"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle--when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
Roger Bannnister (b. March 23, 1929)

A Look at 2012

What can Canada expect in 2012?

Experts in different fields will make their predictions but an astrologer will look at the chart of Canada. "Chart of Canada?" you ask.

Yes, indeed. This is an astrological chart based on the birthday of Canada, July 1, 1867, which, according to an eye witness was completed at 12:05 p.m. (This was 91 years after the US Declaration of Independence in 1776, and two years after Lincoln was assassinated.)

One can look at the chart of a country in the same way one can look at the chart of a person. Canada's chart reveals a compassionate, caring country, eager to please and loath to offend. (Yup, Mr. Nice Guy: the reputation we have traditionally held in the world.) But as each year goes by -- tick-tock, tick-tock -- our charts change by one degree per year. This is why even though our essential character remains the same, with the passage of time, our style changes.

Canada will always have a nice-guy image, but these progressed charts (changing one degree per year) will occur. The last one took place in 1981, after the Trudeau era ended. Since 1981, we have slowly assumed a tougher, more aggressive image, or at least we are perceived that way in the world.

This is about to change.

Now, in 2012, for the first time since 1981, Canada's progressed chart will change again. We will lose our tough image and be viewed by other countries as the land of plenty. (Whaat?) We will appear richer and more affluent to others. We will also be a country that seems to be optimistic about our future.

We will look like a haven for big business and a place where the outdoors (our parks and wild animals) is valued. Please note: What we appear to be and what we are might not be the same thing, but generally they're not too far apart. ("Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.")

This is encouraging news, especially because the entire world began a new cycle in 2011, which last occurred from 1927 to 1935. (Drum roll here.) The Great Depression.

But Glory Hallelujah! Here is an encouraging distinction: Yes, the world, including Canada, will experience the repeating cycle of 1927-1935, which portends grim financial times for everyone. But starting in 2012, Canada will assume the appearance of affluence and optimism. Go figure.

Perhaps we can't say, "I'm all right, Jack," but it appears Canada will weather tough times better than other countries.

Aries, Come Fly With Me!

Boarding Pass and Seat Number

You believe life is a do-it-yourself project. And few are as successful at tackling this job as you are. For starters, you're the artisan of the zodiac. You can do anything with your hands. You love the challenge of seeing something someone else did and then doing it yourself. (Without training, of course - that's cheating.) All Aries have the heart of a hero or heroine. (I'm not kidding.) This is why you eagerly leap into a fresh situation, and are always ready to save the underdog. ("Captain Underpants strikes again!") You are brave, courageous and fearless. You are the warrior of the zodiac. But you're also tender-hearted and a pushover for puppies and kittens. "Aawwww." (It's kinda pathetic.) Because of you, worlds are discovered and continents are conquered. Yeah, yeah, it goes to your head, which, incidentally, is the part of the body that Aries rules. Who wears more hats than you?

Hours Logged

There's no question you gave up a lot in the mid-90s. Fortunately, most of you are good about giving the heave-ho to possessions, especially all those unfinished projects. (Sorry to bring that up.) By 1996-97, you were in a new sandbox. Some of this came about because travel opened up a new vision for you. Things were looking good then and your reputation with bosses, parents and VIPs was stellar. By the turn of the millennium, you enjoyed a boost to your confidence. Ironically, between 2001-04 many of you were on the move again! (Job and residential moves.) Fortunately, that was an excellent time for real-estate deals or chances to fix up your digs. (Many expanded their family then as well.) By around 2007, you began to work hard, which is why recognition for your efforts came to you in 2009-10. Unfortunately, this was also a time when partnerships might have bit the dust. In fact, partnerships have been challenging for the last few years, haven't they? Basically, this is because you're taking your power, which always tips the scales in existing relationships. (C'est la vie. We all know the main cause of divorce is marriage.) Whatchyagonnado?

In-flight Introductions

(Relationships and Romance)

With Saturn opposing your sign until October this year, all relationships will make increasing demands on you. (Oy vey.) Definitely, those that are more trouble than they're worth will end. (If they haven't already.) And good partnerships will have to make adjustments. Take note: Often our discontent is based on our absurdly exaggerated notion of the happiness of others. Even co-workers and professional partnerships will be challenging. Fortunately, in June this year, Jupiter changes signs and this is good news for you! This will mean all your relationships will improve for the next 18 months (into 2014!) How encouraging! Things about others that irritate you now won't even matter then. Nevertheless, for some time in the future, Pluto is at odds with your sign, which means you should avoid serious arguments with others. They could get nasty. Instead, use this influence to rebuild what is worth saving.

