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The January Perspective 2002
by Leigh Oswald

OVERVIEW
The New Year gets off to a rather dramatic start planetary-wise with the Sun opposing Jupiter on New Year's Day. This could be a mixed blessing. On one level it indicates a mood on the planet of confidence, positivity and the need for a dramatic new start, and on another level it indicates a pushing for enlargement and progress, the flip side of which, however, could be overextension, overconfidence and bombast. The U.S. and Britain are most caught up in this energy. Germany and Britain may become significant world players after the 18th.

The Sun in positive relationship to Mars all month emphasizes courage and daring. The first 18 days, when Mars is in Pisces and Venus in Capricorn, are spectacular for sensitive, bold film, photography, music and 3-D work. The remainder of the month when Mars moves into Aries and Venus into Aquarius, augurs well for the intellectual, rational, cutting edge, the innovative, the shocking, assertive and an essentially masculine spirit at work. Maybe controversial conceptual art... Lights going on and off...?

Venus is also conjunct the Sun all month, which suggests that the collective unconscious shows a craving for beauty and harmony. A hungry public, so tune in.

Mercury moves retrograde on the 18th in Aquarius so prepare after that date to cope with frustrations around all communications and in relation to innovative work and travel. Technology, especially computers, will have its hitches. Viruses may be extremely problematic. Russia may also be creating a few waves on the geopolitical scene.

All previews, openings, shows and exhibitions should be achieved before the 18th. If that is not possible, delay them until after the 8th of next month if you want a smooth ride and relatively trouble free experience.

The 9th is a brilliant day for combining intellect with inspiration of a particular innovative sort. There will be intellectual whammies achievable in the written and spoken word. This is a fantastic day for critical writing.

The 13th is a spectacular day for structural beauty, and as it is a new Moon, also for fresh starts.

The 25th is full of spiritual inspiration combining with natural beauty and is possibly the best day in the month for artistic endeavor. It also enables one to perfectly combine technical skill with divine inspiration, simply because Venus is conjunct Neptune whilst harmonizing with Saturn. There could be no better combination for a mix of inspiration with material manifestation.

The 28th is brilliant for inspired music and film work, but false heroism, ego, glamour and self- delusion could spoil the talent and there is a danger of pushing beyond the point of success, so beware, and use a little humility with talent and ambition.

Since the 28th is also a full Moon, the unconscious is powerful and events on a global or an individual level can bring a level of eruptive surprise.

Issues around the Middle East and Iraq in particular will rumble on, (no surprise there) possibly decisively this month.

N.B. If you know your ascendant (rising sign), you should read the general trends for that sign in conjunction with your Sun sign for a more accurate forecast. In astrology, the nature of the planet symbolizes the type of energy that is happening, the sign it is in symbolizes how it is happening and the house it is in symbolizes where it is happening.

Leigh Oswald welcomes your comments at leigh@astroanalysis.co.uk.




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Aries March 21^st-April 20^th
The New Year spells demanding times at work and could be a period of really reassessing your work direction as its stresses may seem rather untenable. However, this could be temporary, so don't rush into anything, although those of you born mid-April may find that the need for change is both irresistible and very positive. It's not that you are not successful where you are, it just may not be appropriate for your particular level of consciousness to stay put currently.

Until the 19th, your ruler Mars is making you decidedly reluctant to be your usual gung-ho, out-there self. During this time you may need to redirect your energies into a more spiritual or behind-the-scenes work for best effect. Inspiration from the past and inner instincts are your guide, and do not harbor resentments. Free up the feelings as anger shows itself or it will be eventually be all the more potent when it eventually does get released after being repressed.

After the 19th, Mars moves triumphantly into your own sign and you will emerge into the world with no holds barred, and March born Aries particularly will have this month, after the 19th, to ride a fine balance between channeled and constructive determination which can take you far, or overzealous assertion and determination which can make you enemies. What you have harbored or nurtured over the last six weeks will show itself in no uncertain terms to the world then. Make sure it is positive.

