Vivian Carol's 2013 Horoscope (Astrology by Stargazer)

Overview for 2013:
See individual Sun signs below the preface:

For All Signs: Mercury, as always, will turn retrograde three times this year. This year each retrograde is in one of the water signs. During Mercury retrogrades it is a good time to reflect, contemplate and investigate. It is not a good time to make big decisions. We are prone to have traffic snarls, multiple changes on the calendar, and telecommunication snafus. If we have an awareness of this, we can anticipate such things with a sense of humor. The dates are as follows: Feb 23 – Mar 16 in Pisces; June 26 – July 19 in Cancer; Oct 21 – Nov 9 in Scorpio. Remember to give each retrograde a two week pad before and after.

2013: Time to Mature, No Matter What Your Age

On Dec. 21, 2012, the Mayan long count of 5,125 years is said to be concluded, ending a series of 13 b’ak’tuns (13 x 5,125 yrs). The end of 13 cycles of anything was considered important to the Mayans. If we count backward 5,125 years from 2012, we arrive at 3145 BCE. History students will recognize that roughly 3,000 BCE is generally accepted as a significant turning point in human cultural development. That time was the beginning of the Bronze Age and it opened a pathway for human civilization to make major advances. (Remember the black tower from 2001: A Space Odyssey [1968]? Trumpets begin to play as you read.)

Theoretically this is the first month of a new era in social and cultural development. It is clear to almost everyone in the world that our ways of dealing with each other must improve dramatically if we are to salvage our species. Manipulation, greed, and outright deceit will only yield more of the same problems. Make a personal effort to reach for the better or more mature method to handle any of your individual problems and you will make a contribution toward the evolution of humankind. If we refuse to play the same old tapes, the mind will come up with better solutions. Our minds are naturally lazy and will keep reproducing the same scenarios unless we demand that it reinvent answers. We need to focus on pressing our brains to expand into fresh territory.

The Mayans had a complicated, well developed culture that lasted almost 2900 years. However, the people of the lowlands on the Yucatan Peninsula totally disappeared over a very short period of 150 years (750 – 900 AD). They were a warring and acquisitive culture with multiple tribes and a complex trading system. They grew to overpopulation and their resources ultimately became scanty. The crowning blow was a proven 200 year drought, a micro-climate change. Does any part of this story sound familiar? Surely one reason the Mayan story has become so prominent in the last four decades has to do with how and why the culture disappeared. The handwriting is on the wall – now -- today, and we had best take heed.

The year 2013 is the second of five years in which we have the upheaving series of seven Uranus/Pluto squares. The archetypal battle in the sky is among Power, versus Social Justice, vs. the sovereign rights of the individual. Pluto represents Plutocrats, governments and any other major powers, i.e. the economy and global weather. Uranus symbolizes the freedom to be, social justice and individual rights. Governments will continue to develop strong arm tactics and reduce freedoms of the people all over the world. A typical scenario will include a government who promises safety in return for people letting go of their freedoms. Of course this has already begun in this country (2001). We have watched multiple revolutions that totally exhaust the people of the countries in which they occur. There are many examples of the struggle between Uranus and Pluto. One is the catastrophic Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court in 2010. The Plutonian judges allowed a torrent of corporate money to pour into political circles as the US prepared for the elections. There again, the battle was over Power versus Social Justice. In a “socially just” world, people are allowed to vote and have all their votes counted. And trashy descriptions among opponents are rare. Uranus and Pluto were precisely square in the weeks before the election. There once was a time in which the Supreme Court of the US was a power to be trusted to make the best possible decisions for the Greater Good rather than special segments of the population.

Two of the seven squares will occur during 2013. One is in May and the other is at the end of Oct. The anxiety and tension, however, seems to last throughout the entire period, while the explosive outcomes occur near the exact squares. April will also be a time of significant drama. Economy is one of the Powers That Be in our world and it will continue to be a roller coaster. The Central Banks world-over are manipulating the money supply to suit their best interests and We, The People, are mere pawns in this situation. I believe that ultimately the result of our economic turmoil will align to the Good in a few years, but I do not believe it is because the bankers are so smart. They will ruin the system and a Phoenix-like answer will rise out of the ashes. Remember and think carefully about the fact that we are using fiat, fake money. Protect yourself accordingly.

