Earlier this year, Astrologer Archie Dunlop penned an article examining the impact of horoscopes on the two presidential candidates: Obama and Mitt Romney. Given that the race for the White House is heating up, we figured it would be good to revisit this enlightening piece, so here it is again…..
By Archie Dunlop
Mitt Romney wants to be the first Piscean President since Grover Cleveland, who left office in 1897. I don’t know about the 2016 elections, but in 2012 Mitt Romney hasn’t got a chance.
This must be a big disappointment for the Republican establishment. Their man has just beaten the even more unelectable Newt Gingrich in the Florida primary, and Obama is going nowhere, isn’t he?
It doesn’t actually matter what Obama does, because Romney is destined to lose in 2012, assuming he gets the nomination. I say this because I just asked the question ‘Will Mitt Romney win the 2012 Presidential Election?’ I set up a horoscope for the moment I asked the question. The horoscope was very simple. The Moon was in late Taurus, and it had made its last major aspect before leaving the sign. In the jargon it was ‘void of course’, meaning that nothing will come of the matter. End of story. So my message to the Republican Party is simple. Find another candidate. Quick.
As for Obama, assuming there are no mishaps, and his name is on the ballot paper in November, and Mitt Romney is his opponent, then he is definitely going to be elected for a second term. There are going to be some difficult moments for Obama over the next few months, and there’ll be doubts about whether he can make it, but over the Summer of 2012 his luck improves in a big way.
This is down to Indian astrology. For the last fifteen years and more Obama has been in a period of life ruled by Jupiter. In his Hindu horoscope Jupiter isn’t very well placed, and despite this, he won the 2008 election. The Jupiter period ends in the Summer of 2012, and he moves into a Saturn period. His Saturn is very strong, and if he’s running for a second term in 2012 he’ll be practically unbeatable.
I should also say that Obama’s second term is going to be far better than his first. He’ll be his own man, and having had his on-the-job training during his first term, he’ll know what needs to be done. Put another way, if Obama had left office after one term, he would have gone down in history as a poor to mediocre president. It’ll only be during his second term that he’ll show his greatness.
You’re in a hurry. Easter has been and gone, and soon it’s going to be summer, at least it will be if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere. If you don’t get moving, opportunities will pass you by, or so it seems. You might then feel that other people are being too slow, and that they’re preventing you from achieving your potential. This gives us a recipe for an explosion, an explosion that you’ll be responsible for. To be more precise, you might be tempted to express your feelings without considering the consequences. So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll take a step back, and you’ll also lengthen your time-scales. Things aren’t going to happen now this minute, but that doesn’t mean that everything’s stuck. It’ll take time for the doors to open, and in the mean time you can do some valuable preparation. Matters are helped by the fact that at the end of the week Mars, your ruling planet, starts to go forward. Something that has been holding you back since the end of January is starting to shift.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Don’t feel guilty about doing nothing, because in many respects there’s nothing to be done. It’s indeed a time for contemplation, in that final stage of the year before your birthday. You’ve completed one task, but you’re not quite ready to start work on the next one. So you should probably use the time to do some quiet contemplation, or perhaps to catch up on some reading. At times it might seem boring, but it’s a valuable investment for the future. However at some level you’re readying yourself for a new challenge. You know that change is in the air, and you want to do something that’s truly original. Under these circumstances, it might be a good idea to reach out to new people, and to see what they’ve got to say for themselves. A message that’s unusual and surprising could have important implications. When it comes to money, Venus, your ruler, makes a fortunate aspect to Uranus. There’s room for innovation, and as you’ll soon discover, a fresh approach can bring a boost to your bank balance.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Many Geminis are contemplating a big venture. It’s the kind of venture that could have revolutionary consequences, if everything works to plan. However it’s possible that you’re expecting too much. The Gemini mind can create huge structures, that have no grounding in material reality. So perhaps you need to spend more time focusing on the here and now. Yet there’s no shortage of inspiration. With Venus aspecting Uranus, other people will be sparkling with life, and they’ll have loads of ideas. In themselves these ideas might be crazy, but they might form the basis of something more practical, if you’re prepared to work on them. And if a friend tells you something that doesn’t make sense, don’t reject what they say out of hand. The truth can take many forms and it isn’t always what you expect! Finishing up with your love life, and the overall picture looks good. There’ll be a couple of surprises, and just when you think things are going nowhere, there’ll be a dramatic turn of events. It’s a time for experience rather than questions.
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
You’re ready for action. The Easter break is over, and you’re focused on the achievement of your aims. You’ll then cover a lot of ground very quickly, and in your career you can be something of a star. Indeed you’ll really stand out, perhaps because other people are slower and less committed than you. Yet there’s no need to reveal everything. Some things are best kept to yourself, until you’re absolutely ready to show your hand. I suppose it’s about showing yourself by means of your actions rather than your words. Moving on to your finances, and you have a clear grasp of what’s going on, and if you’re involved with discussions or negotiations the sensitivity so often associated with your star sign will give you a clear advantage. You’ll know what the other person is going to do, before they even know it themselves. But don’t show off about your strengths, because at all times you want to have the element of surprise. In your love life it’s probably best that you tone things down, and that you avoid dramatic initiatives. You don’t want to scare anyone away, do you?
Leo
July 22 to August 22
Right now many Leos are having doubts. You’re facing a significant task, and you might feel that you haven’t got what it takes to bring it to a successful conclusion. Furthermore, you might feel that you’re going to be closely watched, and that if you put a foot wrong you’ll be strongly criticised. However you’re exaggerating the matter. I don’t think that there’s much at stake, at least to begin with, and it’s not exactly a win-lose situation. The beginnings of a venture are usually pretty low profile, and your approach can be experimental. If your first efforts don’t work out, that’s not a problem. On a rather different note, it’s a good time to focus on your home and family. You’re a fun person to have around, and you have the ability to create some magic. Or at least to amuse people. And if you want to brighten up your home, perhaps with a coat of fresh paint, or just hanging up some new pictures, now is your chance, and by making a small change to your environment you can bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
It’s a time when you need to be realistic. Some things in your life are working, other things aren’t. You’re not entirely happy with the situation, but you can’t close your eyes to it, and rather than continue with the situation, it might be best to cut out the dead wood. And once you’ve done your duty, the situation will improve, and it won’t be long before you’re back in control. But realism doesn’t apply just to yourself – it also applies to other people. With your sharp Virgoan mind, you can see what mistakes your friends and colleagues are making, and you’re now in a perfect position to offer friendly advice. In the first instance your advice mightn’t be appreciated, but your intentions are good, and that’s what counts, at least in the long-term. As far as relationships are concerned, whatever their nature, things are likely to get more complicated. It seemed that everything was simply, then something happens, perhaps out of the blue, and there’s then a prolonged period of re-evaluation. It’ll be good for you, though it might not seem like it at the time.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Right now you’ve got an over-active imagination. You’re aware of all the many things that could go wrong, and the worst possible scenario seems just round the corner. It’s of course true that in a dangerous world anything can happen, but there’s no need to exaggerate. The majority of your fears – and probably all of your fears – are groundless, and you would perhaps be better off focusing on everyday problems, that can be dealt with by means of hard work and logic. Also, you should consider the possibility that unconsciously you’re avoiding particular challenges, because you don’t want the aggravation and responsibility. Yet every challenge has a purpose, and if you do what’s expected of you then you’re unlikely to come to any harm. While all this is going on, Venus makes a favourable aspect to Uranus. This aspect makes you both attractive and exciting, and when people meet you they’ll immediately want to know you better. But you’ve got a surprise up your sleeve, that has the potential to create a situation that no-one was expecting.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
There’s something you want to do and you don’t want to wait. You feel that the time is right, that you can go out into the world and make a big impression. However it’s important to get your timing right. Mars, your ruling planet, is coming to a standstill, in preparation for a forward move. It’s great news, and very soon your life will become more satisfying. Yet the moment hasn’t quite arrived, and rather than rush into action, you should probably pause for breath. Try to understand what’s happening around you, and think about your recent mistakes. You know where you went wrong, and there’s certainly no need to make the same mistake twice. As far as relationships are concerned, partners and lovers are behaving strangely, but that doesn’t mean that there’s anything to worry about. Indeed what seems strange can in practice be highly creative, provided the person in question is given a fair hearing. And those that can’t recognise another person’s genius need to recognise their own shortcomings. Finally, this week it’s never been so true that variety is the spice of life – so enjoy everything that’s on offer, provided it’s safe and wholesome.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Everything’s in the eye of the beholder, at least this week it is. There are lots of things going on, and whether these things are good or bad depends on one’s perspective. Or even on one’s mood, or one’s sense of humour. So it’s important to have a positive attitude, and to see everything in the best possible light. To begin with it might be difficult, as your strain to see the positive side of a situation that seems to be going nowhere. However you mustn’t forget that you’re a Sagittarian, and Sagittarius is the most optimistic sign of the Zodiac. Through the power of your mind you can turn lead into gold, and this is particularly the case when dealing with other people. Someone might seem miserable, but it won’t take much to cheer them up. Moving on to relationships, and you benefit from a favourable aspect between Venus and Uranus. Partners will be full of fun, and all they require is a bit of encouragement. If you’re a single Sagittarian, and you’re looking for someone new, then this week there’s a real chance that you’ll meet your match.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
If something has got to be done it’s got to be done. Sure, you could wait a week, or a month, or even a year, but you’d just be postponing the inevitable. And yes, it might be difficult putting in the extra effort, or telling someone something that they don’t want to hear, but can it really be helped? The sooner something is done, the better for everyone. This particularly applies to your career. You have the capacity to create some big waves, and through the power of surprise you can get your way. It’s about changing the way things are organised, and forcing people to question their most fundamental assumptions. However once you’ve done your duty – and it won’t be as much effort as you’d feared – there’ll be time to relax. You’ll feel that a great weight has been taken off your shoulders, and if you want to spend lazy hours at home, watching the clouds go by, that’ll be fine. In your love life your job is to put partners and lovers at their ease, and to persuade them that their many worries are simply figments of their imagination.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You feel confident about the future, for no particular reason. You go out, you breathe in the air, and everything feels great. Things that bothered you a few days ago are losing their power, and you now want to move forward with your life. I suppose at some intuitive level you’re picking up on wider trends, and in your heart of hearts you know that you’re on the right track. However good feelings on their own are pretty meaningless. You actually have to do something definite, in the real world, so that you have a chance of turning fantasy into reality. In the process, you should be looking at new ways of communicating. In the past it might have been difficult to get through to people, but now things have changed. People are ready and willing to listen to your message, and if you call someone out of the blue you’re unlikely to be rejected. Though for best results you’ll spring a surprise. Elsewhere a short journey can revolutionise your love life – try it and see!
