In our modern world, eclipses are the delight of scientists and eclipse chasers as much as songwriters and poets. There’s something awesome about a solar eclipse when the shadow of the Moon blocks out the light of the Sun. Flowers begin to close, birds go to roost and the natural world thinks night-time has arrived, whatever the hour.

Imagine what it must have been like thousands of years ago before man understood this natural phenomenon? No wonder ancient people thought it was the end of the world when the sky turned black in the middle of the day. Many myths developed in different cultures because of this magical phenomenon and a lot of them incorporated noise, shouting and drum-beating to scare away the angry Gods.

Various animals have been associated with eclipses over time by different cultures; the dragon in China and Thailand, dogs and coyotes for the North American Indians, the jaguar in South America. In India, it was Rahu and Ketu (the Indian names for the north and south nodes), and in Tahiti, they have a very romantic interpretation of an eclipse, that the Sun and Moon came together to make love and created the stars.

Eclipses can now be predicted using an eclipse cycle and eclipse chasers can happily spend their life savings as they dash about to catch the best photographs and sights around the world. Eclipses tend to occur in pairs, twice a year, and there are partial, annual, hybrid and total eclipses.

Amongst astrologers, there are mixed reviews on the symbolism of an eclipse. For some, it’s a power point, a time of heightened energy and spiritual awareness. For others, the eclipse is an omen, the lights go out and what is hidden emerges, just as the light of the Sun returns after the darkness. This brings with it dramatic events which change the course of time and thus the lives of key individuals.

Eclipses are famously linked with royalty, as the Sun represents the King in the heavens and the Moon the Queen. On the day that it was announced that Diana would divorce Charles in the UK, there was a powerful lunar eclipse in the heavens, beautiful symbolism for the King (Sun) and Queen (Moon) at opposite ends of the heavens with a shadow come between them. There would be no fairytale coronation and happy-ever-after for the two of them.

Eclipses often play a key role in celebrities’ lives and I will be blogging about this over the next few weeks. Perhaps this means that modern celebrities of stage and screen are the “new” royalty in the public’s eyes. We are often in awe of celebrities and some people live vicariously through them. We love a celebrity who comes from nowhere to achieve amazing recognition in the eyes of the public, and the media loves nothing more than chronicling their hubris, which often leads to a celebrity’s downfall.

In traditional astrology, it’s said that an eclipse lasts for as many months as minutes of the actual eclipse (never more than 7) and when an eclipse falls on a key planet in a country’s chart, dramatic change is foretold.

For you personally, an eclipse matters when it falls on a planet in your chart or an angle within two degrees.

Eclipses take place in cycles of star signs and we are currently in the middle of a Gemini/Sagittarius cycle, affecting these two star signs more than others.  The specific dates and degrees are:

• Dec 21 2010  8:18 GMT – lunar eclipse 29 Gemini
• June 1 2011 21:17 GMT – solar eclipse 11 Gemini
• June 15 2011 20:14 GMT – lunar eclipse 24 Sagittarius
• Nov 25 2011 6:21 GMT – solar eclipse 3 Sagittarius
• Dec 10 2011 14:33 GMT – lunar eclipse 18 Gemini
• May 20 2012 23:54 GMT – solar eclipse 0 Gemini
• June 4 2012 11:04 GMT – lunar eclipse 14 Sagittarius
• Nov 28 2012 14:34 GMT – lunar eclipse 7 Gemini
• May 25 2013 4:11 GMT – lunar eclipse 4 Sagittarius

In brief, here’s the area of life that this set of eclipses highlights in your solar chart:

Aries/Libra: 3rd/9th houses – your education, neighbours & siblings; the bigger picture, travel, philosophy, what gives your life meaning

Taurus/Scorpio: 2nd/8th houses – money, what you place value upon in your life; your joint finances, your sexuality, all that you share with others

Gemini/Sagittarius: 1st/7th houses – your image & appearance; love & relationships, significant others

Cancer/Capricorn: 12th/6th houses – retreat, quiet, solitude; your health & work, service, what you sacrifice for others

Leo/Aquarius: 11th/5th houses – your friends, groups & societies; your children, creativity, what you give birth to

Virgo/Pisces; 10th/4th houses – your career & vocation, where you’re heading in life; your home & family, where you come from

This Sunday night, 20th May 2012, there’s an annular eclipse at 0 Gemini. It won’t be seen in the UK but starts in East Asia, heads across the Pacific Ocean and on to the west coast of the USA. Have a read of my monthly stars to find out more about what this means for your star sign and if you want a copy of your birth chart to check whether this connects with your personal planets, the offer of a free gift to you is still valid. Send me an email with your time, date and place of birth.

Eclipse symbolism suggests one door closing whilst another door opens or one person loses out whilst another person gains. Traditionally you’re best to wait a few days after an eclipse before making major decisions or implementing big changes in your own life.

Eclipses are often concurrent with major events and turning points in a person’s life and remind me of the children’s game of “hide and seek”, when the seeker shouts, ‘coming, ready or not’. Are you ready for this weekend’s dramatic eclipse?

[photo from flickr.com]

On 5th May 2012, I posted an article entitled Stars In Their Thighs: Football Predictions and The Fa Cup Final. I talked about my own love of the sport, getting in the “zone” and making predictions for the Daily Star when I was their astrologer. My prediction for the FA Cup Final which took place later that day was for Liverpool to beat Chelsea 2:1. I got the right score but the wrong team.

In that article, I promised to make a prediction for the Champions League Final on May 19 2012 between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. I also said that for those of you who are interested in astrology, I would show you how I make my predictions. Here’s the chart for the Champions League Final, drawn up for the date, start-time and place of the match.

The rulers of the Ascendant and Descendant axis represent the two teams. I always allocate the ruler of the Ascendant to the favourites who, in this case, are also the home team, Bayern Munich, as they’re playing at their home ground, a distinct advantage. A Scorpio Ascendant makes Bayern’s ruler Mars in Virgo up at the top of the chart which fits as Mars rules the colour red and Bayern play in a red strip. Chelsea are therefore Venus in Gemini, ruler of the Taurus Descendant, in the 7th house but retrograde.

This is interesting as in the FA Cup Final chart, Chelsea were also ruled by Venus in Gemini but before Venus turned retrograde, which weakens the planet. Liverpool were ruled by Mars in Virgo and as both Gemini and Virgo are mutable signs, fairly equal. This is where I decided on the 2:1 score as Gemini’s zodiac symbol is the twins. My initial instinct was that Chelsea would win but I talked myself out of it as I delved further into the chart (note to self: always trust your first instinct).

So back to the Champions League chart. The rulers of the 10th and 4th house need to be noted. The 10th house is Bayern’s “success” house and Virgo on the Midheaven is ruled by Mercury in Taurus. The 4th house (10th from the 7th) is Chelsea’s “success” house and Pisces on the IC is ruled by  Jupiter in Taurus. As I’ve mentioned before in electional charts, the Moon is a key player, and the Moon in Taurus conjoins with Mercury first followed by Jupiter second.

