Aries

This months planetary influences favour you being noticed and satisfying your need for recognition. Right now is a good time for you to achieve those things that are important to you, particularly in your career sector. With harmonious contact between Mars and Venus this combination favours relationships. If you are currently involved with someone it is highly likely that you will be able to give and receive easily from each other and enjoy the results! If you are not currently involved in a relationship there could be a surprise just around the corner.

Take some time to step out of your busy day to day life and create space for some private reflection: something many Arians are not good at! I would encourage you to create a private and quiet space where you can think and recharge your batteries. This is not a month to make major change and I would recommend that you stick with routine and those things that are most familiar to you. You may have contacts with hospitals or institutions of some sort and do be careful that you don’t do anything unlawful because you may just get caught!

For those of you involved in artistic pursuits, you may find that your creativity becomes stronger and the urge to express yourself artistically, produces some really wonderful pieces of work. Alternatively, you may spend time wanting to make your surroundings more pleasant so you may find yourself doing some redecorating.

Be mindful that there may be some unexpected turn of events that take you off in a completely different direction, yet knowing your pioneering spirit you’ll probably enjoy the deviation.

Taurus

Venus, your ruler is tucked away in your 12th house, which suggests it is time for you to act unselfishly. You may find that you are called upon to look after somebody close. If this occurs, it might mean that you need to wait for just a little while before getting what you want. With Venus commencing its backwards motion from March 6 to April 16, you might become more reserved than usual. In the area of relationships, if there are some unresolved issues you may find that these surface now.

Take time out to think about your life and your goals. In addition, you may find some opposition coming from home in terms of your ideas about your life. So right now, it might be difficult to maintain the balance between what you would like to achieve and the expectations from family.

On the home front, it would be best to stick to routine matters and not make any significant changes right now. At the very least, show good grace until April 16.

One thing is certain you will experience very strong emotions during the period and may find yourself experiencing some emotional conflict which may involve connections with powerful people and intense experiences.

Gemini

Generally, the tenth house tends to rule one’s reputation with people in authority and your career. This month is the time where you may come before the public or be recognised for something you have accomplished. From a spiritual standpoint, the tenth house gives consideration to your life perspective or view of the world.

During the month, you may find yourself thinking more deeply about the meaning of life: your life and asking yourself how happy are you with how it’s going? If you are, then continue with more of the same, however, if you’re not, start thinking about those areas you would like to change and what are you going to put in place to make that happen.

On a more mundane level, you will enjoy the intellectual stimulus of a good debate. You will not be afraid to express your opinions passionately. Keeping it fun and light-hearted will most certainly ensure you build good relationships in the process. Just temper that need for intellectual superiority, as this will most certainly put people off.

Many of you may be including travel, as part of your 2009 plans. If this is the case get focused and get cracking, because this would be a great activity for you this year!

Cancer

Somehow during this month, you may feel as if your private life has been exposed to the public. Some things may surface that you would rather stay quiet and private. Do not worry about how this is perceived because in fact, it makes you appear more sensitive and vulnerable, while having empathy for other people. You will probably have more empathy, sensitivity and responsiveness when working with groups. And in fact, this particular transit can be very good for public relations work.

The above description will set the scene for you feeling very generous to those around you. You will not necessarily focus on the minutia even though you’ll be aware of it. What you will need to be careful of during these transits is being self-righteous, smug and delivering your opinion as a judgment expecting all others to agree and follow. Keep yourself in balance and you will be able to forge positive relationships that are mutually beneficial.

The new moon will provide an opportunity for some to commence or resume study. If this is your desire, and you have the opportunity, I would really encourage you to take it up because only good things will come out of it!

Leo

This month will see you creatively exploring the potential of new relationships in your personal and professional life. This particular energy pattern has a rather expansive quality to it and as such, any new contacts you have are likely to be beneficial.

With your love of doing it in style, I can only suggest that this month, will hold a particularly busy social calendar. Please take the opportunity to engage in entertaining, creative and childlike pursuits. It’s the stuff that keeps your juices flowing! Keep it fun and light-hearted because this is not a time to push your views or opinions on to others as you will be met with opposition.

You may decide that you become a little more interested in the secrets of the universe and explore them more deeply. You will seek out sexual satisfaction or at the very least seek closeness and intimacy with another person. Of course, under the right circumstances, this could be very enriching and quite delicious. If you have the right person enjoy the opportunity to become closer. Play that artful game of seduction! One thing is for sure, it is likely your feelings will be more intense this month.

On a mundane level, you may become involved in tax or jointly held money and property issues. Just a little word of warning that if you have debts that have not been paid now could be a time when the debt collector knocks at your door!

Virgo

The New Moon in your relationship sector concerns itself with marital, business partners or teammates, this month will focus on the relationship that you have with these individuals. Typically, the New Moon brings with it new opportunities and new directions.

