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Chiron (the healer) and Pluto (the transformer) form a rare conjunction which will open deep wounds, so that old injuries may be cleansed and healed. Pisceans can expect profound changes in relationships at work and with colleagues, especially with regard to career and issues of status and position. Your partner's health may also be subject to some cathartic crises.

This aspect, which last happened sixty years ago at the height of World War II, occurs on December 31 1999, this time in auspicious conjunction with Rastaban. This impulsive and honourable fixed star promises exciting times in sport, the arts, government and finance (Sydney Olympic Games take note!), yet shows that the new century will be healed through the transforming influence of astrology. You must confront increasing resentment of anyone who tries to control your fate, for if you allow others to make important decisions for you, results will not be favorable. Concern with your ultimate destiny will have a profound impact on your career and long-range goals, as you experience a complete change of heart where these are concerned. If you have not established any permanent goals, you will learn the importance of doing so before others do it for you. Drifting along in the same pattern will not be acceptable. If you fail to gain greater influence as an individual, events will force you to make changes-- some of which you may come to regret. The choices you do make are not likely to be easy or trivial. You will not gain something without giving up something else. One of the consequences may be an intense struggle between home and family and the demands of a career or other long-range goals.

Mars opens the year in your twelfth house of secrets, in conjunction with the malefic fixed star Castra (destruction; uncontrollable temper; malevolence). With sensual Venus in square aspect on Serpentis ("the accursed degree"), this is a clear warning. Romantic escapades will be very powerful and exciting, perhaps involving a foreigner, or someone of a different race or culture. A thrilling love affair may need to be concealed and disruption may be expected with regard to work, relationships with colleagues and health (especially if a partner is involved). The month of May in particular will be stressful for many Pisceans, when disruptive Uranus reaches this unfortunate star, shortly before turning retrograde on the 25th -- just as he forms the difficult square aspect, first with Jupiter, then Saturn. You may actively seek to break away from the burdens of the past. That which you have deliberately hidden may suddenly have to be confronted openly.

Less deliberate but still hidden areas must also be confronted, including subconscious resentments, secret fears, childhood conditioning, past failures, and disappointments. You may, for instance, be unexpectedly confined or isolated for reasons of health, work, or other circumstances. You may also be required to assist a family member who unexpectedly experiences a serious work- or health-related difficulty. There is some potential for becoming involved in secret societies or dealing with the confidential matters of a friend. It would not be unusual if you were to develop interest in the occult, interpretation of dreams, the subconscious mind, and psychic energy.

Mars crosses your ascendant in early January, where he really livens up the energy and gives you buckets of personal magnetism until mid-February. A deliciously tantalising and energy-filled atmosphere inspires your enthusiasm. The energizing influence arouses your competitive spirit and inspires you to be more aggressive, perhaps even physically combative, than you may ordinarily be. You may be less patient and more restless. Many of your physical activities these days are directed to satisfying personal needs and goals. If you have an accident or experience illness at this time, it is apt to involve your head or face. Be careful when handling sharp objects and hot or explosive materials.

Solar Eclipse  

In early February, there will be a partial eclipse of the Sun in Aquarius, but this will not be visible from most populated parts of the world. Nevertheless, the concentration of energies in Aquarius create tensions and deceptions in your relationships with partners, institutions and authorities, perhaps leading to separations. Your partner's health maybe affected. Potential problems with work relations, secret enemies and subconscious motivations will need to be resolved in the run-up to the Grand Mutation at the end of May.

Personal Value Systems  

In mid-February, shining Jupiter enters Taurus, your solar third house, just as glorious Mars ascends his day-throne, Aries, your second house of finances and personal values. Physical efforts are likely to focus on financial and business matters. Get physical with those bank and financial papers! Go through bills and accounts-- making payments or taking some sort of action regarding debts, assets, and income. Now you are energised to increase your income; working overtime, seeking an additional job, or doing whatever necessary to bring in the bacon. Take action to attain, or hold on to something (or someone) you deem highly worthwhile. Achieving priorities or establishing new ones is the flavour of the month, as you seek ways to stimulate or increase your physical energy.

