Major Planetary Placements:

 

Jupiter travels through his own sign Sagittarius:

During the year expansive Jupiter creates fireworks!  Due to questioning our beliefs, spirituality and the search for truth.   We will experience renewed optimism and opportunities, if we remain cool and don't get involved in reactionary emotions or behaviours.  The lesson is that our diversities give us the opportunity to grow and it is  time to share and be generous with our knowledge, wisdom and abundance to enrich the lives of all people  The higher education system will be in focus, expect changes and improvements will be made.  An optimistic time in the political arena and new and charismatic politicians will appear on the scene.  The travel industry takes an upturn as people return to the air.

 

Saturn continues to travel through Leo

The arts are an important Leo area, and with Saturn here, we expect better quality of artistic expression to emerge!   Saturn is focusing on our artistic and sporting interests.  Though it seems people have cut back on leisure and pleasure pursuits with the restriction on finances, due to the rise in oil prices which in turn affects the price of living. 

 

Saturn enters Virgo in September for a 2 year period. 

Virgo the sign of health and wellbeing.  Expect information to come to light in regarding our food sources,  prices may rise, due to added pressure on agriculture, especially the grain industry.   Restructure will occur in the medical industry.   Restrictions on research and possibly limitations on school funding.  Individually,  with Saturn in Virgo we will be more inclined to address our health, exercise routines and increase our knowledge through extra study.

 

Uranus continues to travel through Pisces (7 year period)

Uranus entered Pisces in 2003 and will remain here until 2010.

Uranus is  rebellious and electric in Pisces.   The War on Terror is a Uranus experience, it is a different type of war worldwide.  We are in a water crisis in Australia and globally, (Pisces is a water sign).  Uranus. revolutionary force has been impacting the world with all kinds of natural disasters involving water such as the Tsunami in 2004 and the destruction and flooding of New Orleans.   There will be increased interest in spirituality and discoveries.  On a brighter note, expect new recording artists (The Idol series worldwide) and revolutionary changes in music and the arts.  Uranus was residing in Pisces during the Renaissance, a historical period when the elegance and the arts flourished.  New medical breakthroughs eg. improved methods of treating burns victims by growing skin (since the Bali bombings).   Unique building and architectural breakthroughs in housing making them environmentally friendly and to appear to be more part of the natural environment.

 

Neptune in Aquarius (14 year period)

Neptune continues to float through Aquarius where he has been since 1998 and will dwell until 2012.  If you are an Aquarian, Leo, Scorpio or Taurean expect a double whammy from Neptune and Saturn.  The obsession with celebrity  grows and the glamour industry continues to thrive.  Spirituality blossoms, expect new sects and cults to emerge.  Sadly, drug usage is on the increase.

 

Pluto in Sagittarius  (Pluto has been here since 1993 and leaves in 2008)

The theme of Pluto in Sag. is to transform our religous, spiritual and belief systems, in doing so we must develop tolerance of conflicting views.  We have experienced turmoil and change in conflicting religions, the justice system, politics and the education system.  During this time, we have all been challenged to find meaning and purpose in our lives.  It's time to developing understanding and tolerance in order to accept other points of view.  Nothing has been as extreme as " The War on Terrorism", which sadly developed from opposing fanatical religious beliefs (the Middle East) and the USA proving that they are a force not to be reckoned with!.  Pluto continues to reveal what is hidden and unearths the truth.  

 

March:

We are probably experiencing a certain amount of ‘gloom and doom’ from the media, due to ‘economic hardship’, brought about mainly by the increase in oil prices.    Mercury turns direct on the 8^th, life becomes smoother and communications improve, especially for Geminis.  Mercury has been retrograde since 7^th February (for more information on Mercury Retrograde look at July).  Don not expect life to coast along this month, it could be a bumpy ride for some!  We experience a ‘lunar eclipse on the 4^th in Virgo and on the 19^th  a solar eclipse in Pisces opposite Virgo.  Eclipses herald major shifts.  Lunar eclipses are POWER full moons and solar eclipses are POWER new moons.  Lunar eclipses affect our emotions and we may feel irrational at this time.  It is a good time to address our health, start an exercise program and improve our diet (Virgo). We may find ourselves questioning our spiritual beliefs, tuning into our imagination and experiencing vivid dreams (Pisces).  An eclipse can shake up your life and bring about big changes and new opportunities for up to 6 weeks prior to the eclipse and 6 weeks after an eclipse.   If your have the sun, moon or any planet in Virgo or/and Pisces, expect major shifts.  Do look to see which houses Virgo and Pisces occupy in your chart, as these areas of life will be affected.

(refer to the meanings of the houses at the end of the article)

 

 April

Life begins to settledown bringing harmony to relationships with the full moon in Libra on the 3^rd.  Mars and Pluto join forces on the 5^th a time for action and initiating new projects.  Jupiter makes a strong aspect to Uranus the ’earth shaker’ in Pisces this and next month.  There is likely to be environmental upheavals: widespread rain, which would ease our drought conditions and the worst scenario: floods, tsunamis or earthquakes in other parts of the world, let’s wait and see.  New discoveries and breakthroughs in medicine and science, possibly in the area of stem-cell research.  Individually,  it’s been a  time of reflecting on past decisions and learning from our mistakes.  If you have felt weighed down with responsibilities, this is about to shift on the 19^{th, of this month}.   Since last December, charging ahead with your goals hasn’t been easy,   Your plans are about to hatch!  Remember it is all in the timing!  A NEW MOON in Aries on the 17^th, heralds the beginning of the new astrological year ahead.  This is a POWER DAY.  Consider compiling a ‘wish list’ on paper (10 wishes max.) of what  you would like to commence and experience this year ( look ahead to July for more information).

