Horoscope for the Year 2009

Tip of the Year

            Happy New Year! Before I begin this column I would like to remind you that I have written about 2009 in recent weekly Horoscopes, the Quarterly Horoscope for winter 2009, My Monthly New Moon Newsletter and I will again here, especially. All of these are available on my website, yours to access for Free! The weekly Horoscope Archives can most easily be found on my site in Updates. Upon request, I will happily send the email of the Newsletter to you. Each will offer a slightly different angle of insight. I have also posted the Yearly Horoscopes for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 on my website in the Library in the subsection Horoscope Related Articles. I did so to offer you the opportunity to quickly look at the Yearly Tips and Introductions to gain a quick review of the trends and perhaps also of changes and experiences that have occurred in your life and how the Horoscopes offered clues. Hind site is 20/20, as the saying goes. So, in addition to the Tips, you might even want to read your Yearly Horoscope entries. The Quarterly Horoscopes for 2008 are also posted in Updates. In my recent Newsletter, I offered anyone who requested to know their 2 other sign influences specific to them when reading the Horoscopes. If interested, send me an email with your birth date, place and time and I will send you your Birth Chart in Full Colour by email for FREE! Also in the Library, you will find an Article outlining the Numerological significance of 2009. The year adds up to 11/2. 11 is a master number and so pose challenges of overcoming. In the following outline I will shed more light on what these basic challenges imply.

             The big news right now is Pluto in Capricorn. Most of you probably are aware of this by now, but just in case…. Pluto first entered Capricorn back in late January 2008 but soon retrograded back into Sagittarius where it remained until late November 2008. So Pluto has now permanently entered Capricorn where it will remain until it completes its cycle in 2023! This will most certainly be marked by major social, economic and political changes. Pluto is the planet of purification and transformation. All being well, a lot of the corruption and wasted resources that currently plague governments all over the world will be purged. This will occur because people will demand it and there is reason to believe the changes will come from internal pressures and conflicts as well as external over the next 14 years or so.

             Yes, Pluto is far and paradoxically, in Astrology that means its impact is more powerful than the closer, faster moving planets. It has to do with the slow pace, at least partly. Pluto, Uranus and Neptune are understood in Astrology to be the Trans-social bringers of change. Astrologers observe and recognize how the major currents of our society and the world in general synchronize with these long cycles of the far planets. For example, 1993 was the year that the World Wide Web was officially launched for public access and that is the year that Uranus and Neptune formed a rare conjunction in the sign of Capricorn. Uranus is linked to revolutions and computers, and Neptune dissolves barriers and borders, and Capricorn is symbolic of large social and governmental institutions. That is a brief example of Astrological synchronicity. The list is much longer of course and to best understand how the cycles work, includes realizing that there are many and they all overlap and converge. Since Astrology can be read at least 7 levels, not to mention a wide range of interpretation techniques and styles, there is much that can be said. Cities and nations and even legal enterprises of all kinds, from businesses to clubs and organizations, also have their own Astrology charts just as people do. Since the planetary influences share a different relationship with each one of the above mentioned, each is subject to their own unique experience. There are generalizations that can be made and this is where Horoscopes, for example, enter the picture. These are general yet offer a starting point and, due to the holistic nature of reality, can offer very accurate and useful insights and guidance.

             Since Pluto moves so slowly, it is the faster planets like Mars, Venus, Mercury and the luminaries Sun and Moon that will make aspects to it in real time, rather than Pluto making aspects to other Planets. Mercury was first to make contact back in mid December than the Sun the day after Winter Solstice 2008, then the Moon on Boxing Day and then 2 days later on December 28^th Mars formed a conjunction with Pluto. The influence of each has its importance but Mars especially is suggestive of a passionate push for change, especially given the wide spread anomalies in the weather bringing unexpected, unprecedented and severe patterns to people and places all over the world, over the past few weeks especially. Changes in the ecological balance due to excessive pollution is a natural suspicion held by many. With this aspect active at the turn of the New Year, it is setting the stage and pace for things to come. These will be activated more noticeably when many return to work on January 5^th, the day Jupiter enters Aquarius! More on this later in this article….