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
It’s a time when many Pisceans are thinking about money. Things could probably be better, and it’s your responsibility to make the effort. It’s about carefully reviewing your situation, and then taking a clear initiative. Perhaps you’re spending too much money, on one area of your life, and you’ll decide that drastic changes are required. There’ll be resistance, from friends and family, but that’s the way it goes. However in many cases it’s a good idea to get some outside advice. You haven’t got all the facts, and some of your friends and colleagues are very wise. Listen to what they’ve got to say, and benefit from their pearls of wisdom. This particularly applies to property-related questions. If you own property, or you’re planning on buying it, then things are more complicated than they seem on the surface, and you need to get your facts straight. Finally, there’s your love life. You give the impression of being an interesting but trustworthy person, and you can get close to someone special very quickly. At the same time, you should try to enjoy the present, rather than plan for the future.
This week there’s a run-up to a Full Moon, which becomes exact on Friday. This Full Moon could be important, because it falls across the main axis of your solar chart. There’ll be a sense of clarity, particularly when it comes to relationships. You’ll see people for what they are, and the good and bad sides of their personalities will become crystal clear. However just because the truth is staring you in the face doesn’t mean that you’ll accept it. You might decide to look the other way, and as a result you could be storing up trouble for yourself. But fundamentally you know the facts, and it’s now time to make a decision. Elsewhere, something you’re involved in reaches its peak. The moment of peak mightn’t be obvious, but in retrospect it’ll be clear that this is the high watermark. Over the coming weeks and months you’ll disengage from the situation, and as a result you’ll be able to focus on new challenges.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Right now other people are being very demanding. They expect you to do what you’re told, and very often they’re changing their demands, from hour to hour, from minute to minute. You might feel that the easiest option is to make everyone happy, but that wouldn’t be wise – not least because your self-respect would take a plunge. So it’s a situation where you need to be polite, but you also have to make it clear that you’ve got your own life and your own priorities. And if you find it difficult to say no to people, then the best strategy is to stay out of their way. Indeed this week’s Full Moon will encourage you to keep a low profile, and you’ll find that when you are genuinely alone you’ll feel a growing happiness. You can make your own plans, and sort out your own life, without having to worry about outside interference. When it comes to money, you’ve got two ideas, one of them good, the other bad. But which is which? You’ll have to think about it very carefully before making any decisions.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
It’s a time of year that Geminis can find unsettling. The seasons are changing, and you’re reminded of the passage of time. You’re getting older, and in a few months time,. or less, it’ll be your birthday. What have you achieved? What have you not achieved? Do you have to hurry before it’s too late? But don’t panic. You’ve accomplished more than you realise, and very soon you’ll see the rewards. Though a bit of patience would got a long way! Turning to your social life, and in the run up to the Easter break you might start seeing your friends in a different light. Perhaps you’ll realise that some of your friendships have run their course, and that it’s now time to move on. You might also see a new side to someone’s personality, which changes everything. Over the Easter weekend you can by all means enjoy yourself, but you have to realise that everything has a price – if not in money, then in time. So if you’re having a party it’ll take a long to prepare for, and take a long time to clear up afterwards. Is it really worth the effort?
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
You’ve got a chance to evaluate your goals for the future, and to decide how reasonable they are. What seemed like a good idea at Christmas might no longer hold, and if you want to change your plans that’s fine. And matters are helped by the fact that there’s a long, Easter weekend. You can distance yourself from other people’s chaos, and start giving consideration to the things that really matter. Though there are other reasons why you might want to keep yourself to yourself. As a result of this week’s Full Moon, you’re going to be moodier than average, and you’ll be a hard person to deal with. Sweetness and light one moment, dark and brooding the next! On a different note, it’s going to be important to get the balance between work and home right. In the past the two have got mixed up, with unfortunate results, but this time round you’ve got to create clear boundaries. If you’re working over Easter expect a lot of interference. Having said that, if you usually do a lot of your work from home, there could be a moment of absolute clarity, where you realise exactly what needs to be done.
Leo
July 22 to August 22
There’s something you don’t understand. On the surface it’s really simple, but when you get right up close it’s impossible to know what’s going on. You might find the situation worrying, but is it really necessary to know all the facts? Sometimes it’s OK to walk by, in a state of ignorance rather than knowledge. Because very often knowledge for the sake of knowledge is a highway to nowhere. Given these circumstances, it might be better to watch rather than analyse. Let things flow over you, and if something doesn’t make sense then don’t panic. It’s probably not important, but if it is important, the answers will eventually come to you – perhaps as early as Friday. Moving to your love life, and partners seem to be confused about something, and they’re not sure what to do next. While you can’t give them absolute answers, you can certainly give them support. Finally, travel should be treated with caution, or at least respect. A short journey, that seems unimportant, could have major implications. Whether these implications are good or bad rather depends on you.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
It’s not a week for team efforts. Or even for partnerships. However much people try, there just won’t be the chemistry, and the parties involved won’t understand each other’s actions. There could also be false assumptions – for example, one person assuming that someone else was going to perform a particular task, and as a result nothing gets done. Given these circumstances, it’s important to be as self-sufficient as possible. Make your own decisions, and if possible, do things on your own. Yet I’m not saying that other people should be completely avoided. In terms of your career, you’re able to project an attractive and likeable persona, and overall you’ll be very popular. You can therefore make some valuable contacts, that in the coming weeks and months could help revolutionise your career prospects. Finishing up with your love life, and there’s the possibility of making progress. When you’re in a high profile location, you’ll be attracting someone’s interest, and we’re talking about the kind of person who is exactly on your wavelength. But whatever you’re doing, make sure that it’s not you paying the bills.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
You’re becoming aware of a new reality. It’s something that’s difficult to describe, but there’s no doubt that things are changing. There are more possibilities, and doors that used to be closed are now starting to open. However you’ve got to be ready and willing to embrace the change. You mustn’t be tied to old ways of working, and it’s possible that many of your opinions are out of date. So move forward with an open mind, and reach out for new information – the kind of information that’s often found in unexpected places. In this light, it’s a good idea to talk to people who have a different outlook and background than yourself. They’ll teach you some important lessons, and you might also be able to develop some significant and highly rewarding relationships. Though if you’re already involved with someone, this week’s Full Moon could mark a real change. Things will have reached a certain level, that can’t be maintained. In other words standing still won’t be an option – you either go forward, or you call it a day.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Scorpio is one of the most sensitive signs of the Zodiac, and right now you can pick up everything going on around you. You know what people are thinking and feelings, and if anyone’s unhappy you’ll be immediately aware of it. In many respects it’s a good thing. From a humanitarian point of view you’re well-placed to help other people deal with their problems, not least because your listening skills will be excellent. And from the point of view of business and career you’ll have a good understanding of your competitors and rivals, and you’ll be able to anticipate their next move. However sensitivity can have a price, and there might be times when you feel overwhelmed by the power of your own and other people’s feelings. In which case you need to take a step back from the chaos of your social life. Take a deep breath, relax, and also enjoy your own company. Bear in mind also that those closest to you, for example partners and lovers, will be fairly intense, and perhaps broody as well. They therefore need to be treated with caution!
