YOUR 2011 FORECAST FOR ALL 12 SIGNS

ARIES SUN & RISING: In spite of an eclipse in your career zone on January 4 (please check back that day for details), this new year may not feel as though it has truly begun for you until Jupiter and Uranus return to your sign. That day is coming, Ram. Jupiter will be back in Aries on January 23 for a six-month stay. It’s a good thing you enjoy physical exercise because, when Uranus teams up with him in mid-March, you’re going to have oodles of energy that needs to get worked off. If you consume caffeine, prepare to let that go, even if you have to suffer the withdrawal symptoms for a short while. Uranus is its own adrenaline boost, and caffeine will only add to the jitters. Your very own New Moon on April 3 is an excellent date to commit to total health and wellness. It may feel to you as though you have unlimited amounts of energy, but responsible Saturn will be opposing your sign, teaching you that even you have physical limits.

Apart from feeling gloriously unstoppable, how might Jupiter and Uranus exert themselves in your life? One possibility is that your respect for autonomy and freedom will increase. This may play out on a personal level, but you may even feel politicized in some way. There’s something about this team that evokes an image of you as an activist, whether it’s for civil rights or ecological issues, or any cause that fires you up. No longer content to merely rave, you may feel called to add your tireless energy to a group that needs your unique vision. Both Jupiter and Uranus have a knack for pulling us into a wider circle so that we can do our best work for larger numbers of people. See how you can get involved, Aries. After all, Pluto will continue to weed out whatever’s not helping you grow in your professional life. Much of his energy is teaching you how to cultivate your natural leadership skills so that they can be used for the highest good. And that may well mean that you become more and more identified as an agent of social change. If you can strategize ways to make your business practices ethical and ecological you’ll know that you’re responding to Pluto’s call. Can you see how Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto are preparing you for greater responsibility in your community?

Another possible offshoot of having giants Jupiter and Uranus in your sign is a plethora of brilliant ideas coming to you, as if out of nowhere. The key is to make use of them, for it’s difficult to bottle genius when it arrives. Write down what you can, or carry around a voice recorder. Also develop a habit (if you haven’t already) of recording your dreams. Inspirational Neptune is poised to move into your dream sector in April, and this is one way the Universe speaks to you. Let dreams, fantasies, images, films, symbols, music and dance inspire you to reach beyond yourself towards the sacred cosmic energy that embraces you daily.

Indeed, reaching beyond yourself will be of vital importance to you this year. Saturn continues to camp out in your partnership sector, so attending to the needs of a personal or professional partner is part of the package. This could feel somewhat challenging, because Jupiter and Uranus may have you so enthralled in the exciting process of self-discovery (the very thing a Ram yearns for!) that you occasionally forget to accommodate others. There’s plenty of room for give and take, so don’t fear that someone is going to cramp your style. The idea is to fly, but to allow your enthusiasm to open the circle for others to join you, if they so desire. Jupiter will remain in your sign until June, at which point you’ll be ready to ride your Uranus bicycle without Jupiter’s training wheels.

Once Jupiter moves into Taurus, he will lend his largesse to your income sector. Although an increase in earnings is likely (provided you don’t over-spend, which is another Jupiterian tendency), the deeper meaning of this twelve-month transit is a cosmic revelation of the intimate connection between your sense of abundance and your expanding faith in a Universe that benevolently provides for your every need. It is indeed a miracle to be showered with such blessings. If you feel so moved, then pay it forward.

TAURUS SUN & RISING: The scope of your imagination is breathtaking this year. You may very well be hanging out in your daydreams and fantasies as much as you can, for it’s like a playground with an infinite amount of energy to draw upon. Now it may be true that you prefer to keep your feet solidly on the ground, and that dancing on a cloud doesn’t have much value to you. Just wait, Taurus; you will come to see how potent this fertile land is, for it seeds all of your future aspirations – and that’s no Bull.
Jupiter will move into this unconscious sector of yours towards the end of January, providing angelic protection until mid-June. Once he crosses into your own sign, wow. We’ll get to that in a bit. Let’s stay focused on the energy in your dream realm, for Uranus will add his genius innovation beginning in mid-March, for about eight years’ time. If, during this cycle, you notice that your dreams are so active they seem real, you’re feeling the energy of Uranus in Aries taking you on midnight adventures while you sleep. Then again, sleep may be a rarity altogether with this transit. Uranus is known as the Great Awakener, and this may be somewhat literal for you in the coming months.
Try not to worry about this, though. A rich inner world is opening up to you this year, one that reveals your sacred connection to the Cosmos. As your inner sight develops, you may experience visions that are difficult to explain. Or perhaps you’ll keep noticing beautiful geometric patterns. There are many ways that Uranus in your solar twelfth house can contact you. Know that the Universe is alive and speaking to you, helping you to realize how magnificent creation is.
If you want to work with the forces of creation, take note of May 3, for that’s the date of your annual New Moon in Taurus. On that day, five planets will be lined up in your unconscious realm, inspiring you to dream bigger than you’ve ever dreamt before. If you enjoy chanting, meditation, visualization or prayer, this is an exceptional day to focus on what you wish to manifest in your life. With the amount of cosmic help in your corner, don’t miss this opportunity. When Jupiter moves into your sign on June 5, you may begin to see how easily your powers of creation manifest. Indeed, you’ll have Jupiter’s benevolent presence in Taurus for twelve months after that, so magic will be making its presence felt in a very real way.
Even your social circle will tingle with new possibilities, all designed to reveal the mystic forces at play. New friends may come into your life who show you some of their techniques for staying tuned in to the Cosmos. You may even join a group who works towards a purpose that you idealize. Embrace the opportunity.

In terms of your daily responsibilities, it looks as though you’ll continue to have a lot on your plate. Whether you greet this with jubilation or groans depends on how content you are in your daily work life. Saturn will remain in this sector for almost another two years – so be realistic about how long you can tough out a less than desirable situation. On the other hand, if you’re thriving at work you may be very happy to know that you’re going to be in demand. You appear to be working quite hard, so reward yourself with a holiday at some point. Once Jupiter arrives on your front doorstep you may be unable to resist the call to travel to foreign lands. It’s quite possible you’ve been bitten by the travel bug already, as Pluto has been hanging out in your travel sector for over a year, and will remain there for more than a decade.