So far I have to say this makes Bayern Munich the stronger team. Their ruler Mars in Virgo wins out over a weakened retrograde Venus in Gemini, plus the Moon’s next direct aspect is to Mercury, which rules Bayern’s “success” house and is a powerful connection. So far two nods towards Bayern. The third and final nod towards Bayern concerns the nodes. The north node is deemed to be “fortunate” and the south node “unfortunate”. The nodes in this chart connect closely with the Ascendant/Descendant axis and the north node favours Bayern, being close to the Ascendant.

There are two factors which raise question marks. Firstly Uranus in the 4th house, which means Uranus, planet of shocks and surprises, is in Chelsea’s “success” house. Will a goal be controversially disallowed? Will a key player be sent off? Both are possibilities. The second factor is the Sun in Taurus conjunct the Descendant and I have to say this flummoxes me. The Sun can add strength to Chelsea but in Taurus, an earth sign, this slows things down. Maybe this symbolism will make sense after the game and any comments are gratefully received.

To conclude, my prediction is that Bayern Munich will win and a late goal could take the match to extra time or penalties. I’d like to think that Uranus in Aries will bring in lots of goals but a lot of the key planets are in earth signs, which are defensive and slow. Score: I’d love 3-2 but more realistically 1-0.

I know this isn’t the prediction that Chelsea fans will want to read but hey, I got it wrong last time. I do also wonder whether predictions are easier when you support the team you’re writing about. My best predictions were always for Man United (my team), England (my country) and Arsenal (my other half’s team and I’m happy when he’s happy).

I will confess that I’m not a huge Chelsea fan and having lived in Ingolstadt, which is just outside Munich in Germany, when I was younger, I do have a soft spot for Bayern Munich. As usual, I will report back with a postmortem if the game elicits further information and adds extra symbolism to the astrological chart. Good Luck, one and all.

Postmortem (added 19th May 2012 post match):

What a nailbiter! I’ve never been so nervous watching a match between two teams I don’t support! Chelsea did it, although Bayern should have done it – they had way more chances. It wasn’t meant to be though, and if you have any comments on the chart for the match, please let me know. I can only think that the Sun conjunct the Descendant was lighting the way for Chelsea, but the odds were definitely stacked in favour of Bayern. A late goal did take the match to extra time and penalties but I humbly admit defeat on being able to make football predictions where Chelsea’s involved! Game over…

Venus turns retrograde today (i.e. gives the illusion of moving backwards in the heavens) and I’m feeling confused.

Venus is associated with the feminine and in mythology, Venus was Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. If you want to feel confused too, then google the word “love”. It seems that everyone has a different opinion on what love is.

Do you remember the huge collection of “Love is…” cards with two cute little characters and slogans such as “Love is… being able to say you’re sorry”? (see left). And don’t get me started on the zillions of love songs. Here’s a selection:

“I Want To Know What Love is”, “When I Fall in Love, It Will Be Forever”, “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?”, “Love Me Tender”, “Let’s Get It On”, “It’s Only Love”, “Silly Love Games” and “I Will Always Love You”. The list is endless and inconclusive.

Venus is currently in the sign of Gemini and Venus (love) in the sign of duality and multiplicity (Gemini) seems to fit this questioning about love. Gemini is the sign of communication, thought, words, gaining information, swapping ideas, talking, gossip and chatter. Because of Venus’ retrograde motion, Venus remains in Gemini for an unusually long time, from April 3 2012-August 7 2012. Maybe everybody is talking about love and, don’t forget that Venus rules money too.

What to do when Venus, Goddess of Love, is retrograde, which begins today May 15 2012 and ends June 27 2012? When a planet’s retrograde, it’s traditionally a good time to turn inwards; a time of reflection, inner work and contemplation. Big decisions and fresh starts aren’t recommended as it’s not the best time to initiate or take action.

Instead, think “re-” words, i.e. reconsider, rethink, rework, review, revise. You may find a link to your past, whether that means reconnecting with a past love or analysing the love lessons you learnt whilst you were growing up.

Venus plays a key role in astrology over the next few weeks; there’s a rare Venus transit on June 5th/6th which coincides with an eclipse in Gemini on June 4th, Jupiter, planet of opportunity, also enters Gemini on June 11th and, when Venus turns direct on June 27th, this coincides with the Uranus-Pluto square on June 24th. This whole package suggests change, breakthroughs and the unexpected. It’s complicated.

So whatever your current situation with regard to love and money, be receptive, flexible and adaptable and keep the lines of communication open. If you have planets/angles at 7, 15 or 23 Gemini/Sagittarius, you may feel the winds of change more keenly (see below).

Venus and Jupiter are called the “lesser” and “greater” benefics in traditional astrology and together they signal blessings and new opportunities. Venus in Gemini suggests learning and going back to school. Maybe this is the lesson to take away from Venus in Gemini retrograde that, when it comes to love and relating, you’re never too old to learn something new.

If you would like a print-out of your astrology chart with a guide to the astrological glyphs and symbols, email me your date, time and place of birth and I’ll email you back a copy as a gift.

You may find out more about Venus retrograde and the concurrent astrological events for your own star sign in my regular monthly horoscope.

[photo from flickr.com]

The Britain’s Got Talent final on Saturday night was watched by 11 million viewers in the UK. There were two firm favourites, no. 1, the ridiculously young & amazing opera singers Jonathan & Charlotte, 17 & 16 respectively and no. 2, Ashleigh,also 17, & Pudsey, perhaps the best dancing dog ever.

I didn’t look at the astrology chart for the final but my friend and fellow astrologer, Joanna Watters, did and she got it spot on. She went for the dancing dog and here’s the reason why:

The chart is drawn up for the start of the final at 7:30pm BST on May 12th 2012. The Ascendant is Scorpio, so the ruling planet is Mars in Virgo at the top of the chart in the 10th house. Virgo is the sign associated with pets so here’s Pudsey, flying high.

The other planet to consider is always the Moon and in particular the next aspect it makes in the heavens. The Moon’s in Aquarius in the 3rd house of communication. The Moon represents the public in electional charts and in sociable, techy Aquarius here’s everyone tweeting and talking about the final.

The Moon’s next aspect is to the Sun/Jupiter conjunction in Taurus in the 7th house. Jupiter’s the biggest planet in the heavens so this looks like the big guy with the amazing voice (Taurus rules the throat and singing). The 7th house rules other people and Jonathan & Charlotte were the bookies’ favourite. However, the Moon makes a square aspect to the Sun/Jupiter, which isn’t easy.

Let’s take a look at what happens next to Mars in Virgo. Mars also rules Aries, the 6th house ruler, and the 6th house is Virgo’s house, which confirms that Mars in Virgo is Pudsey. The next aspect that Mars makes is a trine (which is an easy aspect) with Mercury in Taurus. In the chart Mercury is on the Descendant and in mythology, Mercury was the winged messenger, nimble and fleet-footed. The Mercury-Mars trine is speedy and skilful and, most importantly, stronger than the Moon square Sun/Jupiter so Mars cuts out the favourites.

Mercury on the Descendant connects with Mars in Virgo on the Midheaven and Pudsey dances his way into pole position. He grabs the £500,000 prize for himself and his loyal owner, and Simon Cowell’s life work is now complete.

If you would like to study with Joanna, she runs a successful astrology and tarot summer school on the beautiful island of Lefkada in Greece. She is the astrologer at Network She and you can read more about her in this article entitled Stargazer’s Greek Odyssey. Contact Joanna direct at joannaw@otenet.gr to book her intermediate astrology course w/b 7th September 2012 and to find out which other courses are planned for this year.