Saturn, the planet of conscience and wisdom, has moved into Scorpio for a 2.5 year visit. This is a sign that deals with debt, taxes, shared resources, investments, alimony, inheritance, sexuality, and inevitable transitions. On every level, it is time to deal with debt. In this country the issues over federal and state debt have been obvious for some time. However, Congress, among others, has found ways to circle around the problem without doing anything effective. This is the end of that road and there will be no further avoidance of issues. If we take the high road, everyone will tighten their belts and find ways to pay for the mess. But if we do not, the powers that be will become even more desperate to hold onto their power. So straighten up whatever debts you have and prepare to pay bigger taxes. Think about protecting your savings from the possibility of tyranny. Stay under the radar.

The problems of the world are not yet solved because we as a species are not mature enough to clean up the mess. We are looking for rescue. Instead we must each consciously stretch toward greater maturity. If enough of us do this, it will ultimately result in better use of our brains that can actually resolve our social issues.

Your sign continues to be highlighted because Uranus, the planet of changes remains with you for six more years. Each of these years will be eventful, but particularly those between 2011 through 2015. You are learning to expect sudden shifts and adapting to those. Innovation and a need for independence are prominent. Many have become self-employed. You may have become much more involved in the politics of your life. It is a challenge, but the Rams thrive on such. This year the changes are most prominent in late March—end April, late July, early Nov., and the end of the year. You will be feeling the need to focus on removal of debt. In Sep. it will be mandatory. Increased taxes may present a challenge. Aug. brings the possibility of a move or remodel of your home or business. A new relationship may develop in late March to early April. In Sept. you will be evaluating your commitment to one or more relationships.

Taurus:
Saturn will be in your relationship business all year. This means you will take a more serious look at any partnership. It is time to rebuild the purpose of an ongoing relationship. You want something real in this sector, not just fluff. Competition with a superior in business may irk you. This person wants to use your ideas and accomplishments. Make sure others know about what you are doing. A new person enters behind the scenes in Mar-April. Observe carefully to evaluate whether friend or foe. Relationship drama is likely in June-July. August probably has travel on the docket. In September you will be thinking about whether you want to pour more energy into a relationship or let it go to the four winds. Be sure you have your holiday shopping done before the beginning of Dec. Your ruling planet, Venus, goes retrograde in December and there will be a lot of delays in your path. You may also decide to step backward to observe your relationship.

Give special attention to your health and daily regimen throughout this year and next. You probably already know intuitively that this is important, so I will offer a little nudge in that direction now. Saturn, the “slow down” planet, is in your house of health and daily routines. That calls for attention to detail in these areas. Mercury is your planetary ruler, so it will be wise to give attention to the lead paragraph above. When it retrogrades in Pisces, you will have previously finished work to repeat. While the retrograde is in Cancer, you may find errors in your financial accounts, and need to correct them. Then when it occurs in Scorpio, your investments need to be reexamined. This is also the area of taxes, so we will hope that you don’t hear from the IRS. Jupiter is in your sign for the first half of the year. This suggests travels, near and far, are more prominent in your life. When it enters your financial sector in June, you may be prone to go overboard on luxuries. Perhaps that will be because you are making a better income.

Cancer: This is a year in which you will be especially aware of your progeny. Many of you will have a “now or never” sense about creating the next child. Some will finally decide to opt out. A similar situation occurs in the territory of romance. You will want the real thing or nothing at all. For those whose children are older, problem situations may develop and you will feel especially concerned. Helping may be mandatory, but avoid taking on the role of an enabler, whose job it is to save another person from the fear of failing, or helping himself. These areas are particularly in focus in Sept. through November. In June Jupiter will move into your sign for the first time in twelve years. This will last for one full year. It almost always brings with it a breath of fresh air, and potential for travel or expansion of your territory. Watch the tendency for weight gain while Jupiter is in your sign. Make note of the Mercury retrograde in your sign during late June—July. You have permission to be indecisive at that time. Eclipse seasons are usually fairly intense (for good or ill) for the Crabs. During 2013 these will occur in late April – late-May, mid-Oct—mid-Nov.