The experience of immersing yourself in other cultures is all part of Jupiter and Pluto’s plan. And if this doesn’t come about by physically traveling to far-off destinations, you may very well feel compelled to expand your knowledge of the world by taking some courses. Perhaps you’re interested in learning a new language, or being introduced to archaeology or anthropology. It may even be that you’re curious to take a comparative religions class. Whatever the case may be, there’s a strong drive in you to figure out why the world works the way it does – and that’s part and parcel of coming to understand not only yourself better, but your place in the world.

This is a big year for you, Taurus – even more so if you allow yourself to go down the rabbit-hole that the Universe is set to reveal. Jump into the mystery, Alice in Wonderland style, and marvel at the inner workings of a Universe that wants to be known by you.

GEMINI SUN & RISING: How fortunate that you enjoy being connected to people, because 2011 will keep you in the public eye in some fairly glamorous ways. For starters, Neptune will settle into your career sector between April and August, giving you a taste of what’s to come over the next several years. As Neptune rules photography, if you work in front of or behind the lens, this is very fortuitous. Dancers and musicians will also appreciate the creative inspiration that Neptune brings, for he also rules these art forms. Alternately, you may explore new career options altogether. This is not uncommon when one of the outer planets makes such a dramatic move. The healing arts are a strong possibility, especially with Chiron at Neptune’s side. And Gemini is said to have healing hands. Know that if you yearn for work that fulfills you, and is aligned with your ideals, this is the year you will find your path.

Your public reputation will also take on a somewhat mysterious and glamorous tone. People may find you irresistible wherever you go. With that in mind, if you belong to any groups or organizations – and yes, on-line groups count – it’s time to lend your leadership to the group. Jupiter the cosmic teacher, and Uranus the maverick are heading into your solar eleventh house that governs your social connections. Your circle of friends is about to grow larger, and some friends or associates may play a pivotal role in your future success. This trend begins later in January with Jupiter’s entry into Aries, followed by Uranus in mid-March. There’s something about your presence that shifts the energy of the groups you participate in, likely because you’re a brilliant communicator. With Uranus’ help over the next seven years, the things you say play a role in enlightening others. Uranus isn’t called the Great Awakener for nothing. If you’re not involved with any groups or associations, find one that resonates with your values or that can help you achieve your long-term goals. You’re about to be given quite the cosmic education.

As your social network grows, so too does a special relationship. Saturn has been camped out in your romance and creative sector for over a year, and he will continue to strengthen that bond throughout 2011. Consider this a trial period in which you discover what you two are made of. If you’re not romantically entwined with another, you seem to be giving serious consideration to what’s important for you, when it comes to love. Although you’ve often been labeled the cosmic flirt, you’re not in the mood for anything frivolous these days, and you have the patience to wait for the right person to melt your heart. There’s an intensity and passion that others sense from you. That’s the work of Pluto in your solar eighth house of sexuality. It’s not that you’re wearing your desire on your sleeve – far from it, for you’re very private about this part of your life – but there’s an underlying intrigue that makes people want to know more about you. Even if you consider yourself an open book, others may have the sense that they just can’t know you completely. This is the pairing of Pluto and Neptune, and it’s beguiling.

This sense of mystery may be heightened even more when Jupiter moves into your twelfth house of secrets, come June. And his presence in this area of your chart offers you angelic protection for a full twelve months, beginning early June. During that time, take note of how easily you land on your feet, even if things don’t come together until the eleventh hour. Take that time to dream your biggest dreams for the future. Choose whatever means you prefer to help bring them into fruition: visualization techniques or vision boards, journaling, writing or speaking affirmations – even jotting down your dreams when you awake – these are all some of the ways you can benefit from Jupiter’s mighty presence in your unconscious sector.
One day in particular that you can really help to seed your most cherished goals is June 1. That day brings you your very own New Moon in Gemini. And this is one of the most powerful New Moons of the year, for it’s also an eclipse. Your powers of intention will be extraordinarily amplified that day, so take some time to send out your affirmations and goals to the Universe. Its ears will be bigger than usual, and very much focused on everything you have to say that day.

Your planetary ruler, Mercury is the speediest planet in the solar system (next to the Moon). But oh, when he goes into his retrograde phases you can feel the difference in how smoothly things go for you. Because you’re especially affected by these retrograde phases let me give you the three periods this year when Mercury will start doing his famous back-stroke: March 30-April 23; August 2-26 and November 23-December 13. Do your best to avoid making large purchases during those weeks, and try not to sign contracts unless it’s with people you’ve done business with before.

Of course, your life can’t come to a stand-still every time Mercury travels backwards, and there are even some beneficial ways to put this energy to use. The first way is to allow yourself to slow down. Though you’re used to a rapid pace of life, Mercury retrograde periods signal a time to take a breath, see where you’re at, ascertain how near or far it is from where you’re trying to go, and then carefully plot the next leg of your journey. Typically, by the time Mercury has gone retrograde, we’ve moved a bit ahead of our lives, and need a moment to evaluate what’s happening. The good news is that you will have Jupiter as your guardian angel for the second half of the year. This is your safety net, Gemini, so I hope you’re ready to leap!

CANCER SUN & RISING: The shifts that you’re feeling at home and in your most important relationship (whether this is a personal or professional connection) will continue. Pluto is spending many years deepening crucial relationships, rectifying any power imbalances (we’ll get to that), and rooting out the relationships that strangle your essence. There’s something about this ongoing transit that enables you to see some of the personality traits (your own) that you’ve projected onto others. Mirror, mirror on the wall. If you don’t like the reflection, will you simply avoid looking in the mirror, or will you dare to change the picture from the inside out? This is Pluto’s challenge to you. And that opens up the potential to encounter some mighty BIG personalities: people who are so sure of themselves you find it un-nerving; or people who really know how to throw their weight around; there may be manipulators and obfuscators. It’s not that dangerous types are lurking in the shadows waiting to go boo! in the dark. But these types (indeed, all types) come into your life as teachers who reveal, however unwittingly, that any traits you find offensive are also traits within you. You may keep them well-tamed and hidden from public view, but they’re there, nonetheless.