If you’re in a marriage or a permanent relationship, you may find that this is the time where you seek to do something differently or take the relationship to a new level. In business, partners may need to review certain aspects of the business and in particular, the nature of their relationship and how well they do business together. This particular placement of the mind brings into focus our willingness to get along with other people and make concessions. When trying to understand their perspective: difficult relationships can often find common ground and positive relationship is continued to expand.

The recent eclipse suggests significant focus on your emotional well being, health and work over the next six to 12 months. You’ll need to look at the balance between your physical and spiritual world. Ensuring you are in good physical shape, and in a satisfying work environment means you have more energy available to explore spirit.

This can be exciting if you’re open to new possibilities. Stay alert for possibility, be prepared to make change, while realising it may not always be comfortable, yet there’s a jolly good chance it will support your growth and development.

Libra

Venus, your ruler, is in your seventh house of partnerships, which is one of the best places it could be however it will be short-lived as Venus your ruler goes backwards from March6 to April16! You may find yourself attracted to particularly powerful or strong charismatic types. This in itself is not a bad thing, you just need to be careful and ask yourself, ‘is this really what I want’. Have fun with it, enjoy it, and don’t make it permanent just yet.

Be aware that during this month your social activities or entertainment plans may undergo last-minute changes. Just go with the flow and don’t get too cranky!

Some of you may plan a holiday or take up the creative hobby, either way it’s important that you do something to relax and renew yourself. If you haven’t got a well-being program in place, now is the perfect time to do so. Conduct your own stock take: are you fit, do you eat the right type of food, do you get regular sleep or do you burn the candle at both ends? Have a look in the mirror and if you don’t like what you see start to make some positive changes.

You may also think about your current work situation. If there are any issues that have been brewing in the workplace it is likely they will surface during this month. If you are not happy you may resign or commence seeking other employment opportunities.

Scorpio

As one of the characteristic traits of the Scorpion is to reinvent or transform themselves, you certainly have the opportunity to do so during this month. In addition you will be able to develop a solution by doing some creative thinking. However, it will not take place without some tension. Let’s call it dynamic creative tension, in other words, there is opportunity for growth and you might feel a little uncomfortable, because it will take you in a new direction. At the moment, you are being asked to creatively restructure your thinking processes, in other words can you do things differently and produce a better result than normal?

In addition, you will be going through a fundamental change in your attitudes towards your own self-worth and money. Interestingly enough both of these areas in your life are reflective of how you value yourself so it becomes important for you to feel good in these areas, as it affects your entire being.

The New Moon brings with it a choice which suggests that both logic and creativity can harmonise opposing views. Alternatively you may become quite self-righteous, and as a consequence not resolve anything. This is not the best time for making decisions regarding your career and close personal relationships.

Sagittarius

Generally, you will find this to be a very busy month, with lots of activity short trips and visiting others. You may take on too many projects and tend to scatter your energies. You may receive news during the month and correspondence that relates to a personal matter requiring an important decision needs to be made. If you have brothers and sisters it is highly likely that you may be in contact with them more this month than normal.

Although this can be a busy month communicating it is often a time when you make a decision about taking up some form of study.

On another level, your emotions are likely to be quite powerful, and you may feel more sentimental than usual. You may have a strong desire to be free, while at the same time wanting to have a deep and meaningful relationship. Now, just remember that can be hard for the person on the receiving end to know exactly what it is you’re on about!

Matters around politics and social justice will be of interest and may develop strong feelings on our water crisis or the environment and may want to become more involved in ‘doing’ rather than just talk about it. Good on you, lead the way.

Capricorn

You may experience one or two setbacks or feeling as if you have been made to slow down. I call this swimming though treacle however the upside is that you can produce some very focused work or outcomes. I prefer to think it was the latter. If you do feel as if you’re going a little slower than usual don’t worry, because it will pass and you will discover that this can be a very very constructive time.

You can expect some ‘unexpected’ communication during the month, and what is really interesting is just how busy you’re going to be on a day-to-day basis!

You should be able to muster excellent concentration, and I’d be suggesting you use this to set your goals and decide where you want to focus your energy. After all success is about making a plan, and then working the plan. Yet you know that already, don’t you?

Generally, you will find this to be a very busy month, with lots of activity short trips and visiting others. Unfortunately, you may take on too many projects and tend to scatter your energies which will all be in pursuit of the exchange of ideas. You may receive news during the month and correspondence that relates to your personal matters which may correspond to an important decision you need to make. If you have brothers and sisters it is highly likely that you may be in contact with them more this month than normal.

