Tip of the Week:

October 2008 is proving to be very historical indeed! By now Mercury is direct again ending its tri-annual 3-week retrograde period. Mercury turned direct on the 15th and will recover its lost ground on October 30th. This additional 2 week period is generally referred to by Astrologers as the retrograde shadow and while it is not as strong as when a planet is actually Direct, there may well still be some residual effects. Some astrologers would stress caution even during this shadow period when it comes to important decisions especially where legal documents are concerned. Meanwhile Venus is poised to enter Sagittarius on October 18th. This will bring some added influence to Jupiter in Capricorn bringing added focus to the economic downturn. Of course the influence of this will be felt by some for a long time and the whole crisis will probably take until spring 2009 at least before it shows signs of steady positive turnaround. Pluto in the final degree of Sagittarius is the other really big news among Astrologers. It will take until November 26th to officially enter Capricorn where it will remain until 2023. Capricorn is the sign of governments and organized political institutions in general and wherever Pluto goes, deep change and transformation will occur. Consider that Sagittarius is the sign of organized religion and look how it has changed over the past 12-13 years since Pluto entered that sign. In current events, the Canadian Federal Elections are over and a new round of leadership is underway. The overall planetary picture on the day of the election suggests that we are probably in for another round of unsatisfying political decisions and leadership overall. At best, this will sound the call for a new and improved quality of leadership to step forward over the next four years. With the history making U.S. elections reaching their own climactic peak clearly this time period is the high point of 2008 as the whole world waits with baited breath to learn whether a new quality of leadership will take the reigns of U.S. partisan political power. I would like to remind you that numerologically speaking, 2008 is the first official 1 year of the new millennium (2+0+0+8 = 10, 1+0=1) and the world is ripe for a major new beginning. The Olympics in China were brow raising and impressive enough but the year is not over and will go out with much to embrace and possibly to endure yet.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Some noticeable shifts and changes in your mood and focus will be apparent this week. Your passions will deepen and you will act to expand your position. Meetings with key players will take on added intensity and prove very provocative. The time to make some big moves and decisions is upon you. Aim to harness and direct your skills and resources and those of others with new angles and designs.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Efforts to bring new levels of balance, harmony, beauty and precision to your affairs are a central theme now. Your focus remains strategic and practical, yet you may be more willing to negotiate terms. However, you still want to expand your current position and are determined to do whatever it takes. Magnetic attractions could prove distracting. Affirm your resolve and focus.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

A focus upon health and hygiene will take on added importance this week. Perhaps you want to pay more attention to your diet or even do an organ cleanse. Alternatively, you may want to do a big clean-up in your home or working environment. Desires to clear debts are also possible. Somehow, your interests include investments to create a smoother flow and generate greater returns.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

Playing with new ideas and possibilities will keep you busy this week. You are in the mood to sketch, outline and design a new plan. People and especially circumstances are pushing you to make some important decisions. Those that include education are ideal. New directions you are headed towards will prove very engaging in the years to come, so take your time to choose well.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

A focus upon important shifts and changes close to home will take on added importance this week. You may simply want to have more fun and will make that clear. The goal of creating a more abundant lifestyle is likely. That you want to play more and also achieve more somehow poses a tricky balance. Enjoying a simpler yet more disciplined lifestyle could be the answer. Outline a plan!

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Taking inventory of your assets, resources and creative potential will keep you busy starting this week. With your overall sense of determination on the rise, this is a good time to challenge yourself to set new goals to achieve. Projects that you can do from home may prove especially attractive. Summoning the will to invest time and energy to focus your passions will prove inspiring!

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Desires for more passion, money and power in general are on your mind. You are in the mood to flirt with possibilities and take new initiatives. Seeking a variety of stimulations will prove more important than any one single direction. Investment interests are highly likely. As prior notions of security steadily dissolve, this is a good time to explore your options.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are in a restless and pioneering mood these days. You are determined to negotiate for a better deal. You want to increase the scope and/or depth of your skills and talents. Returns for past choices and efforts are coming your way. Now, whether by inspiration or perspiration you want to take a few calculated risks. Avoid spreading yourself too thin and keep your intentions private for now, but do take initiatives.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

This is the time for you to rest and retreat. Aim to go within somehow, to meditate and/or sleep more. You may still want to connect with friends but may prefer more intimate engagements. Dreaming and/or intuiting a new plan and design for how you would like things to be is likely. Gaining new knowledge with practicality in mind will prove inspiring. Rest now to recharge your batteries.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Change is the law and it is upon you now, in a big way. At best, you are in an adventurous mood, poised to expand your horizons. Knowing who your friends are is especially important. Yet, you are ready to break free of prior involvements. Being the innovator and director of a whole new show is on your mind. Embrace this time of change as an opportunity to express a fuller measure of your power potential.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

The time is ripe to approach authority figures for favours and earned rewards. Learning and/or teaching new skills will bring recognition. Demonstrate your intuitive abilities and refined mind for others to see. Despite many deep changes brewing within, exercise full faith and conviction in your existing powers and emerging potential. Take an assertive yet diplomatic approach to be seen and heard.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You are in a philosophical yet determined mood. This could lead you to push your beliefs and values too hard. You are wise to do your research before you assert your views. This includes respecting the rights, freedoms, choices and orientations of others. Alternatively, you could use this energy to assert yourself to learn new skills and approaches and gather new tools. See a bigger picture!