In keeping with that, spiritual Neptune will help you realize greater compassion for yourself and others when it moves into Pisces, which governs your world outlook (at least, in your solar chart). As deeply sensitive as you are, it’s not that you lack compassion, so much as you sometimes take things personally that have nothing to do with you. It’s your natural ability to soak up others’ feelings and energies that can throw you off-balance. And this is being corrected, dear Crab. The North Node of the Moon (your ruler) has been in your sign, receiving hits from Pluto across the way, and every other planet that makes an angle with it. This has been gradually weaning you from the sometimes knee-jerk emotional responses that occur when things don’t play out according to your wishes. And feeling less at the whims of your emotions will prove to be a blessing. When you can address an issue that upsets you without being reduced to a puddle you can start to own the power inside you, instead of giving it away to others. And Pluto in your relationship sector plays a role in this ongoing process, as does Saturn in Libra.

Saturn will continue to occupy your family sector throughout the year, and well into next. Apart from the obvious re-structuring that’s taking place in your home (perhaps a reno, or a move), there’s the inner work going on. Never wishing to offend anyone in your family (with Libra on the cusp of your solar fourth house), you’ve often compromised for the sake of keeping the peace. Now though, the Cosmos gives you the permission you must have felt you needed, to question more deeply why you feel you must toe the line, even at the expense of your peace of mind. Release your parents from the impossible strain of having to be right or perfect. Do this even if one or both has died, for we carry our parents around with us. To a certain extent, parents are mythical beings: our greatest cheerleaders and most abominable nay-sayers. They can make us whole and cut us down, for such is the power we ascribe to them. And now your task is to let go of the mythology of your parents, along with the rest of your kin. They are as perfect and imperfect as any other human and have likely done their best.

Regardless of who is still living in your family, you are now to be your own parent – your own authority. Not in a rebellious sense (this isn’t about returning to adolescence), but in a grounded I know who I am sense. As tied as the Cancer tribe is to the traditions of family culture, this is perhaps your toughest challenge. You are not meant to be enslaved by your people, remember, whether through grudges you can’t let go of or behavior you can’t abide. Accept Saturn’s challenge, and revel in learning a new way to speak or do family, even if that means welcoming new non-blood or letting others out.

Saturn’s determination to bolster your family and home life offers you the foundational support you require for the career changes coming your way. I refer now to Jupiter and Uranus moving into your professional life. This is where you’ll feel things really rock and roll. By now, you likely have a clear idea of the kinds of exciting developments in progress, career-wise. Even so, Uranus will spend eight years electrifying your professional life (beginning mid-March), so there is still plenty of time for surprises to unfold. If this all sounds like a bit of a roller coaster ride, well it can be. However, benevolent Jupiter will be right alongside Uranus until June, so your options are juicy and sparkling. Use the time between March and mid-June to take the kinds of risks you’d normally walk away from, while you have Jupiter’s protection.

You also have a powerful New Moon to call your own on July 1, so make the most of it by setting your seeds of intention on that day. It’s not just a New Moon, but an eclipse in your sign. Although you’re likely to feel under an enormous amount if pressure, if you take some time out for yourself on that day, you can more easily connect to the subtle but inspiring vibes from Uranus and Neptune. There’s creative genius here to re-imagine any elements of your life that need tweaking. Solutions will come to you if you allow stillness in.

If you’re still in school, stay open to job options you might not have dreamed of before. Uranus is the Great Awakener, and has a miraculous way of revealing where our true gifts lie. Cancer, you’ve dutifully tended to others and, no doubt, will continue to do so. But this is your moment to step into the spotlight and deliver your unique brand of magic to the world. Be brave, for your famous Crab shell is much thicker than it used to be, and you are ready to reap all of the rewards so justly coming to you.

LEO SUN & RISING: Be on your toes Leo, for dramatic shifts are coming your way later in the year, which have exciting connotations for your career or public reputation. But first you’re being prepared. Saturn has been training you to use your mind to its fullest capacity, and will continue to do so throughout this year and into the next one. In late January Jupiter will take up residence in your solar 9th house of higher education for six months. Sounds drier than dust? Hang on, before you roll your eyes. First ask yourself if there are any gaps in your knowledge that could prevent you from grabbing the brass ring at work. If there’s a position that you know you’d be right for with just a little more preparation, your best opportunity is between now and June.

Even if you don’t require further training, it’s likely that your hunger for more knowledge will propel you to travel or to study any subject that lights you up. Uranus, the Great Awakener will also move into this same sector, come March, and he’ll entice you into anything that stirs your interest in the world for eight long years. If you happen to be involved in publishing, prepare to jump into exciting new ventures and mediums.

Once Jupiter moves into Taurus, you’ll have the benefit of his energy expanding your career and public reputation for a full year, come June. This is why I hope you’ll make use of the time beforehand to prepare for any golden opportunities. If you have a new initiative to launch, take advantage of Jupiter while you have his help available. Meanwhile, Pluto continues to overhaul your daily routine. If you’re self-employed, the way you manage your schedule is shifting so that you can get to the heart of what you’re doing with greater efficiency. If you work elsewhere, you may already have a sense of some of the massive changes afoot. If you’re looking for other possibilities, this is your year to make a change.

Tracking your income and expenditures will require much greater diligence from here on, Leo. Neptune will move into your financial zone in April – specifically the area of your chart that deals with your shared assets and bills, taxes, inheritances, loans, and credit. Neptune sprinkles pixie dust wherever he settles in, which can lead us into wishful thinking. Other ways that Neptune fogs the brain may include simply zoning out around bill payments, waiting for that magical day when you win the lottery, not being aware of what your romantic or business partner is doing with money. If you wish to remain empowered about your financial health, then check in on a monthly basis.

