by Alexandra Karacostas

also in Lotus Guide Astrology Column for January – February 2008

Happy New Year!!! 2008 promises positive shifts and remarkable changes, both personally andAstrology Articlescollectively. We can realize our ambitions so long as we tidy up our world. Jupiter and Pluto inAstrology Articlesapricorn, Saturn in Virgo, and Mars in Gemini and Cancer are the most important playersAstrology Articleshaping the first half of the year. As we move into the new year, Sagittarius’s dogmatic andp assionate enthusiasm gives way to the more subtle and practical wisdom of Capricorn. Instead of acting solely on our beliefs we are called to engage each other using more fruitful and sensible priorities. This is a timely and good thing for the world!

Amongst other qualities, the earth sign Capricorn is associated with ambition, conscientiousness,
organization, and material structures. It is ruled by Saturn, the great teacher, “father time”.
Together they illuminate our limitations by letting us know we’ve gone too far. Witness our
emerging awareness of world wide problems with pollution and its consequences, limited
resources, and expanding populations. How do we begin to address these and other global
issues? Saturn helps us establish order and authority in the organization of our lives. It is the
ultimate embodiment of law and order. Enter Jupiter and Pluto…

Jupiter concerns itself with belief systems, ethics, and philosophy as they influence humanity as
a whole. It works to expand our consciousness. Pluto’s concern is with transformation and
regeneration. It works to eliminate and purify imperfections. Their transition from Sagittarius to
Capricorn is one of the year’s defining events. We move from divine inspiration to the nuts and
bolts of making things work. The danger lies in totalitarian solutions, ignoring the individual for
the welfare of the whole. A balance must be found. Common sense must be wed to kindness
and compassion.

While Jupiter was in Sagittarius there was an effort to dictate social thought and conduct through
belief, whether appropriate or not. Negatively, Sagittarius often expresses itself in zealous and
dogmatic ways, coming off as narrow-minded and self righteous. We’ve now experienced
firsthand the intolerance of religious extremism, the arrogance of nationalist foreign policies, the
effective disregard of the environment, not to mention the fruits of greed. Belief systems can
keep us apart and be used to vilify one another.

Our focus turns to moral conduct and business ethics as 2008 sees Jupiter move through
Capricorn. There is a new emphasis on traditional values. Jupiterian insights require grounded,
practical and wise applications. Its about enhancing the world in which we live in the best
possible ways, rejuvenating our environment and our social networks in ways that benefit many,
not just the few.

Pluto has been in Sagittarius since 1995. It brought forth the revival of religious and moral
fervor and birthed “intelligent design”. We’ve tried mandating how each other should live.
Even our educational system was recrafted from the top down to channel our thinking. Extreme
views, intolerance, and ruthlessness found fertile ground in which to grow.

Now, with Pluto in Capricorn, the consequences of our actions are revealed in the physical
realm. It is time to pay the piper. Pluto’s influence mandates that we reorganize the
management of global economies, resources, and political structures. Pluto rules death and
rebirth. In ambitious, conservative, and practical Capricorn, the recycling of our resources and
restoration of the ecological balance of our home, Earth, take precedence. Necessity is the
mother of invention – industry will do well, there are profits to be made!

In early September 2007 Saturn entered the sign of Virgo. There he remains for over two years.
The dance between Jupiter and Saturn and Capricorn and Virgo has a pleasant and sensible
rhythm – it’s a good working relationship. Virgo rules health and service. These issues are
highlighted. While in Virgo, Saturn insists that we tidy up the parts of our lives that need
reorganizing, that our attitude towards “work” improves. We add the health of our planet to that
of our self concern. Nationalized health programs truly are a leading issue, demanding workable
solutions that are likely to be realized. Additionally, service-related industries and their
professions are analyzed and reorganized. Once again “service” becomes the valued commodity
it used to be!

Finally, Mars brings its own flavor to the mix. Notably, “the warrior” is found in only two signs
in the year’s first third, Gemini and Cancer. The god of action begins the year in continued
retrograde motion, moving further backward in the sign of Gemini. Here, communication and
review of all information is important. Projects begun two years ago but not completed re-assert
themselves. Look to see where you may have dropped the ball and be prepared to reconsider
your plan of action. In early March 2008 Mars moves forward once again into Cancer. It asks
us to take action to secure and strengthen our foundations, especially at home, however we
conceive it. By April we have better direction and clarity as to how to move forward.
In conclusion, 2008 brings new perspectives and demands no-frill practical solutions. Our hopes
and dreams can be realized with effort and good thinking on our part. Its not just a matter of
moving forward. We need to retrace some steps and take corrective action. The year requires
fundamental and structural changes, personally and collectively. What are you willing to
sacrifice to regenerate our world?

