Welcome To Penny Thornton's Astrolutely.com

The Following Month Ahead Horoscopes Were Found:

1st February 2003 - 28th February 2003
Deep and meaningful is one way of describing your February stars, downright perplexing might be another. Fortunately, you are one of the more intuitive and insightful members of the zodiac so you may find yourself entirely at home in this jungle of human affairs. Then again, if could be finances that present the greatest conundrum. The next four weeks could see you negotiating a large loan, sorting out a mortgage or in dialogue with an ex, all of which is geared to making you more financially secure. Before the 14th, discussions should be easy and ripple-free but around Valentine�s Day the astrological climate takes a nose-dive and reaching agreement will prove more challenging.

The mid-to-late period of February has some of the most dynamic alignments that we have seen since December so if plans have been held up during January they�re likely to be moving ahead in the second half of February. The trouble is that these alignments do not always work in the most gratifying of ways: what happens instead is that people change their minds or undergo experiences that mean they cannot fulfil their promises. Put another way, due to circumstances beyond your control, planned events may have to be postponed and in one way or another your expectations may not be met.

Happily, Venus, the planet of harmony, love and romance, will be transiting the area of relationships throughout February so there could be some wonderful romantic highs to look forward to. Indeed, this could be the best month of the year to marry or become engaged. And if your relationship has lost its lustre, Venus could put the romantic sparkle back, big time.

1st January 2003 - 31st January 2003
You're definitely not alone in January, although you may find yourself longing for some space and autonomy. The seventh house of relationships is the centre for much of the astrological activity, with the area of work and well-being coming a close second. Mercury, the planet of communication, will be in retrograde from the 2nd until to the 23rd so you may encounter delays and frustrations with travel, transportation and negotiations. On the plus side, Mercury will help you retrieve lost objects and re-think issues close to your heart and essential to your future progress.

January is a month when you can resolve relationship problems and, thanks to Mercury's backwards motion, reconnect with an old love or successfully close a painful chapter. And if you meet a new partner or you are offered a fresh opportunity don't be afraid to take your time and do some research before giving your answer. The full moon of the 18th is the only one this year in your sign so in some ways you are at the peak of your powers yet also susceptible to letting your emotions interfere with good judgement. This mid-point of the month would be an ideal time to settle a long-standing dispute, make a long-term commitment or acknowledge what is truly in your heart.

The work zone has both Venus and Mars coursing through it, which in some cases, could inspire an office romance or some welcome developments at work. However, if there are any difficulties or hostilities at work these are likely to erupt in full force after the 23rd.

The start of the year is often a time when we take a long hard look at ourselves and with January's astro-scape it is likely to be your health and fitness levels that come under the keenest scrutiny. Indeed, whether for love, work or your overall well-being January's events more than echo the New Year theme of out with the old and in with the new.

1st March 2003 - 31st March 2003
Cancerians, we are told, love their homes and rarely stray from them if they can help it. Not only is this an over-generalization but when planets travel through the ninth house of the horoscope you in turn often get the travel bug. On paper, at least, this is a month of widening horizons, whether you do indeed travel abroad and take more journeys or whether you start to look outside the box for solutions on the one hand and happiness and fulfilment on the other.

March allows you to remove yourself from issues that have absorbed so much of your energy and take a broader look at your life. You can plan for the future and involve yourself in activities that are more emotionally and intellectually satisfying. And to add to the up-beat flavour, Venus lights up one of the financial areas of your chart, helping you to resolve money worries and improve your overall monetary position.

On the 10th Uranus enters your fellow water sign of Pisces, thereby beginning a seven-year period during which your world will open up in ways you could not have dreamed of. For some Cancerians this effect will be apparent this month but for others it will take time before you experience the kind of personal liberation and change that pleases rather than phases you.

So far so good. However, as in all months there are days when the cosmos does not oblige: days when everyone, including you seems to have got out of bed on the wrong side. Between the 8th and 18th a series of challenging angles form between Saturn, Pluto, Mercury and the sun. Looked at positively these angles will produce solid results and they will enable you to see the truth of a situation as opposed to the fantasy. But on the down side this could turn out to be a ten-day period when little seems to go your way and there may be a real disappointment to absorb. Keep your eyes focused on the future, Cancer, because what proves to be unworkable under these aspects wasn�t going to do you any favours in the long term. And vice versa, of course, what comes up trumps is worth its weight in gold.

1st April 2003 - 30th April 2003
It is really time you exploded the myth that Cancerians fight shy of confrontation and rarely nurture fierce ambitions. This is out and out nonsense. You are a Cardinal sign and the Cardinals are high achievers and goal-getters. And never more so than this April. A stellar cluster of influences in the area of career and life direction single this month out as the one to make your bid for success and to show people just what a star you are. And with the lovely Venus transiting the area of long-distance matters you could see success with your long-term plans and get a lot more out of life by casting your net way beyond home territory.

Romance has a far-away feel to it, whether you meet someone attractive in/from a distant place or whether you are headed off on holiday with your significant other. And if you remember the maxim, the further you go the further you�ll get, you won�t go far wrong.

Jupiter turns direct on the 4th and since this planet is focusing his efforts on finance and your emotional security, if the past few months have given you some anxious moments, you should start to receive a return for your efforts from this point forward. Jupiter has some five more months to go in this all-important zone of the horoscope so the concept -speculate to accumulate - is another one to keep in mind. This is a promising period in which to start a business, to open financial negotiations with an employer or monetary organization, and it is also a good time to sell or buy property.

The trickiest patch of the month falls between the 11th and 16th. Pluto, Neptune and a full moon make the going complex and intense then and the full moon theme of the-end-of-a-chapter could emerge abruptly and with powerful emotional punch.

Nevertheless, April is a vast improvement on previous months and you leave no stone unturned to pursue your objectives.

1st May 2003 - 31st May 2003
Cancer is a sign ruled by the moon, which is why you respond to the moon�s cycle, replenishing your emotional resources at new moon and unloading emotional baggage at full moon. But when the moon is eclipsed these processes are experienced tenfold. And there are two eclipses in May - the first (full moon) on the 16th and the second (new moon) on the 31st.

The lunar eclipse of the 16th cuts across the creative axis of your solar chart, so the end of a gestation period is writ large in this full moon. Aside from the process of giving birth in the literal sense, the end of a gestation period could apply to the coming into being of a new endeavour or a friendship/love affair. And while it is entirely possible that such an event will take place on or near these eclipse points, it may take some weeks before the promise of the eclipse is fulfilled. And fortunately you are a patient sign!

Throughout the month Neptune is on hand to make life magical or maniacal! This intriguing planet never produces events that are straightforward, so you should be on the alert for mistakes and mis-communications, especially around the 3rd, 12th, 14th and 27th. Since Neptune is transiting the area of financial and emotional exchange you need to be particularly careful with monetary matters and relationship issues. It may be that someone is not being entirely truthful with you or that some vital information has been left out, which interferes with the fulfillment of a plan. And since Mercury will be in retrograde until the 20th the trend for losses, delays and general confusion is high.

The second eclipse (31st) falls in the off-beat twelfth house of your horoscope. On the plus side, this eclipse could signal the birth of an idea, the seed of an endeavour, which could make it into reality in roughly six months time. On the minus side, this eclipse could highlight a problem - possibly related to health or work - that requires nipping in the bud now before it becomes a more serious issue by the end of the year.

On balance May is a month that Alice in Wonderland would have described as becoming curiouser and curiouser.

1st May 2003 - 1st May 2003
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this months forecast has been delayed! Please call back again soon. Penny

1st June 2003 - 30th June 2003
If you�re an astrological groupie you�ll probably already know that something �big� is about to happen: the planet, Saturn, will enter your sign on 4th June at exactly 1.28 am GMT. And, if you know anything at all about astrology, you�ll also be aware that Saturn means business. For the next couple of years you will learn everything there is to learn about making your mark, standing up and being counted, and you will be in no doubt as to your life priorities. There is a rumour that Saturn equates to hard work and painful experience - well, you may get the occasional wake-up call from this planet but by the time you reach the end of 2005, you will look back on the period between now and then and see it as one of the most seminal of your life.

The first taste you will have of Saturn is later in June (24th), and especially if you were born at the beginning of Cancer - that is to say between the 21st and 26th of June - these last ten days of the month could see you taking on a major commitment or dealing with a situation that requires strength, patience and fortitude. (Remember, this is how you make your mark!)

Before the sun enters your sign on the 21st it will be transiting the secluded twelfth house of your solar chart. This therefore is a prime time to rest up and recharge the batteries. All right, it might be difficult to get leave of absence from the family and the boss but even you can find some quiet time every so often! Practices like meditation and dreaming will be highly beneficial - in fact any method by which you can access the subconscious and release its riches is recommended. Health and fitness levels may be a little lower than usual - all the more reason therefore to retreat from the rat race whenever possible and to seek advice with any injury or complaint.

Pluto and Uranus are responsible for many of the month�s ups and downs and while you cannot turn a blind eye to any problems at work or any changes in the dynamics of a close relationship you would be better waiting until the sun exits the twelfth house (21st June) before acting on your feelings.

1st July 2003 - 31st July 2003
There�s one very good reason why July promises to be an enjoyable month and that is Venus. This planet of love, affection, harmony and balance graces your sign until the 29th, giving you an edge in any competitive situation and helping you maximize your assets. Venus in your sign does not automatically guarantee an improved love life but it does highlight your charm and attractiveness, thereby upping your chances of making a hit with someone and softening any hard edges that have come between you and your significant other. For this reason July is one of the best periods of 2003 in which to marry, become engaged or celebrate your love. It is also an excellent month to upgrade your image and to invest in yourself and your talents.

Saturn�s entry into your sign may not have made an impact on your life just yet, but if you have a June birthday the first half of July could produce the odd Saturnian moment - and you�ll recognize one when you meet it because you will be brought down to earth with a bump! On the minus side, Saturn will show you where there are any weak links in the chain, and during the first half of July it may seem as though you are being given an unreasonably hard time of it by the fates but if you treat a difficulty as a rite of passage it will help. On the plus side, Saturn may give you a solid result that enables you to cement your reputation or add to your responsibilities in the most welcome of ways.

The full moon of the 13th puts a relationship in the spotlight, and since Venus is in the ascendancy this would be an appropriate time to marry or to make a major decision about a relationship. Full moons tend to up the emotional amps so this weekend could be a time when the tears flow rather liberally. If you do feel overwhelmed by events do your best to acquire some distance before committing yourself to an opinion or issuing any threats or promises.

From the 23rd finances become the hot area of the horoscope, whether it�s a case of spend, spend, spend or putting money-matters onto a stronger, more stable footing.

1st August 2003 - 31st August 2003
Possessions and financial and emotional security are crucial to the Cancerian�s well-being, and never more so than this August. Jupiter has been moving through the area of self-worth since last August so there have been opportunities to add to your lot, one way or another, but if you have not prospered at all August�s influences give you a real chance to increase your personal and financial stock.

Of course, part of the battle is reversing your natural inclination towards pessimism. Now, I don�t mean to be unkind here, but caution and reserve are the hallmarks of your sign - you tend to see a glass half empty rather than half full. With this in mind, perhaps you should take a different view of your financial situation or a relationship and instead of focusing on the deficits, pay attention to the assets. The full moon of the 12th brings a financial or emotional pattern to an end, making it an ideal time to gather a harvest and sow the seeds of future abundance. In real terms, this mid-part of August could prove to be a time when your accounts need balancing and commitments that have served their purpose need to be shed. This could also be a crucial time for property matters, whether you are purchasing a home or selling one. And in terms of emotional patterns coming to an end, this would be a perfect time to marry or to make permanent changes to established relationships.

The second half of the month is dominated by the Jupiter-Uranus opposition - an aspect that has the power to shift the most entrenched of situations. There is an out-of-the-blue quality to Jupiter-Uranus combinations, which on the plus side produce lucky breaks and unexpectedly good results but on the minus side can upset plans and raise anxiety levels. Now, this is where Cancerian caution comes in very handy, and you get to be the voice of reason amid a chorus of hype. Indeed, it could be said that August goes out with a bang!

1st September 2003 - 30th September 2003
Dull and uninspiring is not how I would describe this astro-scape: rivetting and revelatory is more what I had in mind. And while these adjectives may well apply to the lives of people you know or to events in distant locations, you may run into the odd pothole yourself. Indeed, travel and communications are the centre-point of September�s stirring alignments.

You may have chosen this month for a long-distance journey or you may be expecting an all-important event, if so, these influences underscore what you already know but if you have nothing but empty pages in your diary, you may shortly have enough material to write a book! On the plus side, the aspects forming between the 5th and 17th have the power to transform your thinking on a certain matter or your opinion of someone. But on the minus side, events could leave you with a mighty big re-think on your hands. During the next two years Saturn�s transit of your sign will help you make your mark and it will certainly add substance to you in personal and professional terms, so if a current pursuit is leading you away from your true path, an avenue may well come to an end now.

You are a sensible, patient and persistent sign, and it is these qualities that will help you make the most of situations now: you will be able to see a delay as an opportunity to revise and re-work things and you will not make a soap opera out of a change of plan. You can acquire a vast amount of knowledge this month, whether you do so by taking a study course, adding to your library of self-help manuals or because your experience provides you with an invaluable lesson.

Not that September is all about delays and learning curves. There are some Venus-shaped compensations, which may come in the form of a loving message, a journey that takes a romantic twist or an event that opens your heart.

1st October 2003 - 31st October 2003
The base of the horoscope is synonymous with the foundations of life, and when the sun moves through this area issues related to the home and family arise. This is one of the most important of the year�s cycles, because not only are you reminded of what really matters in life, but also opportunities appear for you to lay down the foundation stones of new endeavours. The new moon of the 26th September was the signal for fresh growth and fresh input on old and lingering problems, and by the 25th October you should have planted some new seeds and may even be seeing a shoot or two.

Saturn is the one planet to give you pause for thought. Saturn entered your sign in June and by October is making its first 90 degree angles to the sun and Mercury: in a nutshell these aspects (at their most pressing on the 6th, 10th, 14th and 25th) show you what is working and what patently isn�t, but not with a view to crushing your hopes but to urging you to deal with problems before they become too great to handle. Thus, if a relationship hits one of those ruts in the road or someone gives you some less than welcome news, you need to look at the situation dispassionately and make a constructive plan as to how to move forward. All right, in a few cases it may be impossible to right the wrongs, but at least Saturn will help you make a difficult decision, and from then on you can build anew.

For some Cancerians this is a month of house moves and domestic changes - an offspring may be the centre of events and, even if you are not a parent, you could find yourself playing such a role. Likewise, parents become a sharper focus of life and the full moon of the 10th could find you coping with a domestic glitch or a difficult family member. The full moon of the 10th, like all full moons urges closure and completion, and while this may translate as a change of home location, there could be other, less obvious ways, in which a small chapter of life comes to an end.

By and large, October is one of those months that helps you add substance to your life: you should see results and there should be answers to questions posed many moons ago.