With that in mind, your very own New Moon in Leo occurs on July 30. Things that occur on this day may feel fated for you, for the Sun (your ruler), Moon and Venus (which governs love and money) are involved in a powerful configuration, known as a finger of god (or yod). Neptune and Pluto are working in harmony at that time, and each is connecting with the above-mentioned planets to help you transform any financial or relationship issues. If there are changes you need to make, this day is very powerful for establishing your goals and intentions. A great deal of cosmic good will is there for you.

While I want you to be forewarned that ignoring your finances, or leaving them solely in another person’s hands – is not a wise choice for you for the several years, there are reasons to cheer Neptune’s presence in your solar 8th house: your intimate life is about to become far more soulful, dreamy and romantic. Your intuition will also come through with greater clarity, leading to mystic insights about yourself and others. And you will begin to witness on a very meaningful level the natural law that everything you give is returned to you ten-fold. May you bring forth your best self this year, and receive from Spirit many blessings in return.

VIRGO SUN & RISING: Gentle Virgo, after all of the relationship stress you’ve suffered, you deserve a little break, wouldn’t you say? The Cosmos agrees, and so here comes a new year with much brighter prospects for love than you’ve enjoyed in a long time. It doesn’t mean there aren’t still some pitfalls to be aware of, but at least you can expect some sweetness in the near future.

The biggest news occurs when ethereal Neptune moves into your relationship sector. Important people in your life, particularly a romantic or business partner, will take on greater significance to you now – and you will likely see their greatest qualities. The corollary is that you may be at times blind to some of their shadow traits. This is the spell of Neptune, though it feels rather good to be under such an enchantment. Still, you need to use your famous powers of discernment to see though Neptune’s glamorous haze so that you can revere the key people in your life for all of their qualities. The good and bad. This year you get a practice run with Neptune, from April through August, before he settles in for over a decade in 2012. Your sense of romance is likely to be heightened, and you’ll be tuned into every subtle wavelength emanating from your partner. Neptune also reveals where we too easily turn a blind eye to what’s right in front of us. Call it a lovely mist that engulfs everything and everyone around you. Picture-perfect but challenging to navigate, nevertheless. Let your intuition guide you, and be realistic about the people in your life. Notice I call them people and not saints.

After all, Pluto is still camped out in your romance sector, where he will stay for well over a decade. He’s been there for nearly two years now, so you’ve likely already encountered an individual or two that takes intensity and brooding to a new level. But these are the types you may find yourself irresistibly drawn to. Passionate souls with a hint of something dark. In a nutshell, you’re a magnet for bad-ass types, Virgo. It doesn’t exactly jibe with the squeaky clean image we tend to project onto you, does it? But you love a good clean-up project, and some of the lovers you’re attracted to may satisfy your desire to fix and make perfect. And with compassionate Neptune in your relationship zone, the temptation to give your heart to someone who seems slightly broken may be irresistible. Just keep your head on, is all I ask. I don’t want to spoil the fun.

With that in mind, April and May could be over the top in terms of romantic contentment. Neptune will have glided into place, and Jupiter and Uranus will be heating up your solar eighth house of sexual intimacy. The Virgo Virgin is about to be re-connected to the inner vamp. What a relief too, for you belong to the earth element, a sensuous energy that needs an outlet. Your libido may soar and, if you open to this potent energy you’ll also discover new pathways to the centre of your being. Those portals have always been there, but sometimes we don’t see them. Jupiter and Uranus will awaken you to your most raw creative energy through the expression of intimacy. Jupiter will be in this area of your chart for the first six months of the year, whereas Uranus is settling in for a seven-year stay. That’s a whole lot of crazy sex, if you don’t mind my saying.

Bear in mind that your eighth house also governs revenue from assets you share with your partner (romantic or business), debts you share, inheritances, taxes and windfalls. Be diligent about any finances you share with another person. With Neptune occasionally fogging your brain it’s important to avoid spacing out around money, or assuming your partner’s taking care of business. Thankfully, you’ve got Saturn’s help, keeping you grounded and realistic about money. Saturn has been in your second house of earned income for over a year, and he will continue to guard your coffers throughout 2011. It’s true that his presence can also signify belt-tightening measures or less income flow than you’d like, but you’re learning some important lessons during this time about how to take care of yourself financially. And we never forget Saturn’s lessons, so at least you’re taking ownership of your financial health over the long term.

In June Jupiter will move out of your eighth house and into your ninth house of higher education for twelve months. Those twelve months will be a time of development for you, especially if you have some lofty career goals for 2012 and 2013. If you’re already clear on where you want your professional life to be in the next couple of years, take advantage of the summer and beyond to fill in any gaps that could prevent you from rising to the top. During this time Jupiter will be in Taurus, the sign that rules the throat. If you study voice, this will be a heavenly time of connecting to your authentic sound. Or perhaps a recording contract is in the works. If you’re involved in publishing (whether print or on line), Jupiter’s presence in your ninth house is a boon. Travel is also a big desire when Jupiter settles into his natural ninth house. Satisfy the urge and immerse yourself in other cultures.

As long as we’re talking about travel and contracts and publishing, we may as well discuss your ruling planet, Mercury, who governs these things. Mercury goes through three retrograde phases each year. Most people find these phases annoying, because technical glitches are rampant, along with misunderstandings. While I think we tend to get too fussed up about Mercury retrograde periods, I think it will be helpful for you to note those coming phases, so that you can pull back from launching any initiatives that would do better at another time. Mercury will retrograde March 30-April 23; August 2-26 and November 23-December 13. If you use those times to slow down and take stock of where you’re at and what you’ve accomplished so far it will help you reap the benefits of Mercury retrograde. Do a little life review and see what needs to be corrected before it falls off the track. Typically, when Mercury is retrograde, it means that we’ve rushed a bit ahead of ourselves, and body, mind and soul need to get back in sync. Though you’re an industrious soul who values hard work, Mercury retrograde phases are the cosmic permission you need to chill for a bit.

There’s a beautiful New Moon with your name on it on August 28. This is your annual Virgo New Moon. If ever there was a time to focus on your most cherished dreams, and to announce them to the Universe, that’s the date. I’m not suggesting you do nothing until then, of course. But do take advantage of the powerful cosmic energy at hand to put some extra oomph into your affirmations and visualizations. The Sun, Moon and Venus – all in your sign – will be in a heavenly grand earth trine with Jupiter and Pluto. Whatever your goals and aspirations are for the long-term, Virgo, this day holds the promise that everything you desire can eventually manifest with dedicated concentration on your goals, and faith in yourself. You will have the full attention of the Cosmos then, so don’t be shy about asking for your biggest dreams to come true.

