Welcome To Penny Thornton's Astrolutely.com

The Following Month Ahead Horoscopes Were Found:

1st February 2003 - 28th February 2003
The ninth house of the horoscope makes an ideal home for Gemini - it is the area of far horizons and therefore a wonderful haven for a restless and inquiring spirit like yours. When the sun transits this zone, as it does until the 18th, things of a distant nature loom into view - if that�s not an oxymoron! On the one hand, February is a period when some Geminis will be able to get away from it all by travelling overseas and on the other, the astrological climate enables you to see further than the tip of your nose. In other words, you�ll be able to rise above situations and get a better perspective on issues. Relationships are another area of importance in February and it seems especially those with birthdays between the 12th and 15th of June have some big decision-making to do.

Until the 14th you couldn�t have smoother influences but on the weekend of the 15th the planets form a series of tense angles making life more complicated and you less easy-going. Global affairs will almost certainly be affected by the mid-to-end February configurations so perhaps because of events taking place in other parts of the world there could be travel delays and alterations to schedules. Since the communications axis of your horoscope is involved here it might be advisable to have a back up plan for journeys and to cut down your commitments so that you are under less pressure. But before you press the panic button I should emphasize that these angles of tension are also the stuff of success and achievement: they can preside over some of the most life-enhancing events. And since the weekend of the 15th is close to Valentine�s Day one of those life-enhancing events could be a proposal or a wedding.

We all have questions that need answers and although the period between the 14th and 24th is volatile it is also dynamic enough to produce real results.

1st January 2003 - 31st January 2003
Another day, another dollar; another year, another annus dramaticus! Only joking, of course. As you will see from your year-ahead stars there are some real improvements in line for 2003. As for January, with ruler, Mercury, retrograding between the 2nd and 23rd it may seem to be a case of one step forward and two back! January is often a month when communications are slow and convoluted - people are away on holiday or busy clearing up backlogs from December and in the Northern Hemisphere the weather invariably interferes with normality - so you just need to set your psyche into patience mode and tolerate the occasional blip with travel and communications.

Until the 20th the sun will be moving through one of the financial areas of your horoscope, although you probably don't need me to tell you that money matters are going to dominate much of January. The full moon of the 18th could prove to be an eye-opener where your accounts are concerned, although this would also be an appropriate time to sign a financial agreement or tie up a legal/financial arrangement.

Venus (7thonwards) and Mars (17th onwards) will both transit the seventh house of relationships, making this one of the year's romantic high-points. Single Geminis have a greater chance of meeting Mr or Ms Right while others could be taking their vows or rekindling the fires of desire! As always there is a less desirable aspect to these transits and you are likely to find out why and what after the 23rd. Venus hooks up to Saturn (25th) and Pluto (29th) so although these connections can prove both binding and passionate they can also be destructive. Therefore be careful what you say and with whom you tango during the last week of the month.

Not the smoothest start to a year but do not judge this year book by its cover!

1st March 2003 - 31st March 2003
When planets transit the tenth house of your solar chart your ambitions and role in life swim into focus. As a Mutable sign, you tend to have a plethora interests and sometimes in your thirst to cover as many and varied aspects of life as possible you lose track of the most essential. This is not meant to be criticism, by the way, so much as an explanation as to why you sometimes fail to fulfil your talents and achieve a goal or two. Now, thanks to March�s stars you have the astrological backing to go for gold. And while you should have the determination and the confidence to push forward with your plans and to put yourself and your interests first it may be that instead events conspire to do such things for you.

On the 10th Uranus enters your fellow Mutable sign, Pisces. This innovative and change-evoking planet will angle your sun for several months at a time, depending upon your birthday. Between now and the end of the year it will be the turn of those born between the 21st and 24th May who have the pleasure of Uranus�s company, which may translate as an unexpected change of career course or a new home base. And March may well be the month such scenarios come into being.

By far the most dynamic period of March falls between the 8th and 18th. At this time a key configuration involving Saturn and Pluto will be in play so there will be an element of the past to deal with and issues that arise need to be judged not on their initial presentation but on their origins. Saturn and Pluto are currently flanking the relationship axis of your horoscope so other people have a big say in what happens to you. March is both a time when you can strengthen your relationships with key people in your life and a time when you realize just who and what oppose you.

Clearly, these major configurations have much to do with global affairs and as with the mid-to-late part of February, you can expect to see some powerful events taking place on the world stage. The aforementioned ten-day period ends with a full moon in Virgo (18th) and since this straddles the life-direction axis of your solar chart it would be an appropriate time to end a chapter - and, of course, to begin anew.

1st April 2003 - 30th April 2003
The cosmos is in far better shape this month so although life may not be perfect it is an improvement on previous models! The sun is focused on the area of collaborative efforts, and there is more of an emphasis on ideals as opposed to material needs and pursuits. Indeed, by focusing on professional and personal fulfilment rather than what you have to do in order to survive, you will not only be happier but you could discover that you have other career options, if not some other life options.

Venus, the planet of love and harmony, will be transiting the life-direction sector of your horoscope so you can make terrific progress with your ambitions. This is the time to �sell� yourself and to seek out people and organizations who can further your career. And if you are not a career-oriented Gemini you can instead make good connections and achieve positive results. So far so good. It is only when Venus hooks up to Pluto (13th) and Saturn (17th) that you may hit a rut in the road, and while these dates mark the exact planetary angle it is wise to leave three or four days on either side of those dates to prepare for hitches and glitches. How these glitches will manifest will vary from Gemini to Gemini but it is fair to say that someone other than yourself will be the ringmaster of events.

Nonetheless, these are small problems in an otherwise splendid few weeks. And with Mars arriving in the area of far horizons on the 21st you may also be able to assuage your thirst for seeing people and going places - indeed travel may prove to be another source of April�s highs.

1st May 2003 - 31st May 2003
When the sun transits the twelfth house of the solar chart, you are in a period of preparation: you tend to be less attuned to the material world and more in touch with your feelings, more sensitive and vulnerable. Thus, ideally, you should wrap yourself up in cotton wool and avoid those people who and those situations that are stressful. Of course, like all theories, the reality is invariably different. What the period between the 1st and 21st may turn out to be is rather strange: you may feel as though you are not in control of your destiny and that people appear to be keeping you in the dark. Paranoia aside, because you are indeed more sensitive to the undercurrents of situations and soaking up other people�s emotions like a sponge, you are effectively one beat behind everyone else in the real world. The way to counteract this trend is to delegate some of your responsibilities and defer making big decisions until after the 21st. On the other hand, your dream life and your intuitive perceptions will be fantastic.

To add to the twelfth house mystery that is May, Neptune is centre stage, and this planet likes nothing better than creating mists and getting everyone into hopeless muddles. And while the major Neptune aspects occur on the 3rd, 12th, 16th and 27th the whole month should be considered a breeding ground for rumour and deception. Clearly, Neptune has a positive face, which can emerge in soul-to-soul experiences and romantic high spots. However, making a success of May means not accepting anything at face value and keeping your options open. Information reaching you may not always be trustworthy and second opinions should be sought, especially in regard to health or financial matters.

The presence of two eclipses ensures that May 2003 will not be forgotten easily. As you will have noted in previous months when there were eclipses and major alignments, world affairs tend to become very intense. And while the days of the eclipses - 16th and 31st - may come and go with no big firework display, the weeks surrounding these dates will contain significant world developments. Likewise, if either of these eclipses focuses on a point or planet in your natal chart you can expect a life-defining moment later this month or before then end of the next. And this is especially so if your birthday falls between the 30th May and 2nd June.

Indeed life becomes greatly more interesting after the 21st, and while you may not enjoy being stirred out of a comfortable rut, if you need a spur to your ambitions, a trigger to make a big change, you�ve got one.

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
For your big birthday present this year you get the news that Saturn is leaving your sign. Hooray! This planet exits Gemini on 4th June at precisely 1.28 am GMT. Of course, Saturn hasn�t disappeared off the map but it will be less of a hassle for you: your term of trial is all but over. We�ll talk about Saturn�s new position in a moment but first some of the other astro-news.

On the 10th, beautiful Venus heads into your sign, and while this may do great things for your love-life (you do have one, I promise) what it will definitely do is lift your spirits and give you an ego-boost. You should make use of this transit (which lasts until 4th July) because you have more than your share of charm particles under Venus - you�ll have an edge in any competitive situation and you can usually win people around to your point of view. This period is also an excellent one to improve your image, whether you acquire some new clothes or a different hairstyle - or head towards the cosmetic surgeon!

The challenges of June are Pluto and Uranus-shaped. Around the 6th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 23rd and 25th a series of transformational alignments will help you break through solid walls of opposition and they will also change the dynamics of one or more relationships. Uranus always brings a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee feel to life while Pluto produces events that urge you to reach into the depths of your being for a response. And this is especially the case for those of you with birthdays on or near the 9th of June. Indeed, relationships are a major theme for June, whether you are transformed through your love for someone or somewhat torn apart by another person.

Mars heads up to the top of your chart on the 17th setting the stage for a six-month period when career and your role in life take top billing. Ambitions are stirred by Mars, and even if you do not make any major career moves between now and mid-December your focus and desire to succeed should increase fourfold.

But back to Saturn. This planet now moves on to influence finance and self-worth. And while this is not the most buoyant member of the solar system, Saturn does bring his principles of constructiveness to bear thereby increasing your potential to establish long-term stability and security. But more on this as the weeks and months roll by.

1st July 2003 - 31st July 2003
Thankfully, June is behind us so now you can get on with the business of enjoying life a little more. On the other hand, if June left you with a legacy of problems, you should be able to work through them and come out the other side with a sense of accomplishment. Certainly, if money is the top of the list of concerns, the planets speed your course, enabling you to make new financial deals and establish greater financial security and stability.

Up until the 13th you may have cause to doubt my words but the full moon of the 13th signals the end of an old financial order and the beginning of a new one. Thanks to Saturn�s presence in the area of self-worth you will be facing financial realities from time to time and while on some occasions you may see the glass as half-empty, on others you will see it as half-full. Put another way, under some Saturn transits, you may experience a lack of funds and a dispiriting financial episode, on others you will be able to consolidate funds and strike solid and durable monetary agreements.

Travel figures strongly in July�s stars, whether for business or pleasure, and it seems the people you meet, the places you visit and your experiences on �foreign� soil will add to your bank of knowledge and experience. The second half of the month is likely to be the better half so it may be a case of putting in the hard work and the serious thinking first, then relaxing and enjoying what transpires for the rest. Saturday, 26th sets a new and far more positive trend in motion and, if you�re looking for romance, you may well find it en route or in a place, far from home. Also, if you have been estranged from a loved one or going through an argumentative period, from this latter point of July, communications between you should improve by leaps and bounds. The 31st produces a surprise card

1st August 2003 - 31st August 2003
You may not be travelling to the opposite side of the globe this month, although you could, but you are doing plenty of to-ing and fro-ing. The area of travel and communications is hosting much of the planetary activity, making August the month of 2003 for extending your influence far and wide, forging business and personal connections and generally putting your thoughts and feelings �out there�. The astrological influences are largely favourable to the Gemini agenda, although the last ten days of the month paint a picture of extremes - more about this shortly.

The full moon of the 12th falls on the communications axis of your solar chart, and it is followed the next day by a �hard� Mercury-Pluto aspect. These two days may put the pressure on you to close a deal or reach a decision - and they may also prove taxing if you�re travelling - but they also enable you to see who and what really matters. And once you know that, right decisions follow on naturally

Do not underestimate the power of the written and spoken word now. On the one hand what you say and how you say it could make all the difference between the success or failure of an enterprise, and on the other if you want to move a relationship onto a new level, try putting your thoughts and feelings on paper.

So, these last ten days of August! It is at this time that Jupiter and Uranus are at opposite ends of the zodiac and this combination is electric to say the least. Projects achieve lift-off under such planetary combustion, but so too do situations spiral out of control, in some cases fizzling out in a proverbial puff of smoke. While this period could be entirely exciting and life-expanding, it might prove wise to take things slowly and to have some alternative plans up your sleeve should an arrangement or commitment change at the last moment. Also, if some writing on the wall appears at this time, deal with it immediately - that way, you will be in good shape for September�s somewhat stormy astro-scape.

1st September 2003 - 30th September 2003
When planets congregate at the base of your solar chart, they help you lay down the foundation stones of future endeavours, whether these are related to personal and domestic matters or your career. In roughly six months time you will be able to judge just how successful you have been in your current planning and decision-making, and what of those offers and opportunities that arose turned out to be made of the right stuff. For many Geminis September is a time when family and property matters dominate the agenda but for all Celestial Twins this is a four-week period when the fundamentals of life come under scrutiny and you are presented with events that help define a few life priorities.

2003 has been a tough old year for most of the signs and although you have kicked Saturn into touch Pluto is still a force to be reckoned with. And if you�re still in any doubt as to what this planet can do for your equilibrium, wait and see what the period of the 5th to 17th has to offer. I would describe these twelve days as enlightening and possibly rather unsettling. House moves and career developments that have been in the pipeline for some time are likely to come to fruition during this time, but the full moon of the 10th may well produce an unforeseen glitch. This full moon, like all full moons, tends to up the emotional amps so do your best not to rattle anyone�s chain then. The plus factor about this full moon is that it will help you close a deal and reach conclusions of one sort or another.

Ruler, Mercury will be trundling backwards through the zodiac until the 20th , so the usual irritations with travel and the exchange of information apply until then. This factor coupled with the aforementioned alignment could make getting from A to B even more complex than usual under retrograde Mercury so not the time to issue an ultimatum without being prepared to live with it, nor leave an important journey or meeting to the last minute.

From the 15th Venus comes on side, producing one or two excellent social events and adding some spice to life. Indeed, from the 15th your stock may well go up.

1st October 2003 - 31st October 2003
Fifth house matters centre on creativity. When the sun transits this area you should find opportunities to express your talents and to be your real self. There�s usually more fun to be had, your social life picks up and there�s even a tad more romance to go round. And if you�re thinking about adding to or starting a family, here�s the signal to get in gear. October, unlike September, is relatively free of challenging alignments so you can look forward to a progress-oriented, basically happy few weeks.