Aquarius

Although you always have an emphasis on being such a free spirit at the moment, I sense some deeper frustration. You may be a little conflicted between your desire to be free, and the need to conform to rules and regulations. Perhaps a creative way to deal with these opposites is to think of creative ways you can integrate rules and regulations into your own life. You’re probably feeling as if it is one step forward and three steps back at the moment. That will change. However, you need to ask yourself, what is it that I need to learn in order for me to grow and develop.

This month’s new moon in the second house of love or money brings with it an opportunity for you to reconsider how you feel about what you do. You will think more about your personal values this month, and how comfortable you are with them. This is a time where your personal income and financial dealings with lending institutions or wealthy people may come into focus. One good thing to do under this particular influence is to rethink your savings plan. If you don’t have one now might be a good time to start one! If you have a partner it may represent a time where you consider taking on a mortgage.

One thing I would ask is that you be more aware of your personal safety as you may be more accident prone.

Pisces

Although there may be some emotional ups and downs during this month there are some other aspects that suggest you can achieve a really good balance between your material expectations and your spiritual needs. This particular combination will enable you to take some of those thought processes and practically apply them in everyday life.

You may find that you’re more popular this month with people seeking you out and you feeling quite relaxed and enjoying the company of others A friend or partner may want you to do something quite different, which could prove to be quite positive yet initially, you might find yourself resisting this suggestion. And you might find that a third person could throw a spanner into the works and try and be quite disruptive. Try going with the flow and trusting the process.

One of your great qualities is to spend time looking after others, and putting your own needs on hold, so know that it’s okay to put your needs first for a change. I think it might be time to take yourself off for a massage, a walk along the beach or spend some time in meditation so you maintain your poise and calm. This is a really great time for you commence new projects.

Courtesy of Helen Hartley www.astrologymatters.com

Aries

Although, the year starts slowly I am really glad you are thinking and planning what you would like to achieve during 2009. Just hold off a little longer before you start to action that plan. Gee that’s not easy for you because currently you have tremendous drive and a positive attitude and are raring to go? Your ideas will be original and you probably won’t want to much routine however you will most certainly be able to muster the self discipline required to action your plans over the coming months.

With the eclipse on January 20 in your house of friendships, hopes and dreams it strikes me that during 2009 you’ll see some significant change in those areas. Don’t be surprised if some friendships end and new ones enter your life. You may find yourself also becoming involved in groups and associations that have a natural mystic, idealistic humanistic goals and desires.

Taurus

Such mixed blessings this month! On one hand, you want to have a sense of excitement yet that seems to be at odds with the need to accept responsibility and work. You may be feeling somewhat blocked in terms of expressing your creativity and you may find yourself becoming a little more withdrawn and in fact, resisting to communicate at all.

This suggests that on a superficial level, you’ll be out there being very busy and engaging in good social interaction, which pleasure loving Venus tends to want to do yet there will be an undertone of additional responsibilities or burden possibly coming from your children or family.  In other words, something may happen where you dig in your Taurean heels, come to a complete standstill, and refuse to budge. Let’s face it, you are known for being stubborn; it’s one of your core characteristics! If you begin to feel this way try to reflect on why

Gemini

Alas, Mercury, which symbolises communication and is your ruler, is doing the first of three backward treks in the sky for 2009. It is currently in the sign of Aquarius which suggests you spend time in reflection, on philanthropy or volunteering. You may also take time out to do some research, particularly on the Internet, or just sit around and watch DVD’s! More seriously, it is in your house of higher learning and distant travel, other cultures, in-laws and religions. So I guess you could take your pick in which area you’re likely to do the misunderstanding or be misunderstood! For those of you entering higher education, expect a few bumps during the enrolment process.

Fortunately this period ends on the 31st January 2009 so just sit tight and chill.
With Chinese New Year occurring on January 26 you could make a last ditch effort to determine your priorities for the upcoming year and take the opportunity to mend any relationships that may not be going quite so well.

Cancer

With the Moon, your ruler, in your solar fifth house you will be strongly inclined to express your love for others and be more inclined to be romantic and at least this month seek out pleasure! If you have children this can be a strong bonding time or alternatively spend time discovering what your inner child wants and needs in order to flourish.

It will find you quite charming this month and your creativity will surface.  Although I expect your emotions to be somewhat more intense, you may find yourself feeling easily hurt and become jealous. I encourage you to let that feeling go because Venus (Love or money), creates a lovely contact with Moon suggesting that all interactions will have a depth of quality to them. The way to really enjoy them if you are in the relationship, is to rekindle the romance. If you’re not in relationship this may be the perfect time to try and connect with someone in a much more intimate way.

Leo

You are starting the year off with a great sense of renewal, excitement and purpose. It certainly seems as if the cosmos shines upon those things that you would like to achieve. Right now, though, you may be feeling the need to make changes and experience some level of frustration. Be mindful that Mercury (communication) is making one of its first backward treks for 2009 and taking action may be best left incubating, until February.