With Jupiter in your third, your energy is high and your status with neighbors may increase in some way. You may seek to relocate to a more influential neighbourhood. Local issues take the focus and communication becomes paramount. A secondary potential of this period allows your neighbours and siblings to become more prosperous! Participation in meetings and discussion groups demand more of your time and attention. Reading increases. A growing pile of magazines, newspapers and mail may clutter your environment. It's a good time to acquire telephones, computers, answering machines, or other communication devices.

Mars in Aries makes the fortunate trine aspect to Pluto in Sagittarius at the beginning of March, so research and investigation flourish, especially regarding your role in the career environment. You can really get to the bottom of things with the help of the intense, focused energy that surrounds you. Psychological analysis, assessment of property and financial investments are infused with a physical focus that gives keener perception to the intellectual efforts. Under this influence you have all the control you need if you do not take it for granted. You can also see how to apply its subtle, but deadly accurate force. Your recuperative powers, should you need them, are at a high level.

Jupiter Square Neptune  

As your two ruling planets cross swords, a big shakeup can be expected in the early weeks of March, especially once Pluto turns retrograde on the 15th. Details and reality may get short shrift this month. Disorganization, confusion, disorientation and unrealistic expectations can undermine your spiritual, intellectual, and economic growth. If you are a perfectionist, this can be an almost paralyzing influence. If you are not a perfectionist, you are likely to be overwhelmed by admonitions from those who are. The potential for being victimized by illusions of one sort or another is enhanced. Avoid those who tell you to concentrate on the big picture. Your attitude (and activities) regarding career and issues of your public status and image becomes more intense and serious. You need more control or influence over your career, so consequently, power struggles occur with those in authority, or influential positions. You can get quite aggressive over financial arragements, especially should you feel you are being deceived or taken advantage of, which may well be the case. Mystery, illusion as well as disillusion, and fantasy become significant considerations in how you think and act. Covert hostility and difficult or deceptive behaviour may be expected, especially from those in your immediate circle.

The Grand Mutation

As March draws to a close, Mars charges into your third house, part of the massive concentration of cosmic heavyweights gathering in May. This relieves the pressure on the career front, but increases the amount of attention you can lavish on neighbours, brothers and sisters and local issues in general. You are likely to have an expansive, perhaps exaggerated, part to play in some situations. You may be tempted to give people more credit than they deserve. The actions of others can inspire and expand the development of your own potential and it is a period when you can improve your intellectual, monetary and social status. You may have greater enthusiasm for increasing your spiritual and cultural awareness, and for engaging in sports or physical fitness. Your appetite for obtaining the finer things in life is as enhanced as your capacity for enjoying them. More than the usual volume of communications and activities can be expected, especially with siblings and neighbours. Information and ideas flow freely. New skills with machinery or computers can be developed at this time. Writing, design, arts and crafts and an expansive attitude are features of the month. Control your anger. Rash action now can cause accidents, especially burns, cuts, or mishaps while driving.

Mars conjoins both Jupiter (April 6 & 7) and Saturn (April 16) in April, throwing out energy in a most profligate fashion! This is a tricky period in which you may be required to hurry, but obstacles in your path keep slowing you down. The most maddening prospect is that the obstacles you keep encountering are likely to be ones you bring on yourself. The positive side of the picture is that your energy will focus on becoming more structured and organized. Under this influence, you can carefully plan things, and give greater credence to wisdom and experience before you act, or allow others to act. It may be difficult for you to accept the authority or rules imposed on you-- but then, you may not encounter such problems since your tendency for more careful actions may keep you from running afoul of others. Dental work or minor surgery may be necessary. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, since there is also increased potential for you to suffer from cold, flu, dermatitis, arthritis and other forms of chronic illness.

Mars square Uranus on the 20th may put you into such a tense or aggravated state as to cause you to do something you would not ordinarily do. Control those rash actions, and take a deep breath before reacting to unexpected mayhem. Keep in mind that not only are your actions unpredictable, but also their consequences. The performance of machinery and equipment, as well as that of the people who may work for or with you, is also unpredictable at this time. Expect to encounter some snags when you attempt to make changes in work schedules or introduce new methods.