After the 17th despite a hunger to be with friends and the prospect of an improved social life looms, prepare for your buddies to behave in uncharacteristic and fickle ways, and for arrangements to go slightly belly up. Check venues and times carefully and prepare for failed or missed messages from those you are trying to catch up with socially. It is also true that some of your most beloved plans and projects may suffer incredibly frustrating hiccups from that date. It is a question of "if you want to make God laugh, tells him your plans." You will be best spending time with family, who may be more reliable and where work can flow, but beware on the 28th of the full Moon and when Mars squares to Jupiter. Extravagance in the home and around property could lead to some regrets later, and it is also important not to let your ego too free to create some bombast leading to difficult situations in the home, which currently should be your safest haven.

If born at the very beginning of April, keep on trucking, nose to the grindstone, and you will find that the work you do now bears immense fruit a little later in the year. Those born around April 5th to 8th should look further a field than their own home shores or territory, to get the best inspiration and opportunities for growth artistically and personally.




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Taurus April 21^st-May 20^th
Follow with some confidence a travel bug instinct, which may be strong in you this month, as far horizons really hold promise in life and art. With Venus also beckoning from that direction, romance could join up with foreign ventures, but preferably before the 18th, as Mercury thereafter will guarantee travel hitches and delays, and even possible cancellations. Higher study draws you, particularly art scholarship, but frustrations too about getting things down on paper or with awkward or even dumb teachers could abound.

Career issues could also be frustrating as authority figures again may seem awkward, dense or uncertain in their aims and goals and you could feel that despite your best efforts and prolific work, the publicity for it goes awry and people will just not get your message. Misunderstandings and even ignoring of your work could be infuriating. Wait until the second half of next month when they are more receptive and even enthusiastic. There is a reason for this, though it is lost in the mists of the universe.

Those born April 24th to 28th have Jupiter lending a hand giving you enhanced intellect and a fuller perception of the world around you. What you notice is important.

For those born May 13th to 17th as last summer, you are back in the crazy hands and the bumpy ride of Uranus, not complete until the end of next year. The unexpected and the catalytic are all one can say to expect, but you are thrown into a new awareness, away from Taurean pedantry, rigidity and seeming safety. Time to adventure and go with the flow.

Sun conjunct Venus all month highlights love and money combined and on the 25th this is particularly true, when inspiration and lucrative investment combine. However, the financial rewards may have to be a little longer waited for than you may find easy to handle, but don't let that deter you. The longer you wait the better the result.




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Gemini May 21^st-June 20^th
The deep and murky area of your solar chart is activated currently, giving a desire for truth rather than comfort. In depth, rather than dabbling and essentially erotic, is your mood. Crisis sparks off the best in your artistic life and can bring regeneration after degeneration in your personal relationships.

Financial issues of a deeply private behind-the-scenes sort are up for review now and life-changing but not always easy issues can occur, ultimately for the better, spiritually and therefore creatively. Endings and new beginnings.

Your ruler Mercury turns round defiantly on the 18th, giving a definite message that thereafter, travel arrangements and dealings with other cultures and countries will be less than straightforward, indeed, plain complicated. Attempts to broaden your intellectual horizons could meet with blocks and frustrations too. Don't push the river, and deflect your interest to other fields such as love life and money, as they look pretty fruitful areas right now.

Those born after June 6th have Mars creating a few waves after the 18th. Oversensitive colleagues could be overreacting to your comments and style and petty irritations are in the ether. This is an excellent time to undertake putting together a combination of huge sensitivity with heavy-duty materials. After the 18th a healthy social life predominates and feelings of cohesion are stronger.

Those born late May have Saturn's chilly fingers pointing in your direction as they did last June and July. Only you know what work has to be done now in order to tighten up your world and ensure a good infrastructure is created from which you butterflies can fly.