Saturn is the planet most likely to displease, and to understand why, pay close attention to events and other people�s behaviour on or around the 6th, 10th, 14th and 25th. Saturn, like the lead associated with this planet, can bring you down to earth with a bump, so if you have neglected to pay a bill, thank someone or complete a promised task, he�ll come down on you like a ton of bricks. Start as you mean to go on and deal with all those nagging problems before you hit a proverbial brick wall. And if a difficulty does arise at these times - one entirely without your input - treat the matter in a practical fashion, neither giving into feelings of despair and frustration nor exaggerating the situation.

The full moon of the 10th signals the end of a gestation period: for some Geminis this will manifest literally so that a baby will shortly be born, but for most members of your sign this full moon augurs the completion of a year-long cycle, one linked to that aforementioned theme of creative endeavours. You get to see the results of your labours at this time and for those Geminis who started a relationship some three months ago, this is the moment you discover whether you have something real and lasting on your hands or whether your romance was the stuff of lust and illusion.

From the 25th, matters related to work and health begin to take precedence and thanks to some unexpected input from a superior or professional an opportunity to branch out and improve your career prospects may well arise. Likewise, if you have been concerned about your health or debating how to improve the body beautiful, from the 25th you have the equivalent of a planetary tail wind to resolve matters.

All in all, October�s events should give you more to smile about than to grieve over.

1st November 2003 - 30th November 2003
November looks to be yet another month when what you thought was unchanging and unchangeable changes beyond comprehension - or at least changes enough for you to re-write and old script or two. I have written at some length on the interesting alignment of the 8th/9th November in an article on this website - Harmonic Convergences, Eclipses and other awe-inspiring matters. - so if you would like a little more insight on why November could be such an extraordinary month, why not take a look.

The month starts out with the sun in the area of work and well-being and since the lunar eclipse of the 8th/9th falls across this axis the reason for any major re-thinks could be to do with your job or the shape you�re in! Certainly, this early November period is a good one for facing up to realities and making changes that you have been avoiding for some time.

Venus will be moving through the seventh house of love and relating - a transit that often upgrades your love life and gives partners an opportunity to tell you how much they love and need you. However, with the second total eclipse (this time a solar one) taking place in this same area on the 23rd there could be some rocket-powered developments in a relationship. A new and powerful connection could be augured by these �stars� but so too could the collapse of a liaison that has been in a somewhat fragile state for a while. And even if your long-term relationship goes from strength to strength in the second half of November, you should nonetheless handle employers, employees, friends and family with kid gloves.

In many ways it is almost pointless listing the dates that are of significance this month - there are so many and one powerful aspect flows into the next. Thus, we gain the impression of a period that is generally unsettling, although not necessarily in a �bad� way. My advice to you would be to go carefully and avoid risks of any sort - including emotional ones.

1st December 2003 - 31st December 2003
With planets in the seventh house of relationships, making an independent move is going to be a luxury in December. Other people, especially partners, will want their say in your affairs and certain individuals could have a major effect on your long term plans. For some Geminians this is a time to fall in love and move forward in a relationship, while others will do precisely the reverse. Pluto and Saturn play equal parts in events and especially around the 8th, 12th and 22nd deep issues rise to the surface and decisions of an all or nothing nature are made.

I wouldn�t say that December was a particularly jolly month - it�s not as challenging as November but there are realities still to face and a fair amount of work to be put in. Jupiter helps bring an aura of happiness and good will to the home front and there could be some very positive news for many Geminis - a new member of the family or some other addition to the home, perhaps.

The full moon of the 8th is in your sign, and as always this is an empowering event. Your intuition is supercharged and you have the ability to make a profound impression on events and people. While full moons have a reputation of upping the emotional amps and encouraging irrational actions, where you are concerned the reverse is the case. You are able to see precisely what is right and wrong with a situation and ready to back thoughts with action.

Ruler, Mercury, turns retrograde just prior to Christmas so you should aim to complete as much of the preparations as possible before the 17th and ideally avoid travelling after this date. Now, I realize that this is a tall order but if you bear in mind that a journey will take you longer, perhaps because of weather conditions or other external circumstances, you will not lose your sanity along with your patience.

Saturn brings a close to the year, so you may find yourself feeling uncharacteristically pessimistic. Try not to force yourself to be the life and soul of the party - you won�t be the only one feeling less than jubilant: 2003 has left its mark on most people.

1st January 2004 - 31st January 2004
After the extravaganza that was Christmas, here comes the reckoning. The sun�s passage through the eighth house of finances and joint interests, encourages you to look at ways in which to increase your monetary lot and, thanks to the full moon of the 7th, you will have a clearer idea of your financial position. Full moons illuminate the area in which they are placed, which can be an entirely rewarding experience, however, full moons also up the emotional amps, leading to exaggerated feelings of elation or deflation!

To add to the theme of revelation, Venus unites with Uranus on the mid-heaven of your solar chart (15th). On the one hand, and especially if you have a May birthday, this conjunction could augur an unexpected change in your working pattern, an abrupt end to a commitment or chapter of life, or an out of the blue offer that could alter your long-term prospects. Venus-Uranus conjunctions also have a flavour of romance about them, so this mid-January period could be one when sexual attractions are suddenly sparked or established liaisons hit a serious stumbling block.

On the 20th the sun enters the far horizons sector of your horoscope, coinciding with a journey or plans to travel in the future. This change of astrological territory could also produce an urge to put some distance between you and your problems. Clearly, running away from a difficulty is no solution but gaining a greater perspective on situations definitely is. The new moon on the 21st is another sign of expanding horizons, whether this adds to the already strong theme of travel and distant places, or helps you see a difficulty in a more positive light.

Two brilliant connections to Jupiter in the area of home and the roots of life on the 29th may coincide with a happy family event, already in the year planner. However, these aspects could also produce an unexpected breakthrough regarding a property matter or a positive turn of events elsewhere in life.

1st February 2004 - 29th February 2004
With the sun in your fellow air sign, Aquarius, life is more suited to the Gemini temperament: the area of far horizons is in the frame, which may urge some of you to head for foreign shores and/or to connect with people and organizations far from home while others could stretch their boundaries by finding extra avenues for their talents and interests. You gain distance and perspective thanks to the sun�s passage through the ninth house - and that has to be a good thing.

The month, however, kicks off with a tense alignment between Venus, the moon and Pluto - very powerful if your birthday falls on or near 11th June. This alignment could force issues of a romantic or partnership nature to the forefront and since Valentine�s Day is but a mere couple of weeks away, thoughts about the future of a relationship are bound to be circulating. This is probably not the moment to actively choose to bring up the delicate subject of marriage or the future of your association, but if circumstances create such a forum, so be it. Of course, a romantic relationship does not have to be the focus for this Plutonic alignment: since Venus is placed in the area of career and ambitions, it could be an issue regarding your job or your home that has to be confronted.

As for Valentine�s Day itself, Venus and Saturn come in useful of you�re legalizing your relationship but otherwise this is not the most romantic and joyous of combinations. Keep your feet on the ground, eh.

The 19th - 27th represents another key period of February. Uranus is centre stage at this time so, especially if you have a late May birthday, events are going to be the opposite of dull. Anything from a sudden change in an arrangement to a heated argument could be on the cards, although on the plus side Uranus could give you the courage to make a liberating move.

1st March 2004 - 31st March 2004
In a nutshell, March is a month of preparation. You may have an event looming in your diary, so you are already making lists and doing some serious spade-work; on the other hand, you could take your astrologer�s advice and tie up all manner of loose ends, establish order out of chaos, so that any unexpected developments can be handled easily and without a drama - and you can look to the alignments of the 4th - 15th and the 28th to produce the unexpected and the potentially drama-full!

The sun is transiting the area of career and life-direction, so your energies may well be focused on getting ahead and making a better life for yourself. This is your time to impress superiors and to reveal your talents when and where they will have their maximum effect. For some Geminis, this will apply to your job but for others it is a question of impressing someone to whom you are attracted (the period around the 17th is an excellent one for making an impact and experiencing success). Indeed, getting ahead is another of the great themes for March.

Just quite what the full moon of the 4th and the Pluto aspects of the 7th - 13th have in store remains to be seen but suffice to say that anything already in a fragile state needs an enormous amount of support and careful handling during these times in particular. Pluto�s themes of transformation and elimination are not always the easiest to cope with, although they almost always serve a useful purpose, which invariably is only understood a whole lot further down the line. And since Pluto is currently in the area of relationships, other people in general and partners in particular are likely to prove to be the agents of change and challenge at these times. Let�s say that early to mid-March is a time of illumination.

On the 20th assertive Mars arrives in your sign and will remain there for the next six weeks. On balance this is a period in which your energy levels are high and you�ll be able to put all sorts of plans into operation. However, there will be a little more friction and opposition to cope with. (You never get a free pass in astrology!). The 28th see Mars squaring up to Uranus, so don�t be surprised if this weekend changes an old established order. On with the new, eh?!

1st April 2004 - 30th April 2004
Astrologically speaking, quite the best news for some while is the arrival of Venus in your sign (3rd) and not for a mere month as per usual but for five. I consider Venus to be the feel-good factor when she�s in your sign, so although I cannot promise you success in all your endeavours, and unconditional and unlimited supplies of love, I can tell you that any difficulties will be softened and, should you allow your loving spirit to flow through your actions, you will get a result.

Since Venus is the planet of love, many Geminians are at the beginning of a stellar few months - marriages, engagements and other happy developments in relationships will come to pass, and at the very least your ability to attract favourable conditions and good people into your life will increase considerably.

Struggling against this current of good fortune are retrograde Mercury and Uranus and Pluto. Retrograde Mercurys tend to clog the pipes of communication, so until the 30th you should expect to be kept waiting for answers and to experience some delay in connecting with people - travel too could have its little problems. As for Uranus and Pluto, both these outer planets have a way of changing the status-quo - the former like a bolt of lightening and the latter like a volcano! More realistically, the Venus-Uranus angle of the 9th (very potent for late May birthdays) could bring about a sudden and powerful romantic attraction and/or unexpectedly sever a long-term association while the Mars-Pluto opposition of the 24th (key for the mid-June birthdays) could force an issue that has been subtly eroding a relationship deep within its core out into the open, and with some powerful and certainly transformational results. Neither of these dates (and let�s give each of them a three to four day margin of safety on either side) are ones when you should not issue ultimatums without being prepared for the consequences.

Friendships, collaborations and creative endeavours are other factors in April�s astrological frame - and in case you haven�t realized it yet, you have some wonderful allies and some serious opponents.

1st May 2004 - 31st May 2004
A Venus-Pluto opposition and a total lunar eclipse make for one big opening to a month. Perhaps you have chosen this weekend for a special event, if so, you may still be impressed by what happens. And if your diary is looking distinctly blank, wait and see what transpires, especially if you have a birthday between the 10th and 14th of June. Venus-Pluto connections are deep, meaningful and passionate so a relationship that has been stuck in neutral may suddenly take off while in other cases simmering issues bubble over leading to passionate departures! Certainly, signals that other people may be sending out at this time should be taking seriously and even if no action is taken, push may come to shove in June when Pluto will be back in charge again.

Love and relationships are centre stage for much of May. Venus continues to transit your sign, upping your potential for meeting new romantic interests and giving you extra doses of charm and charisma. However, on the 17th, Venus turns retrograde, so it is entirely possible that a relationship or endeavour that has been progressing unhindered, suddenly takes a backward step. I would recommend adopting a philosophical view of any seemingly negative developments because when Venus turns direct at the end of June, things could be back on track. Sometimes all a situation needs is a little time to breathe.

Since the sun will be in the low key twelfth house until the 19th, you will need to pay a little more attention to your health and to take adequate rest and relaxation - the inner world of dreams and intuitions has much to offer you in the way of insights and understandings. Once the sun enters Gemini (20th) your batteries should be recharged and what may have seemed unmanageable or confusing, will begin to make sense. The period around the 27th is both electric and unstable, so take your time and be prepared to be your usual adaptable self.

1st June 2004 - 30th June 2004
If this month doesn�t have the wow factor, I don�t know what does! Wow in this case means double doses of Pluto and Uranus, so at the very least, you are looking at a June when what, where and who you had in mind varies markedly from what actually happens.

For a start, you can colour in red the first seventeen days: this does not necessarily mean that you should dig a hole in the ground for yourself but it is a time when other people�s actions and responses cannot be predicted: it is one of the more fragile and volatile periods of 2004 - certainly in terms of global developments. Clearly, if you already have some big dates in your diary for that period, the cosmos is merely underlining the anxiety and effort such events tend to generate. Indeed, one of the most important factors to remember with Uranus and Pluto aspects is that although they are tough they can and do bring about some remarkable and life-enhancing developments.

Relationships are in the spotlight, and with Venus still in retrograde mode until the 30th, you may feel is though you are treading water and not exactly making music with your significant other. I am tempted to say, wait and see what happens before consulting your attorney (!!) but this is probably not the month to turn a blind eye to any crimes and misdemeanours! By complete contrast, these same alignments could bring about a compelling attraction - one that could quite literally change your life.

1st July 2004 - 31st July 2004
After June�s rocky road comes July�s open highway - at least once we�ve gone past the red lights represented by the 2nd�s full moon and the 8th�s sun-Saturn conjunction. These two astrological events urge caution: they�ll show you where you�ve exceeded your limits - and since the full moon cuts across the financial axis of your solar chart, we�re probably talking about cash-flow crises, overdrafts and large bills here. Yes, it�s that time of year when you�re reminded of the errors of your ways in regard to spending and investments, yet, like all challenging aspects, there is also the prospect of resolving a monetary difficulty and beginning a new and more prosperous cycle.

The first half of July is a time to put agreements and commitments under the microscope - especially those of a financial nature: it is also a time when you may feel the burdens placed on you by others are too great for you alone to handle. And while on a practical level this may be quickly resolvable - a discussion with a bank or financial institution could ease the pressure - where a business or marital relationship is concerned, setting the balance to rights could prove more difficult. Nevertheless, this is not a time to ignore those red lights but to stop and negotiate.