May sees a gathering of all the major planets in the fixed, earthy sign of Taurus. Only the three outermost, transpersonal planets are elsewhere. This certainly is a year of big changes and confrontations, when Jupiter and Saturn now form the Grand Mutation, their final conjunction in an earthy sign for hundreds of years. Some astrologers hold that this is really the first light of the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. This massive conjunction at 22° Taurus opposes the fixed star Unukalkhai (Alpha Serpentis), which at 22° Scorpio was associated with the gigantic earthquake in Turkey after the solar eclipse of August 1999. Unukalkhai was rising over Istanbul at the point of greatest eclipse. It will be setting at the end of May.

Uranus glowers in his retrograde station during May 2000 at 20° Aquarius, in conjunction with the malefic fixed star, Castra (destruction; uncontrollable temper; malevolence). This squares both Saturn and Jupiter, the aspect being partile (exact) just days before their Grand Mutation, bringing circumstances over which you have little control. The actions and decisions of others may cause disruption of education, or other intellectual endeavours such as writing or publishing. Your usual informational resources may suddenly disappear, or new ones be suddenly established. Long distance travel may be interrupted, or unexpectedly become a necessity. The status of your spiritual development or economic expansion may be upset and your generosity may be erratic or misplaced: indulgent when you need to be more prudent and too prudent when you need to be more generous.

Increased status or recognition may be given to you, even though it may not be deserved -- or if it is deserved, you unaccountably fail to receive it. There is significant change, but subtle and unobserved by others. You may actively seek to break away from the burdens of the past. Matters you have deliberately hidden may need to be confronted openly. Subconscious resentments, secret fears, childhood conditioning, past failures, and disappointments must be confronted. You may, for instance, be unexpectedly confined or isolated for reasons of health, work, or whatever. A family member may unexpectedly suffer a serious work- or health-related difficulty and need your help. You are attracted to secret societies, or dealing with the confidential matters of a friend. It is a good time to develop more interest in the occult, interpretation of dreams, the subconscious mind, and psychic energy. A key element has to do with outside forces over which you have no control. Change may be triggered by the actions of those around you, new people you meet, or situations you never expected to encounter.

Nuts in May  

Venus cruises into Taurus too, bringing a rich vein of sensuality to the mix. The use of flattery, charm, and a sense of humor on your part can be most persuasive during this period. You should have little trouble in gaining favors from others. You'll have pleasant relations with neighbors and people with whom you come in daily contact. If such contacts have been troubled in the past this is a good time to improve them. Under this influence you may also have a greater urge or perhaps opportunity to increase contacts or improve relationships with brothers, sisters, cousins, and in-laws. You may visit or contact nieces or nephews away at college, but you'll find that some of your best social opportunities these days are right in your immediate environment.

Mars in Gemini over this period brings dual attractions and the potential for profit from domestic transactions, such as real estate, or selling the family home. Energy can be placed into family and domestic relationships, but your scintillations may lead to romantic activities, possibly more than one!

Personal Creativity  

June and July focus loving energy through the solstice, though this year things seem somehow more fated, with the three transpersonal planets retrograde. All the same, the entry of Venus, Mars and the Sun into romantic Cancer between the 17th and the 22nd makes the solstice even more potent than usual. Fun is on the run, as flamboyant creativity strikes! Mundane responsibilities seem tedious and uninspiring. You become rather more interested in fun and games than taking care of business, or other serious matters. Diets are thrown out the window in an orgy of self-indulgence; moderation is not the key-word of the moment. Even if not usually a sensualist, your capacity for enjoyment increases. You see children more as extensions of yourself than as individuals in their own right and you perceive their actions, whether good or bad, as being a direct reflection on you. Romantic encounters involve more ego-gratification than emotional commitment. Should your creative projects be criticized, or romance become difficult, your suffering arises more from the bruised ego than the broken heart..

Brand New Phase  

Mars in Cancer during July brings an ego-boosting period in which you feel more confident that your efforts will be successful. In turn, this is the kind of attitude that attracts the people and success you are looking for. Self-promotion works very well, as does using the efforts of others to your own advantage. Other potentials imply that your physical efforts--whatever they may be-- may bring you recognition or a position of leadership, and that you may be more generous in helping others. Though this influence increases vitality, it can also promote a certain amount of laziness. If you are by nature a less-than-energetic individual, this period is not likely to galvanize you into action. It may be your good fortune however, to get others to do the work for you. Some of the most highly favored activities include those that involve men or products and services related to men, military maneuvers, sports, surgical procedures, manufacturing, and firearms. Just plain good luck can save you from accidents and other mishaps. The only word of warning is not to take things too much for granted, or become too sure of yourself.