Joint relationships and sharing issues may be a key to this trying energy. Hard slog now is really the only option but no circumventing this truth if you want freedom later. Reality checks abound now.

If born around June 6th to 8th Pluto is mirroring back to you now, the darker facets of your own nature as invited by seeming enemies or challenges. Why are they there and what are they showing you about your own devils? Let your art explore, reveal, enjoy, control and therefore ultimately vanquish. Remember, we learn more from our enemies than our friends.




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Cancer June 21^st-July 21^st
Be other-directed, rather than overly autonomous now. Give power away to those who can illuminate your life. Trust their judgment and they will reward you.

If born June 28th to July 2nd Jupiter, as last August/September is enhancing your life in his once every 12-year visitation, during which you benefit from several hits. He is bringing opportunities for increased confidence, improved health, luck in work opportunities, and if not too conscious, possibly an expanded ego and body, so beware. Enjoy, but know that a Jupiter visitation is nothing without working hard before, during and after the fact, to maximize the benefit. You need space and conceptual art may fit the bill now.

Travel becomes you up to the 18th and a love affair with another country in terms of work and empathy is likely.

Love life is blessed in the first three weeks for all those born after June 28th and you will be noticed and appreciated by the public in general. Mercury's perverse motion after the 18th suggests that you may have to take a rain check on a joint financial deal and some lines of communication with intimate others could get lost, as disconnection takes over.

The latter half of the month brings some altercations with authority figures. Do not underestimate the fact that you could be the target of their frustrations, if not the perpetrator. Ambitious you should be, aggressive you shouldn't.

The 1st, 3rd and 26th are days to push out the boat and know your unconscious insight is working well, and on the 13th when the Moon is new in your opposite sign. As far as relationships are concerned, "Behold, I make all things new," is the universe's message for you.




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Leo July 22^nd-August 22^nd
Mend the plumbing, fix that door, sort out your easel, tidy your studio, rationalize your filing. If that's all in order, then get your neglected health and dental checks done and review your gym membership. That's what the universe favors your doing now, anything to keep your mind off the fact that relationships, especially after the 18th, just are chaotic, and partners seem either deaf or stupid. Don't even go there. No point until after the first week of next month.

If born August 14th to 18th you must rely on yourself alone, as others will not be the rock you want. But then again do you need one now. A rock would keep you tethered to your present path, whereas a loose cannon of a partner may just shock you into the direction you need to start considering for real growth. Accept changes in style and lateral creative ideas as a norm for you now. You are no "stuckist" currently.

If born end of July, let the old dissolve and the new germinate. Slow metamorphosis is on the menu, so don't resist. Your intuition and your heart hold the key to understanding. Don't allow any false gurus in. You are your only guru now.

Foggy, un-navigable seas are your metaphorical home. The full Moon on the 28th could be an intensely emotional day for you all, but particularly powerful for those born July 30th to August 2nd. It is the time of the rejection of the rational and the acknowledgement of the true force of the unconscious, as it breaks through temporarily the overcivilized veneer that you or others have. A time of magnificent artistic truth and expiation.

After the 18th, the energy put into travel or art scholarship serves you all well, provided the plane isn't cancelled or delayed or the tutor doesn't let you down. Beware the 25th that all that glitters is not gold, and glamour could be misleading. Concentrate on your constant image and symbol of the sea as a universal metaphor for the ebb and flow of life, with no boundaries and no cessation.

Those of you born August 8th to 10th are currently reinventing yourself big style, in a way that can eventually put you on the creative map. Empowerment is within your reach. Don't waste it.




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Virgo August 23^rd-September 21^st
No shrinking violet now, you need to party and celebrate in extrovert fashion, your creative gifts. Banish self-effacement and shine. Libidinous stirrings should not be repressed, but channeled maybe.

