Just in time to help us work our way out of this worldwide financial crisis, Pluto the transformation guru, has left the freewheeling sign of Sagittarius and moved under the influence of sober, pragmatic and success-oriented Capricorn.
Don't allow anyone to put a limit on your dreams or horizons. Plant those seeds of change and remember Lao-Tzu's simple but inspiring words: "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Ruling Planet: Mars
Symbol: Ram
Element: Fire
Color: Red
Powerful planets are working overtime for Aries this year. With optimistic and influential Jupiter signing on as your personal PR director and realistic Saturn making a few serious changes to your career or home, if you scoop up this year's momentum and use it to fearlessly to make changes to your flight plan, you can move your life in a new direction.
However (there's always something) this year's transits are considered planning and planting cycles. Although you may make a few major decisions, you may not actually be able to take action or see results until after September. If you feel that things have become stalled or that unanticipated circumstances stand in the way, perhaps this is the Universe pointing out that you need to do more research or that your timing is off. Patience has its own reward in 2009.
Sometimes, the enthusiastic Ram can become too self-involved. But due to the healing and intuitive assistance of the powerful asteroid Chiron, this year you become a sensitive problem-solver with a compassionate heart. By staying tuned to the needs of others, with the right word you could divert a crisis or repair a relationship and endear yourself to those whose support you may need.
Watch out for this year's six eclipses (happening in Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug and Dec). Each will highlight a problem area of your life, stir your emotions and light your short fuse. Think before you blurt out insensitive words and these eclipses will work for you. This year make the words of Thoreau your life affirmation: "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
2009 Aries Love Match: Between April and June, Venus travels through Aries adding new colors and textures to every relationship. Unhealthy relationships will fall by the wayside but committed relationships will be strengthened. Single? Leos and Sags are fun but magic is in the air this year so don't be surprised if a sweet Cancer, intriguing Gemini or gentle Libra sweeps you off your feet.
TAURUS
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: The Bull
Element: Earth
Color: Blue, pink
In 2009 ambitious Jupiter will move into your work and career sector, expanding your professional and personal horizons. This planetary transit is an agent for achievement, advancement and professional recognition. However, disciplined, no-joking Saturn is laying down the ground rules and will demand hard work and focused determination. The combined energy of these two power planets will gently nudge (or force) you into a new lifestyle, career or relationship. Your reward? Stability, new horizons and growth.
The year begins on a chaotic note and life may seem like a traveling circus with you trying to juggle everyone's changing moods and your own work load. Your organization skills will be one of your tools for success, and when your ruler savvy Venus starts to kick down doors in June, you will be ready to step through.
Because the Bull is endowed with style and substance, a true heart and trustworthy soul, this year stay true to your nature and friends will line up seeking your wisdom, company and sage advice. You are a demanding perfectionist with the soul of a mystic. This year your mantra should be: Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.
2009 Taurus Love Match: Because demanding Saturn is directing the show in your relationship sector until October, this is a serious year for love. In a secure, committed relationship, you can reach a deeper bond through communication and thoughtfulness but do expect Saturn to bring up any weakness or flaws which, once recognized, can be overcome or repaired.
If you are single this year, a Virgo or Scorpio could share your serious mood or a fiery Leo or Aries could awaken your passions. But until September, watch out for a few irrational planetary surges. Otherwise, you could mistake a new infatuation for true love or vice versa. This year, give yourself time to test the mettle of yours and another's devotion.
GEMINI
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Twins
Element: Air
Color: Yellow, orange
This year there will be a multitude of star-crossed contradictions which will stir your imagination, spark your creativity and help you achieve or come to terms with a few unrequited dreams. In January bountiful Jupiter is moving in with futuristic Aquarius. In the next 12 months you will have not only the opportunity but the curiosity to expand your intellectual horizons and set new goals and priorities.
This is the year to step off of your beaten path: join a drama club, work on your art or writing skills or find interesting courses or seminars that will enhance your résumé. Until October you may have difficulty balancing your domestic responsibilities with your ambitions or work. This is a test of the depth of a commitment, your personal management skills and sensitivity to others which you can pass.
This year you will be given the opportunity to make significant progress and expand your horizons. But these planetary alignments are not gift-givers so you are going to have to initiate your own good fortune. As Ayn Rand once said: "People create their own questions because they're afraid to look straight ahead. All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it. Walk."