LIBRA SUN & RISING: If you felt somewhat isolated in 2010, this theme will likely continue over the first three months of 2011. Hopefully by now you’ve come to realize that you need to take time out from the social circle every now and then. Some of you have embarked on a new solo project which keeps you working at an even and consistent pace. This might be a period of study, it could be a sabbatical for writing, or it could be the management of some other project related to home or career. Regardless, you will one day look back on this period as having been pivotal to the development of your future success. This is the effect of Saturn moving slowly through your sign, asking you to step fully into your authentic power. You’re a people pleaser, and so confronting issues involving power may have an unnerving effect as you try to negotiate appropriate social mores without draining your essence. But yours is also a cardinal sign, Libra. That means that you’re quite capable of leadership, for you take the initiative. Although Saturn’s job is to toughen you up, don’t fear losing your gracious ways; Saturn is exalted in Libra, capable of doing his best work in your sign. By the time this transit is over, you will have mastered the art of being gentle but firm, and will have even managed to show others the same behavior through the example you set.

Meanwhile, Pluto continues his fourteen-year tour of your home and family sector. Be diligent about checking the plumbing at home and clearing away any debris under porches and decks. If you have trees in your garden, double-check that the roots aren’t too close to pipes or cables underneath the ground. Pluto rules the Deep, so it pays to find out what’s growing or living there. And this serves as a metaphor as well. Picture the deepest core of your being as a garden, and know that Pluto’s presence here suggests that there’s fertile ground that needs to be turned. As with any gardening, you’re bound to encounter muck and a few worms. Those would be past memories that may come up after being buried for a long time. Keeping old ghosts in the basement, so to speak, is no longer a viable option for you, and so Pluto has moved into the base of your solar chart in order to pull out the deadweight. At times the process may feel repugnant, and the ick factor may repulse you, gentle Libra. There’s nothing wrong with working with a healer or therapist if you could use some support while Pluto keeps drilling down. Keep the image of a garden in your mind, knowing that it will eventually be more glorious than you can imagine right now.

The thing about Pluto is that its energy really puts power in our faces, especially when he shows up on an angle. And, what with your natural ability to bend according to what everyone else wants, it can lead to disowning your power or disavowing your needs. Not a stable situation, as you can probably attest to. So between Saturn and Pluto, you’re being given a long-term course in how to promote peaceful solutions without losing the equilibrium you prize so dearly.

Because the planets work as a team (even if it’s hard to tell at times), Uranus is set to show up on the scene in mid-March. Over these next seven years, you’re bound to notice a parade of colourful characters populating your world. Some may come for a short while; others may stay much longer. During this time the theme that unites these various people is their uniqueness. In ways that may appear somewhat brazen or astonishingly bold, they have something to teach you about throwing off the ghosts of the past and liberating yourself from your familial and societal conditioning. One or more of these souls may enter your life as a romantic partner. If you’re already in a committed relationship, Uranus’ presence in your partnership sector will breathe new life into it.

Still, Uranian energy can be quite unstable at times. You may notice a zany streak coming out with your partner, or you may feel as though you need more space. Honour that if it should happen, for you are on an exciting path towards greater self-discovery. Hopefully your partner will wish to be a part of your adventure but, if not, you likely won’t let that stop you. If you have a key business relationship, that too will come under Uranus’ spell. Depending on where you’re at, it may point to you agreeing to part ways, or it could mean that your ability to creatively brainstorm goes through the roof. Wherever Uranus shows up you can expect to encounter genius mentality. Jupiter will be present for the festivities until June so, whether your focus is on a personal or professional relationship, you’ve got his magnanimous energy to smooth over any rough edges you initially encounter.

In mid-April Jupiter will move into Taurus, the sign on the cusp of your house associated with intimacy and shared finances. I think you’ll enjoy the effects of that sensual and magnetic energy for a full twelve months. Indeed, your very own New Moon on September 27 will highlight just how far you’ve come. Use that day to visualize exactly what you wish to manifest and know that, with Saturn at the helm, you will come to know the meaning of magical manifestor, later in the year. Libra it may not be apparent now, but you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. By allowing yourself to be exactly who you are you’re saying yes to a very different life in the making.

Scorpio Sun & Rising: If it felt like you spent much of 2010 spinning your wheels, that’s set to change very shortly, Scorpio. Any hum-drum is about to vanish with the arrival of heavyweights Jupiter and Uranus in your daily routine sector. Not only is this going to up the excitement factor, but time is going to feel as though it’s zipping by. The fun begins when Jupiter moves into Aries in late January. This is the sector of your chart that deals with the conditions of your daily environment. Whether you’re at school, at a job, self-employed or unemployed, sweeping changes are en route. However, you’ll have to make an effort. Use this time until mid-June to find work that will fulfill you if you’re ready to move on. You’ll also have your own New Moon on October 26 to put your intentions out to the Universe. At that point, Mars (one of your planetary rulers) will be energizing your career sector, so be bold and dream big.

With three planets in your solar sixth house for a spell, this is an optimum year to commit to a daily regimen that promotes your best health. You’ll have the extra oomph from your classical ruler, Mars, in your health zone and work sector during April. With all of this extra physical energy, April might be your best month to literally put your best foot forward.

Once Uranus joins Jupiter in mid-March, life may initially feel a little hectic, a little zany. It could be a riot, but you may need to adjust to the new pace. You’ll have Jupiter’s protection to help you get used to the new mad-cap energy in your life, and by June you’ll be able to fly, even when Jupiter moves on. Uranus’ seven-year tour of your daily life sector may encourage you to be more present to what’s happening in the moment. If you allow this energy to flow through you, your innovative ability will flourish as never before. Thinking outside the box for brilliant solutions and strategies is one of the many benefits of having Uranus involved in your daily routine.