Mars and Mercury will be in the travel and communications zone all month, so it seems you�ll be going places and enjoying debate and discussions. In some ways this is an excellent month to acquire a new skill, to study and to learn more about your world. Indeed, the more you get out and about, the more distance you acquire, the better you�ll be all round.

The weekend of the 25th finds Venus and Pluto at odds: this connection is passionate and compelling; it brings out the best in love and relationships, and the best and worst in people. New and compelling attractions are born under such influences, and old alliances are shattered. For some Geminis, this weekend�s events hark back to early May, and looking deep into the past will tend to shed light on any apparently out of the blue happenings.

1st August 2004 - 31st August 2004
Always a sign that suffers from the itchy-feet syndrome, August begins on a moving note! Maybe you are away from the home base for holiday or business reasons, or perhaps you�re just running from pillar to post, but whatever gets you moving and motoring make the most of it because by the 10th communications buff, Mercury, turns retrograde. The information highway suffers from severe traffic congestion under a retrograde Mercury, so getting to your destination in terrestrial and metaphorical terms is going to be challenging between the 10th and 30th, and especially between the 17th and 28th. Even the first weekend of August has its little communication problems, so try to be patient, cool and calm, regardless of the annoyances.

On the 10th Mars arrives at the base of your chart adding to the sense of people-to-see-and-places to go: Mars will prove helpful should you be moving house or renovating and refurbishing; it will also enable you to find the courage and focus to deal with any difficulties. What Mars probably won�t do is make family relations as sweet as a nut. There could be contentious issues between you and a family member, and someone at the home base could be the source of agro and extra work. But this is part of life, not all of it.

Venus will exit your sign on the 6th but she has not deserted you - she has instead turned her attentions to money and valuables. Thus, August could be a very good month for you in terms of purchasing things of value and adding to your financial lot. The period between the 11th and 17th is particularly sweet and successful.

By the 17th, however, Uranus has gained control of the astrological game board, and this planet spells change and the unexpected, especially if you have a late May birthday. Avoid taking any undue risks between the 17th and 28th, and if someone gets up your nose - perhaps a partner or an employee/employer - avoid voting with your feet: unlike little Mercury, you may not be able to rewind the tape.

1st September 2004 - 30th September 2004
Well, what can you say! After a totally Uranian end to August, during September Pluto takes on the task of awakening you to previously unknown factors. If there is a comfort level to be found here it's in knowing that we have seen it all before. By which I mean, the alignments dominating the astro-scene between the 7th and 22nd bear more than a passing resemblance to those of early-to-mid-March and early-to-mid-June. Thus, especially if you fall into those oft-mentioned birthday categories - late May and 7th - 15th June - this is another period in which to expect some off the wall developments, and to be prepared for other people to be less than malleable, even downright obstructive to your progress and success.

The focus of the planets is the home front or those things that represent your life-anchors. On the one hand, this is a month in which to devote yourself to family and property matters, and on the other, to put in place the foundations of future edifices, whether of the bricks and mortar variety or in the sense of plans and projects. There could be surprising news about a member of the family, or there could be reasons to call in the plumbers, the electricians - whatever. And for a few Geminians, September is moving-home time. However, whatever your plans for the next few weeks, don't assume they're set in cement.

Not that you will be the only one wondering why a matter has been delayed or someone has changed his or her mind. These alignments affect the whole zodiac so this is another of those months when major national and international events take place. Scandals break, confrontations arise and it may seem as though humanity is lurching from one crisis to the next - inevitably because of actions of its own making. But, as with all things of a Plutonic nature, once the stormy passage is over, something great and good will appear in its wake.

On the 25th, Jupiter enters the fifth house of creativity where it will stay for the next twelve months. Jupiter will produce events that add to your lot in some way, and it will give you back your zip and confidence. You could go into production, whether in the business or personal sense, and new people who enter your life should make it bigger and better. Good thoughts upon which to enter this month of astrological potholes, detours and U-turns.

1st October 2004 - 31st October 2004
You should be bursting with creativity and joie-de-vivre this month. Shaking your head with disbelief? Well, I must admit last month was a bit of a horror story, but you should find that you can resolve some of September's issues in October, and that your progress in general will be smoother and happier.

The fifth house of creativity is indeed in the frame, so the next few weeks give you an opportunity to bring ideas into being and to put your unique stamp on endeavours. It may also be a time when romance and social life take a higher profile, and you get to meet some interesting and important people. If a relationship was one of the items that turned a little pear-shaped in September, much can be done, both in October and November, to set wrongs to rights, and some Geminis may begin a new romance - watch the period around the 6th and 26th.

The Venus-Uranus opposition of the 6th not only has the capacity to bring new love into your life, and take an established relationship into a new direction, but it could make for tensions in liaisons that are already feeling the strain - and we could be talking working relationships here, as well as romantic ones. Therefore, during the first week, treat people with kid gloves, if you want to keep things on an even keel.

Children also figure prominently during the next few weeks, whether you are much more involved with their endeavours and sorting out their future, or whether the whole issue of starting/adding to the family comes up. Jupiter is spending its first month of twelve in this fertile area of the horoscope, so this is clearly a year to go into production.

Two eclipses - the first, a solar eclipse and the second a total lunar eclipse - take place on the 14th and 28th, so the month will not be without it power-packed developments. Once again, these may relate more to world events but around these dates especially it would be wise to remain both vigilant and cautious.

1st November 2004 - 30th November 2004
With most of the personal planets in the sixth house of the horoscope, you won't be short of work in November. However, it doesn't have to seem like one long grind. The positive factor about a sixth house extravaganza, aside from seminal developments at work and in regard to your career, is that you can bring order out of chaos - wherever it may be - and create some structures that will make life easier. The sixth house is also one of the key health areas of the horoscope, so although you may not be visiting doctors' surgeries or your local New Age practitioner, paying more attention to your diet and your general health and fitness levels is always a good thing to do.

Not that November is all slog, self-denial and soya beans. There could be some enjoyable social events to attend and a child, or younger person, could be the source of happiness. Indeed, finding the child-within, whether that means locating the source of pleasure and innocence that you once had or reliving childhood experiences, is another feature of November's stars. Romance and relationships get the benefit of Friday 5th's Venus-Jupiter conjunction - a great day to make a proposal, ask a favour or for doing what makes you happy. However the weekend of the 6th is exciting and different at best and conflict-ridden at worst. Therefore do your best to keep the peace and remain on an even keel.

Much the same advice applies to the period from the 22nd. Uranus is a key player from this point on until the end of the month, so, especially if you have a late May birthday, impending changes come to fruition and some unknown factors come to light. As per usual with Uranus, the freedom fighter of the planetary team, it's always better to go with events rather than resisting them at every twist and turn.

1st December 2004 - 31st December 2004
With so many planets on the western side of your solar chart, you are more than usually subject to the actions of other people and the events in their lives. Thus, you should be prepared to acquiesce to the needs of others and remain content to put your agenda on the back burner for the moment. The lovely Venus will arrive in the area of relationships on the 16th and perky Mars will join her on the 25th, so for some Geminis December could be a memorable month because of happy developments regarding romance and partnerships, whether of the loving or working kind.

But let's deal with the tough stuff first: Uranus and Pluto. These two agents of change will be active around the 7th, 12th, 19th and 31st, and with Mercury, the planet of travel and communication, heading backwards until the 20th, you are almost certainly going to meet with some delays and frustrating moments in December. All the usual advice will apply - keep a constant check on arrangements, follow up information and never leave a journey until the last moment. Whether it's the weather, computer blips or circumstances patently beyond your control, you'll need your patience pills this month.

If I have to pick one period that stands out from the rest it is that of the 7th to 13th. Since the area of relationships is involved, this could be a delicate time for a close association, and certainly not the moment to tell your partner or your employer what he or she can do without you. They may agree. Especially if you have one of those late May and mid-June birthdays, this period of the year is transformational to say the least, and unsettling at worst. Under Pluto you are best surrendering to experience and waiting to see where events will take you. Think: divine plans and destiny.

While the Christmas weekend has a reflective and family-oriented feel to it (the full moon is in Cancer) New Year's Eve looks to be a cracker! Endings and beginnings are certainly imprinted in the 31st's Mars-Uranus square.

1st January 2005 - 31st January 2005
The entry into 2005 is powerful to say the least. Mars and Uranus kick out the old year and Venus, Mercury and Pluto bring in the new so starting with a clean slate is redolent in the astrology. Quite how this will manifest from Gemini to Gemini rather depends, but if you have a mid-June or late May birthday and you're not planning to de-clutter the house/the office/your address book then events will probably help you do so. Getting rid of debris is always the theme with Pluto - something you may have had a taste of last year, particularly in the September and December period - and sometimes by performing a simple task of tidying up a cupboard we activate the Plutonic process on a whole other level, enabling necessary change to enter our lives and take us forward.

There may be a perfectly good reason why the start to this year is like no other - a proposal on the strike of midnight, perhaps, or some news from a friend or colleague, but in an ideal world you would make the decision to eliminate aspects of your life that are making you unhappy and getting you nowhere so that you can start afresh.

For the first half of January, the planetary focus is in the zone of finances and shared interests, which also includes intimate relationships: there may be issues here that need resolving, whether this means sorting a loan with a financial institution, receiving moneys owed to you or sharing deep thoughts and feelings with a partner. The work you put in during the first three weeks on a financial, practical and emotional level could be the best work you've done for a very long time - and it will lead to positive change in the future.

From the 19th, with the sun's arrival in the ninth house of far horizons, you get to leave behind the minutia of life - in some cases by travelling to distant parts, in others by making plans for the future. Seeing the bigger picture is a big theme from this point on, and with yet more Pluto to see out January, another of those all or nothing, now or never moves could be more than appropriate.

1st February 2005 - 28th February 2005
You can do your favourite thing in February - explore, examine and debate. You are, after all, the sign of travel and communications, and with a cluster of planets in the zone of far horizons, even if you're not jetting off to distant places, you could be making plans to do so later in the year or you may be exchanging information with people who are either far away or who stimulate your mind, and perhaps, make your heart beat that little bit faster.

January's stars were tough on us all but the alignments are much more harmonious than those of the previous month - we get some time off for good behaviour! This doesn't mean all our problems disappear overnight, of course, or that our every move is blessed, but it does suggest that we're not fighting the elements, so to speak, each and every day.

Aside from broadening your terrestrial horizons and stretching your intellectual 'muscles', there is an emphasis on finance. Mars adds energy to monetary matters, whether this manifests as opportunities to increase your earnings, add to your stock or discuss/make moves with financial institutions. Partners too may have more of an effect on your financial situation - a monetary boost, perhaps, or, on the down side, a change of income that necessitates a rethink over the family budget.

It will be hard to ignore Valentine's Day this year. Not only will there be signs of romance everywhere on the high street, but with an applying Venus-Neptune conjunction, it is as though the very atmosphere is suffused with lurve. If you have planned this period for a wedding or engagement, you have chosen well, and if you meet someone under this enchanting combination, enjoy the moment but don't bank on a lifetime partnership!

Mars is also on a mission to spice up your sex life: a partner who may have been distinctly disinterested may suddenly get very interested indeed, and this is certainly the month to explore the therapeutic effect of making love. Unless Mars has a loving channel in which to express itself, however, arguments, fights and dramas are likely to manifest instead. And if you are taking on individuals or institutions, be ready for some tough opposition and some aggressive moves on the part of your opponents.

The weekend of the 19th brings Uranus back into the fold: it also marks the beginning of a six-week period when there could be many changes, some of them very sudden and unexpected. My advice is, especially if you have a late May or mid-June birthday, to use the first three weeks of February to shore up delicate situations, and to lobby support, just so that you have backup and a strong fallback position. You may not need it, but it will be a comfort should the going get a little rocky.

1st March 2005 - 31st March 2005
Late February produced a series of impressive aspects to unpredictable Uranus, so as you enter March you could be reeling from an unexpected development and nursing some very complex feelings. And to a certain extent this trend for the unusual and the unscheduled continues throughout the month. Since the tenth house of your solar chart is the centre for most of the planetary action, March becomes a month of key career developments and a time when you question the purpose and direction of one or more of your life goals. Once again the Geminis with birthdays in late May and Mid-June are at the front of the queue when it comes to change and the unanticipated. March could also be an important month for relationships. Pluto's transit of the zone of love and relating has made for, and will continue to make for, powerful emotional experiences and huge peaks and troughs in your love life and in professional relationships. And it is likely to be relationships of the work variety that occupy the spotlight in March. This could be a time when the intervention of a colleague, partner or interested party makes a difference to your career prospects. It is also a time when you need to treat people of power and influence with great respect. Especially on or near the 1st, 10th, 14th and 18th aim to be very accommodating, and in the event of a minor crisis, don't press the panic button but do what Gemini does best, head for the negotiating table.

Mars will be moving through one of the financial sectors of your chart, so there is both more energy and activity in monetary matters but also a tad more controversy and aggravation. Partners, financial institutions or those with whom you have monetary arrangements play a big part in March's financial story, whether they bring good things to bear or provide you with a rather large headache. This could be the right time to free up some cash through re-negotiating a new loan or restructuring a long-standing commitment. And in the event of a cash-flow crisis - negotiate, negotiate!

Rather annoyingly, travel and communication expert, Mercury, turns retrograde just before Easter so getting from A to B and making yourself understood could be occupational hazards from then on. Of course, you can make some sentimental journeys on a retrograde Mercury, and rediscover something lost, so Easter could be a nostalgic and rewarding occasion this year.

1st April 2005 - 30th April 2005
Spring has sprung! On the weekend of the 2nd, Venus and the sun make a joyful link to Jupiter, and even if you're living under Southern skies and therefore welcoming in the autumn, the urge to celebrate and have some fun should be well nigh irresistible. April is all about collaboration - at work, at home or in the community: it's a case of working as a team rather than going solo. At the very least, April's stars urge you to ask yourself how fulfilled you are by what you do, either in the sense of your career or those things that loosely fall into the bracket of aims and ambitions. The sun's passage through this most idealistic of zones encourages you to find the balance between the need to earn a crust, so to speak, and to find fulfilment in what you do.