My Daily Walk: Blackheath, Surrey

Here in the UK, we have had a lot of rain in the last few weeks and like many people I have been craving some sunshine. For most of the last few weeks, I have also been on “dog walking” duty, i.e. my other half’s been busy at work so I fit in a 30-45 minute walk in the Surrey Hills with our two pooches most days. And… it’s been glorious.

I love my walks in all weathers and this week in particular, I’ve had a couple of days where I’ve experienced rain, wind and a glimmer of sunshine through the clouds. For me, this is my personal nirvana, out walking through beautiful countryside with the wind through my hair, the rain on my face. It’s heavenly and just makes me feel alive.

When I was a girl, my mother loved the rain too and would drag us out in all weathers, “Come on, wellies and anoraks on, it’s raining, let’s go”, so I became used to splashing about in puddles and turning up at home a few hours later looking like a drowned rat. My daughter too loves the rain and, in fact, it’s her favourite weather. I remember her as a little girl outside dancing in the rain using different containers to “make music” with the raindrops.

My walks have an added benefit of creative inspiration. Out in nature does it for me, walking quietly, alone with my thoughts and it’s where a lot of my ideas come into being. This week I realised how nature and weather incorporate all four elements in astrology. The warmth of the sun is “fire”, the rain is “water”, the wind is “air” and the whole sensual experience of being in nature is “earth”, plus of course the physicality of walking.

Here’s a quick guide to the elements:

FIRE – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius: fiery, warmth, passion, dramatic, quick, volatile, motivational

EARTH – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn: tangible, down-to-earth, real, cautious, fertile, abundant, practical

AIR – Gemini, Libra, Aquarius: mercurial, flighty, invisible, social, communicating, objective, rational

WATER – Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces: intuitive, flowing, deep, unfathomable, empathic, sensitive, emotional

In astrology I love working with the elements, perhaps because their symbolism is so easy to understand in the real world. In a birth chart, I always look to see whether there is a balance of the four elements in the signs of the 7 traditional planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), plus the Ascendant and sometimes the Midheaven.

Quite often, people have a missing element or sometimes two missing elements, but what you find is that they always compensate for the missing element. Some people are attracted to partners whose star sign fits the missing element or they’re drawn to a career that allows them to play out and develop the missing element in their lives. What seems to be important is that all four elements are required to lead a balanced life.

A walk in the countryside in all weathers incorporates all the elements and maybe that’s why my daily walk in beautiful surroundings is more than just “a dog walk” for me. It’s restorative, life-giving and, therefore, no surprise that it’s a source of inspiration. Same goes for walking round a city and, I would suggest, experiencing all four seasons.

On that note, listen up UK, please hurry up and get on with summer fast. I want to walk outside in bare feet and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.

If you would like to know more about the balance of elements in your own birth chart, you can book a consultation with me at my Astrology Readings page where I’ve listed some of the benefits that astrology can offer you. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Welcome to my website. My name is Sally Kirkman and I am an experienced astrologer (25yrs) and newbie blogger (1yr). I’m equally passionate about writing media astrology (specialising in sports & celebrity predictions) and reading astrology charts for personal clients. I hope you enjoy the site and I look forward to hearing from you.

Tonight’s Full Moon in Scorpio (exact at 3:35am GMT, Sunday 6th May) is called a ‘super moon’ as it’s closer to the earth than usual. I love seeing the Full Moon in the night sky and this weekend’s promises to be “bigger and better”, and that’s not just hype.

The Moon plays a key role in our world with its influence on the tides and we’re all meant to go a little bit crazy when the Full Moon is in the sky. There’s the myth of the werewolf (half man/half wolf) howling at the moon and “lunacy” derives from the word “lunar”. Police stations often have more staff on standby when there’s a Full Moon, especially when it falls on a Saturday night. We’re all “lunatics” during the Full Moon period.

This Full Moon is in Scorpio and emotions are likely to run high whether you’re out on the town on Saturday night or enveloped in the bosom of your family for the Bank Holiday weekend. Either way, expect depth of feeling and a passionate, intense atmosphere. Intensity and passion are Scorpio words and Scorpio is a feminine sign. The Moon in Scorpio is especially witchy and magical and taps into all things dark and hidden. It’s a Full Moon ripe with power and potential.

The Moon has always been linked with women and in ancient times, Moon Goddesses ruled over men. Women were fertile, creators, the ones who gave birth to new life. The Moon played an important part in agriculture and food, vital elements of life, and time was defined by the 13-month lunar calendar. Each month consists of approximately 28 days, one whole cycle of the Moon as it waxes and wanes from Full Moon to New Moon and back to Full Moon. A woman’s menstrual cycle synchronises with the Moon’s phases.

On this powerful Full Moon in Scorpio, I urge you to honour the feminine and recognise the power of feminine qualities: nurturing, insight, caring, protection, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, habitual behaviour, love, service and, most importantly, intuition.

This is the perfect opportunity to make an important decision in your own life and trust your intuition in doing so. At the Full Moon it’s about doing what “feels” right rather than what you think you should be doing. Be confident and stand strong in your power.

When I was thinking about tonight’s Full Moon, a song that came into my head was Lisa Stansfield’s “All Woman”. It’s one of my all-time favourite songs and it seems fitting to end this article about the power of the feminine and the Full Moon with a chance to hear her song again.

[photo from flickr.com]

My other half is an avid Arsenal fan and has been for years and years. When we met on holiday in Venezuela, I was wearing an Arsenal baseball cap and he thought he’d met his dream woman. It was only when we met up again in London that I told him I’d borrowed the cap because it was hot and that my team is and always has been Manchester United.

To say he was gutted is an understatement (I can still quite vividly remember his hands shaking) but, bless him, he managed to look past this disturbing fact and our relationship survived.

The knowledge that my family were originally from Knutsford near Manchester, my Mum was a Man United fan and my Grandad and Great Uncle used to regularly attend matches on a Saturday afternoon seemed to help. I wasn’t one of the “prawn sandwich” brigade; being a Man United supporter was in my blood.

Years ago when I started learning astrology, it was a natural transition to make sports predictions, mainly for my own entertainment, but when I was the astrologer for the Daily Star newspaper, my football predictions took off. It was a match made in heaven.

Here’s one of my best predictions when I was the astrologer at the Daily Star. In 1999, Manchester United won the Champions League final and famously ‘did the treble’ (they also won the Premiership title and the FA Cup that season).

This is what the Daily Star had to say in an article entitled “Stars in Their Thighs”:

“Our own league-topping astrologer Sally Kirkman – who predicted Saturday’s FA Cup final 2-0 win AND the fact that Keano would leave the pitch – tackles the Old Trafford lads again. Demonstrating some remarkable (crystal) ball control herself, she finds that the Man United lads don’t just have the nation rooting for them”.

Here’s my prediction:

“The Champions League horoscope isn’t as clear cut as the FA Cup Final but I do feel that Manchester United will pip Bayern at the post. There are strong indications, though, that the game will go into extra time with a definite chance of penalties. Whether it does finish at full time or goes all the way to penalties, Man U will win by one goal”.