1st November 2003 - 30th November 2003
Given that you�re such an intuitive sign, you�ve probably sensed already that �something� is brewing - what that something is may be hard to define but you feel it in your water! November is indeed a month of extraordinary alignments, which do not always guarantee epoch-making events but they can inspire changes of heart and open up new directions. (And if you�re interested in finding out more about November�s major planetary alignment, take a look at my new article on the home page - Harmonic Convergences, Eclipses and other awe-inspiring matters.)

November contains two total eclipses - the lunar eclipse on 8th November in Taurus cuts across the creative axis of your solar chart and the solar on the 23rd in Sagittarius falls in the work sector - and eclipses spell the unexpected and the life-defining. Sometimes an eclipse will take up to six months to reveal its purpose but on this occasion an event of significance may well take place around these two dates. On the plus side, the lunar eclipse of the 8th/9th could mark the culmination of a long period of preparation and waiting, such as the birth of a baby or an enterprise or the making of an emotional contract, like marriage while the solar eclipse of the 23rd could signal a new phase for working life. But on the minus side, November may turn out to be a time when an enterprise or an association bites the dust or there is a prevailing sense of deep uncertainty about the future.

Of course, I will keep you abreast of all the planetary ups and downs as each week of November passes, but if you would like to reach December with all your ducks in a row my advice would be to have back-up plans for events already in your diary and to be very tolerant and flexible about any changes inspired by other people. And by complete contrast what takes off big time in November will prove life-changing in the very best of ways.

1st December 2003 - 31st December 2003
Every year at this time the sun highlights the area of work and well-being, so is it any surprise that you are invariably run ragged in December? Of course, you could be clever this year and delegate some of the responsibilities and simply enjoy what other people have to offer you. Likewise, instead of burning the candle at both ends, you could put your health and fitness first.

I wouldn�t describe December�s stars as heaven in a bottle but they are at least an improvement on November�s. However, if, by any chance, you are already concerned about a situation - perhaps a job or financial issue - matters are likely to reach a head on or near the 12th. Pluto is in the frame at this time and this planet helps you strip away the dead wood - wonderful for a home/office spring clean, rather less pleasant if a friend or commitment goes by the board.

On the 16th Mars arrives on the mid-heaven of your solar chart, earmarking the beginning of a six-week period of considerable activity on the career, life-direction and domestic front. Mars will give you courage and confidence - just what you need to blaze a trail - however, there is a chance that an employer or someone who has a say in what you do and where you go, could become an opponent rather than a supporter. All the more reason, therefore, with Mercury turning retrograde the following day that you ensure all work is complete and all messages have reached their destination.

Saturn plays a major role in December�s proceedings and if you have a late June/early July birthday you�ll need to be particularly careful about crossing boundaries, whether in the sense of over-exceeding the limits of your health and finances or treading on someone�s toes. You are in a giant learning curve at the moment and while Saturn could enable you to take on a position of authority he will definitely add to your responsibilities, which may or may not be an entirely joyful experience. Saturn is at his most effective around the 6th, 13th, 22nd, and 31st.

The year goes out with Saturn and begins under him - a sobering thought, if only that there is still a lot to be done to get you where you want to be. Onward and upward, Cancer!

1st January 2004 - 31st January 2004
Well, how shall I put it? Oh, I know: S-A-T-U-R-N. This leaden planet has been with you since June, and as a travelling companion he�s really no fun at all, however, he does know when you�re about to fall off the straight and narrow and he has a precise idea of where your weaknesses lie! So, as we enter 2004, with a sun-Saturn opposition near the mid-night hour, followed by a Mars-Saturn square on the 1st, a hang-over from a surfeit of champers could be the least of your problems. Now, before you decide never to return to astrolutely.com again, let me reassure you that life will get better as the month goes by and that Saturnian experiences, though trying at the time, will make you stronger and wiser.

The sun�s passage through the area of relationships and it�s opposing position to Saturn suggests that your route to becoming wiser and stronger lies through other people - they are the agents of growth. On the one hand, the opening to January is a time when you can solidify relationships, whether they be of the personal, romantic, business or familial kind and on the other, a painful episode may lead to a period of separation. Mercury turns direct on the 6th and is followed by a full moon in your sign (7th) so once these first seven days are over, you will have completed this particular learning curve. Mercury and the full moon may well produce the answer you have been seeking and there is a sense of your eyes being opened at this time.

From the 20th the astrological emphasis shifts onto money and joint interests and it seems there are some financial improvements in the pipe-line. Certainly, in this second half of January you can put finances on a more realistic footing and discuss policies and plans with partners and people who have an effect on your security and stability.

Also, towards the end of the month, your chart reveals a lot more movement and change, which may translate as plenty of travel or your acquiring knowledge, information and training, which you will be able to put to good use in the near and distant future.

1st February 2004 - 29th February 2004
The eighth house of the horoscope is a complex area - all things taboo and transformational are to be found here - but one of its more understandable functions is to reveal what you get from others with whom you have an emotional or financial relationship. For instance, if you recently began a romantic or business relationship, it is during this month that your interaction deepens and matures, yet it is also a time when difficulties beneath the surface begin to be exposed, leaving both parties feeling somewhat vulnerable. And with a dynamic configuration involving Pluto, Venus and the moon (Sunday, 1st) you may discover precisely what I mean sooner than later.

If a money issue comes to a head in the early part of the month, do your best not to take it personally and focus on finding a solution that is workable and in everyone�s best interests. If, on the other hand, an emotional impasse is reached, do not head into denial mode: facts and feelings need confronting and, as they say, it�s better out than in. Good relationships become stronger through a crisis while those that are flimsy prove just how insubstantial and unsustainable they are.

Valentine�s Day brings Saturn into the foreground again - remember how it was at the end of the old year and the entry into 2004? Saturn is the tax man of the zodiac: his brand of reality is invariably as welcome as a lead balloon. On the one hand, the 14th February is a great day to take your marriage vows or to make a long-term commitment but on the other, a painful realization could be on the cards. And the late June birthdays are front of the queue here.

On the 19th, the sun moves into the far-horizons zone, enabling you to get your chin off the ground, your nose out of the account book and encouraging you to think of happier climes. You may travel from this date and you should certainly open your mind to new possibilities. Uranus will also prove to be a great help when it comes to making positive changes and getting you out of non-productive ruts - it will also help you move onward an upward should Saturn and Pluto have bulldozed your hopes earlier in the month.

1st March 2004 - 31st March 2004
Home is usually where Cancer�s heart is but planets in the ninth house of overseas places and distant objectives, could tempt you to spread your wings in March. While some Cancerians may indeed be travelling far, others will reflect this month�s wide-ranging theme by looking to the future and making moves intended to expand your talents and your lifestyle.

The month can be separated neatly into two: the first half, until the 15th, is likely to prove more challenging while the second half is easier and more fun. This may pan out as your having to deal with an already pressing problem in the first half of the month, solving it, say, on or near the 17th, and then enjoying being free of pressures. Saturn and Pluto are the usual suspects when it comes to creating static, and particularly on or near the 7th and 13th (and especially if you have a late June/early July birthday) you should expect to meet with some opposition then, and/or to face a reality of some description.

Legal, educational and contractual matters are also on the agenda for March. The full moon of the 6th augurs the end of a negotiation, or the peak of a situation, so on the plus side, a contract or settlement could follow and on the minus side you may be faced with a major re-think. Travel, as always, is trickier around full moon, so if you�re journeying then, take extra time, have a contingency plan up your sleeve and don�t lose your cool.

On the 20th the sun reaches the mid-heaven of your solar chart, thereby beginning a four-week period when things of the career and getting ahead kind take priority. A new moon on the same day points to a new opportunity - a change of job for some, a new home or work location for others.

The month ends on an unusual note - not a time to rely on people to do what they usually do, nor to experience quite what you expected on a visit or during a meeting.

1st April 2004 - 30th April 2004
If you were in danger of forgetting you are a Cardinal sign, April�s alignments will do their best to remind you. Cardinal people are go-getters; they are self-motivated and highly capable, and with the sun pressing its way through the tenth house of career and life ambitions - not to mention a solar eclipse there on the 19th - April is a premium month for achieving a much-desired goal, or at the very least getting plans off the drawing board and impressing those who count.

On the face of it, Mercury�s retrograde passage between the 6th and 30th appears to contradict this onward and upward theme, but a retro Mercury can prove very useful in revealing past errors and helping you to put right a potentially damaging flaw in a scheme or association. With this in mind, try not to resent any delays or detours you will be forced to make.

Of course, Mercury�s backwards trek won�t help travel during the Easter period, so if you are heading away for the holiday or you have people coming to visit you, expect congestion, delays and detours. Nevertheless, a retrograde Mercury also earmarks a period when you can take the pedal off the metal, so to speak - at least for a few days.

The solar eclipse of the 19th is partial, so it�s effect will be more muted than your full blown total eclipse, however, if you have a birthday towards the end of your sign - say on or near the 22nd/23rd July - the signal for a new window of opportunity has been sounded. Top of the list for any new windows of opportunity is your job, so if you have been toying with the idea of making a change here, or sensing changes afoot, this solar eclipse represents a green light.

The weekend of the 24th is the most power-packed weekend of April - perfect for getting rid of items you don�t need and starting with a clean slate: also great for discovering who and what counts in life.

1st May 2004 - 31st May 2004
With Mercury getting back on track at the beginning of May, information that has been missing appears and a question mark hovering over a situation disappears. On the face of it this all sounds very helpful, however, with a Venus-Pluto opposition on the 2nd and a total lunar eclipse on the 4th, what emerges into the light in early May could pack a powerful punch. The eclipsed full moon cuts across the creative axis of your chart, and signals the end of a gestation period: aside from the obvious expression of this theme in the birth of a baby, there are many ways in which the end of a gestation period can manifest: a relationship that has been conducted in secret may be ready to go public, an idea that has been on the drawing board could get the go-ahead and all sorts of other things that have been gently simmering could suddenly reach boiling point.

On the 7th Mars enters your sign, which has its upside and its downside. When Mars is working well, you can steam ahead with your life; you have energy and ambition to spare, but this planet does you no favours at all when it generates conflict and controversy, which it may well do off and on between now and the end of June. My advice is to avoid taking anything too personally, and not to drive yourself to the point of exhaustion.

The sun�s entry into the low-key twelfth house (20th) is another reason to pace yourself carefully, and to pay attention to any health worries. Between the 20th and the 31st your perception of situations is not as sharp is it usually is, so take advice and surround yourself with positive individuals: that way, you won�t make a mountain out of a molehill. When Mars connects with Saturn on the 25th, could turn out to be a particularly challenging day, and while you can accomplish a major task, there is a chance that you will feel defeated and disappointed. Don�t: you�ll live to fight another day!

1st June 2004 - 30th June 2004
It can be a funny old time when the sun trundles through the twelfth house - nothing seems to add up and you tend to feel more fragile and needy. The plus to this transit, however, is that your psychic powers become turbo-charged, and your dreams, techni-colour. Thus, between now and 21st June, take a little more care of yourself, avoid those situations that and those people who stress you out, and keep a notebook by your bed.

Until the 17th June, the cosmos is out of sorts: a series of challenging aspects involving Uranus and Pluto make for difficulties across the zodiac and throughout the globe. Hidden factors come to light, and since the sixth house in your solar chart is the setting for much of the astro-aggro, work could be the arena for any revelations and revolutions! Long-distance matters are also in the frame, whether you decide on a last-minute trip or whether travel brings its share of challenges. Health is another key issue for June, so aside from taking adequate rest, any little worries should be sorted sooner than later.

On the 23rd the arrival of Mars in the money zone of your chart should begin to perk up finances, although this same planet can create financial disagreements if the seeds of conflict are already sown. Thus from the 23rd and throughout July, you will need to be the iron hand in the velvet glove when it comes to monetary negotiations, if not a lot more besides.

1st July 2004 - 31st July 2004
With the sun in full sail in your sign, how can you be less than happy and optimistic? In a word: Saturn. This planet is holding court during the first twelve days of the month, and especially if you have a 6th-10th July birthday, this is bound to make you feel somewhat less than ecstatic. Saturn is a fairly joyless planet: under Saturn you have to work very hard to achieve your objectives, and praise or approbation is hard to come by. So, if you are one of those Cancerians feeling cheesed off with life, remember that this state of being will not last forever. Early July�s events are part of life, not all of it. Saturn does have his uses, of course, and for as many dispirited Crabs as there are, there are also those who feel they are finally finding their niche: they are acquiring gravitas, and adding to their responsibilities in the happiest of ways.

Relationships and finance are two major themes for July: the full moon of the 2nd marks a turning point for a love affair and/or puts an established relationship in the hot seat, so to speak. Under this full moon it is appropriate to marry/ make a long-term commitment yet this same full moon could mark the ending of a relationship. Sometimes, people go out of your life under a Saturn/full moon combo, and if this does indeed happen to you, try to remember the wonderful things about the relationship and do not dwell on any regrets and hurts.

Normally, Cancer is great with money - you�re not one of the zodiac�s spendthrifts - but aspects to Neptune mid-month suggest that finances are not quite what they should be. A missing payment, perhaps, or an unexpected loss - whatever the case, this is a time to be extra vigilant with monetary transactions, and to take even more care with valuables.

Nevertheless, these are small grievances in an otherwise far, far better month than June.

1st August 2004 - 31st August 2004
What better present can your astrologer give you than the news that Venus graces your sign from the 6th August until early September. Venus, as the principle of love, union and beauty, endeavours to bring such things flooding into your life, so, although there will be variations as to how pleasurable and successful August will be, all Cancerians can expect their load to be lightened.

At best, August is a month of happy romantic developments. This is one of the most appropriate periods in which to marry, become engaged and improve established relationships. It is also one of the best months for upping your self-image and increasing your success rating. When you look in the mirror you should be entirely pleased with what beams back! for some, this means you will be spending money on your appearance but for others a positive self-image is a result of other people�s clear approval and appreciation of you and your abilities.

Finances are also a thriving area of your solar chart this month. Yes, you may be spending more, but financial negotiations lead to greater wealth and security, and this is an excellent month in which to invest in property or invest in your property in the way of renovation and re-decoration.

If I do have a reservation about August�s alignments it is the strong presence of planet Uranus. This planet promotes instability and insurrection, and while this may be reflected in global terms by explosive developments in exisiting hot spots, where your life is concerned you may experience sudden and unexpected changes to plans, especially around the opening weekend to August and the period between the 17th and 31st.

Nevertheless, August for the celestial Crab promises to be on of your better months in a long time.

1st September 2004 - 30th September 2004
So, what are we going to have first, the good news or the bad? All right, you win - root vegetables first, sweets to finish.

Pluto is the principle player on September's astro-scene, with Uranus as co-star, so from the get-go we know that our ideas of what's in store are going to differ markedly from the reality. These two planets, along with Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter, exert a huge effect on global affairs, so we can expect September to be a month of major disruptions and diversions. Clearly, these planets can have a wonderful effect on our lives: they are invariably centre stage when scientific and political breakthroughs occur, and their purpose is to lead us into greater consciousness. However, since we almost never make spiritual leaps when life is easy, we can be sure we will be tested and challenged by September's events.