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You’re on the verge of making a decision. The decision doesn’t seem very important, and you might not give it much thought. However it IS important, more important than you realise. You therefore need to think very carefully before making commitments, and you need to realise that if you take the wrong turning there could be serious consequences. At the same time, you mustn’t believe what other people tell you. The words might be very convincing, but underneath it all there’s a fundamental misunderstanding – as you’ll discover, once you’ve done some research. On a different note, there could be changes in the structure of your social life. You’ll feel that it stands in the way of your creativity, and that some of your friends are holding you back. But you shouldn’t worry about losing touch with your friends – as one person leaves your life, another person will enter it. Indeed from the point of view of relationships someone new is moving into your life – a person who is attractive, but also very talkative. Let’s see what they have to say for themselves!
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
This week there’s a Full Moon, which becomes exact on Friday. It’s a significant Full Moon, that falls across the Midheaven axis of your solar chart. You’ll be thinking about your direction in life, with particular reference to your career, and you’ll be wondering whether or not you’ve got it right. You might have extra reason for such questioning because of particular events, that shed new light on old issues. However it’s not a situation where you have to worry. You’re getting a new insight into the world in which you live, and you now have a good idea about what you really want. This applies not just to your working life, but also to your home and family. You’ll want to make your home a happier and more secure place, and over the Easter weekend you can spend quality time with your family. Indeed you must, if possible, focus entirely on your family, and not get side-tracked by the details of your career. In your love life partners have high standards – either be perfect or don’t bother!
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Other people have got a lot to say for themselves, and they’ll be happy to give you advice. This advice will sound good, but it won’t amount to very much. So whatever you’re told, you must think for yourself. You’re not going to have immediate answers, but if you sit and think, the picture will eventually clarify. You’ll realise that you’ve got something special to contribute, and that it’s all about acting as an individual, and not worrying what other people think. Remember also, that life isn’t a popularity contest. You must do what you’re good at, and there’ll be no room for compromise. In this light some aspects of your creativity might be questioned. It might be said that you’re taking things too far, or not giving enough consideration to the outside world. But in truth, these aren’t your problems. On Friday there’s a Full Moon, and you might be called on to make a decision. Do you put your friends first, or do you put your own private interests first? I think, on balance, that it’s a time to be selfish.
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
You’re starting to relax. Things that not so long ago seemed very important are now drifting into the background, and it’s going to become increasingly difficult to motivate yourself. So it’s probably just as well that most of the Christian world is slowing down, in the run up to the Easter weekend. You can probably get away with working at half-speed, and as the week progresses you can gracefully wind down. However when it comes to money you need to keep your eye on the ball. Things mightn’t go quite to plane, and a moment of carelessness could cost you dear. So if you have an urge to spend money, or to enter a financial agreement, think carefully about what you’re doing. Things aren’t as simple as they seem! And on Friday, when there’s a Full Moon, you’ll start to understand your finances like never before. It might be an unsettling experience, having to come face-to-face with the realities of your financial situation, but with knowledge comes action, and with action comes prosperity.
The week is dominated by a powerful, 90-degree aspect between the Sun and Pluto. The Sun is moving through your star sign, while Pluto is in the career and status sector of your solar chart. As a result of this aspect you’re going to be very ambitious. You’ll be looking for ways of getting ahead, and in many cases you’ll be ruthless. I am not saying that this is a good thing or a bad thing ñ it’s just the way it is, right now. And whatever your ambitions, you should resist the temptation to shout about them. Because sometimes a silent approach brings the best results, especially if you have to deal with lots of competitors. He or she that talks the loudest usually falls the quickest and the furthest! I should also say that for best results you’ll concentrate on one thing, with everything you’ve got. Once the lock breaks, through the sheer force of your will-power, you’ll start moving forward at the speed of light. Turning to your love life, and partners and lovers want to talk. You might have other ideas, but this week selfishness should be avoided.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Mercury is making a favourable aspect to Venus, your ruling planet. So it’s a great week for communicating. However I’m not talking about mouthing off your opinions to everyone you meet ñ no, communication is a two-way process. You have to listen to what other people are saying, without passing judgement. It’s a slow process, and you might feel that you’re getting nowhere, but in all your endeavours you are building up trust. You’re also making yourself more popular, slowly but surely. But sometimes it’s important to keep a secret ñ there are aspects of your personality and lifestyle that there’s no need to talk about, even to people you know very well. Later on, when circumstances have changed, you can afford to be more open. Looking at the specific area of your love life, and if you’re a single Taurus, or you’re looking for someone new, then a person who is taller than average, with a versatile intellect, would suit you down to the ground. And such a person could be useful not just in terms of romance ñ they might also make an excellent business partner.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Your friends could be hard to handle. They’ll be making lots of demands and they could also be playing power games. It’s an environment that you might enjoy for short periods of time, but for long stretches it won’t be worth the effort. So on balance, you should probably give your social life a miss ñ especially if you’re dealing with people in a group, rather than as individuals. As far as one-to-one contacts are concerned, the situation is much better. Mercury is making a favourable aspect to Venus, and as a result you’re going to be a lot more sensitive than usual. You’ll understand what makes people tick, and you’ll know what to say ñ and most importantly, what not to say. The Mercury-Venus aspect could also give a boost to your psychic powers. You’ll have a feeling about the key individuals in your life, that will be difficult to shake off. The feeling may not be one hundred percent right, but at some level it will approximate to the truth. In your career you’re given another chance to perform a particular task and it’s not a chance you should miss.
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
There are things going on that you don’t completely understand. They’re happening under the surface, and in the long run they could be very significant. It’s a situation where you need to have your eyes and ears open, but at the same time you mustn’t over-react. Let things develop, in their own quiet way, and prepare yourself for the next stage. After all, at some point you’ll be clear about what’s happening, and you’ll be in a better position to take action. In terms of relationships, partners are saying less than usual, but that doesn’t mean that they’ve got nothing to say. They’re doing a lot of thinking and feeling, and they’re reaching some important conclusions. And when they’re good and ready they’ll explain themselves. On a different note, friends and colleagues are broadening their horizons, and they’re starting to understand that the world is full of possibilities. If you don’t want to get left behind, you need to engage with them, in a constructive and helpful way.
Leo
July 22 to August 22
The Sun, your ruling planet, makes a powerful aspect to Pluto. As a result you’re going to be pulled in two directions. You’ll want to do something different, that takes you far away from your everyday life. Perhaps you’ll be thinking about travel? Or else focusing on some spiritual pursuit? And in terms of your career, you won’t be happy with the usual pursuits, and you’ll want to do something that stretches you. However you’re going to be very focused on detail, almost obsessively so. If things aren’t done right you’ll get annoyed, and as a result it might be difficult to go as fast as you’d like. On a slightly different note, some Leos will start putting a lot of emphasis on health and fitness. You’ll want to be fitter and healthier than you are, and you’ll go out of your way to take the appropriate action. But just because you want to be healthy doesn’t mean that you should go over the top. Sometimes extreme measures can have unintended consequences. Nonetheless, if your lifestyle is unhealthy then now is a perfect time to change it.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
It’s OK for life to be complicated, and you don’t always have to know what’s going to happen next. Just stay with the situation, and see what you can learn from it. After all, just because something is complicated, doesn’t mean that you’re directly affected. Also, through your analytical skills you can start sorting the problem out. You can work out what’s important and what’s not, and you can help both yourself and other people to simplify the situation. In terms of money, at first sight things are as clear as mud, and you may be unsure which way to turn – especially if you’re dealing with shared financial arrangements. Yet if you do some digging and prodding, it won’t be long before you get some answers, and you’ll then have a clear idea about your next move. After all, once you can distinguish between the good people and the bad people, it’ll be easy to make decisions. Finishing up with your love life, and I would suggest that you don’t rush into anything. Right now you’re not very powerful, and it would be easy for partners and lovers to lead you a merry dance. Yet Mercury, your ruler, is making a favourable aspect to Venus. You and someone else can click together very nicely, but somehow the power equation has to be balanced.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Mercury makes a favourable aspect to Venus, your ruling planet. So this week you’ll be communicating very well – and I am not just talking about words. You’ll be sensitive to what’s going on around you, and you’ll understand the people you’re dealing with. In this light, your body language will be excellent, and with the right moves you’ll win everyone’s trust. Yet once the talking starts, you’ll give the impression that you know exactly what you’re talking about, even when you’re discussing fine details. You therefore mustn’t be afraid of listing facts and figures, especially in your working environment. You might feel that you’re being boring, but in reality you’ll have everyone’s attention, and they’ll be fascinated by what you have to say. Also, it’s a good week for giving advice. You’ve got everyone’s best interests at heart and if someone’s being stupid you can tell it as it is, without causing offence. Put another way, you mustn’t be afraid of causing a fuss – you’ve got a message to deliver, and now is the time to deliver it.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
