"Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?"

Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 15, 1929 - Apr. 4, 1968)

Introduction to Annual Forecasts for 2011

Pluto is in Capricorn. It has been in Capricorn since November of 2008. Before that, the last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in the mid 1700s. Hey - that was when we had the Industrial Revolution, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution. Verrrrry interesting. In astrology, Pluto has rulership over countries, and Capricorn rules the government. That's why when Pluto returned to Capricorn in November of 2008, it was easy to predict President Obama would be elected because that was a revolutionary event! The first Afro-American President of the United States.

This year, in 2011, the next two outer planets will change signs. Neptune moves into Pisces (the very sign it rules) and Uranus moves into Aries.

Do we care?

Well, the last time Neptune was in Pisces was between 1848 - 1862. And the last time Uranus was in Aries was 1927-1935. (Tough times for many people!) However, the last time that both planets shared the signs they are moving into this year was from 1848 to 1851. Holy French fries! Those dates coincide with the great potato famine in Ireland. Does this mean we're heading into a famine? Sadly, in some places, I fear the answer is yes. Fortunately, in June this year, Jupiter the planet of wealth is moving into Taurus, the sign of tangible wealth and banks. This will bring some positive juice to financial institutions.

We are definitely entering a decade where fire hazards will be more harsh than usual. Uranus rules explosions and unpredictable events, and Aries is a feisty Fire Sign! Do yourself a favour and buy a fire extinguisher. (I did. It cost $30.) Install smoke detectors. Keep cooking areas and stoves clean. Make sure your microwave vents can "breathe." Be smart with heaters, and don't use ordinary extension cords for them. Check electrical cords and get rid of old frayed stuff. And never smoke in bed. In just one year, when Uranus was in Aries during 1845, 1000 buildings burned in a Pittsburgh fire; 1500 houses burned in Quebec fire; 1000 homes burned in New York city fire, 1600 were killed in a theatre fire in Canton, China.

Not only are fire hazards on the increase, but fiery revolutions are more likely to take place as well. Yes, the natives are getting restless. "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

We will start to see new patents for new inventions, especially related to drugs, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gas, oil, and the film industry. The explosive quality of Uranus in Aries is very creative and exploratory!

The last time that both Neptune in Pisces and Uranus in Aries occurred, we had gold rushes. "Go West, young man, go West!" Indeed, with Jupiter, the planet of expansion and wealth moving into Taurus, the sign associated with tangible wealth and banks, we can expect the economy to look richer in some way after the summer. About time!

 

Look at You!

You want to be taken seriously. You want respect, and you deserve respect because you're hard-working, loyal, reliable, fearless and honourable. Capricorns aren't slackers. You can be serious and conservative as well as whimsical and goofy, but you are always a realist. And because you're a realist, you value being useful -- to others as well as to society. You're economical and you don't like waste. You are also a long-lived sign who generally looks older when you are young and younger when you are old. You're likely to use your time to benefit society, which is why you are a wonderful fundraiser and organizer.

 

Who Doesn't Have a Past?

Around 1989, support from others allowed you to begin a new path. By the mid '90s, you were in flux with residential moves and job changes. (Oy!) Fortunately, in 1996, increased confidence in yourself motivated you to settle down or improve your home scene, or buy or renovate where you were living. Around 2001, you began to bust your buns to prove to others what you could do. By 2003, partnerships were challenged, however, you began to feel stronger and more ambitious. Your focus became more external as you looked toward achieving your hopes and dreams for your future. Indeed, in 2002-03 many benefitted from the wealth of others. Unfortunately, a few years later, things tightened up and you had to get along on less. Aaaghh! Nevertheless, you survived! In November 2008, Pluto entered your sign for the first time in your life. It stays there until 2024. Big daddy Pluto forces you to give up and move beyond whatever is no longer relevant in your life. (It will make some of you lose weight!)

 


Reality Check for 2011

This thing is pretty unusual because it's never happened to you before (as the last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in the 1700s). Pluto rules garbage, recycling and rejuvenation. It will virtually demand that you let go of what is no longer necessary in your life -- like extra weight, bad relationships, dead-end jobs and harmful attitudes. You are changing quite dramatically! These changes do not mean that your life will be stripped down to nothing. Au contraire! You're just getting rid of "garbage" and excess baggage. In truth, 2011 is a wonderful year for real-estate deals. It's a great year to expand your family through birth, marriage, adoption. It's the perfect year to invest in your home or to buy goodies that increase the wealth and comfort of your home. Some of you will move to bigger digs but all of you will feel richer and more sumptuous at home. Your family life will be much happier in the next 18 months. In fact, things are looking so good, toward the latter part of 2011 and into 2012 you'll take a marvellous vacation! Yes, you are letting go, but life is getting richer!

 

Career and Reputation in 2011

Well, well. "The envelope please?" This is the year you've been waiting for. For decades, you worked hard, eager to achieve success. Of course, success is a personal definition. For some, it might mean having a baby or getting married. For someone else, it could mean self-employment or an important graduation. For many, it's a fantastic promotion. This is certainly a culmination of something you've been working steadily toward. You're now at the brink of this wonderful, successful time. Congratulations! For the next five years, your life will unfold in a successful way. You'll get the recognition you deserve. Kudos, acknowledgments, promotions, praise and that proverbial pat on the back will be yours. Since this is a time of harvest, some of you will also see what is not working. That's OK. Cut your losses and move on. Meanwhile, during this powerful year (and next year) remember your "Reality Check" above, which recommends investing in real estate or putting money into your home. If you invest in your home or speculative real estate, it is almost certain this will show a profit for you in the future. It's unusual that both your private and family life, as well as your career and public reputation, are getting a marvellous boost at the same time. Yay you!