There is a strong focus in the area of communications, so you may well be going the distance this month, whether in the sense of ideas and understandings, or in terms of travel. Some Cancerians may be starting a study course, learning a new skill or simply gleaning a great deal of information from news programmes and exploring the internet. There is much to be gained from talking to others and exchanging ideas, and there could be contracts and legal agreements to sign. However, it is also these aspects of life that are challenged by Pluto and Uranus. The period between the 7th and 22nd is highly unstable, so even though you may achieve your objectives during this time, you should be prepared for some opposition and sudden and unexpected developments. And if you have indeed been steaming along the wrong course, you will discover the errors in your strategies at this time.

But, I promised you sweets! These come in the form of Jupiter, who arrives at the base of your horoscope on the 25th. This is one of the most beneficial and protective positions this planet can hold, so at the very least you are looking at a twelve-month period when clouds have proverbial silver linings. A bigger and better base in life is what Jupiter offers here, and additions to your lot, and for some Cancerians, especially those with June birthdays, this trend will be much in evidence during the last week of September and throughout October.

1st October 2004 - 31st October 2004
The base of your solar chart represents the roots of life and the beginnings of endeavours. Thus, when planets transit this area, new things come into being, and there can be more than one way in which a new cycle of life begins. Mighty Jupiter entered this zone on the 25th September, so it is still early days when it comes to concrete evidence of growth and increase, but the June birthdays may well see more than just a glimmer of such things by the end of October. Certainly, you should have the courage of your convictions now, and the sooner you start making blue-prints for personal and professional ambitions, the better. There could, of course, be offers and opportunities coming your way during the next few weeks, as opposed to your making your own moves, and even though I cannot say that life will be brilliant for each and every Cancerian, this should be a largely happy and progressive period.

This would be an excellent month to add to the value of your house, to move or to welcome new additions to the family: investments made in your future now should pay off handsomely in the future. This would also be a good month to hold gatherings on the home front and to deal with all manner of family and domestic issues. I guess you're wondering when the but is going to come in, and you've probably already guessed that it's sure to be Saturn-shaped, which it is. Around the 14th and 20th (particularly the 20th) Saturn is centre stage of the astrology, and this month this planet is focusing his attentions on the 17th-20th July birthdays. As always with Saturn aspects, realities have to be faced, and a harvest of some description can be expected. Saturn does not always generate challenges: indeed, a Saturnian harvest can prove rich and abundant in the most welcoming of ways. Nevertheless, around these dates in particular it would be wise to expect some opposition and aggravation.

Two eclipses also make October a significant month - the first, a solar eclipse in Libra - occurs at the base of your chart, and adds to the general pattern of growth and the beginning of a new cycle. The second, on the 28th, is a total lunar eclipse and straddles the axis of creativity, thus, indicating the end of a gestation period.

1st November 2004 - 30th November 2004
The personal planets are concentrated on two main areas of your solar chart: home and creative endeavours. Thus, on the one hand, November could be a month of major family developments and, on the other, you could be bursting with ideas and energy, bringing new ventures into being and making fresh conquests of the business and romantic kind. That several of the planets are moving through your fellow water sign, Scorpio, lends a generally harmonious and productive aura to life, and this is certainly the month to plan or host social events and practice the art of mixing business with pleasure.

Saturn is a strong presence throughout November, at this point focusing his attentions primarily on the 18th-20th July birthdays. And the periods when Saturn is at his most pressing are 5th - 8th, 19th - 22nd and the 30th. As always with this planet, facing up to reality is the right thing to do, and to accept that sometimes you simply can't have what you want - at least at this point in time. Saturn, of course, can also represent a harvest of previous efforts, so for some Cancerians these dates will coincide with a great achievement, but probably one that has cost a lot.

On the 23rd, Uranus takes over from where Saturn left off, which means that if Saturn has been instrumental in closing a door, Uranus will open another, suddenly and unexpectedly. I wouldn't call either of these planets a laugh riot, however, so my advice for the last seven days of the month is, in the words of Harry Truman: Speak softly and carry a big stick!

1st December 2004 - 31st December 2004
Do you always find yourself worked off your feet in December? Well, it's no surprise if you do: the sun makes its annual transit of the sixth house of work and service each December, invariably causing you to go into overdrive in an effort to complete 'office' work before Christmas, at the same time as fulfilling all those obligations and duties of the season itself. Health and fitness are also features of December's stars, whether you need to take extra doses of fish oils to keep the bugs away or because those Christmas parties become an incentive to look your very best.

December find Venus and Mars in the creative and fun loving zone until the 16th and 25th respectively, so it seems this year you'll have more than your share of outings and social events to attend - and there could be some very romantic overtones to some of those events, take the period between the 3rd and 5th and the 26th - 31st for instance. Children could also be the source of some proud and happy moments. Indeed, some Cancerians will be more than usually involved in Christmas productions and seasonal happenings.

The blots on December's horizon take the form of a series of aspects to Pluto, and a retrograde Mercury (don't expect travel and communications to be a piece of cake until Mercury gets back on track on the 20th). Between the 7th and 14th the sun and Mercury conjoin Pluto, setting the stage for one of those cathartic moments. This may take the form of a heated exchange between you and a colleague or partner, or feelings that you have suppressed could come forcefully to the surface, whether this turns out to be just the thing to resolve a problem or whether it creates a vacuum of some description. Suffice to say, this mid-December period is not the easiest, and you should do your best not to press people's sensitive buttons, including your own!

The Christmas weekend finds the full moon in your sign, so this could be one of the most special Christmases on record, and certainly one of the most emotional. Whether or not you'll be able to say the same about New Year's Eve depends entirely on your response to Uranus - a break with the past, no doubt, a brilliant surprise, maybe.

1st January 2005 - 31st January 2005
The arrival of 2005 could be a very emotional affair. Indeed Christmas as a whole may have had many ups and downs this time - some glorious highs for some celestial Crabs, who got the present/offer of a lifetime, and others who felt their glass wasn't just half empty but completely drained! The good news is that Saturn has only six months left in your sign, so there is only a short period in which to perform those learning curves that this planet demands. And, if you're still a lesson short of a college course, events between the 4th and 13th, when Saturn is in the ascendant, could soon set you straight. The new moon of the 10th, the sun-Saturn opposition of the 13th and the Mercury/Venus- Saturn opposition of the 25th-27th are all opportunities to put the seal on an agreement and to make decisions of the lasting variety. And since the sun, Venus and Mercury will all be in the area of partnerships, those decisions and seals may have everything to do with a romantic/marital or working relationship. Some Cancerians, responding to the call of Saturn, will want to put a relationship onto more solid ground, by marrying or adding to the family for instance, while others will feel quite the reverse, deciding that a commitment is well and truly past its sell-by date. Saturn often produces an obstacle of some description, and although at the time such an obstruction may seem insurmountable, it often turns out to be the very thing we needed to divert us onto our true path.

The Venus transit of the seventh house performs one of two functions - it will bring love and romance into your life or it will reveal the glaring lack of such things in your existence: either way, the opportunities arise for you to recognize the importance of someone to share your life with, and what needs to be done to find fulfilment in this regard.

The month ends as it began on a powerful note.

1st February 2005 - 28th February 2005
Three cheers for February's Stars! For the first three weeks, the alignments are largely harmonious, and if nothing else you get the opportunity to resolve one or more of January's problems and gain time to regroup.

The eighth house of your solar chart is in high focus, which means there is more of an emphasis on finance and relationships, and not in superficial or insignificant ways. You can peel back the layers of a relationship, examine the root cause of any problem and get to the very heart of issues: likewise with finances. In some ways, therefore, despite the lightness of February's celestial being, you are likely to be more introspective and needy.

Just how much Mars' transit of the area of love and relating helps and hinders this process - root therapy, if you like - rather depends... In some cases Mars will activate a slumbering, if not moribund, sex-life but in others it will create tension and conflict in a close relationship. Nevertheless, at least relationship life will not be dull: something is cooking. And, of course we have Valentine's Day to take into consideration. This year Venus and Neptune are in charge of events, so love will be much in evidence around and about you, and any celebration - wedding, engagement, special date - will be redolent with romance. However, if you are in the early stages of a romance, do not expect too much from Valentine's Day in the way of grand gestures and proposals, and avoid showing how needy you may feel.

From the 20th, the cosmos begins to tighten up once more, and with Uranus back in the picture, life may again seem rather uncertain. Your best bet is to remain fluid with people and situations - the time has come once more to let things unfold all by themselves.

1st March 2005 - 31st March 2005
March may always be a relatively good month for Cancer since the sun passes through one of the more enjoyable zones of the solar chart - that of travel and far horizons. And since Venus and Uranus will also be transiting this area, this March could be an especially happy and certainly different month.

Far horizons do not solely imply travel and distant locations, although you may indeed be taking a holiday or a trip this March: far horizons also infer plans-in-the-making. You look beyond the boundaries of your current existence under a ninth house influence, whether this means you have an urge to broaden the scope of your career, your relationships or your life-style - and why not all three. Cancer, of course, is not a sign that embraces change, even positive change: you get deeply attached to the familiar people, places and the general shape of your life, so the added help of Uranus and Pluto could and should be a blessing now. Uranus and Pluto - the great change-bringers of the planetary team will be highly active on or near the 1st, 4th, 10th, 14th and 18th of March, so these are the times around which the bigger and more dramatic events of the month take place. Sometimes these alignments have their most major effect on world developments, but if they trigger something in your natal chart you can expect your own life to be somewhat volatile, although ultimately rewarding. These dates would be appropriate times to end a commitment/phase out an activity or to re-invent some aspect of your existence.

Easter is earlier than usual and since communication chief, Mercury, turns retrograde on the 20th and there is a full moon on Good Friday, this may not be the best of Easters to take to the roads, the skies, the trains, or indeed transportation of any sort. Also, the Easter weekend puts Saturn, currently in your sign, back on the map so especially if you have a birthday between the 16th and 22nd of July, this could be a time when being with family and loved ones - and on home territory - could be the best place to be. And if you are celebrating an anniversary or taking your vows, you can be sure there will be a sense of occasion and a certain seriousness to events.

1st April 2005 - 30th April 2005
With the sun, Mercury and Venus residing at the very top of your solar chart, April becomes the most go-ahead month of the year. You may enjoy your reputation as one of the more cautious and reserved signs of the zodiac but this is no time to hide your celestial light under a barnacle - go strut your stuff! Indeed, with Jupiter forging encouraging links to the sun and Venus on the first weekend of April, events that take place then and actions you take could lead to great things.

The theme of fresh starts and getting ahead is echoed by the solar eclipse of the 8th, and with a lunar eclipse to follow on the 24th, this promises not only to be an eventful month for Cancer but also a vital period for world affairs. Saturn has a part to play in early April's story too: this planet has been transiting your sign for almost two years, and is largely responsible for any set-backs you may have experienced, however, this planet has also endeavoured to give you more backbone. With this in mind, events around the time of eclipse could both enhance your reputation while adding to your responsibilities. And if you want an example of what I mean here, consider Cancerian, Camilla Parker-Bowles, who is marrying Prince Charles on the 8th, thereby becoming Queen-in-waiting: a celebration for the couple, no doubt, but not without controversy and consequences for the monarchy and Great Britain.

Mid-month, finances take centre stage, and with feisty Mars and nebulous Neptune stirring the money pot, you'll need to keep a close eye on financial transactions. While this astro-combo could inspire a bit of a financial miracle, it is also possible that someone could fail to honour an agreement. On the plus side, Pluto is forging harmonious links to the sun and Venus in the aforementioned area of career and ambitions, so there could be some compensations for any loss or disappointment.

The eclipsed full moon of the 24th cuts across the creative axis of your chart: the end of a gestation period is writ large in this eclipse, with the prospect of a delivery in the near future. While some Cancerians may indeed be expecting or celebrating the birth of a baby in April, others will experience the end of a gestation period in more subtle ways: a love affair could be ready to turn into something more permanent, for instance, or a project that has been in development may be about to come to fruition. Whatever the actual events of the late April period, this lunar eclipse, encourages you close a chapter, without regrets and with high hopes for the future.

1st May 2005 - 31st May 2005
The sun's annual transit of the zone of friendship and collaboration makes this a month to socialize and to appreciate the value of working as a team as opposed to going solo. Also, since April put so much emphasis on career, ambitions and adding to your material lot, May becomes a time when you can reflect on what is fulfilling to you in life. Instead of earning a crust the focus is on whether the sacrifices and efforts involved in making a living are really and truly worth it.

Saturn and Neptune share the astrological stage between the 1st and 8th, and since these planets are entirely different in nature and effect, you could experience a conflict between following your hopes and going with the flow as opposed to looking at a situation warts and all and making a sensible, if tough, decision. Sunshine and tears would be one way of viewing the opening to May; separating fact from fiction is another.

On the 1st, Mars enters the area of far horizons for a six-week stay. This is one of the better transits for this assertive planet, and you should find that between now and late June life opens up, either because you travel to distant places, or you have offers and plans that promise to give you more personal or professional scope. Just how much Uranus helps or hinders this process remains to be seen... On the 15th Mars conjuncts Uranus and on the 18th Venus squares Uranus: both these aspects have the capacity to change a long-standing situation, even if this means merely altering a belief-system or going as far as obeying a sudden impulse to walk out of a job/relationship and head towards unfamiliar territory.

On the 20th the sun enters the soft-focus twelfth house, signalling a four-week period during which the inner things of life take precedence over external influences. From this point on, you should pay greater attention to health and fitness levels - you're not the energizer bunny, you know, and even you need to put your feet up and delegate some responsibilities. With the sun and Venus closeted in this zone, you may feel less sure of yourself and somewhat anxious about one or more situations - and this trend may reach something of a peak around the time of the full moon (23rd) and the Venus-Pluto opposition (29th). I'd like to say ignore the rumours that are doing the rounds and the rumblings of your imagination, but, realistically, what you may have to do is recognize that there are steps you may need to take to resolve a problem but that you are better leaving it until you have the full facts and you are in top shape. And that almost certainly means later in June.

1st June 2005 - 30th June 2005
Each June the sun goes into hiding in the twelfth house of your solar chart, in preparation for its emergence into your sign around the 21st of the month. Thus, you may not feel your most optimistic and vibrant self, although your dream-life could be riveting and your intuition operating on overtime. This June is somewhat different, however, from previous Junes due to a powerful alignment prevailing between the 29th May and the 15th June. While there may be no events in your life that appear to relate to this challenging set of aspects, the seeds of big changes to come could be planted at this time, and you may observe that the lives of friends and family are indeed chock full of dramas and detours. While my advice would be to withdraw from the fray and re-charge your batteries, leaving other people to shoulder the responsibilities, should you yourself meet with a quandary, avoid letting your imagination and fears run away from you - by July, what seemed so complex, even overwhelming, could be resolved quite magically.

One of the serious astrological pluses to June is the presence of Venus in your sign: this planet adds beauty and harmony to life, and increases your abilities to give and receive love. Indeed, some Cancerians may have chosen June to marry or celebrate an anniversary while others could find romance flowers suddenly in unexpected places. Filling your life with beauty encourages beautiful thoughts, so if you do nothing else this month, put fresh flowers in the home or the office! Venus reminds you that life doesn't all have to be duty and hard work, and that that there is such a thing as a love life.