As Jupiter enters your fourth house, this period marks the beginning of a twelve-year cycle of learning and new experiences. The people and circumstances in this initial period are likely to be catalysts that inspire you to start new ventures of one sort or another at some point during the next twelve years. You may begin a business venture, or a new career. You may become involved in higher education, or the study of a particular subject, receive advanced training, or engage in long distance travel, writing, publishing, or promotion-- and in the end, you will greatly expand your personal, professional, and intellectual horizons. The introduction of greater spirituality and cultural appreciation into your domestic environment is also an expected result of the 12-year cycle that begins during this period. By choice or circumstance you may seek a grander, larger residence, or perhaps build additions to your present home. You may develop a greater interest and knowledge of your family history, and expand your activities and contacts with family members. You may also become involved in the sale of domestic furnishings or real estate ventures, which may or may not include your own home. Should selling your home become necessary under this influence, you are likely to benefit from the transaction.

Financial Action  

Physical efforts in August are likely to focus on financial and business matters. You may be inspired, for example, to give more physical organization to your bank and financial papers. Bills and accounts, payments and action regarding debts, assets, and income occupy your attention. Another focus is directed to increasing income; working overtime, seeking an additional job, or doing whatever necessary to earn money. Your relationship with something or someone you deem highly worthwhile should be preserved. You seek ways to stimulate or increase your physical energy, since you may have more of a tendency to view energy itself as a valuable commodity.

Reward of Sacrifice  

Saturn, Lord of Karma, enters Gemini on August 11th, restimulating the Grand Cross aspect of the August 99 solar eclipse. Should you be discouraged or disappointed with your home or domestic arrangement you will be likely to change it during this period. This influence has as much to do with the past as it does with the present. It will force you to throw out what is wasteful and to abandon unsuccessful situations, replacing them with something more solid and useful. It means you will be constantly confronted with family relationships. Past disagreements or problems related to them now demand resolution. You may be required to accept additional responsibilities for family members or with regard to your home. The effect of childhood conditioning is apt to be emphasized, and, if current negative attitudes and behaviour have resulted from such conditioning, you now have the responsibility to confront and overcome it. You will resent the attempt of family members to restrict or impede your progress, while at the same time, should you treat them in similar fashion, they will also resent the interference. This is a period for the completion of an old cycle. For one reason or another, you will not be allowed to begin anything new if you have failed to take care of unfinished business. The highest rewards for correct actions during this cycle include stronger family ties, a more solid, successful domestic environment, and your emergence from one stage of life--its success as well as its failure-- to begin another level of more productive learning and experience.

Fabulous Potential!  

With Venus in her own sign Libra in early September, in good aspect to Saturn and Jupiter, this is a splendid time for long term success! You get the attention of others right now by emphasizing whatever is most attractive about yourself: physical beauty, artistic talent, or a charming personality. Don't wait for others to notice you (even though they may); take every opportunity you can to be in their direct line of vision: "If you have it, flaunt it ". The next few weeks are ripe for promoting cordial relationships and socializing with older family members, superiors and authority figures. Allies, spouses, or other partners may receive recognition or special promotion at this time.

Establish solid, long-lasting relationships in the first week or two of the month, especially around the 8th and 9th of September. Mark these days! There's no telling what good thing can happen under this fortunate influence. Try your luck at the races and other sporting events, or with lottery tickets. You could be the winner in a beauty or photography contest, or emerge the favourite in an audition. Artistic and musical ventures are successful, especially those connected with your work, or your partner's occupation. Interactions, even on a casual basis, stimulate deeper responses than usual. They may lead to a closer examination of your reactions and motivations in dealing with others, although you may or may not choose to share this self-analysis with anyone. Your personal influence and control in a partnership, other alliances and with other people in general, especially with employees and colleagues, comes under the microscope. This is an excellent time to test your ability to plan, control, and execute the detail of social events, negotiations, debates, diplomatic overtures and legal matters.