And the result? Man United 2 Bayern Munich 1. Man U infamously scored a late goal to go 1-1 with Bayern and scored the winning goal in extra time.

As an astrologer, when you start to give sports predictions, something else happens. You tap into a different level of consciousness, perhaps it’s your sixth sense kicking in or a knowingness, and your level of accuracy tends to increase. It may just be that the more you practise, the better you get. This was the case for me when I was using astrology to make predictions for the Daily Star.

Around the same time, I used to predict the scores for Arsenal every week and on one occasion correctly predicted a 5-1 win. My other half’s mates were astounded and they would always ask, “what’s Sal’s prediction for today”.

This little run of successes lasted for a few weeks and then it didn’t “feel” right any more. It was as if my ‘guiding spirit’ or ‘daemon’, call it what you like, had moved on. Personally, I think that’s the way it should be as then you don’t take those moments of pure insight or clarity for granted.

So what I’m trying to say is that I don’t think my previous success with sports predictions is just down to astrology. I think it’s because first and foremost I do enjoy football and once you get in the zone with sports predictions, something else happens.

So, can she do it again or has she lost her touch? If you’re a Chelsea or Liverpool fan and have managed to read this far inundated with stories about Arsenal and Manchester United, well done. And if you’ve skimmed through the article to this point, I understand…

Here’s my prediction for today’s FA Cup Final on Saturday 5th May 2012 between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Prediction: Liverpool to win; score 2-1.

For those of you who are interested in the astrology, I will be writing another article next week that shows the astrology charts of both the FA Cup and Champions League finals and will explain how I make my predictions. I will include my prediction for the Champions League Final on Saturday 19th May 2012 between Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

[photo from flickr.com]

Taurus (20 April-20 May)

The Sun is in your sign of Taurus until the 20th so there’s no reason not to enjoy yourself or at least allow yourself simple pleasures and indulgences on a daily level. It’s sometimes the little things in life that make the biggest difference. Gratitude is a word that springs to mind for you as the Sun is moving towards a conjunction with Jupiter, the planet of opportunity, which thrives on giving and receiving. The Sun/Jupiter aspect takes place on the 13th so ensure you make the most of this date and organise something special.

Jupiter’s been in your sign since June 2011 and next month it moves on so this is the end of a hopefully buoyant period. Jupiter rules travel but also education and liberation. It’s about following your bliss and the more positive your attitude to life, the more opportunity knocks.

Another planet in Taurus is Mercury, the talking planet, in your sign from 9th-24th. This is a great period to get organised, to set up interviews or meetings and to busy yourself with work and personal projects. Mercury too teams up with Jupiter on the 22nd, an excellent day to speak, whether that means for you asking for a promotion, planning a talk or selling yourself royally. The more you believe in yourself, the more successful this month is going to be. Jupiter offers you chances but it’s up to you to make the most of them, so expand your reach and think big and see what can be achieved.

Mars is your relationship planet and it too is having a productive and successful month. Mars teams up with Pluto on the 16th, a transformational combination, and a time when you benefit from encouraging your partner to follow their own dreams and goals in life. Trust and loyalty are paramount in love but once they’re in place, you can encourage each other to be bigger and better.

Another powerful date for love is the 6th when there’s a Full Moon in your opposite sign of Scorpio. The Bank Holiday weekend is when you can gain clarity on a relationship and you benefit by going in deep, so schedule time for a heart-to-heart. If you’ve been seeing someone new, this Full Moon spotlights love, and helps you make a decision whether to commit to a relationship or to move on. Be true to yourself and what you want from your life.

Finally this month, money is on the move. Gemini rules your money sector and there’s lots of action in this part of your chart this month and next. An eclipse on the 20th is a powerful day for new beginnings on the money front. An eclipse suggests change or a significant event that when you look back, you realise was an important turning point.

A few days before the eclipse on the 15th, Venus, your ruling planet, turns retrograde in Gemini, and you may find you have to wait a few weeks for an answer regarding money. Venus only turns direct on 27th June. Take care whom you trust as this time and listen to your inner wisdom.

Jupiter has hopefully bestowed you with blessings and you can build on what you’ve created or learned, to potentially generate big bucks or at least to earn a living loving what you do. Sometimes you only realize your dreams when you take risks and think big and right now, that’s what the universe is asking and encouraging you to do.

Gemini (21 May-20 June)

As much as you might like to stay off camera or take life easy, that’s going to be almost impossible from this month onwards. In addition, you have to take a look at the bigger picture and take time to decide not only who you are/want to be but where you’re heading in life. Being a Gemini, you can be quite happy going about your daily business, having fun and keeping life simple. All of that is about to change, however, and perhaps you’re already aware that you need to examine your life at a deeper level rather than keep things superficial.

The main marker of change is an eclipse in your sign of Gemini on the 20th. This eclipse is part of a cycle of eclipses that began in December 2010 and ends in May 2013. However, this particular eclipse is powerful because it’s at 0 degrees Gemini so right at the start of your sign and it’s an indicator of new beginnings. Some people see eclipses as potential crises but I think of them more as power points. They are often a time when significant events or changes take place that, when you look back on them, realise were a major turning point in your life.

This set of eclipses focus on you and your relationships and this is your starting point. There may be a chance to re-launch you in some way or for some form of self-reinvention. It may be about your name, your image or your legacy and how you make a difference in life. You may decide that whatever your current relationship situation, you’re ready to make some changes for the better.

Another reason why you may be questioning where you’re heading in life is because this eclipse squares Neptune up at the top of your chart in your career sector. Neptune can bring about confusion, disillusionment or a feeling that you’re lost and all at sea. If you experience something similar the week beginning 20th May, go with the flow and see where your dissatisfaction leads you. Sometimes it’s only by focusing on what’s not working, that it gives you the kick you need to do something about it.

The 27th/28th of the month are great for being spontaneous, gaining inspiration from friends or the internet, and taking impulsive action. Also with Jupiter entering Gemini next month, you’ll have more chances and opportunities coming your way, encouraging you to step up to the challenge and to live life to your full potential.

Exciting times are often preceded by times of fear or feeling wobbly and unsure about the next stage in your life. Be kind to yourself now and do things that help you to feel settled and secure. If you haven’t tried meditation or yoga before, learn new ways to relax and tap in to your inner voice, your inner wisdom.

Finally, this month, Venus turns retrograde on the 15th in your sign of Gemini, and remains on go slow until late June. As Venus rules love, this may be a sign of an affair or an ex coming into your life. Certainly it suggests different options that require you to make a choice. If you can, go with the flow and keep your options open until late June when, if you’re seeking an answer, you’ll find it.

Venus in Gemini is about attraction and being popular, so take part in events where you’re around like-minded people and do the things you love. Be aware that when Venus is retrograde after the 15th, you may start questioning your social life or an activity in which you’re involved. Be patient and look for the deeper meaning in whatever’s happening. The universe is always talking to you and you can hear all kinds of things if you just watch and listen.

Cancer (21 June-22 July)

Friendships and groups are the major theme this month and it’s here where inspiration lies. The emphasis is on people, making connections and having fun. The more you allow yourself to do what you love and socialize with people you like, the happier you are and the more fulfilled. If you’re looking for adventure or a new opportunity, you find it through networking or by joining a club or group.