             Any person or organization or country with planets or other sensitive points and angles positioned at 0 to 3 degrees 17 minutes especially, will experience the initial transformation power of Pluto in Capricorn this year. Those with planets at 4-6 degrees can use this time to prepare for the changes they will experience in 2010, and so on with higher degree planets etc. Pluto by whatever name is a moving point of powerful changes and transformations that bring one thing to an end and give birth to the next thing fate and destiny holds in store. The rebirth is ever the good news, but the death process is ever complicated and often difficult and the more we can be aware of what is underway the more we can work with the situation. This is one of Astrology’s most treasured gifts. Most strongly affected will be those with 'personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Mars) at the early degrees of any of the Cardinal Signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn. People will Planets in the early degrees of Gemini or Leo will also feel the more difficult effects of Pluto this year. Those with planets in Pisces, Taurus, Virgo or Scorpio will also feel the power yet they may especially experience the benefits of the change and transformation Pluto will bring. However, even the more harmonious aspects, as with the 4 Signs just mentioned, the changes will be strong and definite and could prove to pinch at least a little, especially where there is resistance. Thus is the force of Pluto.  Since resistance comes from lack of awareness, consider becoming more aware by way of Astrology so you can work with these energies of change consciously for the greatest benefit and least amount of stress.

The other major focus in 2009 is the Saturn Opposition Uranus aspect. This is a very powerful aspect indeed. While Pluto’s power is significant with its entry into Capricorn, two planets in close aspect is especially strong as well. The opposition aspect can be compared to the Full Moon energy, but at a much larger level, especially when considering the two planets in focus Saturn and Uranus. Not surprisingly, this pattern is considered very eventful and is suggestive of massive change. Saturn in Virgo demands closer attention to the details, constructive criticism towards improvements. Virgo is the holistic sign and ecological and environmental concerns rank high on Virgo’s list. Uranus in Pisces is at best an awakening influence. However, as Pisces is about dreams, illusions, deceptions and denials, staying in the dream and perpetuating the denials is the opposing force. With Neptune in Aquarius, the entire aspect is supported positively. However, as glamour has a great deal to do with the deception process, it remains a major obstacle. Saturn in Virgo will demand a more prudent, humble and service oriented focus yet Uranus will rebel and leave it to others to resolve. This is one example of the many ways the themes symbolized by Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces will manifest.

Saturn and Uranus have already made the first of 3 exact Opposition Aspects in October 2008! That is the month the market crash occurred. Due to the retrograde cycles of both Saturn and Uranus, these two polarizing forces will make 2 more exact opposition aspects in 2009. Interestingly, both these planets co-rule the sign of Aquarius – the sign of revolution and sudden change. In modern Western Astrology, Saturn rules Capricorn and Uranus is the official ruling planet for Aquarius. The main point is this: Saturn and Capricorn represent the establishment and tradition and the relatively unchanging status quo whereas Uranus and Aquarius represent revolution and sudden, dramatic change! 2009 will be very eventful and dramatic, I am sure. If you have objections due to the Precession of the Equinox, consider that the aspects are occurring anyway.

(Read more about this them on my website in the Library in Articles)

The following are the dates for the Saturn/Uranus Opposition in 2009: February 5 & September 15