This week there’s a lot of noise. Everyone’s got an opinion, everyone’s got something to say, and as a result there’s real confusion. What do you believe? Who’s talking rubbish? Who is the wise person in the corner who everyone is ignoring? To deal with these issues, you need to take a step back from what’s going on, and start making maximum use of your intuitive powers. You can get a good feel for what’s going on, and at the same time you’re not someone who suffers fools gladly. And as time elapses, as people’s true nature starts to manifest, you’ll move into a commanding position, and you can start considering a return to the limelight. Turning to your love life, and Venus, your relationship ruler, is making a favourable aspect to Mercury. Partners have an active mind, and there are lots of things they want to talk about. And if you engage your nearest and dearest in a long and intimate conversation, the end result will be beneficial for both parties. If you want to encourage someone new to move into your life, then a sense of humour will be crucial.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You’re so close, but so far. Or at least that’s how it feels. You can feel that you’re on the brink of an important discovery, and may of the clues are in place. However bringing everything together, into a coherent whole, seems too difficult. And as a result you might give up, and turn to new pastures. But if you did you’d be lazy. It’s a situation where you need to focus on what’s in front of you, and keep working until you’ve made the necessary links. Yes it will be difficult, but you’re quite able to deal with the situation. Indeed there’ll eventually be a moment of sublime intuition, where everything magically comes together. Elsewhere Mercury, your relationship ruler, is making a favourable aspect to Venus. Loved ones will be on good form, and they’ll know how to make you happy. Yet they’ll have a sense of order, and sloppiness on your part won’t be appreciated. So make sure that you honour your promises, and if you say that you’re going to do something, make sure that you do it properly.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
If you’re typical of your star sign, then you’ve got a cautious streak. You know that nothing can be taken for granted, that everything has to be worked for. While your solid, down to earth approach is to be commended, it’s possible that you take it too far. There’s a place for inspiration, provided it comes from your own heart and not someone else’s. So if you feel that the time has come to take a leap into the unknown, then don’t necessarily hold back. You might be moving into strange territory, but if you trust your instincts you’ll be just fine. Also, you’ll be good at finding things out, so if you feel that you haven’t got enough information then ask around. Other people will be happy to provide the answers. This means that in your career it’s important to be communicative. Don’t be afraid to discuss your opinions, and if colleagues and workmates have problems, then you must be ready to bend an ear. Your suggestions and feedback will be very useful, and may even make the difference between success and failure.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You’ve got a feeling that something could go wrong. Not to you, but to another person, or organisation. If you so wish you can ignore this feeling, but is that the responsible thing to do? Your honesty might bring you criticism, and sometimes that can’t be helped. You have to do what’s right and let other people respond as they think fit. Those that listen to what you say will realise that you have saved them a lot of trouble. You might even have saved them from disaster! Moving on to your career, it’s another situation where you need to trust your intuition. In most cases you’ll be right and other people will be wrong, so it’s important that you stick to your guns. You’ll make things easier for yourself if you don’t engage in clever arguments. We’re dealing with the truth, and that’s something that can never be compromised. In your love life you give the impression of being a very calm and very sensible person, and if anyone’s looking for stability, you’re just the person to provide it.
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
This week there’s a favourable aspect between Mercury and Venus. Mercury is moving through your star sign, while Venus is in the communication sector of your solar chart. So not surprisingly you’ll have lots of things to say for yourself, and your choice of words will be excellent. This means that if you want to persuade someone to do something then now is your chance. Your arguments will be clever and your voice very seductive. However if you’re not feeling very sociable, don’t worry – there are other ways of using the Mercury-Venus aspect. You might, for example, want to do some studying. You’ll get through the information very quickly, and in many cases you won’t have to read something twice – it will just stick, all by itself. And if you want to write things down, there’ll be a stream of consciousness, and before you know it you will have created pages and pages of quality material. Elsewhere partners and lovers want to get close, and the power of touch will be difficult to beat.
This week it’s the Spring Equinox. This is when the Sun crosses the equator, from south to north. In the Northern Hemisphere it’s the beginning of Spring, in the Southern Hemisphere the beginning of Autumn.
From the point of view of Western astrology, the Spring Equinox is very important. The point in space where the Sun is, at the moment it crosses the equator going northwards, is the beginning of the sign Aries. This reminds us that the Western zodiac has nothing to do with the actual constellations, and everything to do with the seasons.
This year the precise time of the Spring Equinox is 5.14 am GMT, on Tuesday March 20. That’s 1.14 am in New York, 0.14 am in Chicago and 10.14 pm on Monday if you’re in Los Angeles.
From a spiritual point of view the Spring Equinox is an important time, and a lot of people mark the event with some kind of ritual. The Equinox is like a gateway for the power of the Universe, and if you ask the Universe for guidance, with an open heart and a clear mind, there’s a good chance that you’ll receive it.
However it’s worth noting that at the moment of the Spring Equinox, when the Sun is by definition at zero degrees Aries, there’s a close conjunction between Mercury and Uranus, in the early degrees of this same sign. There’s a lot of mental energy flying around, and words spoken hastily could lead to a major confrontation. We should therefore keep our mouths shut, unless we really know what we’re talking about.
Anyway, here’s your forecast for the week starting on Monday March 19…
Aries
March 20 to April 19
The Sun moves into your star sign. You receive a blast of energy, as your birthday season unfolds. 2012 will have started in earnest, after a series of long delays. You can now start putting your plans into action. Nonetheless, don’t be in too much of a hurry. We’re talking about the beginning, rather than the middle or the end, and as I’ve told you before, it won’t be until late April that all systems are go. I should also say that the Sun is making a conjunction to Uranus. This conjunction could bring a surprising event, particularly if you’re born in March. Yet it’s the kind of event that you could be the cause of. Perhaps you’ll say or do something, that has dramatic implications. You therefore need to think very carefully about the consequences of your actions.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Sometimes it’s best to do nothing. While I understand that there are lots of exciting things going on, are you really in a position to take advantage of them? You’d probably be jumping on the bandwagon too late, and in all probability the benefits will be minimal. So it’s probably best that you align yourself with the times, and retreat from the bright lights. At first it might be boring, but once the pressure if off you’ll be able to relax. You can switch off the outside world, and soak up the vibes. And also take stock of everything that has been going on since the beginning of January. There have been some good developments, but also some negative ones, and you can now make some important distinctions. If something isn’t doing you any good, then you can distance yourself from it. On the other hand something that’s worked in the past can work even better in the future. The beginning of a new venture is often shrouded in mist, and no-one can see the first shoots of success, not even you.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Mercury, your ruling planet, is experiencing a certain amount of turbulence. It’s moving backwards and its very close to the Sun. In the jargon, when a planet is near the Sun it’s ‘combust in other words it’s burning up. So when your ruler is combust your energy levels are likely to be low, and at the same time your judgement could be less than perfect. I would therefore suggest that this week you take it easy, and that you don’t make important decisions. Also, you need to be careful when dealing with your friends. They’ll be very nice to you, but if you follow their lead you could get yourself into trouble. It might be a question of them being a bad influence, but they could also give you bad advice. And when you’re talking to your friends there’s danger that your judgement is short-circuited. You won’t be able to think straight, and you’ll agree to things that you don’t properly understand. Right at the end of the week Mercury changes sign, from Aries to Pisces. You get a good idea about your career, that you want to act on. But it’s an idea that on its own is unlikely to work. Put another way, it’ll be back to the drawing board.
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
This week it’s the Spring Equinox, when the Sun moves into Aries. For Cancerians this can be a very important time. All of a sudden you’re thrust into the limelight, and you have to be clear about what you want and what you don’t want ñ with particular reference to your career. It’s not a time to be shy, and in certain circumstances you’ll have to go out of your way to grab people’s attention. If that means giving someone a shock, or at least a big surprise, then so be it. Looking at your career from another angle, and it might be you getting the shock. You could have a sudden realisation, that your previous career path had in some ways been wrong, and now needs to be changed. It’s about doing what you want, not what other people want. There might be arguments and criticism, but it’s not your job to keep everyone happy. You have to do what’s right FOR YOU. Towards the end of the week some Cancerians will start having travel plans. You might even be thinking about your Summer holiday. However it’s not a time to be thinking ahead you have to focus on the here and now.
Leo
July 22 to August 22
The Sun is your ruling planet, so when making forecasts for Leo it’s important to track the Sun’s movements. This week the Sun changes sign, from Pisces to Aries, and in the process it makes a conjunction to Uranus. Your attitude to the world is going to experience a big and favourable shift. Perhaps in the recent past you have had negative feelings about yourself and your prospects and you had seen everyday events in the worst possible light. Anyway, what’s done is done, and you can now move to a different way of being. You’ll start seeing the world in a more positive light, and you’ll realise that you’re surrounded by possibilities. Of course it’s important to use your imagination, and not be stuck in a single mindset. You might, for example, decide that you want to do some travelling either physically or spiritually. The right book can sometimes take you further than an aeroplane! However don’t forget that the Sun is making a conjunction to Uranus. When you leave the beaten track unexpected events could start unfolding. In themselves they’re not good or bad it all depends on your reactions.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Starting off with relationships, and you mustn’t assume that everything will run a smooth course, especially if you’re in a relationship that’s very recent. Things could get unexpectedly complicated, and emotional considerations could come crawling out of the woodwork. It’s a situation that you won’t be entirely comfortable with, but if you keep your cool you shouldn’t come to any harm. Though I would suggest that the moment the emotional temperature gets too high, you make your excuses and head for the exits. After all, there’s only so much you can take, and you have to remember that Virgos have a finely-tuned mechanism, that can be put out of balance by too much emotion. Especially now, when Mercury, your ruler, is making an exhausting conjunction to the Sun. Yet I’m not saying that other people should be completely avoided, especially at the end of the week. You are going to need their help and advice, but it has to be on your terms not theirs. And what you mustn’t do is get yourself into a situation where you’re indebted to another person. Have a great week!