The theatre and performing arts are favored for you now. However, after the 18th your ruler Mercury is in little mood for cooperating on the everyday routine level, and anxiety over health (probably needless) takes a hold, or energy levels could be low. Do not attempt to expect support from colleagues, as they are too preoccupied with their own hitches and headaches. Do not overreact, and have fun in your own solipsist world.

Until the 18th Mars is also bringing his own set of problems for those born after September 8th. Despite being a little friskier than usual, partners may have agendas of their own, and thwart your mood with over-assertive instincts. It could be plate throwing, followed by a passionate interlude; no half measures and you could get to thrive on it in a masochistic sort of way. Do be wary for being blameless in any confrontation however. Remember World War Three in relationships is better than indifference.

If your delicate senses can't tolerate the uninhibited moods of others, pit your wits against a giant canvas.

If born early September, time to take stock of work direction. It could be just tough going now, or is the writing on the wall and a confrontation looming with the need to rethink career direction? The most obvious problem is probably a mixture of low self-esteem combined with too exacting standards. This is an impossible combination. A good motto for you now is "when in doubt, lower your standards."

If born September 7th to 11th Pluto is now taking you into the abyss of self-analysis, warts and all -- a protracted journey. Images of the past will haunt. Blackness, caves, potholes, subterranean places, even Hades, are all pertinent to your journey and creative understanding. But once down as dark as you can get, there is only one way to go and that, remember, is up. The darkest hour is always just before dawn.




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Libra September 22^nd-October 23^rd
The little house on the prairie with roses round the door is your sentiment now. Well, okay, maybe you just need to attend to home environment and family, and you certainly have retiring, nesting instincts, and within the portals of your home is where the most exciting work can be achieved and where love life flourishes particularly before the 19th. However, a balancing act (something you do continuously anyway) between being up front and high profile and wishing to indulge your homing instincts, is needed, as Jupiter will not let you forget that success in the world, is part of your story and luck and accolades are abounding, connected to intellectual and creative reputation.

Generosity from parents and patronage from significant folks has to be deserved now too, admitted. (Admit it.) However, beware not to overreach and stretch your resources overly much, especially if born up to October 5th.

However, let's not get carried away. All is not as rosy as it could be, although you hate taking off your rose-colored spectacles. Mercury after the 18th makes your artistic and romantic goals elusive. and creative blocks, though likely, are not a reason to panic. Sometimes you have to have a desert to appreciate the oasis when it comes (wait till next month.) Your best energies are now put into routine and service for others, especially with humanitarian, charitable type feel. If you are looking for progress in the arts, music, film and photography are the strongest contenders before the 19th.

After the 18th Mars in your 7th house suggests you need to put on your amour to protect yourself against the slings and arrows of discontent, which will be aimed in your direction by significant others. If you have repressed your own discontent and annoyance, then sure as hell, Mars will make you admit to this, or your adversarial partner will merely act as a puppet, reflecting your own unspoken aggression. Not a healthy situation. This is powerfully true if September-born.

Mid-October-born Librans are emerging into artistic and emotional new ground and you are going to be more cutting edge than ever before, and you can light significant fires for others, as they follow your creative growth.

Those born up to October 8th can, in the last ten days of the month, expect to have Cupid on their case, or at least a desire for indulgence, leisure and pleasure, and a celebration of all that is creative in love, life and art.

Those born October 8th to 11th have intellectual and personal growth fast and furious happening in their life, and a huge regeneration of personal consciousness, which will show itself in a renewed passion of style, content, and spirit in your art. The way to go.




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Scorpio October 24^th-November 22^nd
A hunger for in-depth communication and a restless curiosity keeps you energized. Writers, critics and journalists are thriving and before the 19th art scholarship and intellectual instincts for the basic principles of esthetics fills your mind and the creative acts. With Mars giving you the wink, libido and love life is hardly low profile. Fertility on all levels is undeniable, most notably in the first half of the month and particularly for those born after November 8th. The film and music industry is most favored.