            The Lunar North and South Node axis is ever observed by Astrologers. Since these will change signs this year in late August, the 23^rd to be exact, we can all expect the subtle yet sure shift of their influence. Currently, the North Node is in Aquarius and the South in Leo. The North Node acts as a magnetic pull bringing an emphasis to the sign it is in and the South Node can be said to de-emphasize the Sign it is in. This is a simplistic interpretation really, but will be commonly accepted by most Astrologers. Each Node sign is 'disposited' by the planet that rules each Node Sign and the Sign that the ruling planet is in both contributes to and offers an energetic outlet for the expression of the significant themes implied in the aspect. So, Uranus which rules Aquarius is in Pisces. Uranus has been in Pisces since Spring Equinox 2003 – the exact date of the beginning of the war in Iraq. Uranus can bring illumination, awakening and sudden change. The removal of the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein from power, was perhaps the most positive expression of this aspect. On the other hand, since then and especially since the Nodes changed signs about a year ago, (the Nodal Axis has an 18 month cycle), people in general are rapidly awakening to the realities of deep seated corruption in the world, secret societies, global agendas and so on because more and more people are accessing information on the internet that was unavailable or not yet popularly acknowledged until just a couple of years ago. However you wish to explain it, people are waking up quickly now and the hundredth monkey principle is taking care of the rest. Humanity is more awake and aware more than ever and this trend of awakening will continue and social change by demand and necessity is immanent!

             When The Nodes change Signs they will move from Aquarius/Leo to Capricorn/Cancer. When this first occurs, Saturn will still be in humble yet detailed and dutiful Virgo, until late October when it will enter Libra. The dispositing planet is important and is the planet that rules the Sign that the North Node is in. With both the Node and the planetary ruler in action oriented and initiative taking Cardinal Signs, we can expect the pace of things to accelerate noticeably. How it will affect each Sign and person will of course vary and I will bring more attention to it closer to date. Since there remains over 8 months of Aquarius/Leo to go yet, we can expect continued awakening, increased exchange of information and in fact, for measurable revolutionary action to begin. The devious and guilty will be working overtime to continue to and deepen the degree of deception upon which they function best. On the other hand, the vigilant and humanistic forces will be doing overtime in their efforts to bring more and more people 'into the light' of awareness and realization. The planets are poised to bring people closer together and to bring added measures of gratitude and humility to the fore. By late August when the Nodes change Signs many more people will be more aware of the score and the scoop about what is happening and how business-as-usual attitudes must change. This is especially true regarding the environment.

             Saturn is itself being disposited by a line-up of planets currently in Capricorn including the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Pluto. Mercury will retrograde back into Capricorn on January 20^th and Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5^th. Despite Jupiter's exit, the remaining planets just mentioned will initiate some major assertions for change that will be quite evident to everyone by February. The governmental changes taking place in both the U.S. and Canada are good synchronistic examples. Mercury retrograde all the while as of January 11^th will bring forth added diligence towards proving one's worth based on past performances. With Mercury retrograde in Aquarius still on January 20^th when the New U.S. President is scheduled to be sworn into office lends a hint that many of the new policies that will be introduced will be future oriented, innovative and idealistic. I will bring more attention to this theme in my upcoming New Moon Newsletter on January 25^th.

             Jupiter entering Aquarius (Jan. 5, 2009 – January 17, 2010) will significantly lend to increasing the intensity of the winds of awakening and change certainly in figurative terms and quite possibly literally as well. By this I am suggesting severe weather patterns.  Most noteworthy will be Mars forming a conjunction with Jupiter on February 17^th along with the North Node in Aquarius. This should prove to sound the trumpets even louder to awaken the many who are not yet quite aware of the massive changes that are brewing in the world at every level of society. Since these are needed, we have reason to feel hopeful and optimistic about this timely alignment. In the month of June, Jupiter will align with Neptune and Chiron at the 26^th degree of Aquarius. This aspect will prove to awaken the masses to the critical nature of the global ecological crisis that many almost seem to assume we can sustain. High ideals and charismatic appeals to enlist the cooperation of people everywhere to do whatever they can to finding solutions are very likely indeed with this rare triple aspect. Chiron represents the wound and Neptune is symbolic of denial and deception. Jupiter seeks justice and operates with high principles and ethics clearly outlined. At worst, fanaticism may result, but at best Jupiter's presence here will inspire a deep sense of unity and cooperative efforts on many fronts. I consider this to be a very positive aspect given the challenges that humanity as a collective now faces in terms of the growing environmental crisis. It is worth noting that Uranus will also be positioned at 26 degrees of Pisces in June. Further, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune almost simultaneously turn retrograde and so will hover together in close proximity for the remainder of the year from June onward! This could perpetuate deceptions and denials but will serve to ignite the efforts of those people and organizations destined to inspire and remind the masses to stay on track and to be willing to make the necessary mental, emotional and physical changes required for a more sustainable future.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Big changes and power moves in your public and professional life are scheduled for you this year. Sharing ideals and visions of the future with significant others is part of the plot. Expect your mood to be enthusiastic and determined, balanced by sober caution. Your network of friends stands to increase measurably. Personal, professional and social interests and concerns will take on greater importance. By late summer, a new level of power and authority will begin to emerge. Training of some kind is implied. Once this begins, you will feel the need and hopefully the determination to commit and demonstrate your resolve to realize dreams and rise-up to meet new challenges and opportunities.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Changes in your core philosophy and choices about the future are bubbling. You will want to make slow, well chosen moves in 2009. You will feel the inspiration to risk venture to realize pioneering dreams. While you are ready to take risks, you will also want more background and facts. This is no time for pre-mature judgments. Yet, the flow has its own say and there is wisdom in going with it as well. You will come to new and clear realizations about the importance of unifying your energies, efforts and resources with those of others; a power in numbers philosophy. The key message you may be hearing is: get back closer to the land! However you do it, get grounded!