It is likely you may have overlooked other important considerations, details or alternatively not been supplied with all the information you need in order to make an informed decision. With the New Moon in Aquarius your more humanitarian side will manifest during the month. Once Mercury changes direction it will be a great time for relating, sharing your ideas and connecting with others. This New Moon is also an eclipse where the consequences of decisions made at this time will manifest in August/September 2009.

Virgo

Some of you are feeling somewhat battle weary and feel the need for some rest and recuperation. I would agree with this strategy and indeed some quiet reflection, sensual massage, or peaceful meditation may be just what the doctor ordered.  Mercury, which rules communication and is your ruler, will be going backwards until the end of January which can make your already high level of anxiety even higher.

Really productive use of this timeframe is important. The most positive manifestation of this energy is for you to take time out and mull, yes, I said mull. That means holding thoughts and actions about situations in a holding pattern, rather than trying to forge ahead. If you attempt to bring matters to a conclusion, you will most certainly discover that the timing is not quite right. Whatever you’re working on just needs a little bit more time for discovery, so allow your creativity to incubate if possible!

Libra

Although not the most romantic position for Venus right now, you need to deal with the real world. In particular this transit is very good for those people that you work with or advancing yourself and your career. Whatever you do will be seen in a good light. You have a good understanding of how relationships work and because you’re willing to work with others and resolve difficulties you will be acknowledged as the good relationship builder you really are.

For those born toward the end of the sign, Neptune (illusion) weaves its magic adding to your creative burst or your hunger for romance and all things magical! One of the best ways to satisfy this need is of course the theatre or music or taking yourself off to an Art Gallery. Be mindful that there could be some sudden changes in your social engagements

Scorpio

You may find yourself being much busier at work and having to work longer hours, or perhaps even on the weekends. And this may be in conflict with family functions or social activities that are important to you. At a deeper level some may be experiencing the struggle between what you would like ideally and what tradition dictates. This can be tough stuff yet if you work it through you’ll find an opportunity for a whole different way of being. Of any of the signs, you certainly have the capacity to make whatever changes you desire.

The secret of course is you really need to want change. This is a time of new creative direction, and many Scorpios over the next few years will be provided with opportunities to really do things differently and express themselves in more unique ways. Despite the fact that you usually do not like change, if you adjust your thinking accordingly, you have some exciting times ahead.

Sagittarius

You’re bright and happy disposition acts as a magnet and you’ll attract many people. One small word of caution I would offer you, is that taken to an extreme you can become lazy, extravagant and self opinionated. Keep this in check and rewards will come your way. Physical activity is a great leveller and tends to keep you in balance. You might like to try it!

Be prepared for the unexpected as someone may contact you from your past or there may be some sudden changes in the home. Those born in the middle of the sign have some dynamic tensions operating and some of you may have the desire to break free from current circumstances and do something quite different. Many of you may decide to travel and commence the planning process. If you have never travelled, I would really encourage you to try, and if you have you know what I’m talking about!

Capricorn

The New Moon in your second house brings the opportunity for contemplation, particularly around your personal values and what you think about yourself. If you find yourself going down this path, I’d really like you to write a list about all the really good things that you do and resist the need to be overly critical. The other areas to explore are your wants and needs: are they being met from people who are close to you, if not, the Mercury retrograde period which finishes at the end of January will be a really good time to evaluate what you do want and how you propose to get it.

February will be a time to communicate those thoughts to the people around you. This New Moon is also an eclipse which has the effect of magnifying any circumstance and brings about a feeling of crisis. Although you’re not generally comfortable in the ‘feeling‘zone you may be forced to acknowledge unresolved emotions. You will be the better for it.

Aquarius

There are just so many dynamics for Aquarians this month I’m not sure just where to start! It kinda reads like a good opera, intrigue, drama, love and romance and the certainty that this month will be anything but quiet. Normally, you walk to the beat of your own drum, and I see that nothing will change that. However there are those of you that may be feeling tired and somewhat worn out. Not surprising if you’ve been so busy!

The question to ask yourself is why do you keep yourself so busy? Are you really having fun? Or are you avoiding thinking about other things? It really wouldn’t hurt for you to slow down just a little bit and take some time out to recharge your batteries. The challenge of course is to balance your uniqueness within the rules of society. Now that can be really hard work, particularly when you have such a generous humanitarian streak to your nature.

Pisces

You should feel the effects of the New Moon, making lovely contact with Venus (Love or money), and later Uranus (unexpected change). During the month, your natural psychic sensitivity will probably be somewhat increased. Many, many Pisces have an incredibly powerful psychic ability and if you’re not aware of it, I would urge you to create some quiet space and begin to learn how to focus on your thoughts and feelings, because you have a natural insight which can be developed.