This year is likely to bring you a major opportunity to learn how to communicate in a more specific way than norm. It could be a foreign language, a business language, or reports that must be written in a precise format. For many this will be formal training, and for others it will be on-the-fly as you work. Jupiter has been transiting the top of your chart and will continue to do so for the first half of 2013. This has brought you recognition and appreciation in your life direction. Give special attention to the lead paragraph about Mercury retrograde, because it is your planetary ruler. Where Mercury goes, you go symbolically. While it retrogrades in Pisces you will likely be waiting on the decisions of others before you can move forward. You may need to pause and rethink a relationship in your life. When it retrogrades in Cancer you may encounter people from the past. And while in Scorpio there is a double dose of the language learning mentioned above.

Libra: During this year and next, Saturn will travel through your financial income sector. Sometimes this reduces disposable income because you have chosen to invest in a long term item for appreciation. It may happen that you are working harder than before for the same income. Regardless, you will be cutting expenses now and that is as it should be. During the first half of 2013 you have favorable aspects for the law, church activities, the internet and publishing. From June forward your career may show improvement. A new job, better supervisor, or increased visibility will develop. The Mercury retrograde of June-July is likely to bring in work from those you have met before. You may also have to re-do work from the past. Watch for a new relationship development in April that will need evaluation in September. Finish holiday shopping early because Venus, your ruling planet, turns retrograde in December, slowing your forward motion to a crawl. You may decide at that time to back out or take a break from a relationship.

Scorpio:
Saturn in your sign this year will likely keep your nose to the grindstone. Now is the time to take yourself seriously and work toward achieving your ambitions. The rewards come later. Your vision is measured by its relationship to reality. Anything non-realistic will be dismissed. Extra challenges related to work and health develop in March and October. Build up your strength for those months. In April there will be a full moon eclipse in your sign. It could bring enlightenment related to what you need in a relationship. Look up and smell the flowers. During the first half of the year you must concentrate on reducing debt. Travel becomes prominent in the second half of the year. You also have favorable aspects for legal, educational, and internet interests in the second half. A return to a former lover may be prominent in April. In Sept. you will decide if it is worth the effort. Make note of the lead paragraph. Mercury will be retrograde in your sign Oct. 21 to Nov. 9.

Sagittarius:
Last summer you entered a period in which your personal and social life expanded. You may have added friends and/or a partner since that time. Much of your attention is reactive, guided by those around you. This continues through May of 2013 and then you will shift focus to another sector of life. That one includes shared resources (money, time, or energy), investments, attention to estate funds, taxes, or insurance. In some way you may move toward a cloistered environment this year. That could happen by leaving work and attending school, or focusing inward on your philosophy of life and becoming more comfortable with yourself. Another way is that you may somehow be moved sideways, out of the loop at work. Some of you may lose a mentor in business. This represents a two year preparation to alter your direction in life. Be prepared for a transformative change in August. It will be unsettling, but overall has a favorable outcome.

Capricorn: Saturn, your ruling planet, has moved into the sector of society and community affairs. You have accrued much knowledge coupled with many social and communications skills and talents. It may be time to extend these gifts beyond the personal and offer them in service to a larger group. The 2012 election may have been a catapult that threw you into the political arena. At this point it becomes your decision about how much of yourself you want to share. If you are worn out with it, take a break, but you will have to keep saying no. It is possible that you realize the need for a stronger personal life and will prefer connections that offer you opportunities to expand your friendships instead. You are probably given the opportunity to take a leading role and operate from the center of the crowd. During August someone throws a river rock into your life and a new scenario is created. This person may be a partner, business or personal. During the Cancer Mercury retrograde (June 26 – July 19) others in your life will be indecisive and emotional. Remember that is only a short period.

Aquarius: It is time to take your life direction seriously. If, in recent years, you have been happy with your work, you have probably taken on more responsibility than you had previously. On the other hand, if your life direction has become dreary in some way, now is the time to move out into a new adventure. Some people change jobs at this juncture, and others may leave “home”. Even if the change came about in a dark way, you know inside that you are happy to be relieved of the old pressure. Now is your opportunity to create a path that is of genuine importance to you. Beginning last summer the life sector related to children, play, and lovers was given a boost. This continues through May. In June--July something really positive develops in your daily life arena. Those who are job searching will have encouraging news at that time. Income may be up and down, but you will find that somehow you have what you need this year.