The month is dominated by two eclipses, the first on the 8th and the second on the 24th, however it is the solar eclipse of the 8th that is the more important. New moon eclipses augur new beginnings, and since the area of collaboration and ideals is involved, the chances are that a new association or endeavour is in the pipeline. What makes matters more complicated, however, is that Saturn, the Taskmaster, is also in the mix. My take on this is that while a new route may appear, there could be some hardship, and certainly a lesson, attached to the process. Still, no pain, no gain!

On the 13th, energetic Mars and mystical Neptune join together in the ninth house of far horizons urging you to dust off your long range plans and head for the door. A journey could be in the offing, although you could broaden your horizons in intellectual, psychological and emotional ways too. (This should be music to the ears of Gemini who usually needs no encouragement to go exploring!)

The second half of the month contains the second eclipse - this time a lunar one, bearing the theme of closure and completion. This eclipse completes an eighteen- month cycle for you, which may be reflected in your health or in reference to your lifestyle. Technically, this eclipse should reveal the error of your ways, so if the body beautiful is showing some signs of wear and tear or your routine leaves no time at all for rest, relaxation or pursuing those aforementioned ideals, now's the time to start a major streamlining exercise. Ah the joys of good living!

1st May 2005 - 31st May 2005
With the sun settling in to its rest home in the twelfth house, you too may feel like going to ground, at least for the first half of the month. However, with bright and beautiful Venus entering your sign on the 11th, you have a generous supply of charm particles at your disposal, which you may be tempted to use to attract someone new into your life or spritz up an established relationship. And although the sun may be encouraging you to rest and recharge your batteries, with a series of electric aspects to Uranus (12th - 19th) there could be some unexpected changes to your timetable, if not a complete U-turn in the pipeline.

But first things first. On the weekend of the 7th/8th Saturn and Neptune are in charge, and since these two planets have completely opposite functions you can be forgiven for feeling bewitched, bothered and bewildered. If you do feel less than optimistic about finances or someone appears to be giving you the cold shoulder, while not ignoring the situation, do not press for answers and reassurances at this time. It may be that a situation cannot continue in its present form, but there will be alternatives, and these should be explored before those Uranus aspects reach exactitude (14th and 19th). Especially if you have a late May or early June birthday, Uranus is encouraging you once again to reject the old and the familiar in favour of the new and the different. And since Uranus is residing in the area of career and life-direction, top of the list for change and the unexpected is your job. On the plus side, this same period offers you a big chance to showcase your brightest ideas and talents.

Relationships are also in the foreground. While Venus in your sign helps you make the most of your appearance, and ups your chances of attracting who and what you want towards you, aspects to Uranus and Pluto and the full moon will bring simmering issues to boiling point. From mid-month, you will need to treat with great respect partners and people who have power and influence over you, unless, of course, you are positively ready to kiss goodbye to the connection. The full moon of the 23rd marks the end of a chapter for a working or romantic relationship, whether you are ready to move on to a new and more united stage, or prepared to put some space between you and an individual or organization.

As May ends, you are just beginning one of the most important periods of 2005, whether you are already looking forward to special events in your diary, or whether you have yet to see quite why June is a month for the memory books.

1st June 2005 - 30th June 2005
There are several words with which I could describe June's astro-scape - exciting, electric, opportunity-laden, for instance, yet perceived through another part of the astrological prism life could be deeply unsettling with one mini-crisis following another. Uranus and Pluto are jointly in charge of events, and since the former is rocking and rolling in the zone of career and life-direction and the latter is teaching you everything you wanted to know and more about relationships, it seems fair to say that other people are likely to be the agents of change for you. And if you think your plate is full, wait and see what will be taking place in other people's lives across the globe.

The first half of the month is where you'll find most of the action, and this is certainly the time to implement new regimes, whether of the personal, romantic or professional variety. The early June Geminis have Uranus urging them to break out of restricting circumstances - and not just this month but as a general pattern for 2005 - while the mid-June birthdays continue to be transported to the heights or plunged to the depths by people with whom they have close emotional or professional relationships. On a practical level, early-to-mid June with the sun, Venus, Mercury and the annual new moon in your sign, you have the vitality and resolve to start-over whether you opt for a self-improvement programme or whether you set off in a whole new direction. It seems that your goals and dreams have been quietly gathering dust, thus inspiring a major spring-clean. However, this same two-week period is one when other people will be less accommodating and some Geminis could face a serious rupture in a working or romantic relationship.

After the 15th life settles down a little, giving you an opportunity to regroup and reflect on the events of late May and early June. With the sun, Venus and Mercury transiting the area of finances and values, there will be opportunities to increase your net worth - in all sense of the phrase - and to invest in items and activities that up your spirits and your stock. The weekend of the 25th looks to be a show-stopper - a time to break open the bubbly or put a long-standing situation to bed.

1st July 2005 - 31st July 2005
After the roller coaster that was June, July's aspects promise to be much smoother and kinder. The main area under focus is finance and self-worth, with travel and communications coming a close second. During the first part of the month the sun in the aforementioned zone of self-worth provides the will and the motivation to put your financial house in order. There is a clear connection between the value you place on yourself and the treatment you receive, and recognizing that you are a valuable commodity has to be the first step to increasing your material, professional and personal lot. A practice you can perfect this month.

The cosmos is indeed sending you a message: handle the money, honey! Now, you may well be thinking, "So what's new? I've been doing that for the last two years." And you would be right. Saturn, the Taskmaster, has been ensuring that you learn the valuable lesson of protecting your assets, which has meant down-sizing in many cases, and for almost all Geminis less and less money to be spent on life's little luxuries. Happily, Saturn leaves this zone on July 16th and will not return for another twenty-nine years. As he departs, however, he gives you one last opportunity to get a financial lesson tucked under your belt. While there could be unexpected opportunities to consolidate funds and strike long-lasting monetary agreements, you may once again feel that you have been short-changed or put under severe financial pressure. If you lose out on a sale or purchase at this time, or your salary is impaired, try not to dwell on the unfairness of it all but climb back in the saddle. During the next two years Saturn's passage through the sector of knowledge and communication will help you acquire extra skills and the kind of know-how that will lead to higher earnings.

On the 23rd, ruler, Mercury, goes into reverse thrust, snarling up the information highway and making travel slow and tedious. Add to this a series of aspects to Uranus and Saturn, and the last ten days of July should be approached with caution. While Uranus can lead to sudden resolutions of age-old problems, it can also make for a volatile and contentious climate. Still, this is a small niggle in an otherwise OK month.

1st August 2005 - 31st August 2005
As a sign that loves to know what's going on, this month's influences will be right up your street. The planets are stimulating the area of travel and communication and the resultant buzz should be music to your ears. This is the time to forge business and personal connections and generally put yourself "out there". You may be busy running to and fro with business activities or away from your home base on a trip or holiday. But wherever you are, don't underestimate the power of the written or spoken word - what you say and how you say it could make all the difference between success and failure. Saturn's recent arrival in the area of travel and communications will, over the next two years, challenge you to use your communication skills to the full, albeit through some testing experiences, the first of which may well arise this August. Since ruler, Mercury, will be retrograde until the 16th and Arch-deceiver, Neptune will be on duty much of the time, there are sure to be many complex plots to uncover and frequent delays and diversions to your plans.

Indeed, Neptune and Mercury are both straddling the axis of communications this month, so especially between the 2nd and 8th and the 25th-30th you will need to be clear when giving information and instructions, and equally vigilant when it comes to being on the receiving end of other people's. While I don't mean to encourage any latent paranoia, The above periods could be rife with subterfuge and confusion, although they may be wonderful times for romance and getting away from it all.

And speaking of romance... On the 17th Venus enters the zone of romance and creative endeavours bringing you opportunities for fun and flirtation. This second half of August is an excellent time to meet new people and to make the most of social life, both in terms of pure enjoyment and with a view to making progress in your career. A sound reason to update your blackberry and set off in search of summer adventure! And whatever your individual situation, this month's encounters should turn out to be happy and life-enhancing, if not truly divine.

During the last few days of August Uranus begins to make a come-back, and since this planet is full of surprises perhaps one thing you should do before you head off on holiday is ensure that all your bills are paid and that you haven't left a casserole cooking in the oven. Uranus, as you may know, is the master of surprise.

1st September 2005 - 30th September 2005
Changes are afoot as September begins. The planetary traffic lights have switched to green so be prepared to move ahead quickly with plans you thought were on hold. While the sun highlights the area of home and family, Pluto is focusing on relationships and Uranus on career and mainstream ambitions. In other words, this is an astrological recipe for new starts all round.

My advice is to treat the period of the 1st - 18th as the breeding ground for the new and the different. If I'm honest, this is going to be an unsettling phase of the year - not unlike early to mid-March and early-to-mid June. This could be yet another difficult chapter for global affairs, and one in which simmering political, financial and industrial problems reach boiling point, and it will produce the occasional personal challenge for you too. While it may seem as if circumstances beyond your control are interfering with your plans, it could be that deep within your unconscious has been lurking a desire to change your life quite radically, and now events are conspiring to do so for you. Thus, you should have faith that any sudden change of course is in your long-term best interests.

Uranus sets new trends in motion suddenly and swiftly, so you'll need to be on your toes between the 1st and 10th, if you are to board one of those boats of opportunity or you are to fend off a professional or domestic crisis. This would be an appropriate time to change career course, to begin a new venture or to make sweeping changes on the home front. On the 11th, Pluto begins to gain ground, and since this planet is transiting the relationship sector, there is both the potential to deepen and strengthen a relationship or to upend it completely. Certainly, if there are already tensions between you and a partner, associate or organization, you'll need to be very accommodating in order to keep the wheels on the wagon! By the same token, should a brilliant offer be given to you in mid-to-late September, it has the potential to totally transform your life.

Once the sun enters Libra (22nd) life settles down, and there is generally more peace and harmony surrounding your life. Nonetheless, September is largely a month when the cosmic winds are filling your sails, so set a new direction, turn your face to the sun and bon voyage!

1st October 2005 - 30th October 2005
Happy Days! The fifth house of pleasure and creativity is in the frame this month, so if you've been short on fun and long on hassle, get ready to enjoy life. While this would be an excellent time to take a holiday, or at least some weekend breaks, you can also begin new creative endeavours, whether they be of the professional variety or something a lot more personal - indeed, October has more than a hint of romance about it.

Nonetheless, there are two eclipses to deal with (3rd and 17th) so you will have to pay particular attention to friendships and collaborations - this is not the month to point out the faults in someone (or someone's efforts) and not expect a come-back. Some Geminis could be presented with an opportunity to start a new business enterprise, others may decide to launch into production themselves (and I mean this every which way) while the majority could attend some enjoyable, if not sparkling, social events. (This, by the way, is a month when charity events and altruistic projects prove rewarding, and certainly enlightening.)

On the 8th, charming Venus arrives in the area of relating, and for a month-long stay, so you have a major ace up your sleeve when it comes to winning hearts and flowers. If you're marrying this month - congratulations, you have picked the ideal time - and if you've recently split up with a partner, there could be a reconciliation or a new attraction to divert attention away from what you've lost. The only problems with Venus is this area is that on the 14th she has to deal with Uranus and on the 29th she meets up with Pluto - thus, around these dates, especially if you have an early June or mid-June birthday, be prepared for some stormy scenes. However, these same influences also hold the potential for a new start, which could be very welcome indeed.

1st November 2005 - 30th November 2005
The more you think about work the more drained of energy you'll be but once you do it, the sense of accomplishment will revitalize you! Just a little homily to send you cheerily on your way through November, since it is at this point of the year that the sun transits the zone of work and well-being. Indeed, this is a premium month for putting career wrongs to rights and getting your health back on track.

Until the 14th, a powerful alignment involving Neptune, Saturn, the sun and Mars is holding sway, and since the areas of communication are highlighted, you can expect your best and worst moments of this period to be focused on travel and the exchange of information. On the 14th ruler, Mercury, turns retrograde - inspiring the usual delays and detours - so although the aforementioned alignment may hinder smooth negotiations you should try to firm up plans and make as much progress as you can before the 14th. One of the purposes of the Saturn-Neptune opposition is to get you to bring your dreams into reality ( see first para! ) yet to recognize where your hopes have exceeded their reality. Thus, on or near the 3rd you may face a moment of truth and this is certainly a date upon which practicalities should be put before pleasure or vagaries. Likewise, on or around the 7th without structure and consensus plans unravel with the speed of light. And as a general piece of advice for this 1st-14th period, while you should not slip into a negative spiral you should be on the look out for lies, deceit and silly mistakes.

The full moon of the 16th cuts across the axis of psyche and soma, making mid-month a time of assessment and reflection. Any weakness in the system will be exposed by this full moon, yet you may also receive confirmation of the success of a course of treatment or a job application. Do your best to keep your schedule light between the 18th and 21st - while this period is excellent for research and sorting out paper work, it is not so good for pushing yourself to your physical limits.

The month ends on a Uranian note so, especially if you have an early June birthday, don't rely on anyone and anything to conform to expectations.

1st December 2005 - 31st December 2005
Not since June has there been such a focus on relationships, both in the sense of romantic and working partnerships, and in the way that other people impact on your life and plans. The sun and Mercury will be wending their way through the seventh house of love and relating, making this an optimum period for meeting people who will affect the course of your life, either in the short or long term, and a time when issues about relationships raise their pretty heads. The opening to the month sets the tone for the rest of it, with a new moon in this partnership sector of your chart: new moons indicate new input, some of which you can expect to arrive before the end of December.

The 13th - 20th is quite the most important part of the month: Uranus and Pluto are giving of their finest in terms of change and the unexpected but it is the full moon of the 15th - the only one in your sign in 2005 - that packs the most powerful punch. I always say that full moons in your sign empower you, so whatever the sun-Pluto conjunction of the 16th brings in terms of out of the blue events, remember the force is with you: you have plenty of choices as to how you respond to them. Roughly six months ago the sun opposed Pluto and there is a link between events at that time and those of the current period, so it may help to go back to June (and also September) to see what might be relevant now. Especially if you have a mid-June birthday the climate is ripe for passionate encounters and passionate disclosures - whether you are the person initiating the moves or the one on the receiving end of them. Fortunately, Saturn is at a constructive angle to Mercury during this same mid-December period so you should find that once the dust has settled, reason and practical considerations will prevail.