For others, I would recommend that you follow your hunches, because very often they lead you in the right direction and I’m sure you have experienced disappointing consequences when you ignore them. On a more mundane level, during this month, many of you may want to change your appearance. I’d say go for it as doing something nice for yourself is a really important part of feeling great and building confidence because of all the signs Pisces is the most likely sign to ignore their own needs in order to take care of everybody else.

Helen Hartley is a public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter and has been a business, corporate and personal astrologer since 1980.  Understanding how you are ‘hard wired’ at birth and the prevailing universal influences is vital to personal and professional success. Precise timing is crucial when navigating life decisions, developmental directions or business initiatives.

Web www.astrologymatters.com
Email helen@astrologymatters.com

Courtesy of Helen Hartley www.astrologymatters.com

Aries

A slower start to the year than you would probably like and it is quite possible that if you are formulating plans for 2009 they will change by the time February gets here. Although you’re keen to get going, take it easy because you were just about to complete a two-year cycle and begin anew. By the end of May you will be fully immersed in beginning a new two-year cycle. From this point, take action!

It is a time when the Arians sense of their ego and physical energy is likely to run high. The best way to deal with this influx of energy is to do some heavy physical work or exercise which is a great leveller.
For those of you born at the beginning of the sign, Pluto’s transformative energies will bring in issues about power, control, and the desire to have what you want under any circumstances. Avoid the tendency to become aggressive or frustrated. On a positive note, this is the time to strive ahead and accomplish your heart’s desire however you will be tested along the way. It will require your sense of reason to negotiate and navigate your way through difficult waters.

Re-evaluate your life direction and purpose and where necessary make a conscious change because otherwise changes will be made for you. One thing is for certain by the time you reach the end of the year you will be surrounded by completely different circumstances. Make this wonderful transformative energy work in your favour not against you.

Taurus

The New Year starts off with quite a comfortable flow. You are able to move forward with your typical comfortable and steady fashion. To help you achieve your goals you will be touched by Jupiter (expansion and growth) during the year, however on a mundane level, watch the waistline!

Venus (Love or money) and your ruler will go backwards from March 6, 2009 - April 17 2009. Expect a few setbacks to you plans. Step back and rethink, refocus and adjust as necessary. During that period, take some time to reflect knowing that nothing is wrong, it is just the universe saying, take some time out.

The middle of the year will see you have a sense of renewed energy and vitality. This will be a great time for you to forge ahead, and you will find that people will be open to your ideas or suggestions, and any new direction you set. It is also a good time to engage in some good physical activity. As a Taurean, keeping physical activity as part of your normal health regime is important. Apart from the fact it is a great leveller, it also enables you to build stamina and use up some of those extra calories and balance your tendency to indulge in food and drink!

For those born towards the end of the sign, June to December presents opportunities for you to do things differently. This energy will help you to be comfortable with the process. By year end you should be well pleased with your achievements!

Gemini

2009 will bring mixed blessings for many Geminis. Of course, you need to be mindful of those times when your ruler Mercury (communication) goes backwards. Although it affects everyone it is more significant for you. These times coincide with communication being confused or misunderstood, and you may not be thinking straight! The dates are January 11 - 30, May 2 - 30, September 7 - 28, and December 24 - 15 Jan 2010. You will experience changes in thinking which will impact your direction. With this much change, you could be in danger of being accused of schizophrenia!!!!

Those born around the middle to end of the sign, Saturn will make contact with your Sun. This means additional responsibilities, or it will require you to create structure where none exists. You may also feel physically tired and isolated, do not worry it will pass. Ask yourself, ‘what needs structuring’?
Those born towards the end of the sign Neptune (creativity and illusion) will make a harmonious aspect to your Sun (core essence). This will be particularly beneficial for any creative pursuits and getting in touch with your higher or spiritual self.

Some will be touched by Uranus which brings sudden and unexpected change. Do you really believe in what you are doing? You will be called to re-evaluate your path. This is not always a difficult energy pattern, yet in your case, it is probably going to produce some unexpected and less than favourable reactions if you are not in synch with who you really are!

Cancer

As Pluto’s transformative influence makes its way into your relationship sector, it is likely that your life will be dramatically altered by marriage, partnerships and dealing with others. You will learn about the use of power and control. As such you will need to be mindful about not becoming embroiled in strong-willed or domineering relationships.  If you are in an existing relationship, you might find that it reaches the crisis point which requires it be redefined or it may end.

There seems to be some benefit coming your way from joint resources or inheritances or taxes.
Under Jupiter’s influence of growth and expansion you may find yourself becoming more interested in spiritual activities, your life’s philosophy, the occult or just generally deeper meaning of life.

The above energies combined suggest sweeping changes will come into your life. They may or may not always be obvious. However the result will be that your life will be richer and more rewarding. You also have the opportunity to gain greater insight into your own psychological patterns, wants and needs.