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Purging, merging, clearing and claiming a news sense of freedom should be keeping you busy. What dreams, visions, illusions and fantasies no longer serve? Seek council with your higher mind to decide. There is power in numbers and the time is ripe to shares dreams and decisions. Investments made now may be slow on return, but will probably eventually. Finding security and solace in close ties and bonds implies healing rifts in friendships and other important relationships. You will continue to seek new and meaningful philosophies. There is reason to believe that 2009 could prove to be very healing and uplifting for you in a variety of ways. The greatest danger is that you will become fanatical about certain issues. Keep your sights set on the bigger picture in all matters and you will more likely keep your cool and even gain new levels of popularity.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

A new day is dawning in your relationships. Some significant forces, key players and events are activating change. Fortunately, these include opportunity. Travel in the short term and possibly linked to career is highlighted. You are seeing a new world more clearly with each new day. Inheritances are quite likely in 2009 and if you must go to court your chances of winning are high. 2009 could well prove to be an excellent year for making important investments as well. Land sales figure prominently. You may have to face some very real fears in key relationships and in your career. If you missed your cue to get out of unsupportive relationships, employment and other roles in 2008, you may be able to squeeze out this year so pay close attention to your instincts in this regard. Look to the future now and accept that change is inevitable.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Do you notice how aware of the details you are already becoming? Your focus and vision is likely getting sharper. You will seek scientific precision and mastery in whatever is claiming your passions. This is a time of change and the audience is undecided. People want answers, but every source and angle seems to bear limitations. Therefore, it is a good time to evaluate where the trends are going. Be willing to see where you can improve your performance. This includes taking a good, long and clear look at what is not working either in your personal or professional life where dealings with others are important.  After all, your popularity stands to increase measurably. Pay attention and play along so that you can make the most of the many opportunities to refine your skills and offerings and expand your horizons and the scope of your influence in 2009. 