The year opened under a Venus-Pluto conjunction and ends on a Mercury-Pluto conjunction, so as you look back on 2005 you may be able to see that you have taken a considerable journey, which may well have been inspired by one event or one person. I wouldn't say that the cosmos is in party mood on New Year's Eve, but it is in the mind to produce another of those passionate moments... Use the force wisely!

1st January 2006 - 31st January 2006
As another year begins you might well be suffering from divine homesickness - that is, wanting to return to the womb, experience a sense of wholeness, find a soul-mate, someone with whom you can merge and blend and in so doing, lose yourself. The sun, Mercury and Venus will all be transiting the complex eighth house of your solar chart, which on the one hand increases your need and desire for intimacy and connectedness and, on the other, thrusts finances, especially joint monies, into the spotlight. The full moon of the 14th represents a peak of this trend, so it is over this weekend that you may well decide to end an emotional or financial commitment, or at least attempt to achieve a better comfort level with it. Around this time too, chickens may come home to roost in the form of Christmas credit card bills, or a colleague or partner may have accounts of another variety to settle with you! With Venus in retrograde, it may seem in tandem that some aspects of life are going backwards instead of forwards but in reality they are in a state of transition, and you will not be able to predict their ultimate end.

When the sun enters Aquarius on the 20th, your mood should lighten and your thoughts turn to wider horizons. Some of you will no doubt be jetting off in search of the sun or snow while others will be seeking to add to their bank of knowledge, perhaps by beginning a study course or spending endless hours on search engines and in bookstores. Just how much Saturn will help or hinder your travels during the week of the 23rd rather depends, but there is certainly a sense of reality setting in at this point, and possibly a delay or a detour. In fact, this journey, whether of the physical, intellectual or psycho-spiritual kind could trigger a new beginning. It seems you are seeking greater depth and meaning in your life now, a process that will no doubt be helped by the Jupiter-Neptune square of the 28th. Indeed, January may well prove to be the most spiritual and enlightening month of 2006.

1st February 2006 - 28th February 2006
You may well have become something of a workaholic or fitness fanatic since Jupiter edged its way into your health and lifestyle zone at the tail end of last year. If this is the case you might just need to get away from it all and escape from those self-imposed routines. Time now to broaden your horizons, possibly by travelling further a-field, or by exploring new philosophies which will help you to feel more whole and at peace with yourself. Neptune is the driving force behind this need to escape; this planet also makes the world seem a very rosy place when you are far removed from the daily grind. Of course Neptune is the great illusionist of the zodiac so do remember, wherever you go, and no matter how wonderful a time you have, you must return to reality before long. Travelling is best done in the first half of the month leaving you revitalised and raring to go on the career front during the final two weeks.

Valentine's Day is likely to bring fun into the workplace, and you could be the recipient of an unexpected message from an admirer, which might be surprisingly intimate! Mercury, the Messenger, and also your ruling planet, joins forces with Uranus bringing sudden communications... via e mail, telephone, letters, cards, etc. Venus, no longer retrograde, is moving through the sexiest zone of your solar chart and those of you born at the very beginning of June are particularly likely to be pleasantly surprised by declarations of ardour.

As Mars moves into Gemini you can expect to feel energised and more assertive if need be. You are less likely to be ignored or overlooked at this time, but should beware of being overly aggressive in your dealings with other people, especially the boss! With the sun and Mercury now in your career zone you should be well placed to negotiate and achieve your objectives using your formidable communication skills.

February draws to a close on a new moon and a Mercury-Pluto square so you may well be giving some serious thought to making a fresh start in your career, and your persuasive powers will be particularly potent now. Job interviews are never a problem for silver-tongued Gemini, but you can be especially confident of your abilities at this time so don't hesitate to send off applications while Mercury is empowering you to make positive changes. However, this same astro-combo could produce events that give rise to one of those fight or flee responses: if so, please give careful thought before you make a move that gives you no way back...

1st March 2006 - 31st March 2006
As March comes in, your career zone is centre stage - and with some surprises. They may be pleasant surprises, such as a promotion or an offer you can't refuse, or something less welcome, which will bring about changes you don't necessarily want, but actually need. The surprise in question could be related to your job or a parent might be the source of activity or concern. The thing about Uranus - and it is this revolutionary planet that opens March - is that whatever you are expecting to happen doesn't and what you least expect does. As Mercury also goes retrograde at the same time, it's possible that someone from your past becomes the agent of change - who knows, you might even be headhunted for some plum job! Mercury is, of course, your ruling planet so you might find the first three and a half weeks of March somewhat frustrating as communications go astray, journeys are delayed and getting from A to B cannot be conducted with the quicksilver ease you usually enjoy. Patience is the key here and you should check travel arrangements before venturing far a-field.

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 falls in the area of home and family, so some of you will find yourselves uprooting for pastures new. Especially if you have a mid-June birthday, a situation will be coming to completion now and your life at home will be changing. Those of you who have indeed been offered new jobs could find that a change of residence is inevitable. This could cause friction with your family but, as with all eclipses, fate has interfered with your perfect plans, and everyone has to accept the new status-quo and move on. Pluto is continuing its slow progress through your relationship zone, transforming the way you relate to those around you bringing inevitable power struggles at times, thus a leap of faith might be necessary to move in the right direction.

The solar eclipse of the 29th falls in the area of creativity and collaboration, and it is a sign that you will be mixing with new people and forging new friendships. This eclipse could also portend a new business or social project, and it may also change the nature or timing of an existing arrangement. Luckily you have no problem getting out and making new friends so these planetary alignments could give you an increased zest for life, especially if you have been experiencing a sense of stagnation lately. Change is what you thrive on but perhaps the greater challenge for you is persuading other that it is good for them too.

1st April 2006 - 30th April 2006
The sun is beaming down upon your zone of group endeavours this month, so you, Gemini, will be in your sociable element. You may be feeling the need to serve your community in some way, particularly since Venus is in charitable Pisces. As Mars is in your own sign until the 12th, you should have the energy to complete group projects, so this would be an excellent time to take part in sponsored walks, runs etc. Mercury, your ruling planet is also urging you to get out and network after the 16th, so you will have the opportunity to use all your most persuasive chat up lines, especially if you are asking people to dig deep in their pockets and sponsor you.

Another source of pleasure this month is your career since Venus will be gracing the most elevated part of your solar chart. This is an excellent time to make people notice you and appreciate your efforts as you will have that look of success stamped all over you. If you need a new wardrobe for work, now is the time to choose clothes that will make you look and feel fantastic. Venus connects with eccentric Uranus on the 18th and passionate Pluto on the 30th, so around these dates especially you can expect to see some ground-breaking developments, and certainly an opportunity to address any issues that are inhibiting your progress.

All sounds peachy so far doesn't it? There may of course be a blip or two on the horizon.

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 opposition sits on your relationship axis, so power struggles of great intensity are likely. Since Mars is in your own sign you will be able to assert yourself, but you will have to be careful not to be overly aggressive. Pluto continues its slow progress through your relationship zone so you are now very familiar with this powerful presence, which is making your relationships more meaningful but also much more challenging. Luckily you have the communication skills to talk yourself out of any difficult spots, so remember this if you feel like hurling the nearest available object.

After the 20th you may be more inclined to introspection and solitude - indeed, the new moon of the 27th positively encourages journeys into the inner realm of the psyche. Perhaps you have been spending too much time at work and neglecting your home life thus now is the time to re-connect with your spiritual side and feel whole once more.

1st May 2006 - 31st May 2006
You may find that you go a little fuzzy around the edges at this time of year as the sun passes through the sector of your solar chart which connects with the most spiritual part of you. This is the time when you need to put your ego to one side and listen to your soul. Easier said than done perhaps, but you will be feeling particularly able to do so around the 10th and the 15th when the sun and then your ruler, Mercury, make aspects to the planet Neptune. This connection will enable you to get in touch with the part of you which is able to give to others without seeking anything in return. These dates would be perfect for becoming involved in charitable ventures or offering to help someone in need. You might be tempted to take on more than you can cope with, but you will be able to enlist the help of others if you put your communication skills to the test. Venus is also making you feel particularly kindly towards your fellow man this month, so whatever self-sacrificing efforts you make will bring you pleasure.

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. In your case, Gemini, the angles of communication are affected by this alignment, so you may have to take a long and unexpected journey or a meeting/discussion will have the power to change your overall direction - and certainly give you food for thought.

On the 19th, Mercury enters your own sign followed swiftly by the sun on the 21st. Now is the time to consider your own needs and possibly those of your partner if s/he has been feeling a trifle neglected of late. The new moon, also in your sign on the 27th is emphasising the need for a fresh start in your personal life. This would be an excellent period to spend some quality time with a loved one as you might be very pleasantly surprised by the resurgence of passion this brings.

Around the 26th a piece of unexpected news concerning your career could mean that changes are made over which you have no control. Although there could be an element of surprise involved in this scenario, the new moon has a positive feel to it and there is no sign in the zodiac better equipped than you for dealing with change... in fact stagnation is your greatest enemy. Some of you will be experiencing a re-shuffle in the hierarchy of your workplace and it may well be that you come out of it all smelling of roses. You end the month on a very positive note with re-vitalised relationships and the promise of new and exciting things to come.

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
The sun is placing you and your relationships firmly in the spotlight, Gemini, so you can expect to be put to the test in some way during the coming few weeks. You are one of the signs which has been labouring under the difficult alignments of the past few months, particularly if you were born towards the tail end of the sign, but any difficulties you have faced should make you all the stronger for taking on any new challenges which are presented to you.

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 produces 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 serious threats to their tenures as leaders (as if they haven't had enough already.) For you a sudden event concerning you or your partner's career could necessitate life changes. You might find yourself having major disagreements about what you both want in life and somehow you will have to chart your way through these stormy waters to discover what is best for each of you. Some relationships not meant to stand the test of time will undoubtedly sink under these aspects, while those made of sterner stuff will be transformed and adapt to changing circumstances.

As June ends the emphasis shifts to your value systems so, for some of you this will mean making a fresh financial start. This would be a good time to look at your budget and make any necessary adjustments, or to open a new bank account. Whatever else in your life is less than perfect, money does not seem to be a problem at the moment, so count your blessings...and treat yourself!

1st June 2006 - 30th June 2006
The sun is placing you and your relationships firmly in the spotlight, Gemini, so you can expect to be put to the test in some way during the coming few weeks. You are one of the signs which has been labouring under the difficult alignments of the past few months, particularly if you were born towards the tail end of the sign, but any difficulties you have faced should make you all the stronger for taking on any new challenges which are presented to you.

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 produces 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 serious threats to their tenures as leaders (as if they haven't had enough already.) For you a sudden event concerning you or your partner's career could necessitate life changes. You might find yourself having major disagreements about what you both want in life and somehow you will have to chart your way through these stormy waters to discover what is best for each of you. Some relationships not meant to stand the test of time will undoubtedly sink under these aspects, while those made of sterner stuff will be transformed and adapt to changing circumstances.

As June ends the emphasis shifts to your value systems so, for some of you this will mean making a fresh financial start. This would be a good time to look at your budget and make any necessary adjustments, or to open a new bank account. Whatever else in your life is less than perfect, money does not seem to be a problem at the moment, so count your blessings...and treat yourself!

1st July 2006 - 31st July 2006
The accent is firmly on you, your values and personal priorities. The sun's passage through the zone of finance and self worth encourages you to invest in your talents and your future, and if you have any monetary issues on your mind, July is the month to resolve worries and set a new financial cycle in motion. Until the 19th, Venus will remain in your sign, reminding you of the importance and value of love, and helping you make the most of your assets. And although ruler, Mercury, will be in retrograde, therefore progress might be slow, the climate of the times is positive and you should have faith in your efforts and those things that come into being.

Indeed, after the planetary heat of June, July's influences have much to recommend them. Even with Mercury in retrograde between the 4th and 29th, 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.

The week of the 10th looks to be the most significant for you, especially if you have a birthday on or near the 18th June. Venus will oppose Pluto on the axis of relationships generating another of those all or nothing moments for a long-term association. All sorts of issues could come to a head at this time, and what may help, is going back to events of mid-late June, March or December. Gemini tends to be a commitment-shy sign, but avoiding responsibility or ducking and diving around an unwelcome truth is not to be recommended. If you love someone, go for it hook, line and sinker, and if a situation is beyond repair, have the courage to admit it and take the appropriate steps.

On the 22nd Mars reaches the base of your chart, all set for a six-week period of great activity on the property and family front. While many Geminis will positively enjoy a bout of renovation and refurbishment others may find members of the family anything bur cooperative. Nonetheless, the last week of July has much to recommend it, and on or near the 27th an emotional or financial boost looks to be on the cards.

1st August 2006 - 31st August 2006
Communication and Gemini go together like strawberries and cream, but you will need more sugar than usual to create sweet dialogues in August. If you are travelling some distance during the month, act as though Mercury was retrograde and arm yourself with maps and contingency plans. I'm not saying that all journeys will be problematic, nor that you will fail to reach agreements or enjoy meetings and activities with friends, family and colleagues but with so many difficult alignments there will be no gentle tail-winds blowing. The weekend of the 12th sports a Mars-Uranus opposition, making this one of the high-points of August - perfect for doing something you've never done before and liberating yourself from tired old situations but rather destabilizing otherwise. Likewise, the Mars-Pluto square of the 29th helps you make a move you've been debating for some time, although it may create something of a vacuum in the process.

One of the reasons August is such a pivotal month 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.

Since your basic nature is adaptable and analytical, you are in an excellent position to deal with the unyeilding quality of this month's aspects. It may be that you have indeed run out of road with someone or something, but this does not mean you have to abandon the situation completely - even if an alternative fails to appear at the time, it will in the future. And sometimes our love and commitment need to be tested. During the week of the 14th the sun will be at an harmonious angle to Pluto creating a climate in which intimate relationships can prosper, and meetings and discussions add a welcome dimension to existence: you may also find that an old friend comes back into your life or that an action taken in the past has fortunate consequences.