Libra
September 23 to October 22
It’s a week when relationships will become increasingly important. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll have to consider other people and their needs, and acting as a lone operator simply won’t be an option. You might try to cheat fate, by being a hermit in some Arctic wilderness, but humans can crop up in the most unlikely places. So if possible you should accept the situation, and work out the best way of dealing with friends and colleagues and strangers! With the Sun moving into Aries, your opposite sign, you’ll find that some people want to boss you around. They’ll think that they know best, and they’ll expect you to do what you’re told. You mustn’t be weak, but neither must you be a troublemaker. Instead you need to duck and dive. That means being as friendly as possible, but in such a way that you don’t commit yourself. Looking at your love life, there’s plenty of action, however it might not be on your terms. And if you’re looking for someone new, then you’re attracting someone who is very assertive, who might also have an explosive temper. Have fun!
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
This week the Sun swings into Aries. In the Scorpio horoscope the sign Aries is often associated with hard work, and things that are boring and tedious. So on the surface it’s bad news. However if you’re not worried by pleasure and leisure, and your main concern is getting things done, there shouldn’t be a problem. Over the next month you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground, especially in your career, and once you’ve dealt with the routine stuff you’ll be able to move onto something more exciting. Also, with the Sun making a conjunction to Uranus, you can make some dramatic changes to your everyday routines, which can improve your performance many times over. Turning to your health, and it’s important that you don’t overdo it. While I understand that you’ve got a great deal of endurance, you’re only human, and if you take things too far there could be cause for regret. So make sure that you eat properly and sleep properly, and don’t let outside turbulence stress you out. Also, watch your head! It’s a part of your body that’s more vulnerable than usual, and if you’re not careful you might bang it on things. If you’re doing anything remotely dangerous for example cycling, rock climbing or construction work make sure, even more so than usual, that you’re wearing a helmet.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
In the recent past you’ve been fairly introspective, and you’ve been thinking hard about yourself and your future. So probably you haven’t been as active as usual, and you may have been further restricted by the demands of family and home. However it does seem that things are changing. This week the Sun changes sign, from Pisces to Aries. The signs Aries and Sagittarius have a special affinity, and with the Sun in Aries you can rediscover your spark especially as it’s making a conjunction to Uranus. Your creativity will move into top gear, and you can do something that’s truly amazing though don’t expect everyone to appreciate what you’re doing. There’ll be something about your creative output that’s controversial, even confrontational. One person’s art is another person’s atrocity! While all this is going on, there will be a place for silliness, provided that the setting is right. Because some people are taking things too seriously, and they need to lighten up. A fun-loving Sagittarian like you is just the person to lead the way. Not surprisingly it’s a good week for parties, and also for romance. Though don’t take anyone’s promises too seriously, because right now words can be said and unsaid all too easily.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Something very fundamental is unfolding. It’s difficult for other people to see and understand, but you yourself are very sure that some major trends are changing. It’s therefore time to take appropriate action, and that means being very busy, but also having a very low profile. You would indeed be advised to spend as much time as possible at home, or in some other location that you know very well. At the same time, it might be a good idea to interact with your family, because they have a lot of things to tell you, many of which could be useful. Having said that, you shouldn’t take things at face value. Mercury, the planet of communication, is in a weakened position, and this encourages people to either lie or distort the truth. Finally, when it comes to dealing with the physical world you have to be careful. You’re attracting breakages and accidents, and valuable objects could so easily slip out of your hands. At the same time, you should steer clear of activities involving electricity or fire, unless you really know what you’re doing.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
It’s often not enough to do something for the sake of it. You have to do something for a reason ñ and we’re talking about a reason that links up with your fundamental destiny. So in terms of your work, think carefully about what you’re doing. Does it feel right, or are you going astray? Perhaps you need to change your approach to your job, so as to make it more fulfilling. And in extreme circumstances, you might consider looking for a new job. While all this is going on, you’ll want to give some consideration to your social life. There are lots of people who want to meet you, and there’s an opportunity to make new friends. Though bear in mind that some of the people you’ll be meeting will be very dynamic, and standing up to them will be difficult. Looking at your love life, and the Sun, your relationship ruler, is making a conjunction to Uranus. Partners and lovers will be difficult to predict, and they could to the last think you expect. You therefore need to make allowances for them, and you shouldn’t necessarily judge them by one piece of bad behaviour.
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
Right now you need to give careful thought to your finances. Recently your approach has been a little chaotic, and you might have lost track of certain key details. And it’s now time to get the show back on the road. Go through the paperwork, and log into your bank account, just to make sure that everything’s in order. Also, if you owe someone money, now is the time to repay the loan leave it any longer, and things could get unpleasant. On a more positive note, you’ll have interesting ideas for making money, and if you’re properly organised you can start acting on them. It’s all about having the element of surprise, and not giving up, even if the first steps seem very difficult. Elsewhere, its seems that someone wants to get back in touch with you. Recently they’d slipped off your radar, and you’d thought that they had gone for good. Well, they’re back, and this time round you’ll have a lot more control of the situation. So, where do you want things to go? In terms of love, partners are looking for guidance, and I’m sure that’s something you can give.
I am not as left-wing and liberal as I used to be. I recognise that there might be a place for military intervention, even by the United States. However like most people I was shocked by the recent news from Afghanistan. A single American soldier, perhaps suffering from a past brain injury, massacred sixteen Afghan civilians, mainly children. The date was Sunday March 11 2012.
Aside from the human tragedy, the incident calls into question the whole NATO mission in Afghanistan. The troops were sent to Afghanistan to bring peace, and to end the influence of terrorist-supporting organisations. When those very troops are committing atrocities, for whatever reason, the war is lost.
There were echoes of the My Lai massacre, that happened during the Vietnam War, on March 16 1968. This massacre was on a much larger scale – American troops, whose officers included Lieutenant William Calley, massacred hundreds.
So the two massacres were almost exactly forty-four years apart, and in both cases the Sun was in Pisces and the Moon was in Libra. In the Afghan incident, the Moon was making a conjunction to Saturn, in Vietnam it was an opposition.
Arguably the two massacres show the Sun in Pisces at its worst. Emotions getting out of control and becoming completely twisted. The people involved were plugged into some wider, destructive current, and morality got swept aside in a tide of hatred.
We can also see the Moon-Saturn influence. The Moon is the public, and the wider population. Saturn is about cutting something off. Both massacres were a sign, and also a cause, of public disenchantment with a war effort. The My Lai massacre came just before the Tet Offensive, which convinced the Americans that the Vietnam War was a lost cause. The recent massacre is likewise a sign that the operation in Afghanistan has failed, and that it’s time to wind it up.
In both cases the easy option for the US military was to blame the individuals involved. Indeed there’s now talk of the soldier responsible for the Afghan massacre getting the death penalty. But of course what’s really to blame is a system and culture that fights impossible wars without adequate psychological screening and support for its servicemen.
Finally, on March 10 1906, 106 years and one day before the Afghan massacre, American troops were fighting a war in the Philippines. They attacked a Muslim village, and killed around six hundred villagers, including women and children. At the time there was an opposition aspect between the Moon and Saturn. History mightn’t repeat, but it certainly rhymes.
Astrologers use a lot of jargon, that to an outsider can be quite incomprehensible. Indeed it can sound like a separate language, with its own grammar and vocabulary. However this language has a purpose and it’s an attempt to make sense of a complicated world, and also to describe both great and small events using astrological symbolism.
The big event this week, that I’m sure a lot of astrologers are talking about, is a grand trine in Earth signs.
A grand trine, as you might expect, is a triangular formation. It happens when three or more planets form an equilateral triangle. And this week such a triangle is formed, involving Venus and Jupiter in Taurus, Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn.
As a result of this formation, things are going to be moving quickly. A small amount of energy will create big results, for better or for worse. So in terms of politics and current affairs, expect a rollercoaster ride.
The grand trine involves both Venus and Mars, the planets of sexuality, and this could have implications for love and romance. Emotions will run free and easy, and the romantic pace could go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. Very exciting but also very dangerous!