Not only romantic Venus but also sexy Mars light up your life this month, although with Mars in the sector of career and life-direction, this planet is likely to bring action rather than passion to the work scene. Cancer can be a somewhat cautious sign - you hide your light all to often under a bushel - but you should take the opportunity to strut your stuff now, and to be open about your ambitions, both on a personal scale and in strictly professional terms.

The sun's arrival in your sign on the 21st puts you centre stage of your life and gives you back your bounce and resolve - and just in time, since first a full moon (22nd) and a stellar group of aspects on the weekend of the 25th bring a simmering situation to boiling point. While these astrological influences will help you cement a relationship and turn a dream into reality, they could put a frost on a previously warm and wonderful association. Nevertheless, there are many dimensions to June that make it one of the more pivotal and enjoyable months of 2005.

1st July 2005 - 31st July 2005
This promises to be a birthday month with a difference! The cosmos is busy arranging a party for you with lots of gifts and goodies. If you're a typical Cancerian and have forgotten what fun and freedom are like, you're about to be reminded. First, the sun lights up your own sign giving you a powerful boost of energy, then Venus, the planet of harmony, and communications expert, Mercury, help up your self-worth, whether in psychological and emotional terms or financial and professional ways. The New Moon on the 6th inspires a personal change or two - perhaps a new look to your wardrobe and your appearance or maybe some affirmations that will set you on the path to success and happiness.

The biggest gift of all is Saturn's exit from your sign on July 16th. This dreary planet has been on your back for some two and a half years, and while there is no doubt that you have become stronger and wiser thanks to his teaching, you are long overdue for some lucky breaks and happy times. Saturn usually leaves a gift by the door when he departs, however, so between the 16th and 21st expect a reward for your labours or a penalty for having cut a corner or somehow failed in your duty! From the 21st, Saturn will turn his attentions to finances, making the next two-years a period in which you can stabilize your monetary position, even though some financial black holes could appear from time to time.

Until the 29th, Mars will be highlighting the area of ambitions and life-direction: in essence this is the most get-ahead period of 2005, and one when career and your role in life take up much of your time and energy. Mars can stir up controversy and conflict too, so don't be too surprised if an employer goes on the warpath or an organization takes a very aggressive stance on an issue. Fighting fire with fire could be the solution.

Finally, a word about the last ten days of July: After the full moon of the 21st, which could well set the seal on a romantic relationship or bring a conclusion to a period of marital strife, Mercury heads in a backward direction: while this sets in motion a three-week period when retreats of the holiday kind are to be recommended, getting to your destination could prove to be a long day's journey into night. More rich experience for your book of life.

1st August 2005 - 31st August 2005
Financial and emotional security are vital to your sense of well-being and never more so than this August. The Sun shines its light and warmth on the money angles of your chart and on the 5th a new Moon on the same axis sets in motion a fresh cycle in terms of your emotional and financial health. Nevertheless, this is not a month of great activity and progress - in fact quite the reverse. With Mercury retrograde until the 16th and a series of aspects involving mysterious Neptune, everything from travel to making contact with people will surely take time.

Indeed, both Mercury and Neptune are focusing on the aforementioned area of self-worth so although a dream of an opportunity, even something of a miracle, may occur in this department of life, especially around the time of the full moon (19th) and on or near the 2nd and 26th you need to pay close attention to any legal issues or financially binding commitments. A business partnership or an intimate relationship may now need to be revisited and restructured, and in some cases, terminated. As always with Neptune, little is quite as it seems, so check that you are neither being overly pessimistic or optimistic. Think long and hard about your investments (particularly in terms of real estate/property) and make sure that your generosity is not being abused. And if you are negotiating with an ex as you tie up your financial affairs, there could be some factors which have been concealed, albeit unintentionally.

With Mars transiting the eleventh solar house a six-month period of key developments has just begun, first and foremost linked to friendships and collaborations. Social life may well be the most active aspect of your existence in August, although on or near the 1st and 28th flaws in an arrangement or an alliance could become evident. (Remember, nothing is quite as it seems this month.) From the 17th, the lovely Venus will be nesting in the area of home and family - a perfect time to beautify the home and to hold happy gatherings on home territory.

1st September 2005 - 30th September 2005
September's stars should tempt the celestial Crab gently out of its familiar rock pool and into the wider world. The stirrings of adventure and latent creativity you may have sensed recently will become stronger until, like Mole in the delightful Wind in the Willows, you emerge to sniff the air and set off in search of pastures new! Technically speaking, the sun and Mercury will be touring the third solar house of travel and communications, which is why, you in tandem will find more movement in life generally and there could be fresh opportunities to travel and add to your bank of knowledge and experience.

So far, so good: the trouble with September's alignments is that they involve Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. This cheery gang are almost guaranteed to produce some stumbling blocks to your progress, and while you may still achieve much during this month, it will take considerable grit, determination and flexibility. Global affairs are likely to be the focus for much of the flak created by the aforementioned trio, so do your best to treat those stumbling blocks as stepping stones, and to spare a thought for those who are in far worse circumstances. The period between the 1st and 18th is both dynamic and destablizing, and with the areas of work and far horizons involved, this could turn out to be a time when new job opportunities, and in distant locations, emerge suddenly. Should there be other reasons why this period throws you into a bit of a spin, do your best not to resist change but to go with it.

Jupiter continues to be a protective and guiding force at the base of your chart. You may already have seen improvements and additions to the home and family and September could be another month when there are celebrations on home territory. Venus will also be moving through the creative, romantic and fun-loving sector of your chart, so at the very least allowing your inner child an opportunity to express itself will make you happy. Likewise, there could be positive news linked to a child, and time spent with the younger generation could prove rewarding all round. There could be a sprinkling of romance for some Cancerians - the weekend of the 24th looks dreamy indeed - and while you are one of the more reticent signs, you could be quite the star of the show this September...

1st October 2005 - 30th October 2005
Hopefully, you have felt the winds of positive change in your sails since Saturn left your sign last July, and if not, October's stars may give you the incentive you need. Two eclipses and a change of sign for Jupiter all point to a new rhythm and tempo to life. And much of that new rhythm and tempo starts on home territory.

Each October represents a seeding ground - the foundations of new endeavours can be laid down and matters pertaining to the roots of life take precedence. The eclipses of the 3rd and 17th both point to the ending of a phase of family and domestic life and, of course, the beginning of a new one - house moves, members of the family moving on to fresh fields and new individuals arriving. On a mundane level, October is a time to attend to property matters, improving and expanding the home itself, and in some cases saying goodbye to an old residence and moving to a new one. There could be unexpected news related to a family member and you may have more than your share of 'issues' with appliances and such organizations as local councils, electricity and gas companies - time, perhaps to end contracts and sign new ones!

On the 26th, Jupiter moves into the creative sector of your horoscope, and for a twelve-month transit. Jupiter will expand your sense of self, encouraging you to display your talents to a wider audience and to have the confidence to pursue your own interests and desires. Some Cancerians will go into production while others will see their offspring shine in some capacity. And if you've been looking for more romance to life, here it comes with knobs on!

1st November 2005 - 30th November 2005
After the roller-coaster ride that was October, November sets you back on the road to recovery. The sun highlights the creative and pleasure oriented fifth house so although you may not be able to take a vacation - even put work on hold to devote time to those things that and those people who light up your life - you should have opportunities to enjoy yourself and bring something new into being. Indeed, this may turn out to be the most romantic and fulfilling month of 2005.

Jupiter has just entered this same creative area of your horoscope so you have a whole year in which to benefit from this planet's generosity. While some Cancerians may start a family or add to it, others will embark on a project that allows them to put their unique personal stamp on it. Start the ball rolling, perhaps, by dusting off that novel in the back of the drawer or get the paints out, join a dance class - just do whatever it takes to make you feel alive! And there may not be a better time to start than the 2nd when Jupiter and the new moon link up to produce a burst of optimism, fertility and good will.

On the 3rd, Venus arrives in the seventh house of relationships where she will stay until early March. This is Venus's home territory and for once she has longer than a month to set all those partnership wrongs to rights. Between now and Christmas represents a prime period in which to meet new partners and to put the bounce back into established relationships. And if you need to set a date for a wedding, the 19th / 20th February might be perfect.

So far so good... However, during the first eight days of the month Neptune is a major player, and although this planet can produce miracles, muddles are more often the order of the day. Therefore, put your baloney-meter on between the 1st and 8th and be especially careful with paper-work, legal matters and finance. The period of the 16th - 18th is also sporting an amber light - a collaborative venture could be in the frame here, and you may discover that even the best laid plans have flaws and that even the best of people can be the agents of disappointment. On the 14th Mercury, the Messenger turns retrograde and on the 22nd law-maker, Saturn does the same thing - my advice is to take things slowly, make sure your finances are in order and don't throw money at a problem in an effort to solve it. By means of compensation, Jupiter and Uranus make a stunning link on the 27th adding a sprinkling of good luck to life and certainly opening your eyes to greater opportunities. Even the most home loving Crab could be lured to new horizons.

1st December 2005 - 31st December 2005
With the sun's passage through the sixth house of your solar chart work, health and lifestyle issues occupy your time and thoughts. This does not mean there will be no time for parties and romance (actually there'll be plenty) but it is the premium period of the year for dealing with loose ends job-wise, making changes at work and generally ensuring that systems of all kinds (and this includes your health) are in fine shape. Mercury will turn direct on the 4th and from this point on you should find any question marks hovering over certain situations disappear.

The 13th - 20th represents the most dynamic part of December. Pluto and a full moon combine to bring a chapter to an end, whether you choose to finish a relationship, walk away from a job or simply bring a temporary halt to a phase of activity. You tend to be a bit of a clinger so at the very least taking stock of what is gathering dust in your life and getting rid of it would be a therapeutic move. On the other hand, don't expect other people to be easy to handle mid-month, and if you spot a distress signal of any sort, deal with it immediately.

Pluto has been grinding its way relentlessly through the sixth house over the past few years so you may well have experienced a shake-up in the workplace already. Perhaps your boss is a megalomaniac, or maybe you have suffered from power struggles which have undermined your confidence. Thus, events during the 13th -20th could not only inspire you to give serious thought to what you truly want from life, or more specifically your job, but actually to bring such possibilities into being. If health rather than work is in the spotlight for you, Pluto will once again invite you to examine ways in which you can become fitter and better. In effect, this planet is giving you an opportunity to get the ball rolling in a direction you choose before it puts the ball firmly in the back of the net.

With Venus continuing her passage through the primary area of relationships, your love-life could be the focus for one or more of December's highs - indeed, marriages and engagements are not uncommon with this transit. On the 24th, however, Venus, stations before turning retrograde, in some cases causing a relationship to stall and in others inspiring an ex to be in touch. Since Venus will remain in retrograde mode until early February, keep your options open and your patience pills to hand.

1st January 2006 - 31st January 2006
January is all about relationships - the good the bad and the indifferent. The sun, Mercury and Venus will all be transiting the seventh house, bringing new people into your life and making you think long and hard about some of the 'old' people there too! You could also find that you're not exactly in a position to call all the shots - other people's decisions impact on you, and the life and affairs of partners appear to come before yours. The fact that Venus, the principle of love and relating, will be retrograding from the 1st makes a big difference to the eventual outcome of any partnership issues. Should you feel a romance has taken a backward turn or that a long-standing relationship is in dire straits, do not assume that it is all over until Venus has turned direct on 3rd February. Likewise, it would be wise to keep your plans that depend on other people's co-operation very fluid until the same date. Also, should you begin a new romance in January, be aware that it may well change gear in early February, whether this means the relationship will deepen or you suddenly realize that you've been backing the wrong horse, so to speak.

The weekend of the 14th could be highly significant for many Cancerians. The only full moon in your sign this year takes place on the Saturday, and it is followed on the 15th by an impressive Mars-Jupiter opposition. Certainly, this would be a recipe for a terrific wedding day, and should you meet someone new at this time, the relationship could turn into something very special indeed. By the same token, the inflationary quality of a Mars-Jupiter aspect could escalate existing difficulties in a relationship and prompt a partner to make some very immoderate moves. A chapter for relationships comes to an end under this full moon, and it is appropriate to make some changes.

The second half of the month is the more demanding, especially regarding finances. The week of the 23rd could produce a financial hiccup necessitating some expedient moves on your behalf to avert a cash-flow crisis. While legal decisions regarding a financial settlement could be made during this week, should you be concerned about a partner/ex-partner's role in your financial affairs, or you are waiting on the actions of an organization, it might behove you to run through the worst-case scenario before the 23rd so that you are thoroughly prepared. While there is no reason to suppose that Saturn will deny you what you deserve, it's always wise to have a back-up plan.

The month ends on a new moon in the area of joint finances - a sign of better things to come, and not just in financial terms.

1st February 2006 - 28th February 2006
During the first half of February your house of intimacy and shared resources is dominated by Neptune, which means that you may be yearning for a divine connection with another person. You could be feeling in need of a soulmate, someone with whom to share your deepest, darkest secrets. Some of you might actually sense you have made that special bond with somebody, but if you feel like eloping, just wait until the latter half of the month when Neptune's romantic spell has less power over you. Neptune is the planet of spiritual love and deep soul bonds, but all too often what appears to be everlasting, turns out to be an illusion. Jupiter is also in the mix in early February, and with Venus turning direct in your relationship sector (3rd February), it seems your love life is going full steam ahead!

Valentine's Day is preceded by a full moon, which will make you aware of how you truly feel about something or someone. There is a sense of a situation coming to completion here and, since you are affected by the moon, your ruler, you could be feeling particularly emotional around this time. Valentine's Day itself could bring surprise communications from abroad or simply from an exotic admirer. With Venus and Jupiter highlighting your romance and relationship zones, you look a dead cert for cards, flowers, champagne, chocolates, etc. this year.

For the remainder of the month your attention turns towards far horizons. Could it be that Valentine's messages from abroad are now encouraging you to spread your wings a little and seek new experiences? The more cerebral Cancerians might be focusing on courses of study, while others will be reposing crab-like on a beach. There's a vast choice of possibilities available to you here, but it seems you require some space and distance from everyday concerns. Your energy might be at a low ebb too, since on the 17th Mars moves into Gemini encouraging you to develop ways in which to re-charge your batteries. Nevertheless, travel is extremely well-starred from this point, and is especially beneficial for established relationships and for expanding your social circle in general.

Thanks to a set of block-busting aspects on the 28th, during the last week of February you could be considering the benefits of a radical new start, perhaps changing your work environment or completely by uprooting for pastures new! A theme that will be continue through March.

1st March 2006 - 31st March 2006
Thanks to the liberating nature of March's alignments your horizons will be unexpectedly broadened. So, if you are travelling far afield, don't rule out the possibility of a life-changing incident or meeting, and should you be expanding your knowledge through study you could experience an epiphany of some description - a chosen few might even undergo a spiritual awakening. Uranus brings sudden, unexpected changes to the area of life most needing it so there's no retreating into your shell now Cancer: your life is opening up in new and exciting ways, so make the most of out of the blue events, even if they temporarily upset your equilibrium. Since Mercury will be retrograde from the 2nd, you could find somebody from the past, possibly now living abroad, gets in touch. Listen carefully to what they have to say as it could make a big difference to where you go from here.