Saturn Retrograde  

Saturn, however, is at his station all month in conjunction with Alcyone and the Pleiades. He turns retro in your twelfth house on September 12th. Beware of injuries, especially to the eyes, through accidents while travelling, or violence and trouble with the opposite sex. Jupiter is in conjunction with Aldebaran, a royal star which brings ego-based conflicts, especially with people in authority, or in powerful institutions. Jupiter too turns retro in opposition to Pluto (at the end of the month). Retrograde planets tend to generate the events that seem more fated, less under our own control than they do when direct. So the world seems to have a mind of its own.

Mars enters Virgo on the 18th, so energy and enthusiasm zoom in on partnership and other alliances, cooperative efforts, and interaction with others in general. The company of others stimulates you to physical action. However, there is every likelihood that getting things done will be more difficult to accomplish by yourself than it might be with a partner or partners. Even if you want to be left alone, other people will find a way to physically intrude, or current circumstances make it necessary for others to intrude. Under this influence, you are apt to find that in most situations other people make the first move, leaving you to react. More than one open confrontation is apt to occur, but the potential itself does not necessarily indicate that such encounters will be hostile.

Venus enters sexy Scorpio on September 25th. Higher education, religious activities, political interests, and cultural pursuits seem imbued with a more social atmosphere this month. Romance, marriage, or any type of cooperative venture involving a foreign country, or someone of another culture or race is stimulated. Issues connected with a second marriage, or a court decision may also arise. You may write, publish, or purchase books; perhaps art, music, antique or very expensive books. Advertising or mail campaigns, especially those aimed at romance or relationships may occupy your time or attention. Joint efforts related to the health or employment of a parent may emerge. Socializing or establishing more cordial relationships with in-laws are other items on your agenda.

Awkward Aspects  

Mercury in Scorpio turns retrograde in the middle of October, just as Venus moves into Sagittarius and Saturn retrogresses once more into Taurus. This is an awkward time. Subjects that occupy your time and attention these days are likely to include long distance travel, international business, or diplomatic endeavors, cultural events, court decisions, higher education, advanced training, study or use of foreign languages, religious or political interests, publishing, direct-mail promotions, or advertising. Under this influence circumstances you encounter may require increased correspondence or discussions regarding a second marriage, in-laws, or a relative's health or job. You get the attention of others right now by emphasizing whatever is most attractive about yourself: physical beauty, artistic talent, or a charming personality. Don't wait for others to notice you (even though they may); take every opportunity you can to be in their direct line of vision: "If you have it, flaunt it ". The next few weeks are ripe for promoting cordial relationships and socializing with older family members, superiors and authority figures. Allies, spouses, or other partners may receive recognition or special promotion at this time.

As the Sun prepares to dive into Scorpio on the 23rd, Saturn causes the strange feeling that something is out of joint, leading at the end of the month to a fortunate trine between Mars in Virgo and Saturn in Taurus. Time seems to expand to suit your needs. The maturity and experience behind your actions is the key to their successful outcome. Should you fail to apply such wisdom, you may still benefit from the actions of those who do. This is a most favourable influence -- not just for the potential success of your efforts, but because they are likely to produce meaningful, long-lasting accomplishments. It is an auspicious time to initiate projects geared toward bringing benefits at a later time in your life.

Sex, Money and Power  

As Mars enters your eighth house of shared financial issues in the beginning of November, energy can be quite intense, especially regarding certain activities. Sex, money and financial as well as psychological analysis take the focus. A partner's income or jointly-held property may require more attention than usual. You may be forced to collect debts and favours owed to you, or make arrangements for repayment of your own debts. Insurance, taxes, inheritance, or money that you manage for others may also demand more of your time and attention. Situations you may encounter with regard to sex include several possibilities; the physical act itself, counselling, or surgical procedures you undergo. Close attention to detail and enhanced awareness of subtleties mark all your physical efforts.

Fun in the Sun  

As the year draws to a close, Mars swings into your ninth house. The energy-filled atmosphere that surrounds you can inspire your enthusiasm in so many potential directions it makes it almost impossible to predict which path or paths you will choose. Physical efforts may focus on higher education, religion, politics, travel, cultural pursuits, foreign languages, writing, and publishing. However, there are numerous other categories that can just as easily arouse your interest and physical participation-- speculative ventures, sports, court decisions, a second marriage, and activities or relations with in-laws. The most positive way to approach this influence is to use whatever circumstances and activities you encounter as a way to broaden your spiritual and intellectual horizons.