Anyway, here’s your forecast for the week starting on Monday March 12…
Aries
March 20 to April 19
It might be necessary to repeat yourself. So don’t put too much effort into getting your message across, because it’s possible that very few people are listening. Unless, of course, the message is super-important, and lives and fortunes are at stake. However if you are being ignored, try not to get annoyed. It’s a temporary situation, which in a few weeks time will sort itself out. Also, the issue has nothing to do with you and it’s more to do with the fact that the planet Mercury is starting to go backwards. I should also point out that you yourself are in a strong position, thanks to a favourable aspect between Mars and Pluto. When you’re alone, in an environment where you have total control, you can ironically have a strong influence on the world around you. In fact, the less you’re seen, the more powerful you’ll be. That can be difficult for an Aries to understand, but you’ll have to trust me on this one. It’s because no-one can can see you, or guess what you’re up to. And it’s only when you spring your trap, at a time of your choosing, that they’ll see the full picture. So not surprisingly you can do very well in your career, provided you don’t draw attention to yourself. A blast of hard work, that seems boring, can give you the break you need.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
This week there is a major astrological configuration, known as a ‘grand trine’ . A grand trine takes place when there is a planet in each sign of a particular element, and these planets are making a ‘trine’ aspect, which is 120 degrees, or a third of the circle. Sorry, that sounded more complicated than I had expected. To get down to details, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Pluto are forming a grand trine in Earth signs ñ Venus and Jupiter are in Taurus, Mars is in Virgo and Pluto is in Capricorn. Venus is your ruling planet, so the power of Mars, Jupiter and Pluto is going to be very helpful. You’ll find that it’s easy to get things done, and things will move, faster than expected. Though you do have to be careful ñ big results require very little energy, and if you put too much effort into something you could set into action a chain of events that you weren’t planning on. Looking at your career, and I’m pretty sure that you can get your way, but you have to ask yourself whether or not the ends justify the means. In other words, you can get what you want, but will it be worth the price? Finishing up with love, and the Venus-Mars energy is strong, so attracting someone’s attention will be easy, perhaps too easy!
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Lightning sometimes strikes twice. Even three times. So if you have recently had to deal with an unusual set of circumstances, that seemed to come from nowhere, then consider the possibility that it might all happen again. And really, we’re not talking about anything random. It’s all about what you’re doing and who you’re hanging out with. You are, in many respects, carrying a lightning rod, and when the atmosphere thickens, it’s often you who ends up in the firing line. But I don’t want to give the wrong impression. There’s almost certainly nothing to be worried about, and most Gemini’s enjoy surprises, at least in theory. Indeed if you’re ready for a surprise, you can sometimes benefit from it. Or indeed you can turn the tables, especially in a social setting. Your friends might think that they know you, but actually, they’re only skimming the surface. You’ve got something up your sleeve, and when you reveal your hand there’ll be a sense of genuine shock. Just how Gemini likes it! I should also say that Gemini’s can be very changeable. Right now, there’s something you’re taking seriously, almost to the point of religious or political fervour. However you can’t keep it up for much longer, and boredom will soon set in. You’ll then be on the look out for something different.
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
Astrologically it’s an active week, and your star sign is right in the thick of it. To be more specific, the sign Cancer will be on the midpoint of a favourable aspect between Venus and Mars. This Venus-Mars aspect is connected with attraction and persuasion, and there’s little doubt that you can make things happen, through the brilliance of your personality. You’ll know how to balance the give and the take, and you’ll understand that if you want a lot you’ll have to give a little. Though bear in mind that some people are more powerful than others, and a person who seems meek and mild could actually be the one pulling the strings. So if you’re starting a new relationship this week, whatever its nature, you mustn’t assume that everything is going to pan out in a particular way. You might indeed be the mover and shaker, manipulating the thing at every step of the way. But sometimes you’re over-shadowed, by a person who will be very difficult to compete with. Looking at your career, and you might receive an unexpected message. This message is probably not as significant as it sounds.
Leo
July 22 to August 22
Stop and listen. Watch other people zooming around, trying their hardest to be successful. Do you have to follow the crowd? Is it even advisable to follow the crowd? You can see the world for what it really is, at least if you’re honest with yourself, and you have a chance to learn from other people’s mistakes. In the process you mustn’t be drawn in. Someone has a good idea, and their words sound convincing, but in most cases you should stick to your guns. Right now you’re not able to make informed decisions, and it won’t be for another week or two that you’re ready to move. Yes, the environment is powerful, and there are some big things going on, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be involved. As far as your career is concerned, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that things are changing. Workmates and employers are behaving differently, and this is a surely a sign of things to come. You can mentally prepare for the next phase, and rather than follow the crowd you can be ahead of it.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
It’s an important week for the Earth signs, namely Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. The planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Pluto are forming a powerful configuration, which can’t fail to have an impact on you. There are wider, cosmic events, which are influencing people’s everyday lives. We’re talking about events that we can’t do anything about, and the emphasis is on fate rather than free will. However every successful Virgo understands these broader rhythms, and they align their lifestyle accordingly. Under these circumstances, you need to be adaptable, but you also have to look after your own interests. Go where the wind blows, but only up to a point, and if you’re unhappy about doing something, perhaps because it feels wrong, then nine times out of ten you shouldn’t do it. On a different note, you need to tread carefully when dealing with other people and their emotions. It’s easy to get fixated on surface appearances, and lose sight of the deeper feelings that are involved. But a bit of diplomacy can go a long way.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
As I’m sure you know, Venus is your ruling planet. And this week Venus receives important aspects from Mars, Jupiter and Pluto. You’re going to be strongly placed, and you’ll have a clear sense of what needs to be done. Though there’s no need to make a big fuss about it. Your power is obvious, and you don’t need to explain yourself. Indeed in most cases, the less you say, the greater your impact. Because if you spend ages trying to explain yourself, people are going to ask questions, and the force of your personality could be weakened. Also, you need to understand your power base. Fundamentally, it’s your home. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend all your time in your home environment, but you do need regular periods of rest and recuperation. An area of your life that could be very interesting is relationships. You and someone else have a close tie with one another, and this week it could get even closer. To take it further, it’s a situation where you mightn’t have much choice. If you meet someone for the first time, things could move very quickly, so don’t start something unless you’ve thought through the consequences.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Venus, Jupiter and Pluto are making wonderful aspects to Mars, your ruling planet. As a result you’re going to be highly energised. The world will seem an exciting place, and there’ll be many opportunities for having fun. However it’s important that you don’t go over the top. You’ve only got so much energy at your disposal, and if you take things too far you could exhaust yourself. So be aware of your limitations, particularly on a physical level. Also, you mustn’t feel that you have to do everything on your own. There are people out there who are ready and willing to lend you a hand, and in a partnership situation you can be very successful ñ provided you resist the temptation to be a primadonna. By all means be honest about your opinions, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re special. Looking at relationships, and the situation is excellent, thanks to the Venus-Mars contact. For a Scorpio, you’ll be very easy to get on with, and you’ll be focused on people’s similarities rather than their differences. So if an existing relationship has recently had problems, you’ll be able to repair the cracks. If you’re single, then a friendship could move into new territory, if that’s what you want.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Right now you’ve got a great sense of fun, and your sense of humour will be on brilliant form. The things you say will immediately grab people’s attention, and you’ll know how to make them laugh. In most cases this is a good thing ñ an on-form Sagittarian is the perfect ice-breaker. However some people have delicate dispositions, and if you say things without thinking, you could cause serious upset. Still, in the right company you’ll be a real star and your friends are going to love you. And you yourself must be ready for a shock. Not everyone is going to behave as expected, and a person who you thought was predictable is going to do the last thing you expected. But it’s not a problem, you can handle it. Looking at you career, and Mars continues to move through the career sector of your solar chart, where it aspects both Venus and Pluto. Recently things haven’t been very smooth, and just when you thought a job was done, you had to start all over again. Well, you might now see some real evidence that you’re on the right track. On the other hand if you’re looking for a job, attention to detail can make all the difference.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
A few years ago the planet Pluto went into your star sign. The significance of this change-over may not have been immediately apparent, but it actually represented a real transformation. Slowly but surely Pluto is making its presence felt, and this week, when Venus, Mars and Jupiter are aspecting this planet, you’ll start realising what’s going on. The influence of Venus and Mars will make you much stronger, and you’ll be able to propel yourself towards the achievement of your ambitions. You’ll probably be helped by other people, who’ll take a keen interest in your personal and career development. They’ll take the view that your success is their success. Also, you can benefit from foreign contacts and methods ñ so be open-minded, and if you’re given unusual advice, don’t immediately reject it. Looking at your love life, and a certain amount of responsibility is required. You’re stronger than your realise, and small actions could have big consequences. But you’re a responsible Capricorn, you won’t do anything stupid!
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
This week you’re a visionary. You can see what other people are missing, and you want to tell everyone the good news. However you have to understand that being a visionary has its costs, and in particular, you can find yourself in a world of your own. If you explain what’s on your mind you’re likely to get puzzled looks, but really that shouldn’t bother you. There are things you have to explore on your own, and other people are going to be of limited use. At least most other people are going to be useless. There is one person, and only one person, who can help you out in a big way, and it’ll be up to you to recognise them. It’s someone who is versatile and charismatic, who can take charge of any situation, however complicated. As far as your career is concerned, things are OK, but not brilliant ñ in other words, things could be better, but they could also be worse. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get to the bottom of the matter. You have to do something differently, but in such a way that no-one notices.