I wish you a successful, prosperous and healthy new year!

Aries - Where are you going in your life? It is time to refine your goals and direction. Home
and career have your attention. Ensure your home is a sanctuary as you set your sights on your
future and profession. Maintain a sense of humor, stay interactive. Keep the home hearth
burning.

Taurus - Forget most of what you thought you knew. Allow practical experience to carve your
beliefs. Take a journey this winter, whether a book or some travel opportunity. Don’t be an arm
chair philosopher. Speak and listen from your heart. For now, you too, can subscribe to
kindness as your religion.

Gemini – Reflect on what it is you hold dearest in your heart. Then be ready to let it go. Joint
resources will either drag you down or help lift your up. You are entering a period when you can
further your personal growth and reach new heights of intimacy. But to do this you move closer
to your fears. The beauty is the beast!

Cancer – Realationships come to the fore and light the path toward greater joy. Ask for
assistance, seek counseling, and consult professionals. This is a time when growth comes from
cooperating and collaborating with others. Stay true to yourself, yet experience how two (or
more) heads are better than one!

Leo – Your job or daily routine will likely change. Your habits should pave the road to good
health. Remain true to your principles. Empower yourself at work by realizing and
remembering that each moment of every day is sacred. Serve where possible, but do not
overextend. Treat your body like the temple it is.

Virgo – You have begun a new phase of activity. If you act prudently it can lead you to greater
fulfillment and reward. Trim the excess fat everywhere you see fit. Exercise conservation and
efficiency in all aspects of your life. Read jokes and laugh out loud. Make room for romance
and express love like you mean it!

Libra – Your being grows deep like the roots of an oak. The freedom you desire at home comes
in proportion to responsibility. What you give, truly, is what you get! You will be most
productive and satisfied if you work independently during this period. Remember to treat others
as the allies they are.

Scorpio – It is through your most immediate environment that you will discover new truths about
your self and your world. Be especially mindful how you communicate. Your words have a
profound effect on others. Mean what you say and say what you mean. Get creative, write
poetry, sing the blues, or simply be a great neighbor!

Sagittarius – Take inventory of your values, spiritual, moral and material. What do you wish
for? Where is there lack or excess? This is an excellent time to put in action a plan for reaching
your goals. Make sure they are meaningful. Be clear about what you want, for you are likely to
meet with success.

Capricorn – Happy Birthday Capricorn! This is your special time to shine, especially this year as
Jupiter and Pluto enter your sign. A dynamic duo, indeed! Jupiter brings expansion and
inspiration into your life. Pluto brings empowerment. All the stones that have been gently
tumbling in your unconscious mind are now ready to be revealed as the gems they are. Your
confidence and self worth is at an all time high. Act as though, even if you don’t believe it quite
yet. Set your sights high on the mountain and start your ascent. Go slowly, firm footed and sure.

Great things await those who stretch beyond their limits toward the heavens above.

Aquarius – Happy Birthday Aquarius! This, too, is your special time to shine. Create space and
make time for peaceful retreats and quiet moments. You can most benefit yourself and others by
staying connected to your special purpose in the here and now. You know what it is. Don’t trick
yourself into thinking that you will find it somewhere else. Work may demand more of your
attention in the next two months. This is not a time for team work. You have the initiative and
energy to get the job done. Find entertainment and fellowship in social gatherings. Develop a
finer appreciation for the subtleties of your daily experience.

Pisces - Your hopes and wishes for the future should be visible as you imagine the year ahead.
Who are the friends and allies that will help you achieve them? Time is nature’s way of keeping
everything from happening at once. Realize that you, too, have limitations. Choose your
associations wisely. Do not lose sight of the ball.

Dear Reader, I welcome your questions, comments and feedback. I am available for
consultations in person or by phone. I look forward to hearing from you! I can be reached at
(530) 520-9992, e-mailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ., or visit
www.WisdomAstrology.com.