Relationships: the Journey to the Heart  

You'll win respect amongst your kindred, neighbours and local identities. Your partner's relatives could bring advancement and you'll be busy with business trips, communicating and receiving commissions from the powerful... Venus and Mars engage in a dance of deliciously sexy, risque proportions, as friendships turn to liasons and liasons become partnerships. This is a year of big changes in your relationships at work and in your attitudes to career and public status, as Chiron and Pluto meet for the first time in sixty years. New Year's Eve, with the Moon in sultry Scorpio and the Sun in horny Capricorn, should be wild! Look for the charming stranger... With Mars on parade in your first house, from Jan. 5 to Feb. 12, you are boosted with vitality and personal magnetism. You'll need to control your aggression and restrain the urge to fight it out, but Mars and Venus getting together at the end of the month still signal some wild times.

Venus dives into Pisces from Mar. 14 to April 7, when it pays to make the effort to exert your personal influence. The charm of your personality, willingness to cooperate with others and sense of humour make a big difference in the way things turn out. You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. It is a time to indulge in a new hair style, beauty treatment, or other ways to enhance your appearance. Look as neat and attractive as possible, since your physical appearance will have as big an impact as your personality.

April, May and June are times of extraordinary activity, as the Grand Mutation in your solar third house of creativity, communications, brothers and sisters, neighbours and education causes you to assess your satisfaction with the way you relate to others. Communications and travel increase, widening your circle of contacts and encouraging the exchange of ideas and information. Your artistic and design talent, or writing ability is enhanced. You'll take greater interest in neighbors or community activities as well as having increased contacts with siblings. Your status with neighbours may increase in some way and you may seek to relocate to a more influential neighbourhood. The Sun and Venus in Cancer from late June mean if you'd like to put a little more romance in your life this is the time to try it. Vacations, socializing, hobbies, pastimes (and taking a few risks!) are likely these days. Establish or improve relationships with children, strengthen rapport with a romantic partner, and expand social contacts. Remember to curb that extravagance, or overindulgence in your pursuit of pleasure. Imagination and artistic urges are stimulated and can make it a period of successful creative endeavour, either on your own, or with a partner.

Jun 23 and 24 are banner days. Your personal magnetism and physical charm is enhanced. This influence extends beyond the physical and social aspects of your own charms. You want to surround yourself with it. Attending a concert, art or fashion show may be on the agenda. Partners or other allies are supportive, helping you attain personal goals and improve your self-image. In turn, you may be willing to extend your cooperation. Avoid the tendency for self-indulgence, or overstating your own importance and attractiveness, perhaps to the detriment of those in close relationships with you. You can easily dominate the romantic scene. Just don't overdo it and turn the whole situation into little more than the pursuit of ego-gratification.

New Moon and Solar Eclipse  

The New Moon and partial solar eclipse at the beginning of July brings a sweeping rearrangement of your feelings. Mundane responsibilities seem tedious and uninspiring. Creative urges surface and you become more interested in fun and games than taking care of business, or other serious matters. Diets are thrown out the window in an orgy of self-indulgence; moderation is not the key-word of the moment. Romantic encounters involve more ego-gratification than emotional commitment. Should your creative projects be criticized, or romance become difficult, your suffering arises more from the bruised ego than the broken heart..

Jupiter moves on into Gemini (your solar fourth house) at the beginning of July too. This period marks the beginning of a twelve-year cycle of learning and new experiences in one form or another. The people and circumstances that you encounter now are likely to be catalysts that inspire you to start new ventures of one sort or another at some point during the next twelve years. You may begin a business venture, or a new career. You may become involved in higher education or the study of a particular subject, receive advanced training, or engage in long distance travel, writing, publishing, or promotion-- and in the end, you will greatly expand your personal, professional, and intellectual horizons. The introduction of greater spirituality and cultural appreciation into your domestic environment is also an expected result of the 12-year cycle that begins during this period. By choice or circumstance you may seek a grander, larger residence, or perhaps build additions to your present home. You may develop a greater interest and knowledge of your family history, and expand your activities and contacts with family members. You may also become involved in the sale of domestic furnishings or real estate ventures, which may or may not include your own home. Should selling your home become necessary under this influence, you are likely to benefit from the transaction.