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
Things are moving fast, and try as you might, you’re not going to be able to keep track of it all. So it’s important to do one thing at a time, otherwise you could get flooded. Decide what matters, preferably at the beginning of the week, and make a list. That way you can maintain some semblance of order. Yet even with the best will in the world, there could be some unexpected events. Some people have a mind of their own, and they could all of a sudden behave out of character. This is particularly the case where money is involved. I suppose money brings out the worst in us, and can encourage us to do things that are really unusual. However it’s important to understand the other person’s point of view ñ even if they’re clearly in the wrong. Finishing up with close relationships, and partners are in a strong position, and they’ll know how to manipulate you. So if freedom matters to you, then this week you should stay out of your partner’s way. Also, you should steer clear of situations that are heavily emotional. It might seem exciting, but the end result could be less than fortunate.
I am not interested in soccer, but I do read the newspapers, and I can tell a big score when I see one.
Yesterday the Spanish club Barcelona defeated the German club Bayer Leverkusen seven-one. That’s a huge score-line, suggesting that the losing club was completely outclassed.
You then look at the goal scorers, and how many minutes into the game the goals were scored. The seven Barcelona goals went as follows:
25 minutes Lionel Messi
42 minutes Lionel Messi
49 minutes Lionel Messi
55 minutes Cristian Tello
58 minutes Lionel Messi
62 minutes Cristian Tello
84 minutes Lionel Messi
So Lionel Messi scored five goals in a top-flight European football game. This is really exceptional, even for the world player of the year.
Lionel Messi, who is Argentinian, was born on June 24 1987, making him a Cancerian, with the Sun, Mercury and Mars in this sign. However he has the Moon in Gemini, and also Venus and the Ascendant. So he’s a person who has the traits of both Gemini and Cancer, and this can make for a great football player.
Cancer is a sign that is sensitive and loyal, and these are crucial qualities. If you’re playing football, you need a sensitivity to what’s happening on the pitch. Being sensitive to where the ball’s going, but also to the other players. Cancer has a feel for what they’re thinking and planning, and it can often anticipate their next move.
Loyalty is also important. Cancerians tend to be very loyal to the members of their group – whether it’s their family, their workmates or their team. A Cancerian who is functioning properly will be an amazing team-player, who’ll stick with his team-mates through thick and thin.
However some Cancerians can become set in their ways. They can get used to a particular style, and a particular set-up, and their resistance to change can limit their progress. This is not a problem for Lionel Messi, because of his Gemini planets, including the Ascendant.
Gemini is a versatile sign, that can effortlessly move from one situation to another. It also gives a raw intelligence, that’s a good contrast to the Cancerian sensitivity.
From a material point of view Lionel Messi obviously doesn’t have any problems, and he’s worth millions and millions of dollars. However he has to be careful in relationships. In his horoscope he has a very close 180-degree aspect between Venus, the planet of love, and Saturn, the planet of limitation.
If he’s not careful, his romantic and married life could be disappointing, perhaps because he chooses the wrong person. Also, some people with Venus-Saturn aspects find it difficult to be open about their real feelings, especially if they’re Cancerians. Furthermore, he might have unrealistic expectations about his partner.
So if I was advising him, I would suggest that he approaches romance with his eyes wide open, and that he needs to be realistic about his own and his partner’s faults. That way he can find real happiness.
Of course none of this detracts from his amazing achievement against Bayer Leverkusen!
If you have any interest in current affairs, you’ll know that some very nasty things are happening in Syria. The Syrian government, under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, is putting down a popular revolt with appalling brutality, and the siege of Homs has been a particular focus of global revulsion.
One wonders, logically, what the Syrian leadership are thinking. If you were running a country, and you were so unpopular that your people were rising up against you, wouldn’t you just leave? You certainly wouldn’t want to kill people by the thousand, especially if they were non-combatants, such as young children.
This makes one wonder about Bashar al-Assad. When I read his biography, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. He is the second son of Hafez al-Assad, a long-serving president of Syria, who was known for his brutality. It was his older brother Bassel that was being groomed for the top job, and Bashar was allowed to get on with his studies, which was just as well, because he wasn’t interested in politics. He qualified as a doctor, then moved to London to study ophthalmology – in other words eye medicine.
This fits with Bashar al-Assad’s horoscope. He was born on September 11 1965, making him a Virgo, and Virgoans can make very good doctors. They have a natural understanding of the human body, and they notice every detail. So if you had an eye problem, and were treated by Bashar al-Assad, I am sure that you would be in good hands.
Furthermore, al-Assad’s Sun in Virgo is making a favourable aspect to Mars in Scorpio. Mars functions very well in Scorpio, and in astrology it’s the natural significator of surgery. So if he had practised as an eye surgeon, he would have been just the man to cut out your cataracts.
Unfortunately it didn’t work to plan. In 1994 his brother Bassel was killed in a car crash, and Bashar had to switch his attention to politics. This perhaps illustrates the sense of duty that’s so common to Virgos. His brother was dead, and he had to abandon his vocation in favour of his family’s wishes. Then six years later his father died, and he quickly became president.
So one of the problems of being a Virgo, from a moral point of view, is that you often do what is expected of you.
Take Nazi general Wilhelm Keitel, who was also a Virgo. Hitler told him to institute a policy in Nazi-occupied territories called ‘nacht und nebel’, or ‘night and fog’. This was the policy of arbitrarily arresting thousands of people, and often executing them, or sending them to concentration camps. It was a policy that was designed to intimidate, and Keitel efficiently put this policy into action. Later, when Germany lost the war, and Keitel was in the dock at the Nuremberg Trials, he infamously said that he was just following orders. Typical Virgo, doing what he is was told, and losing sight of the moral picture. His excuse didn’t save him from the hangman.
I suspect that Bashar al-Assad is in a similar situation to Wilhelm Keitel. He may be president, but he is not necessarily the one calling the shots. There are powerful figures in the Syrian hierarchy who have no qualms about using brutal repression, and being a Virgo, al-Assad feels a need to do what he is told, and be his father’s son. The fact that he was trained to heal people rather than acquiesce to their killing gets explained away in the line of duty.
There’s no video this week. I’m travelling, and I haven’t got my camera with me.
On Monday Venus moves into Taurus. This is good news, regardless of our star sign. Venus is the ruler of Taurus, so it works very well in this sign. Venus is also the natural ruler of beauty, meaning that activities connected with beauty, fashion and love should turn out better than expected. However there is a downside to Venus being in Taurus, and that’s over-expenditure. It’s tempting to splash out on every item that catches out fantasy, without thinking about the cost. But we must remember two things. Firstly, we have limited resources. Secondly, the best things in life are free.
There’s also a Full Moon this week, on Thursday. The Sun is in Pisces, and the Moon is in the opposite sign of Virgo. This Full Moon highlights the dichotomy between chaos and order. Many of us will be trying our hardest to sort our lives out, in spite of the mountains of garbage that surround us. There are many ways to clean up, but in most cases it’s a waste of time. Yet amongst the chaos we’ll notice a small detail, which changes everything.
Anyway, here’s your forecast for the week starting on Monday March 5…
Aries
March 20 to April 19
The week kicks off with a conjunction between Mercury and Uranus, in your star sign. It’s an exciting, electric aspect, which gives you a real buzz. You’ll have lots of things to say, and you’ll be flowing with new ideas. As a result you’ll be able to grab people’s attention in a big way, though that isn’t necessarily a good thing. Some of your ideas are great, but others might need some work. Also, things can take a long time before people understand what you’re talking about, and you therefore need to prepare the ground. Very often a subtle hint is more effective than a rocket salvo. Also, if you say something in a hurry, you might find that you have to back up your words with action ñ and over the next month or more that might not be possible. From a financial point of view, you benefit from a favourable aspect between Venus and Neptune. This aspect is very intuitive, and you’ll get a feeling about money, that won’t go away. The feeling on its own won’t be much help, but if you do some planning and researching you could be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Elsewhere partners have dreams and fantasies, which have a basis in reality.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
One of the big contradictions of the Taurean personality relates to spirituality. Taureans can be extremely spiritual, they can also be great materialists. And they can be both, at the same time ñ worrying about money, worrying about God and the after-life. This tendency is particularly strong at the beginning of the week, when Venus, your ruling planet, is aspecting Neptune. You’ll be attuned to high-level energies, that are supernatural in scope. These energies will provide you with interesting information, about the Universe and what it wants. But once you’ve got the information, you need to make the most of it, and that’s going to require talent and skill. Yet the really big news this week is Venus’ entry into your star sign. Venus works incredibly well in Taurus, and when dealing with other people you’ll come over as being attractive and confident. Not surprisingly, relationships will prosper in a big way, and you’ll be helped by the tactile and sensual approach for which your star sign is famous. If you’re after a new relationship, then the way you dress could be crucial ñ but when choosing your wardrobe, use YOUR judgement, not other people’s.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
On Monday Mercury, your ruling planet, makes a conjunction to Uranus. As a result of this conjunction you’ll be on a sparkling form, and the things you say and do will have an immediate impact. So it’s a time when you need to focus on your social life ñ your friends will love your company, and if someone meets you for the first they’ll immediately be impressed. At the same time, you’ll be thinking hard about the future, and your imagination will be moving into new territory. It will seem that just about anything is possible, and maybe it is, if you handle yourself in the right way. However you mustn’t forget that Uranus is the planet of accidents and mishaps, so at the beginning of the week some Geminis could be accident-prone. You might go storming forward, unaware of what you’re getting yourself into. And if you’re not familiar with the terrain, you could fall flat on your face. As the week progresses, you can feel that things are slowing down, and you might realise that it’s going to take longer than expected to get your plans off the ground. But don’t worry, it’s all for the good.