With so much occurring at a fundamental level you may have a tendency to withdraw and not communicate your wants and needs to other people. It is important that you actually make the effort to express what it is you need in order to feel nurtured and satisfied. If you do this, by the end of 2009 you could be in a remarkably refreshing place.

Leo

As Jupiter (growth and expansion) makes its way into your relationship it paves the way for good stuff in marriage and partnerships. There will be a sense of ease in dealing with people. Those of you in business should see the business prosper as you will be able to exercise good judgement.

In both areas you will encounter people that are able to help you progress your goals so be open to what they say, as they will present new possibilities, ideas and concepts that did not occur to you and be very beneficial. As a consequence, you will probably be driven to work particularly hard to achieve work goals. In addition, you need to be aware that at times you could come up against overbearing or uncooperative co-workers. If this is the case, manage with good grace, exercising patience. You will find that you will win status and recognition.

As an aside yet equally important, as you work hard at accomplishing goals, take time out to focus on keeping your health and well-being in order. Do you need to modify any of your daily habits? If so now is the time to make change. Create space for balance and renewal as it is the fundamental fuel that will keep you well and productive. Focus on your mental attitude remembering that everything we do begins with a thought. You then give them power or not! Focus on positive thinking and if necessary do some mental housekeeping.

Virgo

In 2009, like your comic cousin Gemini, you need to be mindful of those times when your ruler Mercury (communication) goes backwards. Although it affects everyone it is more significant for you. These times coincide with communication being confused or misunderstood and you will not be thinking straight! Put the dates in your planner! January 11 - 30, May 2 - 30, September 7 - 28, and December 24 - 15 Jan 2010.

There are two areas you need to watch and pay attention too during these times. Children and or romance! If you have children, you might find that tension and frustration will mount and come between you, particularly if you apply too much pressure to them. If they are of an appropriate age, they will not take kindly to having your ideas being imposed on them. Alternatively, they could just be very difficult, going through one of those stages. However I suggest avoid getting into power struggles with them as it will not serve any purpose in the long term.

You may also find yourself involved in the early phase of a very intense relationship. If this is the case, be mindful of the use of power within the relationship, which frankly I would approach with caution, because even though you are likely to feel quite drawn to this person they may not be good for you as a long term partner. Conversely you may try to dominate or control the relationship. The lesson is about the constructive use of power!

Libra

Generally there will be a feel good theme throughout the year with relationships taking on new meaning and significance. You should be able to enjoy social activities with friends and quite possibly, the odd flirtation! This energy smooths the way for a period of good connections in relationships. Under this influence your creative potential is increased if you have any artistic skill.

On a more serious note, there is a real opportunity for personal growth and increased wisdom that combines with your freedom of self-expression. You will move into a phase where you start to deal with any issues or baggage that may be tucked away from childhood. Although you may have thought you had dealt with them that will now be tested. During this period, it is highly likely that the relationship with your parents will significantly change and there may be some power struggles as you redefine your roles. This need not be negative by any means as sometimes it represents the changing role between parents and children, in particular as parents grow older and children grow up.

It seems that you will have the ability to tap into your creative self-expression to discover and experience areas of yourself that you may have held back on before.
I would expect to see your level of self-assuredness, self-expression and confidence in increase under these influences.

By the way, you may decide to do some significant renovation around your home or you may even change residences.

Scorpio

Everyday contact and communication and conversations will take on a heavy and more serious tone. You will probably review your day to day activities and go about making changes to those things that work and eliminating those that don’t. You’re learning to communicate in a more effective and open manner.

If you have been sitting on issues for any length of time you will find that they will want to surface during this phase. You will not be prepared to look at things superficially, and you will need to resolve outstanding issues in order to move forward, because keeping them buried will only make matters worse as time goes on.

Travelling over short distances may trigger significant changes in your life and wherever you go be open to seeing things through fresh eyes and be prepared to take in new perspectives. This will help you understand your world more deeply.

If you are born around the final third of the sign, Neptune (illusion) will make contact your Sun, which will result in you becoming quite confused. Some will experience a crisis in self-confidence and feel somewhat lost. This is a necessary part of your growth, and as you will not feel in control it will make you quite uncomfortable. You may feel vulnerable and therefore surfaces one of your deepest fears. Sometime you need to surrender and trust the process! During this time be careful of taking on board the advice of others because it is likely not to be correct!

Sagittarius

Superficially, lots of opportunities will present themselves for you to expand your day-to-day communication, and you’ll probably find yourself being very busy with neighbours and siblings and generally getting things done. More deeply, there will be those of you that will continue to struggle with the need for independence and freedom, opposing the need for structure and tradition. This is quite a challenging aspect and will create a high degree of inner tension. When you combine the desire to break free, with the desire to maintain the status quo, it is my experience that most opt to stay with the status quo.