If there’s one friend in particular you admire, perhaps a Taurus, hang out with him/her more and let their outlook on life rub off on you. The 13th and 22nd, when the Sun and Mercury team up with lucky Jupiter in your friendship sector, promise something special, whether it’s a celebration, a party or good news. Open up your world and be with people who light up your life.

The emphasis, however, is starting to shift and you may already begin to realise that it’s as important to spend quality time alone as it is to socialise and have fun. In fact, life may be urging you to enjoy your own company and do things by yourself without the support of other people. This is the perfect time to consider going on a retreat or create your own private sanctuary. Read books, start a journal and listen to your inner wisdom.

One by one, the personal planets move into Gemini and the most hidden sector of your chart. Venus is in Gemini all month joined by the Sun on the 20th and Mercury, the talk planet, on the 24th. This puts the focus on your private self and secret plans and the conversations you have with your inner self may be the most revealing and meaningful.

If you’re not comfortable with time alone, start to look at why. An eclipse on the 20th followed by squares from the Sun and Mercury to wistful Neptune on the 23rd and 25th, suggest a time of serious soul-searching. For some, this may be your cue to seek help, either by talking to a counsellor or visiting an alternative health practitioner. Look after yourself and nurture the connection between your body, mind and soul. If you know you have an issue you wish to seek help for, here’s your opportunity.

Neptune rules the world of your imagination too so this is also a fertile and creative period in your life. If you want to explore your artistic side, do it, or follow up an interest in mysticism. Many Cancerians have a poetic or romantic soul, so explore this side of your personality.

Relationships too invite you to go in deep and examine the bigger issues. A powerful Full Moon in Scorpio on the 6th suggests passion and Pluto may be asking you to examine the deeper issues in a relationship (key birthdays 29/30 June). Remember that the best way to change someone else’s behaviour is to change your own behaviour first. So if you want more passion in your life, be passionate.

In conclusion, this month’s stars urge you to listen to your inner wisdom in all areas and this is the case with work too. On one level, your career benefits from avoiding the bigger issues and instead see where life leads and look out for life’s synchronicities. If you’re looking for work, send off an odd email here or there or catch up with an old contact but allow yourself to be spontaneous when it feels right. This may create better results than plodding along doing what you think is right and feeling bored in the process. Your life benefits when you change your perspective and do things differently.

Leo (23 July-22 August)

The Sun is up at the top of your chart in Taurus until the 20th. This is a last chance to make a concerted effort to move things forward with your current work or career situation. It may be a project that began last summer or a chapter in your working life that’s dominated since June 2011. The message from the universe is loud and clear, keep doing what you’re doing and don’t give up.

For some, this is a month of potential glory and achievement as the Sun teams up with Jupiter on the 13th and on the 22nd, Mercury, planet of communication, connects with Jupiter. This represents a ‘high five’ moment, an opportunity that’s grown from seeds sown, a welcome chance to celebrate and be pleased and proud of what you’ve done so far. Jupiter also rules liberation and freedom so some of you may be ready to move on and create the space for more work or a different project or even a new job.

But it’s now, this month, which allows you to see how far you’ve come and how far you can take a current job or work position. Another important date is the 16th when Mars and Pluto connect in a helpful aspect, again focusing on work and money matters. These two planets bring about transformation and together they’re a positive and unstoppable force. Do what you know is right when it comes to work and money and be aware that one chapter is coming to an end and a new chapter is about to begin.

The emphasis is starting to shift away from being the boss or in charge of a solo project and moving towards a more connected and people-friendly environment. Venus, planet of relating, is in Gemini all month and the sign that rules friendships, groups and networking. The Sun joins Venus on the 20th and Mercury on the 24th and most importantly, Jupiter, planet of opportunity, enters Gemini next month where it remains until June 2013.

So this is where to shift your focus, to ask friends for advice, to join a new network or group and to make connections online and offline. Work alongside people you care for and respect, work in an environment you love or do work that benefits others and you will find any of these options more fulfilling than doing a job solely for the money or status it brings. If you’re looking for work then use your contacts and connections as this is where new opportunities lie.

Some of you may find you face a friendship “shake up” or realise you’re ready to move away from a club or group of people. Take note of what happens on or around the 20th when there’s an eclipse in your friendship sector. Eclipses symbolise a significant event or change that when you look back, you realise was a major turning point. This eclipse may also denote changes for a friend that have a knock-on effect in your own life.

Take special care on this date and throughout the following week if you have money tied up with a group, club or association. Mixing friendship and isn’t wise then and it’s important to trust your instincts either with regard to a friend’s money-making scheme or if you’re asked to help a friend out financially. There’s a slippery feel to the stars of w/b 20th May, so ensure you remain cash savvy.

Your love life isn’t highlighted in May, although you may be ready for a serious conversation over the Bank Holiday weekend even if it means hearing or speaking a harsh truth. Do be aware there’s a powerful and emotional Full Moon on the 6th which lends a dramatic feel to the proceedings.

If you want to grab some time away with a loved one, make it short and sweet. The weekend of 11th-13th looks promising as does the 26th-28th. For the rest of the month, make the most of productive and successful stars and ensure your working life and ambitions are on the right track.

Virgo (23 August-22 September)

Warrior planet Mars is surging through your sign of Virgo at full strength. This gives added bite to your behaviour and suggests you mean business. It makes you more ambitious and determined and means you won’t take any nonsense from other people. Use Mars to your advantage but don’t let assertiveness tip over into aggression or mean and moody behaviour.

On the 16th Mars teams up with transformative Pluto in your creative sector so this is a great time to pursue an artistic project or creative outlet. It’s about doing what you love and loving what you do so discover your passion and live life to the full. If you’re a parent, there’s a lot you can do to point your kids in the right direction and help them to become independent and happy. Encourage a child to believe in him/herself and to realise that positive thought and taking responsibility for your own actions is the way forward. If you’re finding it difficult to relate to a child, now’s the perfect time to find someone close who can get through to them and help them transform their life for the better.

This is a potentially passion-filled month with both the Sun and your planet Mercury connecting with larger-than-life Jupiter on the 13th and 22nd. This is about living life to the full and making the most of your opportunities, whether through travel, education or adventure. The more you put in and experience life, the more you get back in return. So be brave and bold and go for your goals. When you’re in the flow, you’re a true inspiration to others.

This is also the start of a new chapter with regard to your career, ambition and status. This month you may experience considerable change concerning your work or career goals, especially on or around the 20th. On this date there’s an eclipse in Gemini at the top of your chart and eclipses are power points, they suggest a significant event that when you look back, you realise was a major turning point.

In addition, Venus is in Gemini and on the 15th turns retrograde, i.e. gives the illusion of moving backwards in the zodiac. Both these events suggest a possibility of a door closing at work or with regard to your career. This may be disappointing and throw you off track. However, what you need to realise is that you are building towards something bigger and better as Jupiter, representing opportunity, also enters Gemini next month where it remains for a whole year.

If you do experience a work crisis or a door closes, try to remain philosophical about the situation and, rather than despair, look at the other possibilities in front of you. Perhaps you’ve always had a dream about what you want to do vocationally or maybe you’ve been putting something off because you feel scared.

Whatever your personal situation, be honest with yourself and visualise what your life would be like if you let yourself fully embrace your dreams. Jupiter urges you to play big, to raise the stakes and follow your heart. This is a chance to do something special with your life and make a difference.