1st September 2006 - 30th September 2006
It is at this time of year that the sun moves through the fourth house of domesticity, so if already you are consumed by the demands of home and family you'll know why. In an ideal world, you'd not only be focusing on home improvements and attending to family business but you'd be laying the foundations stones of new endeavours, beginning a new year's cycle, in fact.

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.

Uranus is much in evidence this month (3rd, 5th and 16th) and brings change where it is most needed. This planet springs surprises on us and although the effect can be disturbing, it also awakens parts of us which need an energy surge. Uranus is currently transiting the zone of career and ambitions so at first glance it may appear that any big changes are destined to relate to your job or a major project, but the areas of partnership and, of course, home territory, are also tied in, suggesting that one single event in one area of life will ricochet into all the others. Once again it is the 3-7th and 15-18th June birthdays who are front of the queue here. While maintaining a balanced perspective and doing your best to compromise is often the best policy, what you may have to ask yourself now is why you are hanging on to people who or situations that are causing nothing but pain and hassle? Maybe under these powerful stars, and with the help of these eclipses you can free yourself of unwanted baggage. And even if September passes relatively quietly, it is nonetheless a month when a lot of sifting and sorting, editing and prioritizing should be taking place. I see it as the most important month of 2006.

1st October 2006 - 31st October 2006
Relax Gemini! There's much fun to be had this month with a stellium of planets in your pleasure zone. You should be feeling particularly giving as the sun, Venus and Mars all bring their warmth and energy to the most creative sector of your solar chart. This would be an excellent time to begin new projects which require imagination and innovation. In your case, as a Mercury ruled sign, creative writing springs to mind. Of course, this needn't mean a novel...website design, love letters and poetry all fit the brief too...whatever takes your fancy. There is an opportunity too this month to spend more quality time with a partner which should revitalise your relationship. Those of you who are travelling long distance should have a wonderfully romantic time...a perfect moment for a second honeymoon - or even a first!

Of course we all have to return to planet earth at some point and for you, Gemini, this will be after the 22nd when the focus switches back to the workplace and daily routines. Even so, you will feel restored and rejuvenated by your experiences in the previous weeks, so the simplest daily tasks should become more pleasurable.

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.

To return to the notion of coming down to earth, from the 22nd an old problem could reassert itself: this may come in the form of an old injury/minor health issue or it may manifest in a difficulty at work or with an item that refuses to work! What is required here is focus and attention - heading into denial will only cause even greater problems further down the line. Saturn is speaking.

1st November 2006 - 30th November 2006
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 will be breathing new life into your relationships in the coming year. You'll meet new people, possibly from other countries or cultures, and if you are single there's a strong chance that a long term partner could enter your life in 2007. Don't be despondent if the person of your dreams does not immediately materialise - those of you with birthdays in late May are going to feel the Jupiter effect first of all, but at some point all of you will benefit from the joy and optimism of Jupiter in Sagittarius.

But back to planet earth for a moment... The planetary emphasis this month is on health and lifestyle. You may receive some news at the beginning of November which spurs you into action - joining a gym, perhaps, starting a diet or taking up jogging. Your daily routines could change but it seems there is much fun to be had in whatever new spheres you are moving. The workplace is also rewarding: this may be because you are being better paid, or because you are finding your work more satisfying (hopefully both). The Mars-Saturn square at the end of November suggests you will be taking on a challenge, whether this arises through the ending of a contract or the realization that you need more funds. It's a perfect time to begin training for a marathon (and I'm not necessarily being literal here), or embarking on a new work project as you will have the drive and determination to finish what you started.

1st December 2006 - 31st December 2006
The area of relationships is the setting for most of this month's memorable developments, so if you have been longing for something - anything! - to happen to your love life, or indeed any cobweb-covered situation, be careful what you wish for... December comes in on a sun Uranus square, followed two days later by the only full moon in your sign this year: thus a chapter is ending, especially if you have a 3rd or 18th June birthday. You've sort of been here before though, Gemini - think back to June and September when the same two culprits made challenging aspects to the angles of your solar chart- so you may experience another dose of severe claustrophobia or an out of the blue opportunity could arise taking you into new and unfamiliar territory. A career change is one possibility, or parents or the boss might make extra demands on you or your partner's time: arguments could ensue and some of you may decide that a relationship is past its sell-by date. If this should happen don't panic; sometimes it takes a crisis to get us out of toxic situations and with so many planets passing through Sagittarius there is not only an aura of freedom and release but a promise of happier times ahead.

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.

The 8th, 18th and 25th are all dates upon which Pluto is at his mightiest. This planet takes us to the depths and heights of experience, and since Pluto is lodged in the area of relationships someone will surely act as a catalyst to your process of transformation. Powerful unions are born under such stars, and others are broken, so if you do indeed fall into those two birthday categories (3rd and 18th) don't burn your bridges unless you are absolutely sure you don't need that person or that situation; and, on the other hand, if you're ready to pledge your allegiance to an individual or an organization be aware it will totally change your life. And in general these periods inspire deep and meaningful exchanges and profound insights. Nonetheless, as the year ends you look to be in high spirits, and with Jupiter in a position to expand your life throughout 2007 your optimism in more than justified.

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.

With Mars transiting your relationship zone and a stellium of planets highlighting the most intimate area of your solar chart, your sex life could be soaring or you could discover you have a serious opponent. The most sensitive period is between the 11th and 15th, and this is not the time to overestimate your strength or tackle anyone bigger and better than you. Joint finances are also an issue: there could be debts to be settled and some of you may be coming to the end of a long-drawn out financial battle with an ex. But whatever comes and goes on or around the 12th, do your best to keep talking. By the end of the month travel and far horizons assume greater significance: you might head off on a long journey, or you will seek to escape the routine round by whatever means possible. Thanks to Saturn there is some serious talking to be done during the last ten days of January yet this should eave you feeling enriched in one way or another.

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).

Journeys are a theme of this month for you, as is closure and completion. The sun highlights your travel and communication axis and, since your ruler is Mercury, the messenger, you might say that you will feel in your element. However, since Mercury turns retrograde on the 14th from this point on you may experience communication blips, especially in the workplace or with people of power and influence. Arrange important meetings or journeys before this date to avoid the frustration and confusion of the delays and detours that so often accompany Mercury retrograde. The Venus-Uranus conjunction of the 7th and the Venus-Pluto square of the 20th could prove to be make or break times for a relationship, so, especially if you have a 5th or 19th June birthday, don't issue any promises or threats you cannot live with! Recently, many of you may have felt hemmed in or restricted by your immediate environment and are thus longing to expand your horizons. This should now become possible after the new moon of the 17th. If travelling abroad is not an option, beginning a study course could help you escape from humdrum routines which are difficult to avoid, for the time being at least. Some of you may be returning to a place you have already visited or taking up studies which you have previously attempted. If so you'll find it easier to make progress next month, when Mercury resumes direct motion, so don't give up at the first hurdle.

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.

Home and family life will be most affected by these eclipses in your case, Gemini. An unexpected change involving your career could result in a re-location or developments on the home front could necessitate a re-think regarding your job. Eclipses do not always make their presence felt at the time they occur, so, if a new job is on the agenda, you could actually be moving several months hence. A parent or boss could also experience an important life change of some sort, which in turn will affect your working routine. You have been feeling the presence of Uranus over the past months, especially if your birthday is around the 6th June, and, though life may deal you a surprise card it will be a change that needed to happen.

Mercury, your ruler, goes direct on the 8th in the zone of faraway places. You could receive some very good news around this time from someone at a distance, whether this is linked to romance and friendship or business and future plans. The solar eclipse of the 19th angles Pluto in the zone of relationships so especially if you have a 19 June birthday you have reached one of several points this year when a decision of some description needs to be made about the future of a romantic or business partnership. Pluto brings hidden things into the open therefore you can expect anything from a declaration of undying love to a betrayal of trust. Whatever the scenario this period of March holds the key to transforming a relationship, for better or worse!

As for the final ten days of March, expect some delays and detours, particularly with anything of a legal, bureaucratic or travel nature. Slow but sure progress is to be preferred, so, for once, clip your wings and go by the scenic route.

1st April 2007 - 30th April 2007
You'll be pleased to hear that this is a very outgoing month for you, Gemini, particularly after the 12th when lovely Venus enters your sign, bringing with her extra portions of love and good fortune. Venus will inspire you to be even more witty, charming and attractive than ever, which will have a knock-on effect of drawing people towards you, whether in the sense of new romantic conquests or individuals who will back you and your ideas. And as if this weren't enough, the sun is passing through your zone of collaborations, so your contribution to group endeavours will prove invaluable and you may well come up with some successful ideas for new personal or professional projects. Indeed, you should have reason to believe that you're not just the flavour of the month, but of the year!

But before we get carried away on a Venusian wave let's talk Uranus. This planet is alive and well at the start of the month and during the last weekend, so especially if you have a 5th - 11th June birthday surprises are on their way. Technically the area of career and life goals is in the frame here so you may suddenly decide to go it alone/leave a company for which you have worked for some time or the powers that be may implement some changes that force you in new directions. Particularly during the last ten days of the month, avoid making moves that would essentially burn your bridges - allow Uranus to be a welcome breath of fresh air, not a tornado of turmoil.

Since last December Saturn has been retrograding in the zone of communication so you may have felt somewhat over-burdened by neighbourhood matters and less enthused about the neighbours themselves! Legal matters and things of a bureaucratic nature may have taken up a large part of your time and a project you thought would be completed in a matter of weeks has taken months. No surprise then that you have been uncharacteristically pessimistic and more judgemental. Saturn turns direct on the 19th, with the result that gradually you will begin to feel more optimistic and those things that have been caught up in red tape will start to unravel. If your mobility has been hampered in any way over the last few months (particularly if you have suffered a broken bone or joint problem) the healing process should now be speeded up. And in general from this date life will be far less prone to stops and starts.

1st May 2007 - 31st May 2007
The sun's passage through the introspective twelfth house may well persuade you to take a break this month and slow down your usual hectic pace of life. For some of you, a health blip at the beginning of May could force you to re-think your diary and put your feet up for a while. Others may simply discover that you are just not in the mood for racing from pillar to post or keeping in contact with all manner of people: a retreat from the world seems an attractive proposition. By the 20th you will begin to feel more like your old self, as Mercury, closely followed by the sun, enters your own sign, encouraging you to resume your mantle of social butterfly of the zodiac.

You may have noted my comments in my general forecast that the week of the 7th is tricky to say the least. Since many of these aspects involve the sun in its most hidden position, events may go over your head - you may have little idea of what is going on. This may be a good thing, of course, but it won't harm to check on those matters that you are already concerned about - has that cheque reached its destination; were your words really understood; is that situation truly on course? Pluto is a big player during the week of the 7th - first opposing Venus in your sign then squaring Mars in the area of career and life-goals. Thus, especially if you have one of those 15th - 20th June birthdays, you will have to be careful how you deal with people in positions of power. Perhaps it is the time to cut your losses with an individual or an organization, on the other hand it is never really a great idea to burn all your bridges... By contrast the passion of Pluto could propel you into a new and all-compelling relationship.

Life settles down from the 16th, giving you an opportunity to reflect on recent events and to pour what energies you may have left into things of a more spiritual nature. Reading in solitude would be a good way to slow down the pace of life whilst still feeding your need for communication. Getting away from it all with a partner would be a very good idea at the end of the month - possibly returning to a favourite place - and you might just find that you reach a deeper understanding if you are prepared to open up and bare your soul.

1st June 2007 - 30th June 2007
Relationship issues arise for you as the sun transits your own sign and makes you more aware of your personal needs. You may be in the process of discussing changes with a partner or business associate and there could be some surprises in store around the 9th as the sun squares Uranus and brings up something you had not bargained for. You may be seeking more independence and rebelling against authority figures, whether they be parents, your boss or a domineering love interest. Perhaps you dream of spreading your wings and venturing further afield but feel tied down by the responsibilities and restrictions of your immediate environment. Then again, perhaps you have been longing to get an endeavour off the ground, and the opportunity to do so appears suddenly and in unexpected circumstances.

On the 15th, ruler, Mercury turns retrograde in your financial zone: you may need to consider the wisdom of previous investments or decisions you have made or re-shape a financial agreement. You may feel that you need more financial independence or that it's time to resolve a long-standing issue. For some of you this will concern emotional rather than monetary matters as you reflect upon the past and are thus confronted by some stark truths. The irony is that you need to look back in order to move on. There is a new moon in your sign on the very same day that Mercury begins its retrograde motion which suggests that a new start will follow a period of returning-over-old-ground. And with the sun-Pluto opposition of the 19th, especially if you have a birthday on or around that date, the climate is ripe for eliminating the dead wood in life in preparation for new shoots. If you do find you have a power struggle on your hands you should be particularly well-equipped to turn matters to your advantage since Venus in your travel and communication zone enhances your already considerable talent to persuade. Speaking of travel... By the end of the month you could be on romantic journey and ready to tell someone how you really feel about them.

1st July 2007 - 31st July 2007
The sun is transiting your zone of personal resources this month so, on a purely mundane level, this would be an excellent time to review your finances and check that you are getting the best possible return on investments, are not needlessly paying any direct debits and are generally solvent. If you feel you deserve a salary increase, you may be pleasantly surprised by your boss’s reaction to any such request on the 11th.

On a more personal level, this would be an ideal period in which to breathe new life into a relationship by addressing emotional issues which concern you. There is an opportunity to connect with someone in a deeper way by making your feelings known. You, of course, are a skilled communicator, but when it comes to intimacy and intense feelings of any sort, you may shy away from digging beneath the surface. If, however, you make the effort around the 9th/10th, a relationship could be dramatically improved and the channels of communication opened between you once more.

The Mars-Neptune square of the 24th could leave you feeling emotionally and/or mentally drained. You need to allow yourself time for reflection and relaxation around this time so that your inner resources have an opportunity to be replenished. It seems that the stars are urging you to look within to find the answers rather than seeking a quick fix to your problems. So,for once, remove your pedal from the metal, take a few deep breaths and... slow down. Easy isn’t it?