March is a pivotal month for the whole zodiac: it begins with a volatile sun-Uranus conjunction and ends on a total solar eclipse in Aries, and in between there are tough connections to Saturn and Pluto, not to mention a retrograde Mercury. Clearly, the next six to eight weeks are going to produce some powerful events on the world's stage, and we can expect to see some leadership changes, a reshuffle or two in the corridors of power, even a natural or not-so-natural disaster. And where travel and communications are concerned, we can forget about getting anywhere in a hurry and a straight line. Of course, tough alignments produce wonderful events too so don't rule out announcements of marriage in royal/celebrity circles and a major scientific or medical break-through.

The lunar eclipse of the 14th may herald news concerning your working environment which will have far reaching effects on your everyday life. Your normal routines could undergo some kind of a shift as a result of this eclipse, so it is possible that some of you will be leaving a job, or sharing your working space with new people. Health and lifestyle are also in the path of this eclipse, so at the very least you should consider the benefits of a more nutritious and exercise-oriented existence, and should a health problem rear its head, don't put off a visit to your doctor or dentist. Lunar eclipses tend to bring events to completion while solar eclipses herald new beginnings. The solar eclipse of the 29th takes place in your career zone, so, could it be that those of you whose jobs ended mid-month are now embarking on a new one? Let's face it, your working life has been fraught with power struggles and ego clashes for some time now and pastures new are most definitely calling you. One thing you can be sure of as March reaches its conclusion, you're definitely going places. It's up to you to choose how far and how high!

1st April 2006 - 30th April 2006
Your career is in the spotlight this month and, following last month's eclipses, there are new opportunities coming your way, particularly after the 16th when the sun and Pluto form a harmonious trine inspiring a promotion or a move that gives you more responsibility and extra power in the workplace. A salary increase is also possible since Saturn resumes direct motion on the 5th in your money zone. This will come as something of a relief since you may well have been struggling for some time now with authority figures at work.

The week of the 3rd finds Mars and Pluto in opposition, thus upping the potential for conflict and certainly confrontation. We will surely see some impressive results of escalating tension in the Middle East prior to Easter, and the Bush administration will have to be very careful how it plays events in the early to mid part of this month. While in the Christian World Easter is a time of celebration, for many other creeds it is simply business as usual. This aspect should encourage you to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle which will boost your energy supplies and get you firing on all cylinders. The full moon of the 13th is at the most sensitive angle of your solar chart and, ruled as you are by the moon, you can expect to feel particularly emotional around this time. You may be reaching decisions about where you live, or a parent may be causing you some concern. By the 14th, however, Mars enters your sign, which will give you the energy and determination necessary to confront any issues which need resolving.

Life becomes more sociable after the 20th. The sun is encouraging group endeavours of all kinds, so it's a good time to join a club, go to parties and generally mix with your fellow man. Around the 25th when the sun squares Saturn you could meet someone new who will become a long-term friend. A longstanding friendship, on the other hand, may be tested in some way. This may be caused by angry or jealous feelings which have been simmering below the surface. Money matters too could be placing a strain upon a relationship, so if you borrowed from a friend and have forgotten to repay the debt, best get your cheque book out now. Whether or not you are able to salvage the relationship, the new moon of the 27th in your friendship zone means a fresh start in this area of your life. Those who are meant to remain close to you will do so and new faces will enter the lives of those of you who need them.

1st May 2006 - 31st May 2006
The sun is passing through the sociable sector of your solar chart so the emphasis is on group endeavours of all kinds. Friendships will play an important part in your life now and you will feel at home in gatherings, especially around the 4th when there is much fun to be found mixing with people from many different walks of life. On the 10th the sun and Neptune form a square aspect which suggests that a friendship may prove disappointing in some way. It may be that your relationship with somebody close to you is undergoing a change. You could be feeling the loss of intimacy, which you once knew, or there may be an issue of trust which needs to be resolved. Since Mercury and Jupiter oppose each other on the same day there could be an urge to make confessions. If you do feel a burning desire to bare your soul just be aware that you can actually say too much under these planetary aspects and sometimes the truth may be too hard to handle.

One of the most fascinating features of May is the presence of a Grand Cross - an alignment of four or more planets, made up of squares and oppositions, which is in play between the 4th and 15th. Without becoming too technical, when planets are in this tense alignment, they bring all manner of issues to crunch point, and there is a feeling of having reached a giant cross-roads. While this configuration will certainly present itself in the form of moral and political crises for world leaders, in our own lives we too must make some wise decisions in a confusing and pressurized climate. As far as your solar chart goes, Cancer, any sense of reaching a crossroads is likely to manifest in regard to a personal or professional collaboration, although any aspect of creativity - including children - could also figure. My advice is to make an expedient decision rather than allow your hopes or fears to get in the way of common sense.

The full moon of the 13th occurs in your creative zone. Full moons bring events to a conclusion so if you began a project of some sort a few weeks ago you could now be standing back to admire the fruits of your labour. For some of you a romantic interlude will be reaching its conclusion and this could send you temporarily retreating into your Cancerian shell.

Throughout the month, your career and public reputation are in the spotlight, bathing in the rosy glow of Venus. Your talents will not go unnoticed under the beneficence of Venus, and the 8th and the 26th are both dates on which you might be the recipient of a pay rise or promotion. It certainly looks as though you will be enjoying your daily work more than of late and you should feel more secure financially. The new moon of the 27th signals the time for rest and reflection: ideally, you should withdraw from the hurly burly of life to re-charge your spiritual batteries yet with other astrological factors drawing you into the limelight, this is going to prove difficult. Perhaps the most you can do is endeavour to find a balance between feeding your soul and meeting the pleasures and the demands of every day life.

I am sorry this forecast was delayed. The original sending was lost and both my webmaster and I have been in transit over the last 3 days. We have now added better facilities for updating forecasts.

1st June 2006 - 30th June 2006
Your hard work and sympathies may be called for in June as the sun transits the sector of your solar chart related to selfless service. Health also comes under the astro-microscope, whether you need to attend to your own health or because someone requires nursing and nurture. And this is a premium period for implementing new diets and exercise regimes.

This month puts Uranus and Pluto centre stage and, since many countries have major events planned for June, these alignments underscore the importance and celebratory nature of national occasions, yet they will surely produce some shocks and tremors too. On the 3rd, Mars enters the regal sign of Leo for a six week transit and on the 18th this assertive planet hooks up to heavy-metal Saturn - and at the same time as the sun- Pluto opposition. Mid-month, therefore, will be a time to watch for international dramas and the push-comes-to-shove syndrome. This conjunction falls on President Bush's Mercury- Pluto-Ascendant combo and Tony Blair's South Node, so neither of them is in great shape in June and there could be some serous threats to their tenure as leaders (as if they haven't enough already.)

As far as you are concerned, these influences affect the service axis of your solar chart so one way or another, your normal daily routines will require a complete overhaul. If you want to discover the Mother Theresa within, now is the perfect time as the sun and Pluto are urging you to dig deep and give more - offering your services to a local charity would be a perfect way of living out these aspects. Cancerians have a natural instinct for providing support and protection to others...think Princess Diana...so this should not be a problem as long as you don't overburden yourself with worry. It is also possible that an unexpected event concerning someone at a distance from you could scupper any plans you make now, so don't reach any drastic decisions until the latter half of June because by then you will then be in a better position to make an informed choice.

With the 18th's Mars-Saturn conjunction focusing on finances and values, it may be time to shed an over-heavy commitment or to take in hand any poor spending practices - there's nothing like this astro-combo to get you back in line. On the plus side a major purchase such as property or a long-term investment made now could prove very successful in the years to come.

June ends on a positive sun-Jupiter trine, adding to your sense of optimism and well-being. Indeed, if you have felt as though you were struggling against the tide until now you can rest assured that the storm has abated and calmer waters lie ahead.

1st July 2006 - 31st July 2006
The best things in life are worth waiting for, and in your case, this means the arrival of sweet Venus in your sign. On the 19th this benign planet enters Cancer, and while every day may not be pure joy, you will be bathed in a favourable light, which means your chances of success, and certainly winning people over to your side, are quadrupled. The sun is also transiting your sign between the 1st and 22nd, revitalizing you and helping put a positive spin on life in general and your love life in particular. Mercury will be retrograding in your sign between the 10th and 29th, although this may slow you down a little, you could also enjoy a nostalgic trip or two into the past.

Indeed, after the planetary heat of June, July's influences have much to recommend them. Even with Mercury in retrograde, there are many benign alignments, and in tandem, national and international affairs may be more fruitful than fraught. However, the Grand Cross in fixed signs will be loosely in place, so it may seem as if more than one situation is refusing to budge, and there will be very little give when it comes to matters of law and law enforcement. Many of the world's leading figures, including Tony Blair, George Bush, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have relentless Saturn and nebulous Neptune on key planets and points in their natal charts, and it remains a mystery to me as to why the gathering gloom has not yet resulted in a truly serious crisis, although leaked information from the enquiry into the death of Princess Diana must be sending seismic waves through Britain's corridors of power. With this in mind, events on or near the Mars-Neptune opposition of the 5th and the full moon in Capricorn of the 11th could precipitate a minor tsunami... Pluto also puts in a double appearance on the 14th so the first half of July looks to be the most scandal ridden and generally explosive.

Some of the more complex alignments of the month focus on finances and those things that affect your security and stability. The periods on or near the 5th and 25th could produce events that make you doubt the wisdom of your investments, whether this implies a financial move you have made or your faith in a partner or colleague. The rumour mill will be a-grinding at this time, so avoid jumping to conclusions and wait until the full facts have been revealed.

The last week of the month looks to be the best - Venus will be forming a favourable Grand Trine with Uranus and Jupiter, ensuring happy outcomes and producing a new way forward for a relationship.

1st August 2006 - 31st August 2006
Values and valuables are the subject of August's stars - how much you're worth, both in terms of finance and as a person, and what really matters in life, what is of inestimable value and what patently is not. While you may have fun and can enjoy the events already penned in your diary, August is one of those periods when the planets are not exactly speeding our course, and it may seem instead as if they are producing obstacles just for the hell of it!

One of the main reasons for this irritating trend is the applying opposition between Saturn in Leo and Neptune in Aquarius. I have written a separate piece on the Saturn-Neptune opposition, which becomes exact on the 31st of this month, so you'll have plenty of food for thought should you find yourself wondering why you're making little progress and running into troughs of low pressure at inappropriate intervals. August is always a strange (and often uneventful) month in politics, but given mid-July sparked another major conflict in the Middle East, under these relentless influences we can expect an intensifying of hostilities - not just in and around Lebanon - and very little progress on the diplomatic front. I'd like to believe that the Jupiter-Uranus trine, which is both ebullient and barrier-breaking, will provide a balance for this depressing opposition but we will have to wait until the very end of the month before we see what rabbits these two can pull out of the hat. The usual suspects - that's President Bush, and Prime Minister Blair - face a dark and difficult summer break, although with the world in such crisis, their individual careers and reputations pale into insignificance.

Under the umbrella of values and valuables, come finances and close relationships: put another way, you'll have a balancing act to perform in August, whether it becomes necessary to organize some new borrowing facilities and structure new financial agreements or because it is apparent that the balance of power is out of kilter in a working or romantic relationship. Property matters can be resolved in August, and contracts signed in some cases; settlements with ex's can also be achieved and redundancy payments received. The full moon of the 9th brings all such matters to a head, and it would be appropriate to end unsatisfactory commitments at this time and implement new strategies. Of course, full moons on this axis of the chart can coincide with marriage or the birth of a baby so there could also be cause for celebration in August.

Towards the end of July, an auspicious link between Venus in your sign and both Uranus and Jupiter may have coincided with a happy event or the beginning of a new love affair/endeavour, and with Jupiter and Uranus in trine during the last week of August, there could be fresh developments that add to this already happy state of affairs. And even if life has not changed one iota since July, this last week of August has much to offer in the way of windows of opportunity.

1st September 2006 - 30th September 2006
Life will be full of surprises this month. During the first week of September you may receive a long distance message which comes as a bolt from the blue, or you may have reason to take an unexpected journey. (Remember to check e-mails, telephone answering machines etc. so as not to miss anything important.) Once Venus enters the mix (8th onwards) love letters, protestations of passion and so on could be part of life's surprising pattern. A lucky few might even find someone landing on the doorstep unannounced. All very exciting, though it could be a little disconcerting since your home ideally is a place of safety and retreat. If you are called upon to travel in connection with your job you can expect to enjoy yourself, in spite of the fact that work is probably not your favourite thing at the moment, what with all the power struggles and egos you may have been contending with recently.

September, like August, is a big month in astrological terms. The Saturn-Neptune opposition is still dominating the heavens (and, if you need to gen up on this transit, please go to the article dedicated to it on the website...CLICK HERE) so we are still trying to get to grips with reality and watching some very weird situations unfold out there on the world's stage. There are two eclipses to take into account - neither of them total eclipses but nonetheless they can still pack a powerful punch. The first - a lunar eclipse in Pisces - appears on the 7th, and harks back to March in terms of eclipses and events, and the second, on the 22nd, is a solar eclipse in Virgo. Eclipses set in motion events that shape the destiny of nations, and also our own lives, should they fall on key planets and points in our charts, so anything that emerges on or around the time of an eclipse must be taken seriously. The period of the 11th - 17th looks to be the most impressive: transformational Pluto is centre stage, so we can expect some dramatic entrances and exits on the political scene and a rattling of sabres from the usual suspects. The sun's entry into Libra on the 23rd, followed by Venus on the 30th, heralds the beginning of a calmer period, and certainly one in which dialogue and debate pave the way for peace and concord.

The solar eclipse of the 22nd takes place in the aforementioned area of travel and communication, so aside from unexpected journeys and surprise messages, there will be changes in your thinking and much to learn from forthcoming events. If you have always intended to write a book, now is the time to put pen to paper, and if you've been meaning to upgrade your computer, treat yourself to a new TV or generally improve the communications systems within your home, the moment has come. Perhaps too, you can take more short breaks to help diffuse the tension at work and bring more fun into your life. September's powerful planetary cocktail is awakening you to the fact that the world is a big place and there is much yet to be explored and enjoyed.

1st October 2006 - 31st October 2006
"There's no place like home," is one of your favourite maxims and no more so than this month when the sun, Venus and Mars all gather at the base of your solar chart, energising your desire to make your home a haven from the pressures of the outside world. You might feel the urge to re-decorate, clear out your clutter, re-arrange the furniture, replace your kitchen - or all of the above! Cancerians are natural homemakers, but you should feel even more inclined than usual to feather your nest during the coming weeks. It may be that you are escaping from a particular stress...the full moon of the 7th in your career zone signals an ending of some sort. (Perhaps you have had an altercation with the boss?) The workplace has not been full of unbridled joy for you in recent months so it may seem natural for you to batten down the hatches and return to a place where you feel safe and secure. This area of the horoscope also has much to do with the foundation of the future, so the events that happen - either by design or through circumstances beyond your control - encourage you to head in new directions.