If your work is creative in nature, or if you enjoy artistic hobbies, you’re about to get a major dose of inspiration from ethereal Neptune. You may find yourself expressing your creative energy through dance, film, photography, music or poetry. Neptune will be your muse for over a decade, so see how you can bring more flair into your work, even if it’s corporate in nature. There’s no rule that big business has to be devoid of artistry. Even those of you working with finances (for Scorpio is quite resourceful with money) can find a way to let Neptune’s presence infuse your work, even if this means arranging for artwork to be placed in the company boardroom and other shared spaces.

Neptune’s arrival in your solar fifth house also points to dreamy romance. The key is not to get lost in romantic fantasies, nor to place your beloved up on a pedestal. Whenever Neptune shows up, it’s very tempting to put your rose-coloured glasses on. Fortunately, you’ll have Saturn’s presence in your unconscious realm to prevent you from being too unrealistic about who you’re involved with. The other benefit of having Saturn in this area is his persistence in helping you move on from whatever you’re holding onto from the past. In some cases this may involve parental conditioning, for Saturn stands in for the father. You already know what you’re shedding, as you’ve had his energy here for over a year, where he will remain throughout 2011.

Your modern ruler Pluto is also helping you shed old mental patterns that weaken your ability to communicate who you are. This trend will continue for over a decade. Know that the inner workings of your mind are being finely-tuned and polished into an awesome vehicle for self-transformation. Out with the old, and in with the new.

And, speaking of new, you should be very pleased with the state of your love life when Jupiter moves into Taurus, the sign on the cusp of your partnership house, come June. All of your key relationships, whether personal or professional, new or old, will benefit from these positive vibes. I will re-iterate a warning not to see your partner as a guru or the fixer of all things in your life. Of course, you’ll see the best qualities in each of the people with whom you share a special connection. But Jupiter’s deeper lesson is to teach you that everyone you admire is a reflection of the same beautiful qualities inside you. Embrace those qualities, call them your own, and share them with the world, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS SUN & RISING: Oh my you’ve got stars in your eyes this year. Though you’ve got a reputation as the bachelor sign of the zodiac, it appears as though love will have its way with you in the very near future. The romance begins in late January when your planetary ruler, Jupiter, moves into your romance and creativity zone. As you likely have experienced for yourself, Jupiter has a tendency to amplify the energy and potentialities of any sign he inhabits. How lovely for you, then, that he will grace this part of you life for the first six months of the year. If you’ve been hoping to meet someone special, you’d have to be hiding under a rock to miss this magic. Uranus will join Jupiter in mid-March, and the effect will likely be nothing short of dazzling. Uranus is set to stay in this sector of your solar chart for seven years, gradually teaching you that the most fulfilling way to live is from your heart.

You will also find new ways to express your abundant creativity. For your solar fifth house governs not just love but creative enterprises. If you have hobbies or enjoy the arts, make a point of experiencing live entertainment or letting your own artistic impulses flourish. This will add to the joy you feel. Once Jupiter moves into your solar house of daily routine, come June, you’ll be much busier – so it might pay to get as much leisure time in as you can during the first half of the year.

It looks as though you’ll have a fair bit on your plate in the second half of 2011. Saturn continues his tour of your house of social connections throughout this year and into the next one. If you haven’t already been called to some type of leadership within a group or association, you may be asked to play a more prominent role in 2011. Especially if you’re self-employed, getting involved has an effect on many of your business dealings, so do what you can. At the same time, from June on, Jupiter will bring greater opportunities on the job front, and Mars will be touring your career sector in November. I know you’ll feel relieved to be in demand, since this is likely to be reflected in your earnings. Pluto, the wee-est planet that packs the mightiest punch, continues to transform the way you handle your income – and it’s not always easy. But settle in Sadge, because Pluto is set to stay for well over a decade. Consider this a life-long lesson in how to become the best steward of all of your resources. Though you have a keen eye for the classics – which never go out of style – you’ve also been known to try and keep up with the Jones, sometimes to the detriment to your financial well-being. Pluto’s deeper lesson is to teach you the inherent value of money, to recognize it as one of many forms of energy, and to see the link between your values and your income. Able to spot patterns better than most, you’re very capable of working this out.

Should you have any doubts about your ability to maximize your resources, a New Moon on November 25 will awaken you to the possibilities. This particular New Moon is your very own, falling as it does in your sign. It also happens to be an eclipse, which amplifies the energy. I love this day for you because there will be a grand earth trine in effect – a heavenly configuration that brings a sense of ease and trust in your natural gifts. If you apply your energy towards putting out your intentions to the Universe on that day, you’ll receive an abundance of cosmic support to help you manifest those goals down the road. Don’t worry that this eclipse occurs so late in the year; consider it your jump-start into 2012. Besides, you may be so transfixed by a certain someone that everything else pales in comparison. Viva l’amour!

CAPRICORN SUN & RISING: Days into this new year you’re hosting a very dynamic eclipse, lucky Goat. As this is your New Moon for the year, please come back on January 4 for further details. As for the rest of your year, Pluto continues his epic fourteen-year journey through your sign. Pluto’s mandate is to weed out whatever chokes you, and to help you reclaim parts of yourself you’ve left untended. As you already know from last year’s experiences, this is not a warm and fuzzy transit. For many of you, it’s created concerns with health. Know that, as much as Pluto takes you into the Underworld, he eventually brings renewal and rejuvenation. At the very least, your instinct to fight the good fight is very strong.

You’re being prepared for a greater leadership role down the road. At a generational level, Pluto in Capricorn represents the eventual demise of corruption in our social infrastructures (government, business, banking, education, traditional religion). However slowly this unfolds, people around the globe are increasingly energized to participate in a new type of democratic process – one that doesn’t have room for rotten apples at the helm. Since you’re likely meant to be at the helm of something, somewhere down the line, you’re being singled out to clean up your act before ascending to the throne, so to speak. If you willingly face those aspects of yourself and your life that you’d just as soon turn a blind eye to, Pluto’s presence in your sign can point to a profound awareness and depth of spirit that many are still too sleepy to comprehend. Your role is to awaken those droopy-lidded souls. Not through unconventional means, but by working within traditional systems to strategize new ways of doing business so that commerce can flourish between people, communities and countries as a mutually beneficial exchange.