Jupiter also forms the fortunate trine aspect with Neptune this month, which has a big follow-on effect for the rest of the year. You need to focus on reality, even while successfully operating in an unreal environment. The magic of illusion and imagination, enhanced spirituality, or investigating the paranormal can be enjoyable, even fortunate diversions if they pose no serious threat to life, limb, or your bank account. There is potential here for you to experience the highest inspirations, as well as the kind of dumb luck that comes from just being in the right place at the right time, for reasons you are not quite sure of. You have the ability to be a master of disguise these days, however or for whatever reasons you choose to employ it.

Venus in your seventh house from the first week in August shows that the emphasis shifts from you to other people in your life. Partnerships are heavily emphasized and the energy is good for new partnerships and joint ventures. This is a time of increased pressure to resolve disagreements. You are also likely to be concerned with legal matters, contract negotiations of one kind or another, public relations, the income of a relative, and various situations in which you must seek as well as offer cooperation.

Jupiter Retrograde  

Jupiter turns retrograde again at the end of September, in opposition to Pluto. Expect opposition from both from those at home and people in authority. Power and success are seductive traps during this period. These things can also be grossly mismanaged or overrated. People and situations that promise greater personal influence or an opportunity to manipulate something to your own advantage are to be avoided. Once this period has ended, if such people or situations are still around, there will be time enough to consider or take advantage of their offer. It is important to realize that you will probably not be able to remove the forces that oppose your power or influence or that stand in the way of your gaining such things. This only leaves you the option of finding a constructive way to work around them or with them. This is not a favorable time for matters that involve inheritance, taxes, insurance, and debt.

Mercury retro in Scorpio foreshadows romantic excitement, especially with charming strangers, academics, artists or people from faraway places, as Venus moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius. With the Sun in your ninth house from October 23, you need to impart information and opinions to others, either directly, or through writing and publishing. Intellectual status becomes a bigger priority now. You want others to embrace your religious or philosophical beliefs, but tend to resist their efforts to impose ideas on you. Be more generous in contributing time and talents to religious, educational or political institutions. The desire to pursue higher education or advanced training is stimulated, as is the urge to speculate, take risks and be more daring. You become more outgoing and assertive when travelling abroad, or dealing with those of a different race or culture. Responsibilities related to your father or other authority figures become a priority. Increased competitiveness in sports can make you a more formidable opponent, but a less able team player.

Energies intensify in November, when Mars enters Libra, your eighth house. Sex, money and financial as well as psychological analysis occupy your mind. A partner's income or jointly-held property may require more attention than usual. By choice or circumstance you may be forced to collect debts and favors owed to you, or make arrangements for repayment of your own debts. Issues concerning insurance, taxes, inheritance, or money that you manage for others may also demand more of your time and attention these days. Your sexual drives will be more demanding.

In December, the Jupiter/Neptune trine is refocused, as Jupiter makes contact in retro mode. Some secret information may come to light, or you can have deeply spiritual experiences, even developing a degree of ESP. The romantic agenda really picks up when Mars enters Scorpio just before Christmas on the 24th. Travel should be exciting. Look forward to a lively holiday!

Career and Finances: Stake Your Claim  

You'll win respect amongst your kindred, neighbours and local identities. Your partner's relatives could bring advancement and you'll be busy with business trips, communicating and receiving commissions from the powerful... Prospects are good for making improvements on the financial front, especially now that Jupiter has turned direct, though you need to control extravagance. Sorting out the responsibilities should be easier after Jan. 12, when Saturn too turns direct.

The financial energy is strong from Mid-February as Mars campaigns through your second house for over a month. Physical efforts focus on financial and business matters. You may be inspired, for example, to give more physical organization to your bank and financial papers. Go through bills and accounts-- making payments or taking some sort of action regarding debts, assets, and income. Another focus is directed to actually increasing income; working overtime, seeking an additional job, or doing whatever is necessary to earn money. Potential items on your agenda also include actions to either attain, or as the case may be, hold on to something or someone you deem highly worthwhile. Other activities may be geared toward achieving priorities or establishing new ones. Under this influence you seek ways to stimulate or increase your physical energy, since you may have more of a tendency to view energy itself as a valuable commodity.