In the latter half of the month you should more constructively channel energy into maintaining the more mundane infrastructure of your life, but many of you will be reading this far a field or planning such a venture. The pull of other shores and far away places is not only strong, but for your own good. The fancy that "travel broadens the mind" was written just for you right now. Jupiter is on your case. It could also provide a welcome escape from the uncertainties and idiosyncrasies of work now, particularly if born November 13th, or be just the pure escape you need if born late October/early November. Remember however, that you are only taking the problems with you or putting them on hold.

If travel is not on the cards, studying and retraining is surely the answer to your need to make the journey for change in your profession, or to fuel your dreams of higher ground.

As far as family and domestic scenarios go, after the 18th it all goes a little pear-shaped and communication with family becomes difficult, a waste of time or just plain impossible, and real estate and property issues can be put on hold for good reason, but you are damned if you understand why. Quite simply, you need to trust and have faith in the circuitous ways of the universe.

Your continuing hunger for some financial resolution (if not wealth) may also have to wait to be sated next month too.




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Sagittarius November 22^nd-December 21^st
What of money? You need it now and you know Xmas has taken its toll, and you always do blow your budget. Until the 19th you can replace lost funds, not just by luck but by plain exceptional ability and good contacts. You are not too domestic a creature and better that way this month, as home and family are spiky areas, if born after December 8th. In fact you may be fighting off not just family members, but your own low tolerance threshold. Irritation leads to a cavalier attitude to safety, so think on, especially at home.

After the 19th all November-born Sagittarians can anticipate a kick start to rather predatory sexual instincts, and the huge urge to get involved in some heavy-duty, masculine, muscle-straining art needs to be sated. Installation stuff and heavy metals are your media now; no holds barred.

Needy, repressive or just plain troubled partners are your lot, if born early December. Only you know whether the high maintenance is worth it, done from habit, love or obligation. Reality check time is now. If solo, there will anyway be needy or demanding people in some capacity around you and actually, if you prove your worth, it could turn out to be dollars in the bank later. Get on with what is needed, not necessarily wanted. Of course, it could just be something that you know you owe.

Creative blocks tell you that under confidence is around and also when did you last get your need for eight hours sleep at night?

If born December 8th to 10th welcome to a taste of what you are really made of and your potential. Challenges and self-empowerment opportunities need careful and courageous handling. You will change your own and others' lives by what you do and create. The "humility" word will be in order though.

All Sagittarians are going from strength to strength now, surprising themselves and amazing others. Even Saturn is not tempering the upward and onwards thrust and instinct that now just has to be obeyed. Not for yourself alone, but for the whole world are you born.




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Capricorn December 22^nd-January 19^th
Okay, time to shine in a sartorial sense at least. You tend to be a creature of sackcloth and ashes and sometimes and now is such a time, you need to join the rest of the world and indulge and treat yourself. Yes, corny but "you are worth it," only it is unfortunate that it is always other people who have to tell you this, and now you better believe it. You are looking good, so flaunt it, and celebrate the body and beauty. As for money to afford this, rely on the first half of the month to support a rare fit of extravagance, as after then, Mercury rather sabotages cash flow until next month (after the 7th.) At least your intellect and communication skills are not in any way sabotaged, in fact you are no shrinking violet, when it comes to proffering your ideology.

After the 19th DIY urges abound and your assertive energy becomes less than constructive or peaceable around the family, and if born in December, then tread softly around your kith and kin, or you may tread on their dreams (or feelings.) You will be well aware then that the phrase "street angel, house devil" may have been made for you.

However, Jupiter is shining his benevolence down on those born December 28th to January 4th, bringing more than your fair share of support, love and luck from others of all hues, whether they be marriage partners, romantic partners, business partners, close friends or the public. They all have your interests in mind. Bread cast on waters belongs to you; so don't get all shy and self-effacing and guilty. Keep up the rigorous, everyday routine stuff to get the best out of Jupiter's gifts now, but that is something that you are quite happy to do.