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

A whole new level of creative power and charisma is emerging for you. Soon, more and more people will be seeking solid answers and reliable information. This is your forte'. Your ability to offer logical facts backed by solid research across a spectrum of disciplines will be rewarded handsomely. In other words, be open to a variety of approaches. This could be the beginning of new opportunities to demonstrate a wider range of your abilities. Take a prudent approach, nurture your skills with care and confront any lingering doubts with a willingness to take some risks in your work and in your lifestyle, especially where higher levels of health are concerned. Who knows maybe you will take on a new sport or two, or establish a much more exciting yet realistic health focus. Positioning is important now and you may notice this is a strong current theme. Aim to be of service by offering solutions to humanities woes.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Some powerful shifts and changes are shaking things up close to home. Renovations, moves, plumbing or repairs of structural problems and so on are likely themes this year.  They are likely to get underway very early on in the year. If this is not apparent, consider taking a proactive approach to deciphering where key changes, renovations and outright moves are perhaps needed. These may take on a purely physical form or they may affect you psychologically or your family life. The ground you stood on not long ago is no longer as secure as you may have supposed. Trust that there is a natural cyclic theme at work and nurture a sensible response. Associate pleasure to the process and working with the needed changes, and be willing to be proactive where comfort, familiarity and security have somehow gotten in the way of a higher level of health and happiness.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Fixed notions, attitudes, behaviour patterns and habits are up for review. Deciphering the difference between power, force and control will remain a lingering theme. The old ways will no longer work. This is a call to at least begin to re-invent your self, your style, image, approach and perspectives. If you dig deeply enough beneath yours or anyone else's surface, you will arrive at spirit. Once this is clear you can begin to build the new empire! At best, as old perceptions loosen, you will feel more confident, perhaps liberated. This could well lead you to introduce new attitudes and perspectives, allowing you to see and understand what were previously hidden. Debate and challenging discussions could prove to be very healthy, as long as you do not allow stubborn pride to close your mind. Accept that there is always another way of seeing and doing things, and be willing to activate a more open minded approach and attitude on all fronts.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

A restructuring of your entire foundation is now underway. A grounded vision that supports simple values and core principles is needed. Discipline, logic, science and intuition will take care of the rest. Personal responsibility free of blaming attitudes is ever important; accepting what is and dealing with it. You could well get very excited about a wide range of new interests and prospects this year. However, be extra careful not to spread yourself too thin. Avoid candid and carefree promises. Good time management will become even more important as the pace of life quickens. Take your time to weigh and assess people, situations and especially commitments carefully in 2009. Meanwhile, changes close to home are likely and imply a range of possibilities and perhaps more than one move of residence. Before the year is done, you will find reason to commit to new interests and situations without the need or desire to look back. Concentrate with clear intent early in the year with the goal of cleaning, clearing, organizing amidst a much busier schedule.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Already you are taking some powerful new strides, even before the New Year has even begun. Then again, the start gun for you was fired in late November. The time has come to assert new directions. The environment, the economy and the social sphere in general is changing quickly now as a consequence. Humanity needs new answers and leadership that makes sense to a wider populace. You will feel excited by new innovations and investments. Educational pursuits, especially early on, are ideal. Perhaps you will be completing what you have been learning for the past couple of years already. If you feel that you are behind in this regard, make extra efforts right away to get back on track. By late summer, you will feel even more independent yet by autumn the stakes will be rather high and will require a full measure of discipline and determination to activate a more balanced approach, perhaps especially in public and professional arenas.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Many new assertions without, counterbalanced by many deep changes within, are underway. Looking to the current situation, the past and the future, you may find reason to take some exciting new risks, yet also feel challenged to keep the faith. This paradoxical situation may be a source of confusion. By the third quarter of the year you could well find yourself exploring new educational interests perhaps prompted by a deep call to do some soul searching about what is of true and enduring importance to you. Intend to take the time to meditate, retreat, sleep and dream a bright future for us all as you can amidst an otherwise faster pace. What used to be important is losing its appeal. At best, this will feel liberating and lead you to take the necessary risks and measures to explore new facets of yourself, the culture and the world in general. Once you do embark upon new interests, especially by autumn you will see the beginnings of a deep and determined commitment to create at a whole new level of success!

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

2009 will prove important in terms of clarifying where your commitments and focus are best directed. Gaining new knowledge and targeting your focus and/or market is ideal. You may feel a little unclear about things now. This will resolve itself by summer. In the short term, establish an integral foundation with flexibility in the design.  By the end of summer, you will enter into a deep, powerful and important cycle of change that will continue through to 2012. Fortunately, this will coincide with a whole new level of faith and confidence coming from within. You may have to make some extra efforts to access this source over the course of the year, but once you do you will experience inspirations to focus and exercise a new level of discipline that was previously unavailable. 2009 stands to be one of steady progress and deep brewing changes for you that will prove expansive, at least eventually, on social and professional fronts.