 

Relationships Close (and Closer) in 2011

You know and I know that there is nothing sexier than success. It is alluring and it always makes someone look more attractive. (Curious what we choose to overlook if we're in awe of someone.) The positive news is that since you are so successful now and, furthermore, entering a time for the next several years where you will continue to be successful, of course this makes you attractive to others. Existing partners are delighted and new people are intrigued and impressed. This is the good part. The not-so-good part is that Pluto will definitely sever you from any relationship that is ultimately no longer beneficial for you. (It's like getting rid of 180 pounds you no longer need around the house.) Furthermore, after the summer in 2011, your prospects for new love and romance really heat up! Your chance of meeting someone new and exciting will be better than it's been for 12 years. Well, that's encouraging.

 

Money in 2011 (the Folding Kind)

Because most of you are coming into a time of success in your professional life, it only follows that many of you will be making more money. And if you're not making more money, you're creating the opportunity to do so in the immediate future. In other words, this is an extremely strong time for you! Another way many of you can earn money is through real estate or even something to do with your own possessions. (You might sell something for a profit or see an advantageous new use for something.) Late in the year, financial speculation also looks good for Capricorn. You are really on a roll! Hot tip: save some money for a great vacation, which is inevitable either late 2011 or during 2012. Whee!

 

The Fast Track for Improvement in 2011

You have marvellous opportunities to improve yourself now, perhaps more opportunities than any other sign. This is because Pluto is now in Capricorn, and Pluto is all about taking something that already exists and making it better. Pluto wants to refinish, refurbish, restore, recover and renew something. This can apply to anything you own, but it certainly can apply to yourself, your body and your mind! Pluto is the planet connected with reform. It tears something down in order to rebuild it. So you can use Pluto to improve your life! (Is there a catch? Yes, there is.) Pluto also rules the masses, so if you use its power solely for your benefit, you gain much less. But if what you do improves yourself and benefits others as well - you win! You are very powerful now. Be careful about manipulating others "for their own good." Look for win/win situations.

 


Your Capricorn Mantra for 2011

"I am happiest using my power to benefit others."

 


Mercury Retrograde in 2011

You can use Mercury retrograde times or be abused by them. What's it gonna be?

(Of course, Mercury never really goes backwards. This is just "relative" to planet Earth.)

The bad news: The dates below are poor times to buy cars, trucks, bikes, computers, printers and phones. Expect delays, lost items and confused communications! Best to finish things, not begin them. Charge your cell phone. Pay your phone bill. Keep gas in the car and a working flashlight. Smile a lot. Buy fresh flowers and dark chocolate.

The good news: The dates below are good times to tackle repairs. Clean out closets, drawers, desks and cupboards. Finish projects. Do research into the past. Study anything. Contact people from your past. Re-apply for a job. Try to get something you wanted before that fell through. Try once again! Organize old photographs. Finish that "To Do" list. These things will go surprisingly smooth!

There are two sets of dates below: The actual time of Mercury retrograde is on the left. But Mercury slows down ahead of time, and then takes a long time to "catch up" to where it was when it first went retrograde. These longer-time periods are on the right. When buying pricey transportation or a computer, I recommend respecting the dates on the right.

Actual Mercury Retrograde Still Dicey for Big Purchases
(I use this one)
March 30 - April 23 March 25 - May 11
August 2 - August 26 July 21 - Sept. 10
November 23 - December 13 November 16 - January 1, 2012

 

Lucky days for Capricorn in 2011

  • Jan 3, 4, 30, 31
  • Feb 1, 26, 27, 28
  • Mar 25, 26, 27
  • Apr 22, 23, 24
  • May 19, 20, 21
  • June 16, 17
  • July 13, 14, 15
  • Aug 9, 10, 11
  • Sept 5, 6, 7
  • Oct 2, 4 30, 31
  • Nov 1, 26, 27, 28
  • Dec 24, 25, 26

 

Famous People Who Share Your Birthday

December

22 Barbara Billingsley 1915
23 Eddie Vedder 1964
24 Stephanie Meyer 1973
25 Annie Lennox 1954
26 Henry Miller 1891
27 Emilie de Ravin 1981
28 Gayle King 1954
29 Jude Law 1972
30 Meredith Vieira 1953
31 Ben Kingsley 1943

January

1 J. D. Salinger 1919
2 Taye Diggs 1971
3 J. R. R. Tolkien 1892
4 Julia Ormond 1965
5 Diane Keaton 1946
6 Nigela Lawson 1960
7 Zora Neale Hurston 1891
8 Elvis Presley 1935
9 Kate Middleton 1982
10 Rod Stewart 1945
11 Jean Chretien 1934
12 Oliver Platt 1960
13 Julia Louis-Dreyfus 1961
14 Jason Bateban 1969
15 Martin Luther King Jr., 1929
16 Dian Fossey 1932
17 Michelle Obama 1964
18 Mark Messier 1961
19 Dolly Parton 1946