical appearance changes over time, some of the changes we implement ourselves and others are due to time and our environment. Our attitude towards romance, children and our creative side also goes through adjustment as we keep on recreating our attitude. In the 9th our views, opinions and convictions go through big changes of time, looking back we seldom even resonate with who we were. Time to recreate yourself, become inspired and taking that inspiration to a heightened level and becoming more aware of the fire that fuels our life.

April 6 - June 14: The affairs of the 5th astrological house come into focus now. This place in the chart houses our children, whose affairs can become of concern for you, both positive and negative. The duality of life does extend beyond black and white. Your role may be to dole out practical sound advise for them in order to teach them lovingly to handle life's ups and downs a more matter of fact fashion, rather than simply allow events to control their lives. Creativity lives here as well, it is the off spring of our mind - whether you have always desired to paint, write or create ‘masterpieces' with your hands out of wood, metal or cultivate that perfect garden or even a scrap book - now is the time to apply the skills of your hands and mind to make something creative that gives you a sense of satisfaction. This is also the area of life where we need and desire to have fun and to PLAY. We need to balance all facets of our lives in order to feel content. This is the time to create contentment in your life.

July 30-October 7: The affairs and issues of the 9th house become focal. This is the house of higher knowledge, foreign travel and our views on life. This house represents the area of our lives where we philosophize about life and life's mysteries. Religion is the domain of this house, the intent is to learn about comparative religion in order to grow our own convictions and ideas. This is the house where expand our horizons venture out there to learn something new about the part of life that does not exist in the familiar neighbourhood of our daily existence. In this house we question our existence and seek knowledge. This is not faith for the sake of faith, or because that is what the doctrine states; this is where we develop our belief system, it is the 12th house and the sign of Pisces that represents surrender. Politics are firmly held opinions thus belong to this area of our lives. This is where make our initial connection with the world at large, the stage where we share that connection is the 10th house. So many inter-weaving cycles, and now is the time to learn to connect some of those dots, remove those proverbial ‘blinders' and review and revise our views.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004 It is about you, your attitude and physical body now as the 1st house and your Sun are influenced. The Sun, astrologically speaking, defines your life force, ego, energy, who you are becoming and defines the process of becoming self-aware in the course of this life time. The earth signs, are all connected the material world through the five senses - you are sensual and the importance of enjoying good food, satisfying hobbies and pursuits, nature's visual and nourishing bounty is part of your innate make-up. Time to get that physical body in shape, put yourself first for a change and revamp your attitude and appearance. This is an excellent time to start a healthier regimen, you know exercise, diet and relaxation time. A healthier you becomes a more vibrant you. This is one of those vibrant areas of life, the fire that fuels your entire being. Back to top.

Aquarius

April 6 - June 14: The 4th house is our home, family and our roots. It represents our need for security in terms other than money - what is it you need in order to feel safe? The people of your home are those with whom you share an emotional bond, where your love is as close to unconditional as we can get. On a mundane level this can be a period of renovations, moving or big shifts and changes within family. Children may leave the nest or move back in. This is the area of life where we look after those we consider family. Now it is time to stand on your own two feet and make practical choices in order to move forward in life. At this time you may find yourself contemplating your view of yourself as opposed to how you think others see you. At the minimal this is the time when you spend more time in family type activities than normal, maybe even the time you think of starting one.

July 30-October 7: The 8th house is the area of life where we encounter commitment to others, inevitable issues of life - death, taxes and elimination. We change dramatically in the course of our lives in this area. The shifting cycles periodically bring this portion of our life into the fore-front. This is the house of joint resources and property, inheritance and insurance. Now that the practical Taurus energy enters this stage in your life's play it is time to get practical about these issues. Let's look at the elimination process as an example. If your septic field has ceased to function, calling the tanker guys in each monthly is a band aid solution, the existing field needs to be removed and a new one put in its place. The human body is the same, we can only apply band aids for so long. When something has ceased to be of value or importance, it is no longer mutually inclusive - then it needs to be gutted and redone. Committed relationships fall here as well, time to renovate, rejuvenate and to stay completely honest and open. House of secrets perhaps, but some of these we cannot afford to keep. It is also the time to ensure that financial matters are in order, wills and insurance is up to snuff and that you continue to grow your shared assets and resources.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: The 12th house is a private, and intimately personal area of life. This is the house where our baggage from the past has relatively free reign. This is where we face or ignore our fears, become intimately acquainted with our insecurities and often fail to recognize our innate strengths. This is the astrological area that represents isolation, solace and respite from the hectic pace of our lives. The subconscious mind and our dream world belongs here, and when the cycles activate this area of our lives we need to address some of these issues. It is also the segment in the annual cycle that defines the process of ending a period so we can launch a new year starting with our birthday about a month away. The energy of Taurus is practical, no nonsense and filled with strength. The normal month long cycle does not apply this year nor next; now you need to do deeper level work on the issues described by the 12th segment of the chart, as listed or illustrated in this paragraph. Might as well get out the notebook in order to record your dreams, the next step, of course, is to get a dream dictionary or a book of symbols. Our collective set of symbols varies little between cultures, but the essence of symbols remains about the same. When we dream of cooking we are creating sustenance, and a nurturing atmosphere. When we dream of the Ocean it is to do with emotions. Learn about your own nature and coping mechanisms by paying attention to your dreams. Back to top.

Pisces

April 6 - June 14: : The third house is our neighbourhood, siblings, cousins and our daily life. This is where we collect information, data and perceptions about our environment. This describes a naturally busy environment, and it now became even busier. Going to school is a third house activity as is shooting the breeze with the neighbour, or chatting on the phone or these days on-line. This house represents how we communicate and get from A to B. So now the issues that need to be addressed with a no-nonsense hands on approach could be as simple as sprucing up the car or as complex as starting in a new educational institution. Before we can start anything we do need to analyze it, research the pros and cons and then make an informed decision. A good time to mend any broken or strained relationships with sisters, brothers or similar individuals who used to be part of your daily life.

July 30-October 7: The all-encompassing word OTHERS is what astrology actually assigns to this 7th house of relationships. It is about partnerships at all levels not just about a marriage partner, but who we might choose to pick as our lawyer, accountant, grocer or business partner. What is interesting about our relationships is that from a metaphysical or philosophical point of view - people we encounter and associate with are a reflection of both our strengths and weaknesses. When we vehemently hate a characteristic in someone else, it is ultimately about ourselves and we have yet to own that trait, or have failed to let that part of our nature go. Conversely when we idolize a trait in someone else we have yet to claim that characteristic as our own. Others are a mirror which reflects our own image back to us. That is a difficult concept to own, your short comings are my short comings. So now is the time to address these issues and your relationships with others in general. Easy to put into words, sometimes tougher to live through.

December 3, 2003 -February 7, 2004: Keeping the best treats last. You get to tackle groups and friends third in the course of this cycle. Now it is time to enter the big world, re-start networking, make connections with people who share your interests and passion for making a difference. It is time to meet new people, and to form long-lasting bonds. This represents the area of life where we address our long-term goals, our deepest desires and aspirations - those five-year plans or in this instance 7 year ones. Time to roll up the sleeves and bring some of these into reality by giving ideas form and a chance to mature into something worth owning or taking pride in. Back to top.