Changes at work may have a knock-on effect to a personal relationship and the week beginning 20th May could prove wobbly for you or your partner. Remember to keep firm boundaries in place and don’t let your partner’s emotions swamp you or vice versa. At the same time be supportive and compassionate towards each another. Be real and let your emotions show, and there’s a chance to deepen the connection between you.

Sometimes it’s only when your life changes direction that it creates an opportunity to examine what you do really want from life. Don’t rely on someone else to make you happy but discover what makes you happy first.

Libra (23 September-23 October)

Money magic’s on the cards and the more you can push to improve your finances, the better. Jupiter, planet of opportunity, is in Taurus ruling your joint finances, so think about money you share with a partner or money that’s invested/owed to an institution. This month there are a couple of high spots with regard to cash; firstly, the Sun/Jupiter conjunction on the 13th and secondly a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction on the 22nd. Both of these dates offer good reason to celebrate, whether you’re the recipient of a bonus or inheritance, an investment matures or there’s good news for your other half.

If you don’t think this is you, then look at what you might be able to do to help. A car boot sale, selling stuff on ebay or look for a new job that pays more. Jupiter offers new opportunities but you have to go out looking for them and a positive mindset helps. It’s the perfect time to practice Law of Abundance affirmations, if you’re so inclined.

The other possibility is to turn to your past or your family to transform your situation. There may be money in a property deal or ask for a favour to be repaid. The earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, thrive on a back-to-basics response to life. Hard work is rewarded and any form of trading is admired. Do you have skills you can offer for work or products in return? Jupiter’s open to the possibility of a bartering system; give and you shall receive.

If you catch yourself thinking, “there must be more to life than work and earning a living” or you’re dreaming of a holiday, you’re in sync with your stars. Your planet Venus is in Gemini, a fellow air sign, and the spotlight’s on travel, education, philosophy and spirituality. It’s about broadening your horizons, learning something new and living life to the full. Venus is joined in Gemini by the Sun on the 20th and Mercury, the talking planet, on the 24th. Plus, and a big plus, Jupiter enters Gemini next month. For now, you may be happy with a weekend away and if so, 26th-28th looks peachy as does the Bank Holiday weekend 4th-7th (although be aware that a trip away with your other half will necessitate some deep and meaningful conversations).

Once Jupiter joins the gang, you’re urged to think big, e.g. a sabbatical from work, living and working abroad, emigrating or the trip of a lifetime. The same goes with study. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn, a skill you want to master? If so, make it happen. Jupiter inspires you to live life to the full.

For now, be aware that as Venus turns retrograde on the 15th and with an eclipse in Gemini on the 20th, avoid these dates if possible for travel or starting a course of study. If you do go ahead, be flexible as your plans may change suddenly. In addition, if you’re involved in any kind of legal matter, wait until the end of June before pushing for an answer or completion. Things tend to stall when Venus is on go slow and she is your ruling planet. Gemini rules the Law and publishing, so patience may be called for in both these areas from 15th May-27th June.

When it comes to love, you may feel frustrated if your other half doesn’t share your enthusiasm for new beginnings and living life to the full. They may have their own projects or issues to deal with now and if so, grab your moments together whilst you can. Friday 4th looks brilliant for a date as do the 27th and 28th. Remember that sometimes it’s the little things that count in a relationship, such as a loving text or a thoughtful gift. If you’re single, you’re most likely to find love on holiday or where you study. Look out for someone youthful, chatty and extremely witty.

Scorpio (24 October-21 November)

You are one of the signs of the zodiac that has two ruling planets, your traditional ruler, action planet Mars, and your modern ruler, transformational Pluto. When these two planets come together in a helpful aspect, you’re firing on all cylinders and this is what takes place mid-month on the 16th.

What’s important to note is that both planets are in earth signs and both planets are in sectors of your chart which rule people and connections, new and old friends and networks. The message is simple; success comes through clear and honest communication and via your contacts. It’s good news if you’re planning a website or using social media. Whatever you put your mind to and focus on with steely determination, you now have the chance to create magical transformation. This may be a project or idea that started in November which now reaches culmination, whether you materialise your goal or bring a job to completion.

Business partnerships are also well-starred thanks to Jupiter, planet of opportunity, in your opposite sign of Taurus. Being a Scorpio you can play lone wolf, but this isn’t the time to do your own thing, instead look at where you can create partnership in your life and work together with people who inspire you, who already know how to be successful.

Jupiter in Taurus is good news for those of you in a relationship or married. Key dates are the 13th when there’s a Sun/Jupiter conjunction and the 22nd when there’s a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction. These are wonderful dates for a proposal, even marriage and it puts the feel-good factor into a relationship. That’s not to say everything’s perfect when it comes to love but it does suggest you have a reason to celebrate. Encourage your partner to live life to the full, whether they have a chance to travel, study or grab an adventure. Jupiter thrives on taking risks and playing big.

Another subject to focus on is money which may be an issue whether you’re in or out of a relationship. The spotlight’s on joint finances, whether this is money you share with a partner or money that’s invested/owed to an institution. Venus is in this sector of your chart all month and on the 20th the Sun joins Venus in Gemini and on the 24th Mercury, the talking planet, follows suit. You’re being urged to deal with money matters and communicating is the way forward. Don’t hide letters from your bank or avoiding any finance-related issue, but talk to people and find a solution to your problem.

The good news is that Venus in Gemini suggests there’s someone on your side who can help you, very possibly a female. An adviser perhaps or someone you’ve met through work. In addition, money can come your way unexpectedly, perhaps through a bonus you weren’t expecting or an inheritance. There may be the chance to pick up extra work too, on or around the 4th or 27th/28th.

Pay particular attention to what happens on or around the 15th, when Venus turns retrograde, i.e. is on go slow, and the 20th, when there’s an eclipse in Gemini. Eclipses symbolise a significant event or change that when you look back, you realise was a major turning point. On both these dates, be more cautious about spending or investing and wait and see what happens.

The best news is the fact that Jupiter, planet of opportunity and abundance, also enters Gemini next month and by the time that Venus picks up speed again on 27th June, you should start to see a significant improvement in your financial situation. Then you can start to take some strategic risks. So if you do experience a disappointment regarding money this month, take heart that from late June onwards, you have every chance to improve your situation.

Sagittarius (22 November-21 December)

Your planet Jupiter is nearing the end of its journey through one of the earth signs, Taurus. In your chart, Taurus rules your work, how you serve others and your health. In other words, it’s about getting the basics right. This month, Jupiter moves forward confidently; on the 13th there’s a Sun/Jupiter conjunction and on the 22nd, there’s a Mercury/Jupiter conjunction. Whether news is work or health related, this suggests a reason to celebrate and a positive outcome, or help that arrives at the 11th hour. It’s a welcome opportunity to thank your lucky stars. Jupiter is your planet and you prosper when you think big and create a positive outlook in your life. Use these dates to make things for you and be lucky.

Another key planet in an earth sign is ambitious Mars in Virgo up at the top of your chart. For some of you, it’s been a long hard slog on the work front with Mars in your career sector since November 2011. However, all your hard work and effort should start to pay off and when Mars teams up with transformational Pluto on the 16th, you may be able to change your situation for the better.