With transformative energy affecting your value system there is a long-term process of re-evaluation that sees you want to redefine those values that work for you and those that don’t. You may question your self-worth or feel that you are not being acknowledged for the work you do. It is time to let go of outmoded values and move towards those that serve and enrich your purpose and reflect who you are and how you like to live. It may well be that you become more involved with social reforms or causes that emphasis tolerance, respect and focus more on the betterment of humanity.

It is likely that you day to day activity will increase and you will need to understand that activity is not necessarily productivity! Contact between siblings, friends and neighbours should be quite congenial with any rough moments reaching an easy resolution.

Capricorn

As Mars makes a contact with your Sun up to the end January, there is an opportunity for you to connect, socialise and make plans for the New Year. Use it wisely as it will set the tone for the next 2years! This is an important cycle and I have explained it in the monthly column. The biggest growth opportunity exists for those born at the beginning of the sign and is about eliminating those things you no longer need and forging ahead with determination. You want to succeed and have the capacity to focus as never before. The one drawback is that you may become overbearing if you don’t use the energy for constructive and purposeful gain. Initially, you may experience something like swimming through treacle in order to achieve your goals. It’s a time for you to reconsider what you want to achieve and make any necessary adjustments. Keep going and take time out to rest.

Relationships may prove to be difficult. The degree of ease or difficulty you experience will be directly proportional to your level of resistance and if you’re reluctant to make change or let go of outmoded values, you could experience significant discomfort.

For those born around 11 - 30 January you should look closely at opportunities that present themselves as they might look superficial yet there will be something missing or incomplete and once the excitement is over they won’t be so attractive…so take care and kick in your natural talent for caution.

Aquarius

Some of that natural freedom loving spirit is being asked to accept more responsibility and become a little more grounded. Relationships or maybe the lack of them are disturbing you, yet I think it is about you deciding what type of person, values and relationship you actually want. Get clear on that and it becomes easier to attract what you want. If your relationship is not working…make the break. Conversely if it’s salvageable discuss the issues and take steps to compromise…probably a word you are not familiar with!!!! Communicating what you want and need should be easier. In addition, I expect you may have an increased desire to connect with different groups of people and become more involved with activities that support social justice and the broader community.

Some of you are undergoing tremendous psychological change and you will notice an increase of your psychic sensitivity. If this is the case then you will need to validate what you perceive as you may not always be correct. Perception is one dynamic, accuracy another! This energy is wonderful for creative expression and if you are in the creative arts, you may produce inspired work. Conversely, it can also manifest as feelings of fatigue with your body just seeming to run out of puff! If you feel this way do not use artificial stimulants as you need to be careful about any intake of drugs and alcohol because you are more sensitive than most to their effects!

Pisces

Those born around the middle of the sign are experiencing the conflict between the desire to break free of current circumstances at a fundamental level and the need to steadily and tenaciously work to achieve your goals. Not the most complimentary energy patterns out there! You will feel this cosmic tug of war and feel as if you are on a roller coaster ride for a while to come. The best approach is to stay flexible, expect the unexpected and yet look at the structure underpinning any new venture.

One key will be how you manage the inner sense of turmoil you experience and I advise that you create space for calm and respite with solitude and reflection. Mediate. Relax. Connect with your Piscean spirit through music, being near water or have a massage.

Relationships will also feature prominently in your life and take on a more serious note, which means that you are likely to have to work harder than usual to maintain your current relationships or that there may be a sense of responsibility around one of them.

In fact you will need to reassess the relationships in your life… sort out who is good for you and who isn’t contributing to your happiness and growth! You may ask, ‘are they travelling in the same direction? And you might be surprised with the answer! This applies to any sort of relationship. At the same time new relationships that come along are likely to be significant.

Helen Hartley is a public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter and has been a business, corporate and personal astrologer since 1980.  Understanding how you are ‘hard wired’ at birth and the prevailing universal influences is vital to personal and professional success. Precise timing is crucial when navigating life decisions, developmental directions or business initiatives.

Web www.astrologymatters.com
Email helen@astrologymatters.com

Generally speaking, June’s energy pattern is one of confusion and uncertainty. Mercury in Gemini continues in retrograde motion until the 20th. As a result, the beginning of the month requires that we pull back within ourselves and regroup.

As always with Mercury retrograde, and especially since Mercury is in Gemini, communications are bound to be misinterpreted so be careful! Often unexpected mistakes manifest and technical glitches will occur.

If you are applying for a loan, and need to sign documents, if possible, delay the signing until after the 20th, better still delay the purchase altogether!  Why I can hear you say? Major purchases made under these influences are likely to be problematical for a long time to come.

It is basically a time better spent on reflection than on outward activity. Generally, actions begun during the Mercury retrograde cycle have to be repeated, so that is a good time to pull back, rest, and bring to completion those projects already started.