With the challenges of August and September behind us we can all look forward to better times in October. Until the 23rd there are almost no hard angles to the senior planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) to hamper us, which means global hostilities should lessen and the climate will be suitable for discussion, debate, new peace agreements and generally more co-operation between nations and leaders. Of course, having put my pen where my astrological judgement is it wouldn't surprise me to find that a simmering hot spot boils over and that there are further terrorist outrages. However it is unlikely...by the 22nd this little patch of perfection will be over : the sun, Mars and Venus head into Scorpio, Mercury is squared by Saturn(23rd) and Mercury turns retrograde (28th) all of which is likely to create a more intense atmosphere, and we may see some reversals of decisions, and certainly far less progress made in war-torn areas.

While life may be relatively smooth until the 22nd, you'll need your tool box to hand from thereafter, by which I mean more than one problem will require fixing. Finances are in the frame during this last week so a large outlay could become necessary or an agreement may need to be renegotiated. Saturn is in charge at this time, so there can be no corner cutting, but, perhaps some cost-cutting. Fortunately, many of the personal planets will have moved into the creative fifth house bringing out your innovative talents and helping you turn a chore or a responsibility into a joy. (Don't you just love theories!)

1st November 2006 - 30th November 2006
November is going to be a bumper month for pleasure since the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all jostle for attention in the most fun-loving, creative sector of your solar chart. There may be some surprises in store as Uranus makes positive aspects to the above planets during the first week or so, and this may involve someone living at a distance, possibly from another country or culture. Those of you already hooked up might be contemplating parenthood. The new moon of the 28th is a time which favours pregnancy or birth, however, if you have no interest in romance or babies you could be overwhelmed by the urge to throw a party, write a novel or paint a beautiful picture. Whatever takes your fancy will bring much pleasure into your life and the only cautionary note to be added is that you might be tempted to overspend and then worry about paying the bills.

The big event this month is the entry of Jupiter into the sign it rules, Sagittarius. Clearly this is extremely good news for all Sagittarians, since the planet of increase will be transiting their sign until December 2007, but, hopefully, this planet's expansive nature will help us all take some impressive leaps of faith and encourage us to follow the spirit of religion as opposed to the dogma. Jupiter enters Sagittarius on the 24th, less than forty-eight hours after a sun-Jupiter conjunction in the final degree of Scorpio, and while this may prove to be a terrifically happy and successful period for those with birthdays on or near this date, new beginnings made at that time (whatever your sun sign) are auspicious indeed. We should look at global developments here too, whether we see magnanimous gestures on the part of leaders and governments or an aggressive show of power. Jupiter does not have the astrological stage to itself, however, and as if to remind us that the best things in life have to be earned and that all actions have consequences, Saturn makes regular appearances in November, and since Neptune is still in opposition to Saturn, especially around the 8th, 17th and 29th we will need to read between the lines when it comes to statements of national and international importance: the distance between reality and fabrication may never have been greater. While such influences would not be out of place with an announcement of a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and a subsequent aura of failure and defeat hovering over the Bush administration - their chances of keeping the Senate Republican are slim - we may be looking also at a severe loss of face inspired by leaks and betrayal for Tony Blair upon whose Mid-heaven Neptune will be sitting.

Jupiter is entering your health and lifestyle zone, so, during the coming year you have a golden opportunity to become fitter, healthier and stronger than ever. You may have been considering making major changes in your life for some time, so if the workplace is not working for you, now is the time to give serious thought to what you actually want from life. What would make you happy? Once the wheels are set in motion you can actually achieve your heart's desire. It may be that you need less work and more fun. Perhaps you need a change of scene... Jupiter in Sagittarius might make you feel like living and working abroad. The possibilities are endless.

1st December 2006 - 31st December 2006
If you've ever wondered why December seems to put you in the role of workaholic while everyone else appears to be enjoying themselves it is because the sun is moving through the sixth solar house of work. I see this house as the engine of the horoscope: the systems we put in place in order to function and thrive. Thus, you may drive yourself extra hard in an effort to meet your deadlines and measure up to expectations and, on the other hand, your health could swing into the spotlight, whether you have already booked dental or medical appointments or because all that effort has put a strain on your physical and mental systems. Then again, you could be called upon to take on the role of carer, healer and helper. Whatever role duties and responsibilities play in your life, try not to forget that you have a duty to yourself too...

Each year at this time the sun squares Uranus and conjoins Pluto and often there are other alignments which add to this powerful mix, resulting in upheavals of a personal and global nature. Take the tsunami of 2004, for instance, which began as the moon clipped the degree of the sun-Pluto conjunction just prior to becoming full. Between the 1st and 22nd of December there will be no less than five planets in the sign of Sagittarius, so there is a concentration of �energy' in one area of the cosmos: in a natal chart this often manifests as an individual who is a specialist, one who is very focused, and in terms of events there can be a last straw effect to be observed. Put another way, people reach the end of their tethers and take extreme measures to prove their point. The period from the 15th to the 23rd is potentially the most explosive and we may see a lot of sabres being rattled by world leaders and another terror alert that interferes with our travel and our peace of mind. The year closes with war lord Mars and Master of Mystery, Neptune, in harmony, which is perfect for a champagne entry into 2007 but also a compassionate end to a year that has been full of strife and conflict.

Since the sun, Mercury and Venus aspect Pluto during the course of the month, it's possible that your lifestyle will be transformed through a relationship. Perhaps you'll try co-habitation (which would indeed be transformational for you Cancer, inviting someone into the inner sanctum of your home!) or maybe there will be changes in a partner's life that will in turn necessitate alterations in yours. We are forced to confront the good, the bad and the unacceptable in life and love under Pluto, with a view to emerging like a phoenix out of the ashes of old and outworn situations. And even if these periods produce nothing of a noteworthy nature, you could be deeply affected by other people's stories and much more interested in profound subjects and meaningful exchanges.

From the 11th Venus will be transiting the area of love and relating, and on the 22nd she is followed by the sun, so the latter part of December promises to be one of the most romantic and relationship-oriented periods of the year. And, I suspect, there will be more proposals and marriages born under these Christmas and New Year stars than for any other sign.

1st January 2007 - 31st January 2007
Compared to December January's stars are a dream. Venus spends most of the month in Aquarius generally sweetening life for members of this sign and helping those of the opposite sign (Leo) find and celebrate love. The full moon of the 3rd is in Cancer and, like all full moons helps us close a chapter and begin a new one - something we tend to do anyway at the start of a new year., although of course, for Cancerians, this process is profoundly more marked. The Mars - Pluto conjunction of the 13th is the last in a series of aspects between the personal planets and Pluto, so events mid-month may well have a connection between those of the 8th-25th December. (Here in Great Britain the enquiry into the death of Princess Diana confirmed that it was an accident - not a white-wash surely? And on the same day (14th December) Prime Minister Tony Blair was questioned by police in the cash for honours enquiry - not an attempt to bury bad news, surely? - and in keeping with Pluto's principles of dark deeds, a nationwide police hunt began for serial killer of five young prostitutes, resulting in an arrest just before Christmas.) On January 16th Mars enters Capricorn for a six-week transit - OK Cappies, it's time to get moving and motoring! And on the 20th the sun arrives in Aquarius. These last ten days of January present a complex and certainly variety-packed picture. In a nutshell the theme is chickens coming home to roost (courtesy Saturn, Lord of Karma) so if we've spent too much money over Christmas we'll be paying the price at this time, and, in general, both on the world's stage and in our own lives we'll be looking at the cost of actions taken some time ago.

You could find yourself making a serious decision about one important relationship as the sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars all pass through your partnership zone this month. You should feel empowered by all this planetary activity and may well be able to close a door on a situation which simply isn't working for you. On the other hand, you may marry or take a step that binds you closer to another person. The point is, the full moon of the 3rd/4th will bring issues to a head, with a view to your being able to start a brand new cycle for life and love. Make the most of this planetary tail wind, however, because after the 16th co-operation may be harder to achieve: protect your interests and bide your time until the tide turns in you favour. As I mentioned at the opening, the last ten days of January put Saturn in the picture, and since this planet is currently in the area of finance and self-worth, there is still much work to be done to find the security and stability you require. Should events during this time eat away at your confidence and optimism, avoid taking matters personally and adopt practical steps to counteract the difficulty, one day at a time. You'll get there.

1st February 2007 - 28th February 2007
With a full moon opening to February the theme of endings and beginnings is clearly stamped on our astrology. The moon is in Leo so members of this sign and those of Aquarius are in the front row when it comes to bringing to a close anything that has outlived its usefulness. Relationships for these two signs in particular appear to be at a crossroads, and with Valentine's Day coming in between a sun-Saturn opposition (10th) and a Venus Pluto square (20th), the scent of final straws is in the air! This is far from a light and frothy month, primarily due to the applying Saturn-Neptune opposition. (And if you want to know more about this important transit, please click on the article relating to it on the home page.) This opposition is exact on the 28th, and from the middle of February onwards we can expect to see events out on the world's stage reflecting its theme of sacrifice and redemption on the one hand, and the erosion of established structures on the other. Among those for whom the Saturn-Neptune bell tolls are: Fidel Castro (sun: 20 Aquarius), Tony Blair (Pluto: 20 Leo), George W. (Venus: 21 Leo) and Queen Elizabeth (Mars: 20 Aquarius and Neptune: 22 Leo).

The sun highlights the financial axis of your solar chart throughout February. You might sense that your joint bank account is not in a healthy state and that you need to get a grip on the situation before it spirals out of control. Thus discussions with a business or romantic partner could be a major feature of the month ahead. The new moon of the 17th is a good date to put new systems in place, but, with Mercury retrograde after the 14th, make sure you read the small print very carefully before signing any contracts. Some of you may experience deep and profound feelings early int the month as the sun makes aspects first to Neptune, then Saturn. There may be an intimate encounter followed by a parting and with the Saturn-Neptune theme playing throughout February bitter-sweet experiences appear to be the name of the game. If you are travelling far from home a new relationship could develop or a love affair could spring up with someone from another country or culture. It seems your values will be tested this month, whether we're talking finances or feelings, and you may have to choose between the safe, sensible route and the sublime yet tortuous path of uncertain destinations.

1st March 2007 - 31st March 2007
What can you say about a month that has two eclipses in it, the first of which is not only a total lunar but conjunct/opposition lively Uranus, and the second, a partial solar, which squares Pluto? I'd say it's one of those periods in which matters that have been rumbling underground for some while erupt with the force of a minor volcano! March is a very cleansing month: think de-tox and de-clutter, whether in terms of our homes and our offices or in regard to our opinions and belief systems. The periods around the eclipses (3rd and 19th) are the most dynamic or disruptive, depending on your perspective, and the final ten days with its heavy concentration of Saturn are the most hard work. Could we have an announcement about a forthcoming wedding for Prince William and Kate Middleton? Very possibly. And will events in the Middle East be the cause of even greater consternation? Almost certainly.

The eclipses straddle the travel and communication axis for you Cancer, so it seems news (probably from afar), dialogues and travel are the most likely sources of the unusual and the unexpected. Plans for a trip may have to change at the last moment or events in the lives of other people could inspire a journey for you. And if you've been waiting to exchange contracts, looking for a legal decision or even just wanted to arrive at a conclusion these eclipses will surely inspire such things. Remember, however, that the effects of eclipses last for several months so that a process begun in March may well come to fruition with the next set of eclipses in August and September. If you do decide to make a bold move now, your life will undergo a complete transformation, and the presence of Jupiter in your lifestyle zone this year will ensure that you make very positive choices so don't be afraid to take a risk.

After the 21st, the emphasis switches to your career and there may be a certain amount of financial friction regarding your joint assets. You have the energy and assertiveness of Mars on your side should a partner or business associate be less than generous. Stand your ground and you should be able to wear the opposition down by your tenacity; after all - if there's one thing you Crabs really have got the hang of, it's spending money wisely.

1st April 2007 - 30th April 2007
Your career is the main focus of attention this month and you have an opportunity now to make some very positive changes which will safeguard your future security. After several months of worry about money matters, Saturn begins to move forward again in your personal finance sector so gradually you will be able to increase your expenditure and stop fretting about how to afford your creature comforts. Mid-month is an excellent period for beginning a new job or negotiating a salary increase.

The start to the month is complex, however. Uranus brings changes, whether in your general outlook on life or in regard to plans already in the pipeline - a last moment Easter get-away, perhaps, or unexpected reasons to cancel a trip. On the 2nd, Saturn, Neptune and a full moon could cause a temporary blip in the optimism barometer, but unless you have solid evidence that something has definitely turned pear-shape, do not hit the panic button. A financial error can be corrected and an unexpected outlay of cash can be compensated for later. Indeed, the two Grand Trines that form the background to this month's stars should prove entirely helpful and protective to your finances and career so while some Cancerians will achieve a major professional break in April others will find that moves made now will prove beneficial in the long term.

On the 6th, Mars heads into the zone of far horizons and Jupiter turns retrograde: while the former will encourage more travel and encourage you to see current events as part of life, not all of it, Jupiter's reverse thrust will urge you to look back and reflect upon the past. Some of you may be returning to a sporting hobby... dusting off your tennis racket or jogging shoes. Whether you are travelling or testing your stamina around the 29th-30th, exercise a little caution and avoid doing anything to excess as Mars in aspect to Uranus and Jupiter warns of minor slip-ups and bruised egos.

1st May 2007 - 31st May 2007
The sun's passage through of the most sociable area of your horoscope will get you out of the house and certainly out of your crab shell. You are not known for being the most gregarious sign of the zodiac, preferring the company of close friends, however, with Mars entering the area of career and life-goals (15th) you may find that success is not just a matter of what you know but whom. All the more reason, therefore, to say yes to that invitation, even if you would rather bask in the comfort of your own soft furnishings, watching your favourite TV programme!:

As I mentioned in my general forecast for the month, the week of the 7th sets a whole chain of astrological events in motion and although none of these aspects directly affects your sign you could have planets and points in your individual chart that are indeed involved. The Saturn-Neptune mix warns against trusting people who and institutions that are entrusted with your money while Pluto and Jupiter could create more than a few ripples on the work front - a power struggle could be at the heart of any intrigue or upset so do your homework before going into a meeting or responding to an offer or enquiry.

The best news for you this month, however, is that Venus moves into your sign on the 8th, increasing your attraction factor and encouraging harmonious relations with those around you. You will find it so much easier to charm the birds from the trees and may be surprised by how much you can achieve by simply fluttering your eyelashes!: Forget for a moment that you are shy and sensitive and use your lunar sense of humour to draw what and whom you want towards you. Another positive side of this month's aspects is that you could make some very useful business contacts, particularly around the 6th, when Jupiter and Saturn form their harmonious trine. Jupiter is expanding your opportunities in the workplace this year and Saturn will enable you to make your future more financially secure.

1st June 2007 - 30th June 2007
The month begins on a note of achievement, most probably connected with work or a matter that you have given particular time and effort towards - even made some sacrifice for. You may come to the end of a particular project which is completed to your satisfaction and you may even be given a financial reward for doing so. So far, so good. You may, however, feel rather spent, as though you have given your all to something and have nothing left to give. The situation is temporary: the sun is now transiting your zone of reflection and retreat, urging you to withdraw from the material world and look for spiritual solutions to your problems. You may experience a sudden flash of insight on the 9th as the sun and Uranus square each other, popping light bulbs on in people's heads all over the world. Your particular light bulb may involve an about-turn in your belief system or a renewal of faith, and the new moon of the 15th in the above-mentioned zone further accentuates the need to renew yourself spiritually.