It’s no coincidence that, in keeping with this, your planetary ruler Saturn sits at the top of your solar chart, re-structuring your career and public reputation for another year and three-quarters. This is akin to your totem the Goat, having reached the top of the mountain. And, from this perspective, you have a very keen sense of what needs to shift and evolve in order to bring about continued success in your professional life. Some of those necessary changes will occur in your home life. When things at home aren’t operating smoothly, it has an impact on how you conduct business. Enter Uranus into your family life, mid-March. I’m not about to spin this momentous time as a smooth ride. If you know anything about Uranian energy you’re already aware of its erratic and sometimes cataclysmic nature. And yet, he’s set to appear on your doorstep in a matter of weeks. It’s a bit like having the mad professor show up for a seven-year spell. He’s brilliant, and he knows how to re-wire your entire house (like it or not!) but the clean-up is another story.

Have things at home become a bit stale? This is when Uranus appears. If you have family, someone is likely leaving the nest; if you live alone, perhaps you’re ready to change residences. On a deeper level, any core beliefs that you inherited may go out the window if they no longer support your journey towards excellence. You may feel on the brink of new self-discovery; go with it – this all furthers every area of your life, even if it feels as though you’re on a slippery slope. Jupiter will be at Uranus’ side for the first six months of the year, so you will have protection while you get used to the new craziness. Indeed, your motto may well end up being crazy is the new normal. Take note of any jittery sensations; this is Uranus energy coursing through your veins. It can manifest as requiring less sleep, and certainly less caffeine. You may need to consider giving up on caffeine altogether while Uranus is in such a sensitive spot. If you notice headaches (Aries, the sign Uranus will be in, rules the head), check in with yourself: is there an idea you’ve given short-shrift to, that needs further consideration? Don’t dismiss bolts out of the blue because they seem impractical on the surface. If anyone knows how to turn something un-doable into reality it’s you.
Once Jupiter moves into your creative and romantic sector, mid-June, you may actually find yourself falling in love with your life all over again, in spite of (or because of?) any confusion over what the bleep is happening to your life. Romance will get a boost, and your creative juices may be full to overflowing. Allow yourself to express the joy you feel, however it comes out. The Universe has been mystic-izing your mind over the past few years, so love resonates with you on a deeper level, and your inner poet needs to be heard. Indeed, when inspirational Neptune moves into your mind in April, you may lose your affinity to sensor everything you say. Neptune gradually erodes our boundaries, and this kind of mental magic will ensure that you see the world you inhabit through the eyes of an idealist. To be able to blend your pragmatic soul with the energy of a mystic is no small wonder. Yours will be the type of vision that society requires in order to create a healthy new world. Capricorn, believe that you were born for this.

AQUARIUS SUN & RISING: Yours is the sign most associated with genius. Anyone who hasn’t figured out yet how brilliant you are, is about to find out soon enough – and if you’ve ever doubted yourself, here comes a cosmic reassurance that you are gifted indeed. Saturn (your traditional ruler) has been pushing you for over a year now to become more educated, and to pass your knowledge on. This trend continues throughout 2011. But just in case you’ve let your mind settle into a routine (you’re a fixed sign after all, so routine is important to you), your modern ruler Uranus is set to revolutionize the way you think, and the way you communicate. For those of you involved in education, this will have a noticeable impact on how you gather and disseminate information. Regardless of your profession, consider yourself the go-to person when someone needs an idea, a strategy, or even a random fact. Uranus’ transit in this sector of your chart is a long one; you’ll be the recipient of cosmic downloads, as I like to call them, for about seven years.

If we consider Pluto’s presence in your unconscious realm – the places you go to when you’re dreaming – it works in tandem with Uranus in your waking hours to deepen your intuitive awareness of how the Universe works. In a way, you may feel yourself breathing with the Cosmos. Your understanding of how profoundly you are woven into the cosmic matrix will certainly intensify. And the knowledge that comes to you both through your dreams and through your awakened mind is partly what you’re here to share with others. You may not always know where some of your more ‘out there’ ideas or visions come from, but you will recognize the truth – even if it comes in bits and pieces – when it comes to you.

Jupiter will actually arrive in your conscious mind and communication sector well in advance of Uranus, so you may feel the extra brain power by the third week of January. What’s noticeable about Jupiter’s role here until mid-June is that he bolsters your aptitude for pattern recognition. Understanding trends and cycles, both in your life and in the general tempo of society is a huge boon. If you’re self-employed this will come into play in terms of your marketing and professional relations. A person who knows which way the wind is blowing can apply that just about anywhere.

For those of you who are self-employed, the cosmic goodies continue. Once Jupiter moves out of your head and into your home, you will likely enjoy the energy if you have a home office. Regardless of your work life though, you may feel the need to move into a larger home. Or perhaps your family is growing this year. By June you may feel it’s time for more space. The other possibility with having Jupiter in sensuous Taurus in your solar fourth house is a desire to make your home more beautiful. You will likely want your home to be a true reflection of who you are and what you espouse.

One area of your life that will require a concerted effort on your part is your finances. I’m referring specifically to your income. Neptune – the ethereal planet that’s been in your sign for years – is finally exiting Aquarius and moving into his home sign of Pisces. A whole new era is underway, Aquarius, but with Neptune in your solar second house of material and spiritual assets, you need to be diligent about how you handle your money. It’s really easy to fall into a lazy routine with Neptune here. If you’re employed by someone else, do check your pay stubs; don’t assume that errors can’t occur. Track your hours. Likewise, if you’re self-employed, keep meticulous tabs on your services, your billings and your receivables. Develop healthy habits that strengthen your financial situation now so that Neptune’s energy can be used for its highest good.

A beneficial manifestation of Neptune in your solar second house is a deepening faith that you will always be provided for, even if the chips are down. Just don’t let this take you down the path of even if I do nothing, help will arrive. The real beauty of Neptune in this sector of your chart is to show you what happens when you align your humanitarian principles with your finances. If your earnings come from ethical dealings that promote a better world, you’ll feel the magic that Neptune can bring. Similarly, if you take your business as a consumer to those places – from the big banks to the small grocery stores – with a mandate to treat everyone with respect (including their staff), and to offer back to the community that sustains them, you will be living proof of the connection between faith, good deeds, and abundance.