1st August 2007 - 31st August 2007
The sun, Venus, Mercury and Saturn all transit the zone of travel and communication this month, indicating that journeys are to be made, whether in terms of travel or understandings and dialogues. It won't be the easiest month on record, which you will gather from my general forecast, but what you do achieve will amount to a feather in your cap, and certainly a large deposit in your bank of knowledge and experience!

Put the 7th in your diary because on this day Mars arrives in your sign for a six week transit and Jupiter turns direct in the area of love and relating. The former will put lead in your pencil, so to speak, and encourage you to go all out to achieve your goals, however, it won't make you the most laid-back person on the planet. By contrast, Jupiter's change of direction will bring out the best in partners in particular and other people in general. Should a partner have become dispirited over a trying situation, light could be about to appear at the end of the proverbial tunnel. And, if you have been debating whether or not to join an organization or spread your influence further afield, you have the equivalent of a green light from Jupiter. And these things you should remember should the Saturn-Neptune effect cause the occasional blot on the landscape - the 1st, 12th and 21st are all days around which you should tread carefully and avoid making statements and taking actions that could interfere with your personal happiness and professional progress.

And finally the total lunar eclipse of the 28th. This eclipse is enlivened by a Mercury-Uranus opposition on the same day so especially if you have a birthday on or near the 8th June, big changes are afoot. Technically, these changes should be related to your job but anything that comes out of the blue and promises to alter some aspect of your life- landscape will surely be inspired by this planetary combination. Uranus brings dormant feelings and aspirations to life yet it can also be a very destabilizing 'energy ' so this is another of those periods to avoid saying the first thing that comes into your head or making impulse moves of any description. Allow Uranus to illuminate, not annihilate

1st September 2007 - 30th September 2007
Home and family will be a particular focus for you during the coming months as Saturn moves into the domestic zone on the 2nd, followed by the solar eclipse on the 11th. For some of you this will mark the beginning of a period of house-hunting following a decision to re-locate. Saturn in the home zone will help you achieve what you set out to do, but there may be frustrating delays and obstacles in your path so don’t expect to find your dream home immediately or to be inundated with offers for your property if trying to sell. Slow but sure wins the race where Saturn is concerned and it is a planet which will help you find something of lasting value in life rather than a quick fix. The problem is, of course, that you Geminis like to move at lightning speed so a few lessons in patience in the meantime won't go amiss. (And with Mars in your sign throughout September you'll have plenty of opportunities to put this advice into practice.) Saturn in the home zone could also indicate building works and the inevitable inconvenience which arises from workmen on the premises. The elder generation are likely to become super important too during this two-year Saturn transit, whether a parent comes to live with you or because there will be situations that demand very grown-up solutions.

September isn't just about Saturn though. Your amigos, Uranus and Pluto, are playing lead roles in the cosmic drama so especially if you have a 9th or 18th June birthday, there will be issues to deal with. Particularly on or near the 3rd, avoid making an impulse decision or giving vent to your frustrations - perhaps you will be better off without that person or that 'thing' but actions performed in the heat of the moment inevitably lead to regrets later. There could be unexpected developments on the work front around these dates, with people suddenly handing in their notice or surprise moves by senior figures, which in turn mean changes for you. However, as the old cliché reminds us - there is no growth without change.

Once past the 22nd, life settles down and you should be able to find a lot more fun and pleasure in life.

1st October 2007 - 31st October 2007
Your ruler, Mercury, turns retrograde on the 12th which means that the normal channels of travel and communication may become blocked or less easily navigated than usual. The situation is, of course, temporary and normal service will be resumed on the 1st November. In the meantime, however, make sure that you check travel arrangements carefully and read the small print in any important documents which come your way. You might also be well-advised to think before you speak, particularly in the workplace as your normal lightning responses and quick repartee might not be so well-received as usual.

The good news is that fun and pleasure seem to be the order of the month. The sun and new moon both highlight the most creative zone of your solar chart, so this is an excellent period for bringing new things into being and for generally enjoying life. Some of you might be embarking on a new romance around the new moon of the 11th. What begins in a light-hearted fashion could rapidly develop into something more serious as a Venus-Saturn conjunction on the 14th occurs at the base of your solar chart. This is sometimes referred to as the roots of your being so it may be that somebody touches you deeply and you might feel like settling down (if you haven't already.) Jupiter has been transiting your relationship zone all year, so there is a strong possibility that single Geminis might meet their other half this year.

If you're not feeling so romantically inclined, you might be more interested in beautifying your home under these aspects - building works or re-decorating spring to mind. Once again, avoid making any firm decisions until Mercury has gone direct; get some quotes in by all means, but don't sign your name to anything, unless you have some wiggle room.

1st November 2007 - 30th November 2007
Mercury, your ruler, goes direct on the 1st, which is good news for you as far as travel and communication goes, but also for your general sense of well-being. Getting about and making contact with people is particularly important to you and if the process is hampered by a retrograde Mercury this could leave you feeling out of sorts. Happily you should now feel back on track. Use this energy to arrange pleasurable events such as theatre trips, meeting friends or organise some fun for your children.

For the main part this month, the emphasis is on your health and lifestyle. This would be an excellent time to begin a new exercise programme or change your diet. If you feel you have been overworking you are now being urged to take care of yourself and find the right balance between work and leisure. There may be some friction with loved ones around the 6th and the 30th as you feel torn between the needs of your family and your personal needs. Don’t be afraid of putting your foot down and demanding support or understanding if necessary. The full moon of the 24th is in your sign, so you could be feeling particularly emotional around this time. A relationship could be thrust into the spotlight on this weekend, whether you're ready to make the ties that bind or prepared to move out and move on. This full moon coincides with Uranus going direct in your career zone so there may be some surprises in store at work, which in turn have an unsettling effect elsewhere in your life. You, however, are one of the signs best suited to meeting change head on. Stagnation is simply not your cup of tea, so, whatever life throws at you this month you are sure to rise to the challenge.

1st December 2007 - 31st December 2007
Not for a long time have other people played such a large part in your destiny. Not only the sun but also Jupiter and Pluto meet in the area of relationships signalling a season of major decision-making. Offers and invitations come your way, in some cases the kind that change lives, but if you've known for some time that a working or romantic association has been in trouble these alignments may well finish it off, so to speak. Especially if you have an 8-11 June or 17-20 June birthday situations - not just relationships - reach make or break point, and although you may fear much is out of your control you should have confidence in the planetary angels who are helping you through a dark passage to an infinitely happier and more fruitful phase of your life. The Jupiter-Pluto conjunction of the 11th will give some Geminis a tremendous boost and an offer made then could send you into a different orbit, and even an unwelcome event will have the capacity to do the same - it will just take a little more time.

Just as Jupiter changes sign (more about this shortly) Saturn goes retrograde (19th), and, in tandem, you may find that a family or property matter takes a reverse turn. It is no bad thing to take your time over a planned house move or a decision that affects a member of the family so try not to become too frustrated if you have to make last moment changes to your Christmas plans. What is lost at this time will return to you fourfold in the future.

Jupiter's entry into the zone of emotional, financial and sexual exchange (18th) can only be a good thing. During 2007 Jupiter transited the area of relationships which encouraged many Geminians to marry and some met the person they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with, and even if romance and marriage weren't the outcome of this transit, you would have come to see how fortunate you were to have certain people in your life. Now Jupiter goes on to deepen those bonds of love and friendship and to enrich your sexual life. The next twelve months are an excellent period for making financial investments and salary increases and favourable legal settlements can be expected.

While Christmas may be a little quieter this year New Year's Eve is a positive blast! Just make sure it's for the right reasons though - the 31st is not the time to pick up a bone of contention or make a move guaranteed to generate controversy.

1st January 2008 - 31st January 2008
What a start to the year! Mars in your sign opposes Pluto giving the big boot to 2007 and welcoming in a whole new era. And with the area of money and relationships in the frame that new start probably has financial or romantic overtones, especially if you have an 8-12th or 17th-20th June birthday. On a practical level the start to 2008 is all about eliminating the debris of Christmas past and creating some space, so even if your stars do not include ending a relationship and beginning a new one or wiping out a large debt and building new financial structures you will be able embark on a new year with a clean slate. I must add that Mars-Pluto combinations are fairly combustible so if you want to have a relaxed entry into the year try not to bring up any contentious issues with your loved ones or the boss.

Until the 24th Venus will be transiting the seventh house of relating providing one of your best opportunities in 2008 to find new love and make the ties that bind. Indeed, the Venus-Saturn square of the 5th/6th is the perfect time to marry or sign a long-term contract. However, since Saturn always makes real what Venus has to offer, should there be any serious flaws in a relationship these will be have to be dealt with at the same time, and if the problems are irresolvable a separation may be the best thing all round. Once Saturn has done the work of revealing the strengths and weaknesses of one or more relationships Pluto$s conjunction to Venus on the 24th will encourage you to begin anew. And, be warned, this period of January is extremely passionate...

Most of us must face financial realities in January but with so much activity in a key monetary zone you are front of the queue when it comes to dealing with financial organizations whether to resolve a problem or make an investment. And, if you are exiting a working or marital relationship there could be some tough negotiations ahead - the week of the 7th and the 21st being cases in point. By the way, do not underestimate the opposition and, if at all possible, be the one to offer olive branches and play the compromise card. Later in the year you will have the upper hand in financial matters.

On the 28th Mercury turns retrograde and creating delays and detours with travel and communications; this may not be the most difficult astrological trend of the year but it can be very frustrating. Be patient if people will not respond to your enquiries and if a situation performs a 180º turn, bide your time because it could be back in business towards the end of February.

1st February 2008 - 29th February 2008
If you have a yen to travel - and what Gemini doesn't - you can indulge your passion at your whim. Aside from taking a break in a far off location or making a long distance business trip you could be planning a journey at some later date. However, the significance of the ninth house (which is where the planetary emphasis is this month) is that it takes you out of your comfort zone. Therefore, some Geminis could find themselves in unfamiliar professional territory or dealing with a strange situation. Either way, a journey is to be made under February's stars, and it will prove enlightening. Legal matters and those things that add to your bank of knowledge and information are also in the frame, and you may find that the solar eclipse of the 7th is the catalyst to a big life change. Valentine's Day puts the moon in Gemini and you in the driver's seat. Perhaps it's your turn to plan a special occasion or maybe you need to remind someone that life is too short to resist the irresistible - you! Nonetheless, I wouldn't describe the period from the 14th exactly sweetness and light. The total lunar eclipse (21st) takes place close to planet Saturn, which could indicate the signing of an important document but it may also put a spanner in the works where a relationship is concerned. Trust the cosmos: it knows more than you do.

1st March 2008 - 31st March 2008
This is going to be one of the more significant months of 2008. Planets grouped at the top of your solar chart influence your life-direction and the direction of certain key situations. In many cases this will manifest as a key period for job developments, with some Geminis leaving a long-time position, and possibly in a sudden and unexpected way - watch the periods of the 6th - 12th and the 21st - 28th; in other cases, something in which you had invested time, energy and money may go belly-up. Uranus is the prime-mover here, endeavouring to shake you out of a complacent rut and awaken you to new possibilities. On the 12th Venus will be in a position to help you make professional progress and from this date through 5th April you can network with confidence. You may find also that love begins to play a more prominent role in your life and, certainly, Venus with her principles of harmony, peace and fair-play should be brought to bear whenever necessary.

1st April 2008 - 30th April 2008
At last, some sweeter cosmic breezes to fan your fevered brow! Two grand configurations dominate the astrology; the first helping you fight your way back to financial health - if not a lot more besides - and the second encouraging you to acquire more security in both the emotional and material sense. Friendship and team-work are also big themes for April, in some cases because events will bring you together with like-minded souls, whether for business or pleasure, and, in other cases, a colleague or friend will require much of your time and effort. And for a few Geminis, a romance will spring from a formerly platonic relationship. This is an excellent period to express your creative spirit and to take the occasional risk - as long as it doesn't involve your health and all your savings. Indeed, on more than one occasion in April opportunities will come your way to make an investment in your future - the sale or purchase of a property, perhaps, or a study-course that will add to your skills. Health may require a little attention on or near the 20th and any distress signals issued then should not be ignored. Nonetheless, a largely happy and productive few weeks.

1st May 2008 - 31st May 2008
Each year May starts out with the sun in the obscure twelfth house: this therefore is your period of rest and retreat. Will that work for you? In this day and age, probably not but until the 20th do your best to take some time out and to pay a little more attention to your inner voice, which we hear best when we are asleep in the form of dreams. Also, when planets occupy this zone, you will be less able to get a firm grip on certain situations so unless you are 100% sure of your facts and your feelings better not to commit yourself to a finite decision. This is an excellent month to have a medical and dental check-up, and should you have any worries about your health, take those concerns to the professionals. Planets in the money zone are in great shape, fortunately, so there could be positive financial developments. Some Geminis could come out of a financial dispute, the winner, so to speak, while others will find that two incomes can be put to good use investing in property or a sound business venture. And, if you have had serious problems with borrowing or over-heavy commitments, good solutions can be negotiated. And even though you may wish you had a little more control of the ball, the universe is working very well on your behalf.

1st June 2008 - 30th June 2008
With ruler, Mercury, in retrograde the start to the month could be somewhat bumpy. You may have a clear idea of where you want to go but people will not be making it easy for you to get there. Now, this may translate as delays and detours with travel but it is more likely to manifest in your negotiations with other people. You will have to look out for loopholes and you must be careful not to tie yourself up in knots. Slowly but surely will be the way forward, plus you may discover something of real value by digging up the past. The period of the 9th - 20th is somewhat volatile but you must have faith that events - no matter how unwanted - are in your best interests. Venus will be in your sign until the 18th making this a very romantic June. Perhaps you have organized a special occasion with your significant other or maybe the time has come to put a casual relationship onto a more permanent footing. On the other hand, Venus could bring you into contact with Mr or Ms Right. Certainly love is in the air and much can be done to soothe a troubled relationship by beaming love at it.