Cancer
June 21 to July 21
Other people are interesting. They seem to have hidden depths, and it’s difficult not to be curious. However you have to be careful. What someone seems to be on the surface isn’t the whole picture, and there’s plenty of scope for deceiving yourself. So before you get closely involved with someone, think carefully about what you’re doing. There’s nonetheless a possibility that you link up with the right person, and as a result the benefits could be enormous. So it’s important to be open-minded, but also to make the most of your critical faculties. On Thursday there’s a Full Moon. Full Moons are always import for Cancerians, and it’s a time when your mood can change, very quickly. In one sense there’s nothing wrong with a mood change, but other people can find it disconcerting. So consider the impact that you’re having on the outside world, and if you’re in a bad mood, don’t make everyone else suffer. But what might cause a bad mood? Perhaps your horizons are too limited, and you’re focusing on things that are fairly mundane. Look into the sky, and realise that you’ve got a higher destiny, that requires imagination and vision. The first steps are the most difficult, but once you get into your stride, you’ll get all the support you need.
Leo
July 22 to August 22
It’s another week when career matters are emphasised. The planet Venus is moving into the career sector of your solar chart, and this is great news. Your working environment will suit you down to the ground, and you’ll be able to relate very well to colleagues and workmates. And if you’re in a position of authority, you’ll realise that friendliness often works better than orders and threats. Leos working in the fields of fashion and beauty will be particularly successful, because Venus is the natural ruler of beautiful things, and your decisions and choices will be near-perfect. Not surprisingly, relationships of all kinds will prosper, and if you meet someone new you can forge close links with them very quickly. If there’s a downside to Venus’ movement, it might be vanity. Leo has a certain reputation for being vain, and this week you’ll be very conscious of what you look like, and you’ll want to look better than everyone else. While I am sure you can be successful ñ and if you’re entering a beauty contest you’ve got a good chance of winning ñ you don’t want to overdo it. Be yourself, and try not to be so competitive.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
The week kicks off with a conjunction between Mercury and Uranus. This conjunction is potentially important, because Mercury is your ruling planet. Virgos like things to be properly organised, but the Mercury-Uranus conjunction can be the cause of real chaos. Some of it created by other people, a lot of it created by yourself. Perhaps you’ll over-react to perfectly ordinary situations? And in the process you could cause a lot of damage. Or you might keep your thoughts and feelings bottled up, and all the while the tension levels will increase. In which case you need to find a pressure valve. Things are intensified by Thursday’s Full Moon, which has a direct impact on your star sign. The truth reveals itself, in all its glory, and it’s important that you react appropriately. You have to be honest with yourself, and realise that sometimes your treatment of other people isn’t a hundred percent perfect. But it works both ways. Not everyone has been playing fair, and if a person has behaved badly in the past it’s a good bet that they’ll behave badly in the future.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Other people are a law unto themselves, as you well understand. Whatever they promise, they can do the opposite. They can also change their minds at the last moment. And all of this is particularly true at the beginning of the week, when Mercury makes a conjunction to Uranus, in Aries, your opposite sign. The things people say could surprise you, and you might feel that you have to completely re-evaluate the personality of someone you know very well. However you mustn’t exaggerate. Just because someone does something strange, doesn’t mean that they’re a different person. All of us go through strange phases, and first impressions can often be meaningless. However I’m confident that you can deal with the situation. Venus, your ruler, is now moving through Taurus, a sign in which it functions very well. If you want, you can be more emotional and more intense than usual, and I mean this in a positive sense. With not much effort you can get to grips with the inner workings of partners, friends and colleagues, and in the end you’ll be able to predict their next move. But it’s the heart that matters, not the head. Venus in Taurus can also be quite a sexual energy, especially for Librans. Everything has two meaning, and in terms of relationships that’s something you have to be very aware of.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
It’s a week when you’ll have to pay close attention to other people and their needs. You might think that you can do things on your own, but in reality everything’s interconnected, and you need to go out into the world and start socialising. That way you can keep your finger on the pulse, and start understanding what’s going to happen next. You also have to understand that other people are strongly placed, and you mustn’t assume that you’re going to come out the winner. You therefore need to show respect, and also be aware of your own weaknesses. In terms of relationships, partners are very stubborn, and they have a clear idea about the way things should be working. Of course you’re stubborn yourself, but it’s a situation where you should probably give the other person the last say ñ much as it might hurt your pride! Elsewhere it seems that some of your friendships are under review. They have served you well in the past, but Thursday’s Full Moon suggests that something is changing. You’re changing, the times are changing, the world is changing. What was useful in the past may be not be useful in the future.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Where do you get your inspiration from? From your own head? From the heavens? That’s all well and good, but you should sometimes consider your social surroundings. And right now, with Mercury making a conjunction to Uranus, the people you meet in your everyday life are going to be very excitable, and they’ll be full of ideas. A lot of these ideas are going to be rubbish, but not all of them. Indeed amongst the rubbish there’ll be precious pearls, and it’ll be your job to find them. This means that you’ll have to listen to everything everyone says, just in case. And remember that just because someone has been stupid and useless in the past, doesn’t mean that they’ve got nothing to contribute. In terms of relationships, partners are looking for something different, particularly at the beginning of the week ñ and it’ll be your responsibility to provide it. On Thursday there’s a Full Moon, which crosses a major axis of your solar chart. You have to make some decisions about your career. These decisions seem difficult, but deep down you know the answers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
It’s time for Capricorns to lighten up. While it’s true that there are serious things going on this world, most of them will happen with or without your presence. So really, there’s no harm in having some fun. Indeed a humorous approach might be the best way of getting things done, especially at work. With a bit of laughter you’ll get people onto your side, and if you’ve got a managerial position your friendliness will give you extra power. At the same time, you mustn’t be afraid of being original, particularly now, when your creativity is at a peak. You have brilliant ideas, which can make you more successful in your career, and you mustn’t be afraid of telling people about these ideas. I’m convinced that they’ll be impressed! Looking at your love life, and I think it could be a very good week. You can climb down off your mountain ñ the ever-nimble mountain goat ñ and reveal your fun-loving, amorous self. Don’t think about the future, just think about the present, and you’ll soon see the results. Finally, when you’re dealing with your family don’t say more than you have to.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
It’s time to settle down ñ at least for the moment! Since your birthday lots of different things have been going on in your life, and it’s all become rather exhausting. But you now have a chance to step off the conveyor belt, and become a spectator rather than an actor. You can spend more time at home, and you can indeed change your attitude to your home environment. It can be a place of sanctuary, and through simple actions you can make your home more beautiful and more comfortable. You certainly won’t have to spend a lot of money. Or even any money. And if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, it’s time to do some work ñ getting your hands dirty, with raw, sacred earth, will, I think, be very good for your mind and soul. Yet I’m not suggesting that you completely shut yourself off from the outside world. On Thursday there’s a Full Moon, that reveals some of the complications that had been underpinning your own and other people’s lives ñ with particular emphasis on sex and money. It’s a message that you need to take on board, though right now there’s probably no need to do anything in particular. And there’s certainly no need to worry.
Pisces
February 19 to March 19
You know how to deliver your message. It’s not about shouting from the rooftops with a megaphone. Instead it’s about subtlety ñ and that means putting listening first and talking second. So pay careful attention to the people around you, and try to understand what makes them tick. You can then package your message in such a way that it makes an instant impact. It’s therefore a great time for Pisceans to look for work, or to find new business. And in terms of romance, you can tell someone special how your feel about them, because your choices of words will be exquisite. Turning to money, and at the beginning of the week there’s a possibility that you spend too much, particularly on transport and communications. You might, for example, decide that you want to travel somewhere in style, and as result blow your weekly budget. Also, if you happen to be shopping for a new car, you might choose a vehicle that’s pretty rather than practical. On Thursday there’s a Full Moon, across the main axis of your solar chart. This is an important event, especially if you’re celebrating a birthday this week. Something has reached its peak, and a quick resolution is probably better than a slow decline. But hey, I mean that in a positive sense. You need to move on, so that you can grab hold of new opportunities.
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