Do you know what your goals and aspirations are for 2011? Make a point of writing them down or creating a vision board on February 2. This is your annual New Moon, ear-marked for you. Besides the Sun and Moon in your sign, you’ll have the added energy of Mars (initiative and will) and Neptune (inspiration and magic) to power your goals and deepen your faith in the power of miracles. It’s time to step into the magic and see it as a normal occurrence every day, Aquarius.

PISCES SUN & RISING: Things are changing, Fish, and this won’t escape your attention in 2011. Your modern ruler, Neptune, is getting ready to return home to your very sign in April, and this is a game-changer. For starters, your intuitive abilities – already pronounced – will heighten even more. If you’ve been learning how to use your psychic abilities Neptune’s presence may add mediumistic or channeling capabilities. Once upon a time you had a tendency to second-guess yourself but soon you will experience what it’s like to be in the flow on a regular basis. Your creative expression will also benefit from Neptune’s stay (between April and August), and you may very well hear a little muse whispering in your ear. And, if you enjoy being seen as glamorous, Neptune will give you a boost in this department as well.

There are a few tricky things about hosting Neptune in your solar first house of self-identity, so let’s identify those. Because one of Neptune’s functions is to dissolve boundaries, you may feel more sponge-like than ever. You’re already affected by other people’s energy, as it is – which makes it all too easy to ‘carry’ other people’s stuff. As you pick up on others’ emotions, you need to allow yourself ample time and space to rid yourself of energy that can too easily attach itself to you. Cleansing water will be more vital to you than ever before. If you’re accustomed to showering at the start of the day, you may now find it more effective to wash it all off at the end of the day.

You also need to be aware of picking up strays. You know what I mean, Pisces. You see the best potential in everyone you meet – even people that others might write off as hopeless. This is one of your most lovely attributes. But you can go overboard in your attempts to rescue people from themselves, even when they’re not necessarily prepared to be rescued. You will need to use all of your powers of discernment to identify those people who will genuinely benefit from your kindness, and those who are aiming to take advantage of you. If this is difficult for you to do, allow a trusted friend or partner to help you see more clearly. A third drawback to Neptune’s presence in such a sensitive spot is the possibility of spacing out. You’re able to swim away to new worlds in the blink of an eye, without anyone realizing you’ve left the building. And you do require ways to ‘escape’ now and then. But save the zoning out for when you’re safely tucked away at home. For your own safety, be aware of your environment and don’t drift off in public spaces.

I hope I haven’t ruined the magic of Neptune’s pending visit, but it’s important to be aware of the many ways his energy can manifest, for good or ill. Fortunately, there are other cosmic influences that will keep you from going off the deep end rescuing everyone and their aunts. Saturn is still guarding your coffers – specifically the money that you share with a romantic or business partner, or any inheritances or windfalls. If you feel even remotely tempted to write a blank cheque, Saturn will want to know exactly where the money is going, Pisces. He continues to teach you how to be smarter with your resources, especially so that you have something put away for a rainy day. His presence in your solar eighth house of shared resources suggests that, like last year, this is not a great year to take out loans, nor is it prudent to max out any credit cards. If you’re launching a new enterprise that involves investing a hefty sum, ensure that you are well protected with legal advice.

A little bit of magic comes to your finances, in case you thought this was going to be all doom and gloom. Jupiter, your classical ruler, is moving into the area of your chart that governs your income, later in January. You can expect to see an increase in the first six months, which should be welcome news. Later on, in mid-March, Uranus will enter the scene and stay put for some seven years. Wherever Uranus shows up, we feel more prepared to take risks. However, I would urge you to be conservative with your money, at least until you get used to having his maverick energy so close to your bank account. Still, with Jupiter’s protection of your assets until June, and Saturn providing the checks and balances, if you need to do something financially daring, make your move before June.

If you really want to make use of the cosmic energy available to you, take note of March 4. This is the date of your annual New Moon and, with six heavenly bodies lined up in your sign, this is a powerful day to visualize all of your goals for 2011. Use whatever methods you prefer to announce your intentions to a Universe that will be listening with rapt attention. If one of your aspirations is to secure greater wealth, you’ll be happy to hear that Mars, which governs your solar second house of income, will be joining forces with the Sun and Moon in your sign to help activate your dreams. Do your part by focusing on your goals, then take steps each day to bring them to fruition.

Another reason why I really like this New Moon in Pisces is because Mars will also be in an easy alignment with Pluto, who remains in the area of your chart that governs all of your social connections. If you don’t already have friends in high places, or know some powerful contacts, that’s likely to change on or around this date. You’ve done plenty of favours for friends and associates over the years, Pisces. Often you’ve given your services away for a fraction of what others would charge. And, although the spirit of giving means not expecting something in return, quite frankly it’s a natural law that whatever we give comes back to us in some form. This would be the year you receive much more than you could imagine, as a cosmic give-back. Continue to nurture any connections with people who are able to assist you through whatever channels they have, and be grateful that you’re so well-thought of.

Even siblings and neighbours, or people in your community are in a position to help you achieve your goals. Once Jupiter leaves your income sector in June he will lend his generosity to your solar third house. This emphasizes the role that other people will play in your life in 2011. The third house also involves your mind, as well as communication and education. If you write or teach, your gift of the gab will become evident. Singers, this is a boon for you as well, for singing is a type of verbal communication – and Jupiter will be in Taurus, the sign that rules the throat. If you’ve been hoping for a contract you’ll have Jupiter’s fortune for a full twelve months, come June.

Regardless of your profession or hobbies, make sure you get out and about regularly, in order to keep stoking your creative fire. And while you make your way around the ‘hood, keep your eyes and ears open, stay alert, and leave the credit cards at home. If you can monitor yourself and stay grounded, Saturn will be much kinder; and Neptune will lead you home, where you can retreat safely into the arms of the Universe, listening intently to its song, humming along.