April brings Venus into your second house, so personal finances, friendships, and your values are going to be stressed. You may have a greater tendency to purchase luxury items. More money than usual is also apt to be spent on social or cultural events, as well as expenditures to enhance your appearance or the quality of your environment. The issue of wealth connected with social status may arise in some form. Other considerations include joint income, or the finances of a joint venture of one kind or another. Should financial matters be disrupted by disagreement, you have to play the role of peace-maker. Just don't overdo it and turn the whole situation into little more than the pursuit of ego-gratification, as the Grand Mutation in May approaches. May will bring matters to a head regarding financial and speculative issues, with the potential for big shakeups in joint ventures and investments. Avoid confrontations with close relations, especially your partner's people.

June should see some lively action after the 17th, with a distinct inclination to have fun and go for broke. The New Moon in the beginning of July brings the opportunity to re-establish your ability to pick winners. July will be really quite exciting, with Jupiter in Gemini bringing new changes, real estate benfits and some great opportunities to relocate or revamp your established residence..

August brings more of a work focus, but relationships with colleagues and employees will need to be watched, because you will be more aggressive in the work environment. September brings joint venture opportunities, especially in real estate and family business, while October favours travel, dealings with foreigners and intellectual matters, with the emphasis shifting to career success after the 20th. Your career should blossom, with Venus on the mid-heaven. October's Scorpio new Moon conflicts with Neptune and Uranus, presenting you with a deceptive situation, leading to some sudden and probably unwelcome choices, especially in institutional or government moves, or where secret developments are involved. Foreign trade is not favoured.

Health: Balancing Your Energies  

Your own health should be good, but there will be some illness among friends and family, which will affect you personally. The solstice (the beginning of the astrological new year in December 1999) saw a Full Moon in your fifth house, bringing you heightened emotional awareness over the year, as well as some wonderful opportunities, especially regarding children and speculative ventures!

March is generally risky, especially around the middle of the month. Throat infections, bowel problems and gouty pains, depression, high blood pressure and lower back pains may be expected. Saturn and Mars are the planets which bring the most stress regarding your health. Saturn in September is at his retrograde station all month in conjunction with Alcyone and the Pleiades, fixed stars which bring difficulties. He turns retro in your fourth house on September 12th, so beware of injuries, especially to the eyes, through accidents in the home, or violence and trouble with the opposite sex, or parents. Jupiter is in conjunction with Aldebaran, a royal star which brings ego-based conflicts, especially with people in authority, or in powerful institutions. Problems in the career environment may affect your stability. Jupiter too turns retro in opposition to Pluto (at the end of the month). Protect against injuries to arms and shoulders, lungs and wasting diseases.

Mars brings fevers and injuries, and sometimes violence. Danger through overwork is likely and through rashness and aggressive behaviour in August and September. Take care while travelling at this time and do not get into unnecessary confrontations.You may be required to get a medical and dental check up if you have not recently had one. There is potential to experience headache, fever, inflammation, or flare up of chronic illness. The positive potential, however, can mean you are inspired to begin a program of physical fitness. Be sure to consult a physician and other health experts before you start. Under this influence enthusiasm can easily get out of hand. If your body is not used to regular or vigorous exercise be careful not to overexert yourself.

Home and Away: Family and Children  

Children do well and you'll gain pleasure through them; benefits come through parents and older people too. Long journeys; brothers or sisters may travel to marry. Avoid travel in retrograde Mercury periods (see next sector) and in September, if possible.

Once Jupiter enters Gemini, the focus really turns to the family and with Saturn there too you'll find domestic and family issues occupy a lot of your time. Conflict between the demands of career and homelife are very likley, especially in the last six months of the year.

Mercury Retrograde  

Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray, or awry.

Periods of confusion affect

health, relationships, self-image Feb/Mar

love affairs, children, gambling Jun/Jul

travel, education, writing, sexuality Oct/Nov.

Read more on retrograde Mercury.