The 21st is a day to mark in your diary as you'll probably feel your energy returning with the sun entering your own sign, coinciding with a hefty injection of energy, courtesy of a favourable trine between Mars and Pluto. Just two days later (23rd) Uranus turns retrograde in your zone of distant horizons. Some of you may actually be returning to a far off place, or picking up a course of study which was never finished. Others may be returning to a belief you once had: so you begin to see the theme repeating itself for you this month... If the stars tell a story, the plot revolves around the renewal of faith and optimism. By the end of the month you should have a much clearer picture of what you truly value in life and feel more connected to something greater than yourself.

1st July 2007 - 31st July 2007
Birthday month for many Cancerians and with a new moon in your sign (14th) and sparkling aspects to Uranus (11th and 20th) new beginnings are writ large in your stars. A distant place or person could also figure in the equation, so if you receive any unexpected offers which involve foreign travel, make sure you consider them seriously. For those of you not contemplating a long journey, perhaps an educational opportunity will present itself which will broaden your horizons and introduce some scintillating energy into your life. You also have the power to be more proactive in your relationships, which will bring some welcome changes to your love life, and your working associations.

And speaking of relationships... The first weekend of the month finds Venus and Saturn in conjunction, and with a full moon on the relationship axis (30th June) a wedding, anniversary or special date could be on the menu. Certainly, you will be in serious mood at the start of the month, and ready to make or break a long term commitment.

After the 23rd, the emphasis switches to financial matters. You may find that you become concerned about the way in which a group (or friend) is handling resources. You could feel that money is being wasted or that there is something dishonest or underhand going on. You could be feeling particularly emotional about this matter around the time of the full moon of the 30th but you must be careful not to exaggerate any worries. With Mercury on side in your own sign you are well able to fight your own corner if necessary and put matters right.

1st August 2007 - 31st August 2007
With a cluster of planets transiting the zone of self-worth, financial matters are centre stage this month. Whether you're keen to increase your earning power, sort out a pressing monetary problem or make the most of what you've got, August stars are there to help!

Around the time of the new moon (12th) you may be considering a long-term investment which appears to be a water tight opportunity. All that glisters is not gold, however, as the sun and Mercury oppose Neptune suggesting that you might not be receiving the best possible advice or be in possession of all the facts. If there seems to be any confusion or you feel uncomfortable about signing on the dotted line, allow yourself more time to make up your mind. Financial security is of the utmost importance to you Crabs and while you can allow yourself to follow your incredible intuition, you must have some facts at your disposal too.

Ruled as you are by the moon, feelings play a very important part in your life and it will be even harder for you to ignore them this month. There may be a crystallisation of emotion around the 18th as you become aware of whom or what you value. (Some of you may be finding your job particularly absorbing at this time, so it needn't necessarily be a person who is the focus for your intense feelings.) Remind yourself that this is a complex period and one when your impressions of someone or something may be out of proportion, therefore you need time to filter your feelings before acting on them. Indeed, this theme of playing for time is a dominant one this August, right across the board.

The total lunar eclipse of the 28th straddles the axis of communication, indicating that a dialogue, meeting, journey, contract or message of importance is on its way. You are not one of the risk-takers of the zodiac so you probably don't need me to recommend caution on or around this date - and by this I mean, being in too much of a hurry to see obstacles lying in your path - however, if an amazing opportunity presents itself, please don't hesitate to take it.

1st September 2007 - 30th September 2007
The sun, Saturn (which moves into the sign of Virgo on the 2nd) and the solar eclipse of the 11th, are all highlighting your travel and communication zone so the theme of journeys is playing long and loud in your horoscope. The question is, what kind of journey? Some of you will find that travelling becomes more tiresome as Saturn can restrict and delay movement or perhaps you have to travel more for business rather than pleasure, which could prove to be rather tedious. On the plus side, however, you'll find your trips highly educational!

Mars is currently transiting your twelfth solar house so you must be sure to rest if you are feeling tired whilst driving, for example, particularly around the 3rd , 9th and 19th. On a more positive note, you might decide to pick up a pen and begin writing the novel you always knew was in you, or maybe you'll start a study course - check out those evening classes which begin this month. If you start something now you’ll probably be in it for the long haul. Saturn is not a fly-by-night planet: it gives you the staying power to see something through to its conclusion rather than giving up at the first hurdle.

The third solar house which is in the spotlight this month also deals with your immediate environment and the people who live close by. You may become involved with a community project or develop a stronger relationship with a neighbour, friend or family member. Any new friendships which develop should prove long-lasting, and you may find that your support is needed or that you are offered it by someone close. You may also find that you are able to talk more seriously and gain depth in your communications as Saturn discourages shallow, frivolous conversation. In your case, Cancer, it might just ease open that hard, crusty shell which protects your most vulnerable parts. There is something solid and dependable about Saturn which makes you feel that someone really wants to hear what you have to say.

1st October 2007 - 31st October 2007
This would be the perfect time to ring the changes in your home which will revitalise your family life. It's a well-known fact that you Crabs love home and hearth passionately and you can focus now on making your home a place of beauty and a safe haven to which to retreat. This would normally involve spending money and you might receive a welcome boost to your income around the 3rd as Venus and Pluto form a harmonious trine re-generating your finances. The new moon of the 11th falls in your home zone too, so some of you could actually be moving to a new abode at this time, while others will be re-feathering your existing nest.

Your travel and communication zone also comes under the spotlight this month. This would be a good time to arrange shot trips and spend some time with special friends. Socialising within your community is also well-starred, so inviting people into your home would be a natural choice to show others what an excellent host you can be. Saturn is urging you over the coming months to take a more active part in your neighbourhood, and you might even find yourself joining a local group or taking up a cause of some kind around the full moon of the 26th.

Mercury, planet of communication goes retrograde at the base of your solar chart on the 12th, so communications within the family go awry temporarily. Don't panic if your moody teenager refuses to speak or your other half goes into his/her cave; things will get back on track at the beginning of November. In the meantime, affirm your abundant charms and enjoy the peace!

1st November 2007 - 30th November 2007
Pleasure and creativity are the flavour of the month so feel free to get in touch with your inner child and make something you can be proud of. Whether it’s sculpture or flower arranging, paintings or puddings, you can bring something beautiful into being. With the lovely Venus in your home zone after the 8th you could also be doing wonderful things on the home-decorating front. Pregnancies and birth are possible too - not necessarily of your own making - but new additions to the family are in store for some celestial Crabs. Romance is yet another feature of November's stars, whether you start to date someone new or that loving feeling comes back to a long-standing relationship. Certainly, your life will benefit from pouring love into all your activities.

So far, so good. The only issue I have with November is that Mars, currently in your sign, goes into reverse thrust on the 15th, which could have the effect of crushing your confidence. You are not the most up front sign nor a person who is openly ambitious so the presence of Mars has been of benefit recently in the sense of getting you to stand up for yourself, your beliefs and your desires. With this in mind, fight any irrational fears and keep on keeping on! You may also need to take a little extra care when engaged in any strenuous physical activity or using machinery – a loss of focus could result in bumps and bruises. This trend continues until late January, so do your best not to fret if an endeavour has to be placed on hold: it's probably only temporary,

1st December 2007 - 31st December 2007
Do you always find this period of the year hard work? It's no surprise if you do because the sun moves through the area of work at this time, piling on the duties and pressures and generally making you feel like a dogsbody! But you can change all this, simply by delegating or deferring some of those tasks and focusing a lot more on the spirit of the season. (And, believe me, you have plenty to celebrate this Christmas.) But first, those awe-inspiring alignments of the 6th - 24th - a three-week period when much that you considered to be unchanging and unchangeable changes beyond recognition. Of course, what happens is going to differ from Cancerian to Cancerian but transformation is the keyword here. Some can expect news of job changes, others will be looking at a different lifestyle and if it's not you whose outlook is changing you're going to be talking to friends and colleagues who are facing a 2008 with a difference. On a mundane level, the earlier part of December would be an ideal time to take your health to task and to implement regimes intended to make you fitter, stronger and more attractive. You may also be called upon to look after someone who needs an abundance of TLC.

Now, the really good news. On the 18th, Jupiter enters the area of relationships and will spend the whole of next year improving your love life and bringing people to your side who will love and appreciate you and promote your talents. And, if you have a June birthday you may well find this trend is apparent in the very near future. 2008 is going to be a year of marriage, and with a full moon flanking the relationship axis on Christmas Eve there could be an abundance of proposals for your sign. Certainly, you can have confidence in the future of a relationship begun this month, and, even if it doesn't progress into marriage you will have made a friend for life.

By and large, December is a complex and challenging month but the good that will eventually come out of events cannot be underestimated. Never forget you are a Cardinal sign, Cancer, and the Cardinals are motivators and achievers.

1st January 2008 - 31st January 2008
You may know already why 2008 is going to be a year to remember but, if not, events in January could do the trick. By far the most important astrological event is the entry of Pluto into your opposite sign, Capricorn, a development that promises to bring about huge changes, first and foremost in your love life. To begin with it will be the 21st-22nd June birthdays who get to taste Pluto$s transformational offerings but over the course of the next sixteen years every Cancerian will have their share of peak life events. Jupiter is already in this area so a new romance may have come in towards the end of last year; on the other hand, you could be preparing for a wedding or some other grand occasion that will take place in 2008. Not that Jupiter and Pluto are just about romantic relationships. From now on other people will be the catalysts of change for you, whether they channel you in new career directions, open you up to new countries or radically alter your belief systems. Pluto is a tough experience so even the most welcome life-changing events will cause a degree of turmoil. With this in mind, the periods around the 2nd and 24th could present you with the year$s first major high or low. At the very least these influences encourage you to shed a skin - and a fair amount of baggage - but at best you could be ending a long chapter and setting about a new one.

From the 20th, finances take centre stage. It may be that all the credit card bills have to be paid or that a serious economy drive must be begun but if you are in negotiations with an ex or trying to resolve a financial issue with an organization you will have to be prepared for them to take a tough line. The full moon of the 22nd is a particularly delicate day so go into discussions with a flexible attitude and an open mind. Property transactions could also be part of January$s story, with this same date offering the possibility of sale or exchange of contracts.

On the 24th, Venus moves into the zone of love and relating, where she will stay well past Valentine$s Day. This planet will do her very best to bring peace and harmony into your relationships and in some cases a new love interest will appear before the end of February. And with Mercury turning retrograde on the 28th a new partner may take you on a journey into the past or you could reignite an old flame.

1st February 2008 - 29th February 2008
What more could you ask for on Valentine's Day than Venus, the planet of love and good fortune, should be in the zone of relationships. Actually, right from the opening of the month you should be in celebration mode, and even if it isn't romance that is floating your boat, something is making you happy and optimistic. (Now, should you read this and you are sunk in slough of despond, please remember that Venus and Jupiter do their level best to bring joy into your life but sometimes it just takes a little more time to manifest.) Certainly, this is one of the best months of 2008 to enlist support for your aims and desires and even if you don't have the love of your life by your side you'll know you have some wonderful friends and loyal admirers. The solar eclipse of the 7th falls in the zone of money and shared financial interests: this may portend an unexpected windfall or a positive financial development for a partner, and should you be dealing with an ex - there could be both unexpected disclosures and unusual solutions to monetary impasses. On the 19th, the sun heads into the zone of travel and distant horizons and with a total lunar eclipse a matter of days later, you may find that an event in a place far from home necessitates a journey; on the other hand, a contract may be forthcoming.

1st March 2008 - 31st March 2008
On the 4th, Mars heads back into your sign, giving you a surge of confidence and urging you to attack those situations that are dragging their heels or causing you grief. However, you may want to let the first week go by before you decide on your best course of action. On the 7th, Mars is opposed by Pluto creating tensions in relationships and making any opposition to your ideas and plans much fiercer than it might otherwise be. And much the same could be said for the Easter period. The area of far horizons is lit up like a beacon so some Cancerians will be travelling far and wide this month, while others will be looking to the future and making big plans. And with Uranus in the mix (4th - 11th and 24th - 31st), you can expect some changes to long-standing situations, which will open up your world, albeit a little further down the line. Good Friday takes place on a full moon so there is that familiar theme of endings and beginnings to incorporate into your plans: perhaps you'll be attending a wedding or a family event or maybe the time has come to finally bring an end to a situation that has generated more pain than pleasure.

1st April 2008 - 30th April 2008
Rarely have there been such opportunities to make realities of your dreams. A Grand Trine linking the zones of collaboration, travel and communications encourages you to go out on a limb for your most cherished ambitions: this is not the time to withdraw into that shell of yours but to strut your stuff and keep knocking at those doors regardless of how resistant they may have been previously to your appeals. Other people can be counted on to support you and there could be more than one happy occasion involving a romantic relationship or a partner. Indeed, if there is one month in which you should let go of all your inhibitions it is April. Each week finds Jupiter in the picture so you are in a fortunate phase of the year and one where courage and daring are rewarded. Take a chance on love, and you won't regret it; believe in yourself and you can only win. The creative axis of your horoscope is highlighted by the 20th 's full moon, and it seems a gestation period is ending and new life set to emerge, whether this indeed means news of a pregnancy or birth(not necessarily your own but a friend's or member of the family's) or the beginning of a new project.

1st May 2008 - 31st May 2008
On paper, your horoscope looks terrific, and if there are any difficulties they are likely to extend from existing problems rather than fresh ones. The area of creativity and collaboration is the focus of much of the planetary activity so if you're looking at a diary already filled with social occasions or you are expecting to be involved in one or more working parties, then you're truly in synch with your stars. On the 9th, Jupiter turns retrograde, and since this planet is currently gracing the area of relationships don't be surprised if you want to slow down the course of a romance or that plans for the future have to be side-lined for reasons beyond your control. You may also find that an organization you work with experiences some financial set-backs. On the other hand, in the coming weeks you may reconnect with an old love, and in some cases, this may well lead to a permanent union. The full moon of the 20th ends a gestation period, thus signalling a birth of some description; children could also be the focus of some important events at this time. All full moons up the emotional amps so while you can feel free to shed tears of joy, try to keep maintain your perspective if someone or something fails to measure up to expectations.

1st June 2008 - 30th June 2008
You're in the twelfth-house wonderland for much of the month so don't be surprised if your attention is off material and practical matters and you are absorbed by things of the spirit and the heart. Activities like mediation and yoga should be pursued and if you don't feel like being the life and soul of the party, don't be. Health of mind, body and spirit is to the fore and if you do one thing only this June it should be to check out a dental or physical worry. Do your best not to become paranoid if someone or something is not behaving as you expect - once Venus and the sun come into your own sign (18th and 21st respectively) your fears should be put to rest and you will be back in charge of your own destiny. The alignments of the 9th - 20th are dynamic and it is during this time that you may discover a secret or you may find out how you truly feel about a situation. My advice for you would be to do nothing radical unless and until you are really sure of the consequences of your actions. Then again, sometimes when we vote with our feet the universe pumps all of its energy behind us.