1st July 2008 - 31st July 2008
July is all about money and self-esteem. You could use these astrological influences to build a more secure future for yourself or simply untangle a financial knot or two; on the other hand, money may come to you in unusual ways or, perhaps, in relation to work done or actions taken some months, if not years ago. Yes, the economic climate is not what it might be but you can do really well if you set your mind to it this month. The most challenging period of July appears to be on or near the 10th: hard facts and figures count at this time, which may mean a dream has to be forgone or a plan put in the pending file, and, in general, news will be far from lightweight. Once past this point, however, you should be moving onward and upward. Travel and making connections becomes an increasingly strong theme in your life from the 12th, and some Geminis could find romance in a setting far from home or en route to a destination. And, whether you're in love or out of it, the written word can make a big difference to a relationship – who said poetry was for the birds?

1st August 2008 - 31st August 2008
Thank goodness you like change because August is full of it. Travel could be high on the agenda as could meetings with important people and decisions of a financial or legal kind. If you have a holiday or business trip planned, what happens en route and when you reach your destination will be newsworthy... Perhaps the biggest change, however, will prove to be in your thinking. It seems you are about to get a whole new perspective on a person or a situation, which could come about through circumstances beyond your control or simply because you have, unbeknownst to yourself, been making something of a journey in consciousness. August is a period in which you can reorient your life, and acquiring new skills or going back to school could be a serious option. Already an ideas-person, people will be particularly receptive to your thoughts on re-vamping an existing model or backing a new project. Nonetheless, don't expect any free-passes in August – people love you and dislike you in equal measure and obstacles when they arise will be awesome.

1st September 2008 - 30th September 2008
The sun-Saturn conjunction of the 4th in the zone of life foundations ends and begins a chapter. This may well signify the sale or purchase of a property, the end of a way of life and the start of another or the leaving of the nest by a fledgling and the beginning of a new phase of family relations. Happily, this conjunction is trined by Jupiter suggesting positive things come out of any endings, growth follows any loss. This theme is echoed mid month when Uranus comes into play and inspires great or small changes, particularly on the job front. This is the right time to leave anything that or anyone who you have outgrown and to look for new directions in which to spread your talents and affections. For a few Geminis the idea of closing a chapter is linked to a partner, whether events on or near the 20th enable you to put your relationship onto a more passionate and committed footing or it's time to give each other some space. With ruler, Mercury, turning retrograde on the 24th, don't be fazed if the pace of life slows down and one or two situations appear to be in limbo – things will start moving again by mid-October.

1st October 2008 - 31st October 2008
Although Mercury, the planet of travel and dialogue, will be in retrograde until the 15th there are many serious pluses to October's stars. For a start, you can have some fun and the combination of business and pleasure could produce some excellent results. Yes, you may have to wait for people to get in touch with you and the wheels of finance may turn rather too slowly for your liking but the basic trend is positive. On the 18th Venus enters the area of relationships breeding love and goodwill; in some cases a love affair is about to begin and in others peace will break out in the marital war zone! Certainly, if other people come bearing olive branches don't be too proud to accept - it may be the only chance you get. Unlike August and September there are little or no challenging aspects to the outer planets, thus there is less likelihood of genuine difficulties and upsets. However, if you do run into a rut in the road it can be negotiated, perhaps with the aid of a mediator or legal eagle or simply with compromise and tact.

1st November 2008 - 30th November 2008
Are you ready to work, ready to deal with bureaucracy and tie up loose ends? I hope so because the planets are focusing their energies on getting your life in ship-shape order. The Saturn-Uranus opposition will be in play as the month opens but exact on the 4th -and if you want to know a little more about this transit why not read my new article about it on this site. Changes on the work or home front may already be in the pipeline but if not don't be surprised if your plans receive a bit of a shake-up, and around this date. Property matters and investments, whether in financial terms or related to your job, are the focus for this Saturn-Uranus opposition so the more fluid you can be the better. And then there's romance and relationships... Venus will remain in the area of relating until the 12th, giving you an opportunity to mend fences and build bridges but for some Geminis -especially those with late June birthdays -a relationship could be at make or break point. December will continue to be important for love and relationships too, and it may be better to leave off making a big decision until the full moon of the 12th December. November is also a key period for health matters and if you feel a little less than your best around the 13th, don't push yourself.

1st December 2008 - 31st December 2008
You may be an independent soul but that doesn't mean you can live without other people. Yes, December is all about relationships - the good, the bad and the on- one- minute- off- the- next. One thing is for sure, if people and events can be contrary they will. Now, this does not mean that all your plans are destined to be altered or that every major occasion will fail to please but it does infer that you need to give people plenty of rope and you should not assume that a situation is in the bag simply because that's the best solution for everyone concerned. Uranus and Saturn play havoc with your timetable on or near the 5th and 12th, and the full moon in Gemini, also on the 12th, could produce an ending of sorts. Certainly, this mid- period of December is rife for landmark events, and if you're ready to make or break a bond, this is the time to do so. The second half of the month puts money matters centre stage and while some Geminis can do very- nicely- thank- you, others could be fending off a financial problem or two. In your dealings with banks and people with whom you are hoping to reach agreements, play things very sweetly because at this time the ball is very definitely in their court. Expect some good news around New Year's Eve and an emotional entry into 2009.

1st January 2009 - 31st January 2009
With the prospect of a Jupiter transit of the area of travel and widening horizons you should be a very happy camper. Despite the economic gloom you, personally, look set to experience a year of expansion. Will it begin in January? Well, with Mercury turning retrograde on the 11th you could be in stop-and-start mode for much of the time but this should not deter you from making plans and keeping to your schedule. Perhaps the weather will interfere with your movements or maybe other people will prove impossible to pin down, but this will not be a cause for an emotional melt down. The latter part of the month looks to be the most dynamic, and the combination of a sun-Jupiter conjunction and a solar eclipse could present you with a marvellous and unexpected window of opportunity. Yes, you may take a holiday or travel for business purposes but the greater potential of these influences is to take you where you have not gone before in terms of professional and personal experience.

1st March 2009 - 31st March 2009
March, like February, is a month of change but it has an altogether different tone to it, by which I mean that what comes or goes has a much more finite effect on your life; rumours that may have been circulating in February are confirmed or prove unfounded. If you are considering changing your job or making a move that will take you out of your comfort zone, welcome to March: this is absolutely the right moment to take a radical new course and to close off aspects of your life that have done their time. You will have to work extra hard to maintain your focus, however. Perhaps because there is so much going on or you are in uncertain territory missteps will happen easily; likewise, machinery will have a life of its own so if an appliance is already making a clunking sound, get the professionals in! From the 20th money and relationships occupy a higher profile, and the week of the 23rd could see a new financial agreement on the table. Pluto is at his best in this latter part of March bringing hidden factors to light and creating huge emotional highs and lows.

1st April 2009 - 30th April 2009
You're never alone with a crowded eleventh house. By which I mean when several planets occupy this zone of your solar chart you're among friends and barely able to summon up an independent opinion. Thus, April is a premium month for group projects, social events and sharing on all levels. Mars, the planet of action, is in the area of career and life-direction so if you're not teaming up with like-minded folk for business or pleasure you'll be talking to people of power and influence with a view to getting ahead. Mars by itself can be a force for achievement but when this planet hooks up to Saturn (5th) and Uranus (15th) you get a reminder that when you have plans the Almighty laughs! In other words, things change without so much as a by your leave. April might be the moment you take a controversial course of action or it could be the time that a company reveals its agenda for the future but whatever amounts to a surprise turn of events, ultimately you'll be happy. On the 19th, the sun enters the low-key twelfth house for its annual visit: this is your signal to put your health first and everything else second. This is not a warning, I might add, merely a suggestion that you recharge your batteries in readiness for the busy schedule of late May and June.

1st February 2009 - 28th February 2009
With Mercury turning direct on the 1st you're on your way. Now, this might mean you're travelling in February or meeting up with people from distant places; on the other hand, it could imply that you are creating grand plans for the future, even signing a contract or two. Legal matters could also be in the frame for some Geminis. You may have received an offer already that opens up a new horizon for you but if not keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities far afield. All well and good so far. The problems that could arise stem from the repeat of the Saturn-Uranus opposition (last seen in early November '08) which takes place on the 5th, just before a lunar eclipse on the axis of travel and communications. This astro-combo suggests that old systems are breaking down and being replaced – and not always immediately. It may be that your way of living is due for a change or a relationship is in difficulty or it could be that you need to move away from old ways of thinking and construct some new belief systems. Valentine's Day is beautifully aspected, and emphasizes the theme of team-work and friendship as opposed to passion. A good thought on which to embark on what could be one of the most important months of 2009.

1st May 2009 - 31st May 2009
This is a strange old month. The sun is in the Everglades of the twelfth house so you may feel cut off from the mainstream of life and much more sensitive to the unseen and the unknown. Strictly speaking, you should follow the course of nature as it were and spend time alone, rest more frequently and allow the thoughts and images in the unconscious to rise to the surface. In this way, by the time the sun enters your sign (20th) you'll be in a better position to make good judgements and stronger in both physical and emotional terms. What is inflating this trend for mystery and confusion is Mercury's retrograde passage (7th – 31st). There will be the usual delays and diversions associated with this motion but it will also explain why you feel more vulnerable and less able to reach decisions. The Jupiter-Neptune conjunction of the 27th falls in the area of far horizons: a signal for some Geminis to dust off their passport, others to seriously consider a job offer abroad, and in general the combined influence of these two planets will amplify hopes and dreams and trigger your desire for movement and change.

1st June 2009 - 30th June 2009
A new solar year begins for you and it is time to put yourself first and to consider offloading those things that and those people who are standing in the way of your ambitions and dreams. Advice upon which you may have cause to ponder on or near the 5th, 7th and 17th. It is at this time that the Saturn-Uranus opposition is once again activated and since this alignment is having a major effect on where you go in life, a great or small event around these dates could have major implications for your long term future. Since Jupiter and Neptune are opening up new horizons even if you experience a loss or disappointment in June, a new way forward will emerge, and it will be one that brings out dormant potential, thus increasing your overall happiness and sense of fulfilment. As soon as the sun enters the second house of your solar chart (21st) money matters spring into prominence. A large outlay may be necessary during the following four weeks and there is the promise of conclusions and settlements to come.

1st July 2009 - 31st July 2009
Lucky you! Venus will be in your sign from the 4th until the end of July attracting good things towards you whether in the form of events or people. This is the perfect month for a make-over and you're much more likely to spend money on yourself and those you love. And why not. And talking of money... Two eclipses on the financial axis of your horoscope spell developments that could alter your monetary position. In some cases, a gift or inheritance could swell the coffers; in other cases a new source of income may arise but in a few instances the loss of earnings could necessitate a budget re-think. Uranus has been responsible for any instability you may have experienced regarding your career, and this planet is on top form on or near the 2nd, 20th and 28th. At these times be a little more careful with machinery, especially computers: while you may make a wise investment in a new product an old system could cause you problems. Feisty Mars enters Gemini on the 14th giving you the get-up-and-go you require and generally stirring your ambitions. This second half of July is an excellent time to get a project off the drawing board and to seek backing for your ideas. Plus, if you have adventure in your soul, go seek.

1st August 2009 - 31st August 2009
If you like travel – and what Gemini doesn't – you'll love August. You're on the move and making connections of far-reaching importance. Yes, for some Geminis this is holiday month – a time when you're off to distant or not so distant places – but for others it's more a case of being constantly in motion, ferrying people hither and thither and heading to meetings of the business and social kind. Then there's those connections of far-reaching importance... The eclipse of the 6th could introduce you to someone new who will have a big effect on your future or it could signify a meeting, discussion or message that will have a similar effect. Certainly, you have things to think about in August and the decisions you come to may well alter a small or large part of your life. The periods around the 11th, 18th and 21st bring the Saturn-Uranus opposition into play yet again so these are the times you are most likely to run into road blocks and a change of course will be necessary, especially where career or family/property matters are concerned. My tip for August is to take note of small incidents and those thoughts that keep knocking at the door of your unconscious. Why? Because come September little acorns turn into oak trees: push will have come to shove.

1st September 2009 - 30th September 2009
This is one of the more volatile periods of the year, especially the 14th – 24th, so while it could be the time a project finally launches and you gain a great sense of freedom and joy it might also be a period in which your course is changed by circumstances beyond your control. This has been a bit of a theme over the last twelve months or so, and the blame lies fairly and squarely with the Saturn-Uranus opposition, but you are in the last throes of this troublesome two-some so accept your rewards or take your medicine with grace! There is a strong focus on things of a family and property nature, and if you're moving or renovating your home or accommodating changes regarding the junior or senior members of the team, know that it is the right time even if you do feel somewhat destabilized by it all. Mercury will be retrograding for much of the month, which is why situations you thought were dead and buried could come back with a vengeance, and when you are held up, diverted and generally discombobulated just point the finger at this mischievous planet. Communication glitches reach something of a peak around the 17th, and it will be worth your double-checking information and holding back your opinions at this time. Foresight is always preferable to hindsight.

1st October 2009 - 31st October 2009
October should bring out the diva-within, by which I mean you will be able to put your unique stamp on social and professional activities and your creative juices will be flowing. And, yes, maybe you will feel like throwing the odd tantrum – all for the right reasons, of course. The sun, Venus and Mercury will be transiting the pleasure dome of the horoscope and encouraging you to get out more; it may also spark a flirtation and bring back the romance to life. Babies and children could assume a higher profile – some Geminians may even start or add to their family. October is the first month for a while that contains more harmony than discord so although I cannot promise you one joyous day after another, you should make more progress and experience more concord than you have for a while. The Saturn-Uranus opposition is still fairly active (week of the 4th and 13th) so if there are problems with a domestic situation or you feel on distinctly shaky ground career-wise, this transit is the one to point the finger at. Maybe, the time has come to break away from a long-standing pattern, and if a job does come to an end you might like to consider the advantages of going self-employed or starting your own business. Saturn will arrive in the creative centre of your horoscope on the 29th for a three-year passage, during which time you will add to your reputation and gain a firm foothold on the ladder of success. Business ventures and creative enterprises may provide many testing times but what you end up with will be priceless.