 

 

May  ,

We experience a harmonious aspect between planet Jupiter and Saturn on the 6^th , good situations will arise through people wanting to do their best!   A time to be cautious  and practical with the way you manage your finances and assets.  A Jupiter / Saturn aspect often results in new opportunities.  In the news, large companies merging, or new ways of boosting business potential.  Business will flow successfully, generous benefactors will appear to help those in need and in difficult circumstances.  This will affect you if you have planets placed in mid- Aries.  Look to the houses where Saturn and Jupiter lie to see which area of life will receive a lift!  At sometime this year there will be an election in Australia, if it is this month, conditions will remain the same regardless of who is in power.  On the 17th a new moon occurs in Taurus, a time to pamper yourself and beautify your home.  There will be a wave of compassion and understanding and the beginnings of a social vision based on empathy.  This may not happen right away, but new models of social reform will take shape.

 

 

June  

This month the new moon is in Gemini on the 15th a time to share ideas and socialise.  We experience Saturn opposing Neptune, being the two most  incompatible planets in the solar system.  Saturn being rigid, practical and stubborn and Neptune being vague, flexible, obscure and changeable.  The classical meaning of this aspect  is trying to balance spiritual truths in a practical world.  This may be a trying time for  Aquarians, Leos, Scorpios and Taureans.  Neptune’s influence is disorientating and confusing, it is also a call from spirit to develop compassion.  What we have been seeing since August 2006, is the cracks appearing in our old material system.  The oil era is  coming to a close and we are looking at other power sources and working more harmoniously with our natural resources.  We have not experienced a Saturn / Neptune opposition since 1969!  When Nixon was in office, he brought  world attention to Vietnam and involved us in the Vietnam war.  We tried to force (Saturn) our views on people who were not interested, the Vietnamese (Neptune).  He vowed to save us from ‘communism’.  Woodstock the concert made history and showed us, we can live together in harmony even without hot water.  Man walked on the moon, which inspired the world and fulfilled our dreams!  Perhaps, there will be new discoveries concerning Mars.  Last November scientists discovered there was ‘water’ on Mars, therefore LIFE! 

 

July

The Saturn, Neptune opposition comes to an end.   Expect politicians heads to roll…  this aspect reveals deception in the political arena.  Though it is a time when you can work hard to make your dreams and visions come to fruition.  Firstly, be clear on what exactly  your dreams are!. We are experiencing our second Mercury retrograde period (a time when communications can breakdown), which began on 16^th June and continues until mid July.  Geminis, Virgos and those with planets in the third house are  strongly affected.  REMEDIES for Mercury Retrograde: Re-think an important decision,  re-confirm appointments and travel plans, re-read contracts, expect delays,  re-evaluate your goals, study for your course, release negative thoughts, breathe deeply and treasure the insights.  The NEW MOON  each month is a POWER DAY, a time of new beginnings.  This month it occurs in Cancer on the 14^th July.  You may want to include wishes ruled by Cancer eg. family, security, home, real estate, mother, nurturing, belonging (10 wishes maximum written on paper).  For example, I want to feel empathy and understanding in my relationships, I want all feelings of insecurity easily lifted from me or I wish to experience the joy of becoming a Mother soon.   Later in the month Venus turns retrograde on 28^th July until 9^th September. Venus retrograde occurs every 19 months for approx. 6 weeks,  seek time to reflect, meditate and nurture yourself.  REMEDIES: book a massage or beauty treatment, buy yourself a gift (you deserve it!), plan a holiday with your partner.  Venus rules relationships, so we tend to delve into issues which challenge our relationships.  Beware and resist being too critical, or selfish during this time, try being more supportive and helpful.  If you are not happy in your relationship this will be a testing time.

 

August

On August 6^th we experience the last Saturn in Leo aspect which is a trine to Pluto.  Both Saturn and Pluto work well together combining wisdom and power!  This pair bring determined success without crushing anyone.  New and charismatic political leaders with compassion may appear!Individually this is a chance for us to achieve without too much effort and feel confident in our particular game.   You can bring your goals to fruition!  We could see positive changes in our society due to this aspect,  big business could become environmentally friendly and do what is best for the world.  Groundbreaking advancements in the building industry, this could bring about building in exotic and precarious locations which was previously  impossible.  We are due for a Federal Election this year, if it is scheduled for July, August or September the influence of the Lunar Eclipse will bring about the unexpected  and spell defeat for the current government.   A new moon occurs in Leo on the 13th consider going to the theatre, see a movie or dance as if no one is watching!  The  Lunar eclipse is in Pisces on 28^th August.  Remember, lunar eclipses add POWER to full moons (please refer back to March for more information).

 

     

The meanings of the houses:

 1^st house Expect a strengthening of personality, a change of attitude and new personal interests to emerge. 

2^nd house activity concerning finances, resources and personal values.

3^rd house communication, short distance travel, neighbours/ relatives.

4^th house Affairs concerning the home, family and parents.

5^th house Romantic love, creative and artistic pursuits, children.

6^th house Health, work and fellow workmates, small pets.

7^th house friendships, relationships and marriage.

8^th house Life, birth, death, inheritances, joint finance, taxes, sexuality and the occult.

9^th house Spirituality, religion, higher education, Law courts, in-laws, foreign travel and different cultures.

10^th house Worldly ambitions, status, career, achievements

11^th house Friends, support groups, networks, hopes and dreams.

12^th house Karma, spirituality, confinement, hospitals.

 

Suggested reading: "New Moon Astrology" by Jan Spiller