The earth signs are very different to your own fiery nature but they encourage you to be good at what you do, to show up, do your work and persevere. Even if you’ve become disheartened with your current situation or a job or task, don’t give up. See things through to the end and come next month, you can make a decision about what next. Pluto is in your money sector which does suggest an all-or-nothing feel about finances but with Pluto so well-starred this month and also in an earth sign, Capricorn, the same advice stands. Slow and steady progress wins out over impulsive ideas.

One area of your life that is going to bring plenty of surprises is your love life. This is an exciting summer for love whether you’re inundated with proposals, fall head-over-heels in love or can’t make up your mind who you want to commit to. In fact, commitment isn’t a word that features in your relationships this summer. The thrill of the chase is definitely on and there’s a youthful skip in your step. There may be a chance to rejuvenate a long-term relationship or, once Jupiter moves into Gemini next month, a chance to liberate yourself from a relationship that’s not working. If ever you wanted variety and excitement in your love life, it’s now.

Be aware that changes and surprise events could take place thick and fast. Firstly, Venus turns retrograde on the 15th and there’s an eclipse in Gemini on the 20th. Eclipses suggest a significant event or change that when you look back, you realise was a major turning point in your life. Keep your options open and be positive about creating the love life you deserve. A quick word of advice if you are married: remember the best way to change a relationship is to change your own behaviour first. If you want more passion in your life, be more passionate. If you want better communication, listen to your other half and encourage him/her to listen to you too.

If you’re single, the best dates to meet someone new are Friday 4th and the 27th/28th. If you’re not interested in finding love and you’re happy being single, then simply enjoy yourself and be open to meeting people who move your life forward in an exciting way. This is your summer for new experiences and the key to fun and happiness comes through extending your social circle and trying out new activities.

Capricorn (22 December-19 January)

There’s a lot going well for you this month but it’s important to get a key conversation out of the way over the Bank Holiday weekend. This may concern your career and where you’re heading, or your family life and home situation. You may need to lay down the law or accept that your options are limited but once you’ve said what you need to say, you can move on. Your stars do suggest some kind of ending on the 5th/6th, whether real or metaphorical. It’s about tackling an issue head on and putting it to bed once and for all.

Moving on, the spotlight is very much about seeking fun and happiness in your life. Jupiter, planet of opportunity, is in a fellow earth sign, Taurus, which is great news for those of you who already have kids or want to have children. Jupiter joins the Sun on the 13th and Mercury on the 22nd, two key dates when there may be good news or reason to celebrate. Jupiter in Taurus suggests that some of you may be involved in a love affair and if so, you may want to make a decision about what next rather than let life roll on by.

There is a sense that you’re re-prioritising what’s important to you and you may be getting the impression that life’s too short to focus mainly on work and empire building. Instead, it’s love and personal relationships that matter and the people you interact with on a daily basis. Plan some fun entertainment too, whether you attend a festival or concert, or arrange a night out at the cinema or theatre. Start a new hobby or take up a hobby you were passionate about as a child: do what you love and love what you do.

Mars is the planet of action and ambition and with Mars currently in the part of your chart that rules travel, education, philosophy and spirituality, here’s another reason why you may feel you want to live life to the full. Take note of what happens on or around the 16th when Mars and Pluto connect in a transformational aspect. A deep realisation or insight may accompany this transit and urge you to bring more depth and meaning into your everyday life. How you do this is up to you and do whatever feels right.

If you are booking a holiday or going away, there’s a chance that what you discover will be life-changing. Consider a study course or a country you wouldn’t normally visit. Use travel to broaden your mind and change your perspective on your own situation back home.

There’s also a strong focus on the sign of Gemini now, the sign that rules your routine, how you serve others and your health. This signals positioning yourself away from being the boss or in the corporate sector or in a high-powered career. It’s about finding work that fulfils you which benefits other people as well as yourself. It’s a great time to consider a volunteer position by joining a charity or doing your bit to help people, animals or the environment.

The focus on Gemini also urges you to pay attention to your body and to try out different ways to benefit your health, e.g. a new fitness routine or experimenting with alternative health remedies or vitamin supplements. It’s especially important to look at what you can do on a daily level to boost your well-being. It may be as simple as incorporating a regular walk into your routine or doing a crossword to keep your brain cells moving, but the focus is firmly on looking after yourself.

Aquarius (20 January-18 February)

The first weekend of the month, the Bank Holiday weekend, looks decisive. Not only is there a Full Moon cutting across the work/home axis of your horoscope but one of your ruling planets, Saturn, opposes the talk planet Mercury. This double combination suggests it’s time for a key decision, which may involve saying “no” rather than “yes”. It’s time to turn your back on something you thought you wanted but realise now that it would involve too much work or lead you in a direction that no longer interests you. It may be a difficult decision to make but once you’ve made it and moved on, you’ll feel a sense of relief.

When it comes to your home and family, you can expect good tidings due to lucky planet Jupiter down at the base of your chart. Jupiter’s been in Taurus and your home sector since mid 2011 and next month it moves on. First, however, Jupiter makes wonderful connections with the Sun on the 13th and Mercury on the 22nd. This is the signal for good news, a celebration or party or perhaps a chance to expand your living environment in some way. Property deals are well-starred and money matters in general look good, especially joint finances. Mars, the action planet, is in Virgo, the sign that rules all shared money matters; the stock market, money you share with your partner, investments, mortgages, loans, inheritances, etc. etc. Whether you’re in the process of paying off a debt or building a substantial fund of money, when Mars connects with Pluto on the 16th, you’re an unstoppable force. If you’re a typical Aquarian, you can be stubborn when you want to and at this time, steely determination and focus pay off. Go for broke and you can improve your financial situation dramatically. Again think home and family as these are the key factors that can lead you to success.

Personal finances are another matter especially on the week beginning 20th May. Keep your wits about you and don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes. Be honest with yourself and see if you can pinpoint who or what is a potential financial drain on your assets. The key contenders are a child, a hobby or (heaven forbid) a lover. With Neptune in on the act, this isn’t the time to wear rose-coloured glasses especially if money’s involved. The dates to be extra scrupulous and careful are 20th, 23rd and 25th.

There’s certainly plenty of potential to have fun this month, however, as both the Sun and Mercury, the talk planet, join lovely Venus in your fellow air sign of Gemini on the 20th and 24th respectively. This puts the spotlight on pleasure, entertainment and generally having a good time. As long as you take note of the previous paragraph on a financial drain, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy yourself and make the most of your kids, decide to have children, pursue a creative talent or fall head-over-heels in love. Any of these are a possibility this summer.

In fact, this is where the excitement and drama lies, plus the possibility of furthering your love of technology, social media or good old human interaction. Your modern ruling planet is Uranus in Aries and your communication sector. Great news if you’re a budding ideas merchant, inventor or trend setter. The 4th looks lively for fun or new ideas as do the 27th/28th. All you need to decide is what tickles your fancy. You may even discover how much you enjoy a good debate or argument and it’s through other people, especially new friends, that you generate your best ideas.