For years you have felt like a bystander in the world, one who observes but doesn’t really participate. It is time to be taking risks and act as though you actually “belong” on the planet. You have a mission to accomplish over the next 10 years but you must show up for it. Think about your life and consider what messages and/or philosophy you have to share. Warnings! Do not allow your ego to take control of this mission or it will go awry. It is important that you recognize you are merely the messenger. You are not the message. You will have opportunities to share via the internet and/or the world of publishing. It is possible that over the next two years you will be involved with travel or workshops. It is imperative that you take good care of your mental and physical health during this mission bearing period. You may find that alternative methods of healing have greater efficacy now. Note the lead paragraph concerning Mercury’s retrograde in your sign (Feb 23 – Mar 16) and use that time for reflection and planning.

Pluto in Capricorn, 2008 -- 2024 , theme of our lives

The headline cosmic news for 2008 is the entrance of Pluto into the sign of Capricorn. We stand on the cusp of a 16 year global reorganization of power (2008-2024). Dramatic political, business and economic changes will occur worldwide, especially so between 2009 and 2015. The seeds for revolution are already in gestation. Rising and falling of governments and their leaders will become common.

Pluto represents transformation at its most profound level. It exaggerates flaws in our social systems and in our personal lives until we are forced beyond our lethargy to find resolution to issues. We of the Western world are acculturated to expect unlimited resources, for example. In particular, the people of the United States have enjoyed bounty well beyond that of many other countries. It is one thing for us to talk about running out of resources, and totally another to come to the real experience of not having enough gasoline to drive to work.

This country has a Cancer birth chart. Pluto's transit through Capricorn ('08--'24) will be opposed to our sun sign. We will be starkly confronted with the results of our collective principles and behaviors. We have become an empire run by consumerism and assumption of unending prosperity. The major flaw is that we, as a collective, secretly believe that somehow, someone else is responsible for the public welfare. We assume that our laws, our government, and even our employers will protect us.

During these first few years Big Business (Capricorn associated) will become the ruler of the globe and governments merely puppets. We have experienced glimpses of this system in the last decade. We are naive enough to believe that if a CEO is not operating lawfully, he/she will soon be caught. Think again. Before very long the business practices that are now covert will become the accepted norm among those with power.

The process is one of erosion, so watch carefully for its signs in your mailbox. If you think I am being melodramatic, read those 5 page, boring, documents in tiny print that come from your credit card, insurance, or other institutions. They count on our laissez-faire attitudes. They know we are often too overwhelmed to give such things attention. You will be shocked at the rights you are losing, inch by inch. Soon it will be a landslide and there won't even be an effort to hide it.

Orwell's 1984 is at our doorstep. We need to do what we can to stem the tide of Big Business tyranny over the next decade. The first and foremost act of self protection is to get out of debt. Don't let anyone own you. Take good care of your health. Eliminate addictions. Become as independent as reasonably possible from major institutions and corporations. Take any steps, however small they seem, to preserve your independence and self-sufficiency. None of us is immune to the zeitgeist of the time in which we live, but we can stay awake and choose behaviors that reinforce our personal freedoms during the storms.

Genuine transformation rarely happens while sipping margaritas on the deck. It only evolves in the wake of major trials and tribulations. One must really experience the consequences of behavior in order to make the necessary effort to change an attitude. Pluto will accept nothing short of authentic, wherever it travels. For the next 16 years it is traversing Capricorn, the sign that rules business and governments.

Pluto in Capricorn will rain hellfire and brimstone for a few years. It will show us the damage that is being caused by living a life of consumerism, irresponsibility and hubris. It demands nothing less than transformation. The greatest temptation we will experience is the desire to hang onto the easy life as we have known it. Today we may not even really believe that our lifestyles must alter. Yet if we recognize, even embrace, the necessary personal changes, we can save the planet and also come to value life as never before.