2009 Gemini Love Match: Between June and September retrograding Jupiter is editing your love life and allowing you to rewrite (read: correct) a few pages in a personal saga. While Venus transits Gemini in July, if you are single, don't sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Go out and give Cupid a clear shot at your heart. This year singles may feel like playing the field. But after September a fiery Sagittarius could warm your heart or you may become totally turned on by a Libra, Aquarius or down-to-earth Capricorn. P.S. All of the above could apply to a work or business partnership, so do stay aware and this year's aspects will work for you.
CANCER
Ruling Planet: The Moon
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water
Color: Silver-blue, turquoise
The past two years have been challenging, stressful and, at moments, wonderful. By putting you into frustrating or difficult work and personal situations, the Universe forced you to confront your deepest fears, needs and insecurities. In 2009, expansive Jupiter transits idealistic Aquarius in your house of personal growth and relationship transformation. This year you may struggle with deeply personal issues but you will emerge with a new sense of self and emotional stability.
Cancers tend to resist change but this year you are going to have to let go of old habits and people that no longer fit into your life. While in the first few months of the year, things will move slowly, bear in mind that the greater powers have you on their radar, and your dedication and good work habits will pay off.
In August, Mars moves in with Cancer, making a positive impact on your prospects and offering new options for your unique talents or job opportunities. In 2009, instead of trying to still the tides of change, grab your surf board and ride the waves of emotion, inspiration and yes, success. And remember: "Happiness often sneaks through a door which you didn't know you left open."
2009 Cancer Love Match: Although the year begins on a slow note, the momentum builds and by the lunar eclipse on July 7th you could see fireworks and change your mind about a serious relationship. In October your love guru Saturn is moving under the influence of Libra, the star sign in charge of relationships. And for the next two-plus years, every relationship will be tested. But don't panic. This is an excellent transit: stable relationships will thrive and the unhealthy will be left behind. Single? A solid Capricorn, passionate Taurus or supportive Scorpio could answer Cupid's call this year… but you may find the fire signs Aries and Leo irresistible.
LEO
Ruling Planet: Sun
Symbol: Lion
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow, gold
Every Leo is now itching for drama and adventure. And 2009 promises to be exciting and one of those growth years of the best kind! Although a thrilling new romance could sweep you off your feet or an intriguing job offer (or move) tweaks your interest, don't be in too much of a hurry to leave your present work situation, bail out on a project or give up on an old love.
That's because grounded Saturn will operate under the influence of equally grounded Virgo until October. If you are in a job search or looking to change the direction of your career, surprisingly supportive associates, partners and someone in authority could provide you with interesting opportunities.
In 2009, due to unusual cosmic activity in your house of unions and partnerships, you will be offered excellent opportunities to practice your interpersonal diplomatic skills while learning how to balance your own needs and desires with those you love. Sign up for yoga, philosophy or psychology classes and discover more about relationships and yourself… and perhaps find a new vocation.
By September follow any inclination to put your energy into a cause: The environment and health needs begin to make sense and a new interest could change your career or job ambitions and prospects. This year Somerset Maugham's words could be your motto: "It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
2009 Leo Love Match: This year, by expanding your mind and world, your mate will become more intrigued and find you more attractive. Single? Leos are true and loyal but unless you find someone who is really serious, why not enjoy life and work on those Leo flirting skills that drive your admirers crazy? Although Aquarius, Aries and Sagittarius bring out your best qualities, a sexy Taurus or loyal Virgo could make you feel like Queen/King of the Jungle.
VIRGO
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: Woman
Element: Earth
Color: Green, indigo
And Saturn, being a realist, is going to help you clear out the clutter in your life so that you can move forward with the redesigns of your hopes, dreams and wishes. Before you melt into a pessimistic puddle, be assured that this is good news and opportunities to expand and change will abound. By October, you will turn challenges into victories and prove that you're made of sterner stuff than anyone imagined.
Expansive, lucky Jupiter will be working in your health, home and lifestyle sector this year. This year's six eclipses (occurring in Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug and Dec) will be indicators of where this bountiful planet is exerting pressure and pointing out where you need to make important changes. If you see that a relationship or venture is not headed in the right direction, don't be afraid to alter your course or rewrite a new ending to an old story. This year remember this wise reflection on life: "A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain."
2009 Virgo Love Match: July's eclipse will shine a glaring light on certain relationships and if there are problems, this is the time to express your unhappiness, discontent -- or perhaps express complete love for someone special. If you are single, why not have a little fun with a strong, sexy Taurus or Capricorn, a passionate, fiery Leo or a sweet, romantic Virgo. And don't forget that shy Pisces, who may need a bit of encouragement but will be worth the effort.