Pisces (19 February-20 March)

You are one of the signs that has two ruling planets; Jupiter, planet of opportunity, your traditional ruling planet and Neptune, planet of inspiration, your modern ruling planet. This is Jupiter’s month as Jupiter teams up with the Sun on the 13th and the talking planet, Mercury, on the 22nd. All three of these planets are in Taurus and your communication sector, so this is an excellent omen for good news, a lucky opportunity or a new proposal. The key to success is through new contacts, starting afresh, finding out new information and rejuvenating your outlook on life and who you spend time with. Think of it as turning over a new page.

It’s also important to look at what you’ve been involved in over the past year. Jupiter moves on from Taurus next month so this is a chance to complete what you started in June of last year. It may involve a project or idea that’s been bubbling away and taking shape slowly. The earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, are slow burners and it’s the amount of hard work and effort you put in that brings your just rewards. This sector of your chart also rules siblings and schools, so look to your involvement with either of these areas to see what adds richness and depth to your life.

People are definitely important now and you have to take others into account perhaps in more than one decision. Mars the action planet is currently in your opposite sign of Virgo. On the one hand this makes relationships a potential battle ground but it also suggests that forging strong relationships with others helps you to be competitive and supports your own personal goals. The date to note is the 16th when Mars and Pluto connect in a helpful aspect. Look out for the person who backs your ideas or plans and can help you make significant progress.

Money matters look lively now but with Uranus in on the act, you’re unlikely to earn good money going down a normal route. Uranus is unpredictable and urges you to take risks and try something new, but good timing is imperative. Stay one step ahead of the pack and keep an eye out for a lucky money-earner on or around the 4th or 27th/28th. Your home or family may be in some way involved with your potential to earn a fast buck, so bear this in mind.

Talking of home and family, this area of your life is about to expand greatly. Venus is currently in Gemini and the home sector of your chart, so if you’re in the middle of decorating or you’re organising a family celebration, you’re in sync with your stars. The Sun joins Venus on the 20th and Mercury on the 24th but the most significant development down at the root of your chart is Jupiter entering Gemini next month where it remains until June 2013. This may be the catalyst you need to move home, sort out your domestic situation or improve your family’s circumstances in one way or another. Jupiter provides the opportunities and it’s up to you to make the most of them. A positive mindset and an adventurous outlook on life definitely help.

It’s also important to note what takes place mid-month when Venus turns retrograde on the 15th and there’s an eclipse in Gemini on the 20th. Eclipses are often about significant events or change that when you look back, you realise were a major turning point. What happens mid-month may leave you feeling confused or unsure in some way as the eclipse squares your ruling planet Neptune. In fact, the 20th, 23rd and 25th of the month feel like a distinct sea-change in your current situation. Do your best to go with the flow and trust your emotions. Letting go is a key part of the process but have faith that once Jupiter enters Gemini mid-June and Venus turns direct in Gemini on 27th June, you’ll have prepared the way for a new cycle, one that’s more expansive and supportive of who you are. Be true to your authentic self.

Aries (21 March-19 April)

The earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, dominate and a cycle that began last year, either around June or November 2011, is now reaching completion. This puts the spotlight on your working life, your money and all possible variations of the two. Success depends largely on how much time and effort you have put into work or a project over the last six months or so.

Earth signs for you represent a hard slog so it won’t always have been easy. Being one of the fire signs and the first sign of the zodiac, you usually like things to happen fast and enjoy the thrill of overnight success. The earth signs operate differently; they’re a slow burn whereby you can build strong foundations for your future. The key to success is to be persistent or as, I’ve read recently, the first stage is to show up and do your work.

This period may have helped you realise that it’s your experience and knowledge that creates powerful results. Aries is the ultimate self-starter and if you’re typical of your sign, you’ll love the excitement of a new project, beginning again, starting over. What you may be discovering, however, is that using your knowledge and sharing your experience is actually more fulfilling and rewarding than you realised.

The most important date is the 19th when your ruler Mars makes a strong connection with the planet of transformation, Pluto. Both in earth signs, this is a powerful combination and suggests that with steely determination you can move mountains. These two planets have met twice before on 23rd November 2011 and 15th March 2012. Their third and final meeting is always the most significant so push hard to achieve what you want and create the change that’s necessary in your life.

May’s not without its chances, however, as both the Sun and Mercury team up with lucky planet Jupiter on the 13th and 22nd respectively. Jupiter’s in Taurus and your money sector so try your luck on the lottery, enter a competition or buy a raffle ticket. These are dates when the universe may deliver something special to you, a cash bonus or extra money you weren’t expecting. Believe in the Law of Abundance and see what happens.

You should also take your chances with communication as you have Mercury, the talking planet, in Aries until the 9th, plus both the Sun and Mercury enter Gemini and your communication sector on the 20th and 24th respectively. You are entering a phase when you can ‘up’ your game if you’re involved in selling, PR, online technology, public speaking or any other project that uses words and communication. Think big, be expansive and go global.

This kind of buzz is right up your street so take note of what happens on or around the 27th/28th of the month which is a wonderful couple of days to take a big step forward, to be daring and bold and see what you can create. With Uranus, planet of change, in Aries, this is your chance to be spontaneous and impulsive and see what doors you can open.

Love too looks lively with Venus, planet of love, in chatty Gemini. Flirt your socks off on Friday 4th, a wonderful night for a date, but keep love light. Venus turns around in the heavens on the 15th and you may not have all the answers about love until late June or know exactly where you stand in a relationship. You may hear from someone from your past but don’t make any firm commitments just yet. Enjoy the thrill of the chase and keep your options open.

[photo by flickr.com]

This post was originally written last year but I am publishing it again as the London Mayoral Election takes place this Thursday 3rd May 2012. Read on to find out why London is a Gemini city and why a Gemini will win the 2012 Mayoral Election.

Many people don’t realise that places and countries have star signs. When a country is founded or becomes official, it has a birth-date and, therefore, a horoscope. If you feel drawn towards a certain country or city, it’s often because the place reflects your own star sign.

The horoscope that’s commonly used for England is based on William the Conqueror’s coronation of 1066, making England a Capricorn country. Capricorn is a rigid, structured sign and England is renowned for its class system, its patriotism and love of the Royal family. The English are traditionally thought of as a reserved, non-emotional bunch who like to maintain respect and keep a “stiff upper lip”.

Much more fun is the star sign attributed to London. According to traditional astrologer, William Lilly, London is a Gemini city, which fits a place that’s a diverse melting pot of different people, cultures and boroughs. Geminis are communicators who thrive on variety and are always on the move.

One of the most famous quotes on London, “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” by the 18th century author, Samuel Johnson, picks up on this hectic Gemini buzz. London is a wonderful place to chat, learn something new, people watch and hang out in its colourful and assorted neighbourhoods.

Staying with the Gemini theme, it’s no surprise to astrologers that the two most recent mayors of London, Ken Livingstone (born 17 June 1945) and Boris Johnson (born 19 June 1964) were both born under Gemini, the sign of the twins and, as the betting stands, Boris is set to pip Ken at the post.

This is Gemini’s summer if not year as Venus is currently in Gemini for a long stay of four months and Jupiter, planet of expansion and opportunity, enters Gemini on 11th June 2012 where it remains until June 2013. This is a massive year for London with both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee early June and the Olympics July-September taking place in our city. Bring it on!

[photos: bulldog by thesun.co.uk; tweeting by garryknight at flickr.com]