1st July 2008 - 31st July 2008
Birthday month begins with Venus in your sign and you in the mood for love. Of course, that's just astrological theory; in practice Venus may be focusing her good works on bringing you the success you have sought or simply some happy times to spend with friends and loved ones. Until the 12th you should make use of this planet's principles of harmony by seeking to heal any rifts, especially those that have developed with a partner, and approaching those people who and those organizations that you need to impress. Jupiter is gracing the area of relationships all year but is particularly strong this July: therefore offers and proposals may be forthcoming and any agreements made and partnerships cemented should bring happiness now and in the future. The most challenging period of July falls on or near the 10th - there could be some dispiriting news to accept or you may face a tough exchange with someone - but whatever comes or goes at this point has to be viewed through a philosophical lens. The full moon of the 18th is another important feature: closure and completion is the message here – a time to bury the hatchet and/or to move on without regrets.

1st August 2008 - 31st August 2008
The credit crunch might well have reached Cancer country already but given you are by nature a thrifty individual maybe it has taken until now for your suggestions to be implemented by others, especially partners, or this is the month you will be talking to the money people. Two eclipses (1st and 16th) bring a new dimension to your financial planning, whether you make a gain or a partner's monetary situation changes. Then again, August could be simply an expensive month. Your self-esteem is also in the spotlight and whatever judgement other people appear to have of you, remember it's self-belief that counts. Jupiter's continuing presence in the relationship zone will buffer any romantic upsets or job-related crises, even so don't be surprised if someone lets you down or you uncover a labyrinth of lies. August may well be a trying month for travel, especially on or around the time of the eclipses, but you will learn things of great value from your journeys – you may even meet someone who captures your heart. Indeed, the real gains you make this month are in discovering who really loves you.

1st September 2008 - 30th September 2008
You probably hate the idea of a learning curve but those things you come to know this month are going to prove of enormous value in the future. Some Cancerians may well be 'going back to school', adding to your bank of knowledge in a literal way, others could be acquiring new skills, and in general there is a major trend for increasing your power and influence through information received or exchanged. There could even be some legal issues to deal with and rather too much bureaucratic red tape to untangle. Travel is another feature of your September stars, and it's not so much journeys of a thousand miles to unknown destinations but a case of being constantly in motion, performing little errands and putting miles on your mile-o-meter as opposed to gaining points with your chosen airline. The sun moves to the base of your chart on the 20th shortly after squaring Pluto, so it may be that a situation which has been dragging on for many moons without resolution finally gives. Certainly, with the sun's passage through the zone of family and home during October you are beginning a new cycle and laying foundation stones of new endeavours, even planning a new home space.

1st October 2008 - 31st October 2008
The sun's passage through the area of home, family and life-foundations marks one of the more important periods of 2008 for you. In the main, the alignments are favourable, however, because you tend to wait for other people to make the first move, plus you like to have as many guarantees in place as you can, more than one boat of opportunity has left port this year, so you need to make up for lost time and grab your chances while you have them. First and foremost, this applies to the property market: if you're trying to sell, don't hang out for a higher price but take that bird in the hand, so to speak; likewise, if you're thinking of buying and you've found the right place, make an offer - you may not find anything comparable for years to come. Then there's life foundations... this is an excellent period to change your job or to seek promotion, and, if you have ideas to start your own business, make them a reality. Even in the event of a difficulty or romantic upset, these stars will help you overcome your challenges and, if necessary, move on and move out.

1st November 2008 - 30th November 2008
Normally, the sun's transit each November through your fellow water sign, Scorpio, makes for a pleasant month. The area of creativity and self-expression is highlighted evoking your inner-child and putting activities and endeavours to do with children at the top of your list. However, this November, Saturn and Uranus oppose each other making the going tough for everyone, regardless of their sun sign. (And if you want to know more about this powerful transit you can read my article on this site.) Meetings, discussions and journeys could have their share of little problems, especially during the first ten days, but you will find life a whole lot easier if you adapt to unexpected changes, even if that means altering the habits and opinions of a lifetime! The full moon of the 13th comes with a warning to check the facts and not to assume what you see is what you get. The ministry of dis-information will be in full swing at this time, and, especially where finances are concerned, you will need to do your sums very carefully and avoid getting into schemes and agreements which are unproven. Jupiter and Saturn will align harmoniously on the 21st -an aspect that is particularly helpful for close relationships and business endeavours. This would be an excellent day to put signatures to paper and make a long-term commitment. On the 27th Pluto arrives in the zone of relating thereby beginning a sixteen year transit. If you have a June birthday you may already have had a taste of this planet's transformational nature whether someone has taken you to the stars or dumped you in the deep blue sea. And from now on your love life is indeed going to be a great journey.

1st December 2008 - 31st December 2008
If you're starting the month by getting your flu shot, stocking up on supplies of Bach Flower remedies and organizing the home and the work- place from top to bottom you are, like your planets, in the sixth house. This is the time of year to look after the health of mind, body and spirit and to get all manner of life- systems in ship- shape order. The month also opens with Venus and Jupiter joined at the hip in the zone of relating... This is one of the most romantic aspects of all, and it may preside over a very special date. Venus and Jupiter will help heal troubled relationships, they can bring together two people who have never met and they can inspire proposals and preside over weddings. Make the most of this sweet influence, however, because for much of the month Uranus, Saturn and Pluto are in charge, which invariably means the unexpected and the inconvenient. You will need to be a little more careful when handling machinery, and becoming accustomed to new technology could prove challenging - something to bear in mind especially on or near the 5th and 12th. The sun and Mars will both be in the zone of relating by the 27th so if the beginning of the month failed to produce any fireworks, they could happen over the New Year. Hopefully, fireworks will translate as exciting sparks in a romantic relationship but if the touch paper is lit on a relationship that has had its day consider the fates have done you a favour.

1st January 2009 - 31st January 2009
Romance and relationships are in the spotlight, with a touch of distant horizons thrown in for good measure. Should you have made a decision regarding a love affair towards the end of 2008, you start to construct solid plans – in some cases, setting a wedding date and in others, finding a home together – and in general the first half of January is all about dialogues with partners and close associates. The 11th is a key date – the only full moon in Cancer this year so you are empowered and enlightened: a relationship comes full circle making this yet another moment when you can decide whether or not to go forward. Mercury turns retrograde on the same day, which may tie your plans up in knots for a short period but you should not see this change of direction as a permanent blight on your entire life. By contrast, a long-standing relationship could reach the end of the line, and with Mercury's retrograde move you can start to unpick the tapestry of your life together. The period on or near the 23rd is somewhat unstable and while you could meet someone in unusual circumstances or someone who is markedly different from you, a discovery made could throw you for a loop. Finally, the solar eclipse of the 26th portends a financial breakthrough and/or a new cycle for monetary matters.

1st March 2009 - 31st March 2009
Heading into new territory is March's starry theme. Yes, you may be taking a holiday, going on a business trip or welcoming people from afar into your life; on the other hand, new territory could be represented by a new romance, a departure of some sort professionally speaking or simply a whole different life-outlook. Legal matters could be in the frame too, and should you be somewhat phased by the way a situation has panned out, taking legal advice could be the right way to go. There could be contracts to sign on or around the 11th, and this date has an end-of-a-chapter feel to it – and, of course, a new one is just over the horizon. The arrival of the sun in Aries on the 20th marks the return of Pluto: this transformational planet first made its presence felt during Christmas and the New Year, so late March could see an end to a story begun then, or events that occurred in late December may have a bearing on what happens now. Career and relationships are in the frame here, and you may be tempted to believe fate had a major hand in affairs. And you'd probably be right.

1st April 2009 - 30th April 2009
You may know already why this is an important month but if you have nothing special penned in your diary expect an eventful few weeks. The sun, Venus, Mercury and eventually Mars will transit the area of career and life-direction making this a key period for your future. For some Cancerians April will bring job changes, for others it will be the home that sees activity and change – some of it rather unexpected – but for all celestial Crabs this is a time to end small or large life-chapters and, of course, to begin new ones. This theme will be most evident around Easter, although the periods on or near the 3rd, 15th and 26th are volatile and transformational. Travel is another feature of your April stars – and quite some distance for many. Your horizons are opening up, whether they do so in terms of new places or professional and personal opportunities. Venus is in pride of place so aside from taking you to beautiful locations and inspiring you to surround yourself with lovely objects, the pursuit of romance and true love could be on your agenda. The powerful Pluto influence – strongest at the beginning and end of the month – generates a climate of passion, in which new and intense encounters will occur yet it is equally likely that a relationship in trouble will hit some seriously low spots. No one needs a toxic relationship so don't make misguided loyalty an excuse to hanging on to someone who is inappropriate for you.

1st February 2009 - 28th February 2009
February looks to be all about money and love. It's a complex month too, so don't expect easy answers and straight forward negotiations. Happily, Venus, the planet of love and good fortune, lands on a key point in your chart, where she will remain for four months so something good will come out of events in this first half of 2009. On the down side, not everyone will be as honest with you as you might like, and there is a risk of a rejection of some description: this might be because someone is labouring under a misconception or it could be that certain people believe it is better for you to be kept in the dark. Especially around the 12th, the ministry of disinformation is at work, and you must check the facts before making a decision. Jupiter's passage through the zone of emotional and sexual exchange could produce great benefits as the year goes by, but with Neptune there too some situations will promise more than they can deliver and you will need to have signatures on paper and solid commitments. Returning to Venus... This planet could prove particularly helpful with your career, and people in positions of power are far more likely to look on you with favour. So flaunt those assets of yours, especially during the last week of the month.

1st May 2009 - 31st May 2009
The month gets off to a Venus-Pluto start, which means you are likely to be feeling much more intense about issues and not at your most rational should someone tread on those Cancerian pincers of yours. On the other hand, you could be passionately engaged in love-land. Either way, what happens in the early days of May could send a situation in a whole other direction. Mercury will be in backwards mode from the 7th - 31st bringing its usual irritations with communications systems. It's a question of being patient and allowing certain situations room to breathe. You'll get to know a little bit more about what Jupiter and Neptune can do for you in the way of fulfilling hopes yet also raising fears. These planets are principally influencing finances so although you are a prudent sign you may not be entirely exempt from monetary shortages and complications. Focus on the facts rather than the fancies when it comes to money and property – especially on or near the 17th - and get those signatures on paper.

1st June 2009 - 30th June 2009
Until the 21st the sun will be transiting the obscure twelfth house so you will be at your mysterious best, if a little more emotionally and physically vulnerable. This would be an ideal period in which to have a medical or dental check up and to pay attention to diet and exercise. Once the sun enters your own sign (21st) all that inner and outer preparation will prove to have been very worthwhile. The full moon of the 7th will highlight any weaknesses and aggravate worries: do your best to clear your schedule that weekend and take it very easy. Throughout June there is an emphasis on friendship and teamwork – a new business project for some, events involving friends for others and for a few a platonic relationship could morph into something a lot more romantic. While there may be occasions that add colour to life before the 21st it is as soon as the sun enters Cancer that your solar chart really hots up. A new moon opposed to Pluto (22nd/23rd) takes you back to events of late December and, especially if it is your birthday, portends big life changes, perhaps brought about by a discovery or a powerful exchange with someone to whom you are close.

1st July 2009 - 31st July 2009
There's nothing average about July: two eclipses, the first on the 7th which cuts across the relationship axis and the second (22nd) in the very last degree of your sign represent milestones, certainly of 2009 but in some cases life milestones. Eclipses are great change-bringers, and these combined with oppositions to Pluto (23rd June and 4th July), make this a period of exciting occasions – some of which have been in preparation for six months - or tumultuous developments that leave you wondering where you go next. It's not so much what you do, either, that makes July so significant, it's what other people do – the effect they have on your life. I could say, sit back and enjoy the ride but even with the most wonderful of circumstances you're going to experience some discomfort. Not every Cancerian faces life-defining events this July, of course, but sometimes when we witness great events in other people's lives, it stirs something within us, and we change our lives in consequence. Venus and Mars will be transiting the mysterious twelfth house, creating doubts in your mind, especially over a relationship. This may well turn out to be a very temporary state of affairs and once Venus enters your sign (31st July) you and the relationship will be back on track.

1st August 2009 - 31st August 2009
A month with Venus in your sign has to have some serious merit. While luck and love may not follow your every move, situations will generally be in your favour, and if you've been looking for romance, ooh la la! Indeed, the first weekend of August could be passion on sticks, so to speak. Pluto opposes Venus at this time generating powerful emotions, which you can channel beautifully into an established or burgeoning romance; on the other hand, if you're on hostile terms with a partner or an ex, do your best not to allow your feelings to propel you into unwise actions. Much the same could be said for the period on or near the 25th when Pluto will again be forging volcanic aspects – this time to Mars and Mercury. It may be at this latter part of the month that a situation finally reaches an end or you come to a realization upon which you can take positive action. As for the rest of the month, the eclipse of the 6th falls on the financial axis of your solar chart so it will be appropriate to end a commitment or sign a new agreement or contract; plus if you are in negotiation with a company or a partner this is the signal for a final decision. Health requires a little more care throughout August: do your best not to overdo things and if you have any concerns whatsoever, take them to the professionals

1st September 2009 - 30th September 2009
Needless to say, with Mercury in retrograde from the 7th to 29th – and in the area of travel and communication – getting from A to B in terms of distance and understanding is going to be hard work. Now, don't cancel your travel plans or all your meetings but do take precautions. Much as you may dislike discarding beliefs and acquiring new strategies, it is necessary: you can't go forward in life dragging all that baggage with you. Pluto has already changed the map big-time for some Cancerians (especially those with June birthdays and planets and points between 1 and 3 degrees of your sign) and this is yet another month when you are reminded that you don't get to make all the decisions. Mars is in your sign giving you energy, determination and fight so you can get places, even if you do have to go round the houses in the process. There's extra money to be made too, and if you can invest your cash or you are considering selling/buying a property, September is the month to put your hand in your pocket. Love and romance take a bit of a back seat, although the Venus-Pluto trine of the 21st could prove crucial to the future of a relationship. Indeed the previous weekend could turn out to very sweet music.

1st October 2009 - 31st October 2009
October places the sun at the base of your solar chart so you are beginning a six month cycle, first and foremost related to your ambitions and material needs. You may find yourself considering the merits of buying/selling a property or you could be looking at ways in which you can increase your security – financial and emotional – and the foundation stones you put down this month will dictate the success of your efforts in the future: you should see some results by the April of next year. There are still some effects of the Saturn-Uranus opposition to cope with, so getting dates in the diary and reaching happy conclusions could prove frustrating. The way to offset this trend is to remain very open to alternatives and to drop your attachment to specific outcomes. The full moon of the 4th flanks the life-direction axis of your horoscope so this is an appropriate time to sign off on a commitment and tie up loose ends of any description. Full moons make us all more emotional, of course, so if you have a special occasion set for the weekend of the 3rd/4th expect the tears to flow. Saturn arrives at the all-important fourth house cusp on 29th from where it will influence family life and your role in the world – career by another name. Saturn always tests your mettle but the experiences you have over the course of the next three years, whether they involve the family, home, work, health or relationships, will strengthen you as an individual and you will have created a solid foundation for your future happiness.