The new Moon on the 13th is a wonderful time for initiation and presentation of the new in art, love and life. This is a particularly potent time for those born January 13th to 15th. The 1st is also a celebratory day and one when you will be unusually extrovert, optimistic and extravagant. It is all right to do this and to be this occasionally.




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Aquarius January 20^th-February 18^th
There is a need to lie low and tune into a few dreams and reveries now. Seclusion and meditation can bring the greatest inspiration and creativity and love affairs up to the 19th may be very clandestine, or you may find great satisfaction caring for someone in a very selfless way, or working towards a worthy cause.

Choose to do any necessary communications before the 18th when Mercury is in your sign and on your side, but after that date when Mercury goes walkabout, don't say you weren't warned, when everyone and everything around you refuses to respond to you in any constructive or even functioning manner. Be assured that cosmic intelligence is at work, even if no one else's around you is, and even your own usual brilliance seems to be somehow below par.

However, those born up to February 5th should be preoccupied with enhancing personal appearances. This is time to concentrate on the body, not the mind. Sensitivity to your own and other people's packaging will be functioning on a high level and very finely tuned.

Working towards increased financial safety should be another goal up to the 19th and money can be made in the film and music industry.

Don't misjudge the momentous feeling of adrenalin if born around February 10th to 14th. You have to wait and see where this adventure takes you. Watch the movie, don't try and direct it, and if born January 27th to 30th, then you just live your heart to the fullest and you could realize what you have been missing, by filtering all those feelings through your mind, for so many years, but try not to lose the plot.

Aquarians tend to have both feet firmly planted in the air most of the time when it comes to humanitarian and intellectual ideals. Now your soul could soar too, creatively and personally.

The full Moon in your opposite sign of Leo on the 28th will remind you of the power of the unconscious in the precarious path of relationships.

If born around February 5th to 7th, the life force in you flourishes and you can rejuvenate yourself and others with vision and will.

The 10th, 25th and 27th are magnificent days for truly inspired vision, a time when you could really thin the veil between the conscious and the super conscious.




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Pisces February 19^th-March 20^th
Friends' company and inspiration can compensate for difficulties on the home front where all is not plain sailing. Loving and generous pals who offer you fun and empathy abound in the first half of the month. Thereafter, a little quiet retreat (not escape), your favorite occupation, is advised for real creative recharging of your soul.

Those born after March 6th had better beware that up to the 19th your assertive, competitive side (not often seen) needs wise handling. You are no wimp now and intelligent confrontation and challenge and determination is advised. Your energy levels for creative feats are remarkable and music and film are probably your best creative environment now. This could be your time to get talents heard and seen loud and clear, even if you are, as ever, indirect in your powerful push.

Money forthcoming after the 18th, may have to be worked for, but can be clinched. After the 19th also do not get paranoid and defensive when no one seems to speak your language and you feel you inhabit a different planet to the rest of humanity. Alienation intellectually is par for the course when, as then, Mercury will be moving backwards in your solar 12th house of retreat. However, dreams and visions of the past, even past lives, need careful consideration. Places and times revisited then, may be significant food for future inspiration.

Those born in the last few days of February need to embrace the difficulties and duties imposed upon them. Remember alchemy. "Out of the base metals of life comes your gold." Retrospectively, you will understand this.

At least all of you born February 27th to March 2nd have Jupiter bringing compensation in terms of romance, extra abundance and prolific creativity and bonuses around children, including extra fertility.

Those born March 7th to 9th need to remind themselves that the identity crisis you have now, is tomorrow's victory. Let your art lead you down the murky path to transformation and the road to self-empowerment.

The 25th and 28th are days that can bring true Pisces moments of magic, mystery and redemption though your art.

LEIGH OSWALD is a London-based astrologer and teacher.

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