You may like to have a sneak preview of our new Zodiac Child Products http://www.astrologymatters.com/chart_babys_birth_chart.htm  They make lovely unique gifts for you or your friends.

And I will also be appearing at the Melbourne Mind Body Spirit Festival, 6-9 June 2008 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. 

Helen Hartley

consulting astrologer, coach, public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter

Zodiac Greeting Cards http://www.astrologymatters.com
Free Monthly Astrological Updates http://www.astrologymatters.com/
Business & Corporate Astrology www.synchronicitymatters.com.au
Email: helen@astrologymatters.com

Ah, the new moon in Taurus, what a delight! Taurus is the sign that we associate with the pursuit of pleasure of and enjoyment of the senses.  It is a time when you can get in touch with those things you enjoy of a sensual nature!  So ‘eat drink and be merry’ could almost be the signature of the month. 

The New Moon in Taurus on May 5th is particularly special and emphasises the nature of the Taurean (practical & sensual) experience.  As parents, this could be a great time for you to you to steal a few moments of grown-up time and enjoy each other’s company. At a minimum it’s a time to tell people you really do care and value the relationship you have with them.

On a practical level, it is a great time to make or build on your financial plan and take care of your body.

Potentially, this energy will peak around May 20 with a full moon in Scorpio suggesting intensity, control and desire. If things are good, they are likely to be great! If things are not so good, be aware of power struggles!

On May 26 Mercury the planet of communication will commence its backward journey in the sky.  Of course this is only an optical illusion and astrologers interpret this to mean that communication will literally run amuck until it corrects itself around June 20.

This period of time is likely to coincide with instructions being misunderstood, and people interpreting what you say, quite differently from what you meant to say.

If you happen to be a Gemini or Virgo, you will be particularly affected by this pattern.  Take heart, it doesn’t last that long, and the way to use this time is to think carefully before you speak, to ensure that even you understand what it is you really want to say.

Take care until next month
Helen

Helen Hartley

consulting astrologer, coach, public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter

Zodiac Greeting Cards http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Free Monthly Astrological Updates http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Business & Corporate Astrology www.synchronicitymatters.com.au

Email: helen@astrologymatters.com

Hello all!

The Astrological New Year will be ushered in with the New Moon on April 6 and as is the case with any New Year activity its a great time to plan ahead. The particular aspects with this New Moon reinforce the need for you to actually have a plan before moving forward on a whim. An Aries Moon can do that for you! On one hand, it may just be the impetus you need to get off your butt and move forward or you might just act without thinking about the longer term implication of your actions and decisions. Patience is not usually a quality we associate with Aries qualities however if you take the raw energy it provides and combine it with smart application you will be on a winner.

Helen Hartley

consulting astrologer, coach, public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter

Zodiac Greeting Cards http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Free Monthly Astrological Updates http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Business & Corporate Astrology www.synchronicitymatters.com.au

Email: helen@astrologymatters.com

Hi folks,

As the Sun moves into Pisces, we see the western astrological year coming to a close and it is time to wrap up what you can and be ready for the new astrological cycle. The New Moon in Pisces occurred on March 7 and makes contact with Uranus (freedom and independence).

This particular energy pattern allows you to break free of traditional or typical behaviours: be prepared for the unexpected however as it touches Jupiter (luck). If I were you, I’d be considering all possibilities that come your way! The astrological New Year will actually occur with the Aries New Moon on April 6. By this time you should be fully focused for the year ahead.

Under the influence of the Pisces Sun we should slow down, become mellower, more sensitive, and compassionate. As we can be more responsive to the needs of others, this could be a good time to romance your partner. Steal some time and do something quite delicious because if you do your reality will become revitalised!

One of the most positive uses of this energy is to relax, and create space to access your creative inspiration, no matter what form it takes. Try sitting quietly and play mediation or Baroque music, consciously relax mind and body, focus and visualise positive and successful achievement of the goals set earlier in the year. Doing this reinforces a pattern of accomplishment and enables us to ‘slow down in order to move faster’ (Covey). It has a calming effect on unnecessary internal chatter and critical self talk.

Did you know that 20 minutes in a relaxed or mediative state (alpha), no matter what you call it, is the equivalent to two hours sleep? My partner and I learnt this technique when our children were quite young and it has served us well over the years. In this state the body actually repairs itself and you come out of it completely refreshed! Powerful stuff!

Congratulations to Jodie and the new website. I look forward to being a regular contributor and providing you with information through the cosmic connection!

Helen Hartley

consulting astrologer, coach, public speaker, educator, writer, radio presenter

Zodiac Greeting Cards http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Free Monthly Astrological Updates http://www.astrologymatters.com/

Business & Corporate Astrology www.synchronicitymatters.com.au

Email: helen@astrologymatters.com