Holding Pattern

(Job and Career)

Here's an area that's looking great! For starters, most of you will boost your income because moneybags Jupiter is travelling through your House of Earnings. Not only will you feel cash rich, you'll feel richer because you're treating yourself to goodies. ("Look at me!") But don't blow this money. (Which you're tempted to do.) Take a serious look at your goals and plan wisely. Never before has Pluto travelled across the top of your chart. (Next 10-plus years.) This will trigger a complete change of career or life direction for you, perhaps the biggest that has ever happened in your life. Since this potential change awaits you, having some coin in your pocket will help facilitate your adventurous plans. (Ya think?) In addition, in the next few years, financial support from others could diminish, forcing you to rely on yourself, which is something you do very well, thank you. (You're a hero, remember?)

Useful Load

(Home, Family, and Galley Slaves)

Things will improve at home for two reasons: You're going to feel more financially flush and this relieves some family tension as well as providing fun perks for everyone. The second reason is that by summer this year, your entire happiness quotient takes a lovely leap! And when you're happier, everyone else is happier, too. (It's the rotten-apple-in-the-barrel in reverse.) Because old patterns are breaking down, you're giving up self-imposed limitations (as well as limitations from without), which means you'll feel freer and younger! In fact, your drive for freedom might cause someone to accuse you of reckless behaviour. (Ignore them.) Start dreaming about where you want to live and the kind of home you want because by the summer of 2013, you enter an 18-month window (best in over a decade) for real estate and improving your home. Family life will be happier then, too. (Ubi mel ibi apes: Honey attracts bees.)

How to Get the most Air Miles Out of 2012

Your big opportunity this year is your chance to boost your income (unless you have so much money the subject bores you). Several factors at work: Your ruler Mars, which "visits" your job scene for seven weeks once every two years, is zapping this area for eight months! Ditto for your health. Therefore, this year, you'll be mega keen to get organized, work hard, earn more money and above all, improve your health. You're on a roll! Meanwhile, some of you are coming out of a relationship, so this is part of your makeover program. Plus, you're going to change your life direction this year, next year - soon. (This is almost a certainty.) Therefore, start to think about what you really want and where you want to live. (Until then, if you don't know what you're doing, do it neatly.)

Your Aries Mantra for 2012

"My ability to handle my money and possessions this year will affect my future."

More Porridge, Sir?

For the first time in your life, Pluto is at the top of your chart for more than a decade. This will make you strive as never before to achieve whatever you want. If you're not sure of your goals, it will almost certainly send you off in a new direction. It classically signifies changes to your job, home and family. It's hard to say when this will happen, but it will. Since you have wonderful real-estate opportunities in 2013-2014, get ready for this. If you don't buy or sell real estate, you will improve where you live and - heads up - your family might expand then as well! But the really good news is, in 2013-2014, wherever you live will be a source of joy.

Mercury Retrograde in 2012

Mercury retrograde times are frustrating. They generally occur three times a year for about six-to-eight weeks causing delays, transportation breakdowns, mixed-up communications, missed appointments, lost paper work, misplaced items, computer crashes and server problems. Oy! Newspapers, courier services, the Post Office, accounting firms and service industries get hurt the worst. Furthermore, each Mercury retrograde has its own flavour because it occurs in a different sign.

But they can also be used properly if you're smart. In a nutshell, just avoid some things and try to do others.

What to avoid: Avoid shopping for ground transportation like cars, trucks or bikes. Avoid shopping for items related to communications like phones, answering machines, computers and printers. I get mail asking if it's OK to buy a sofa or a washer or dryer... yes, it is.

What to do: Charge your cell phone. Pay your phone bill. Keep gas in the car and a working flashlight. Smile a lot. You will suffer from delays! Try to anticipate these and do some damage control ahead of time. Tackle repairs. (These will go surprisingly smoothly.) 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 again! Organize old photographs. Finish that "to do" list. It is easier to deal with the past than go forward into the future.

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 Dates	Still Dicey for Big Purchases (I use this one)
March 11 - April 4	March 6 - April 23
July 14 - August 8	July 4 - August 22
November 5 - November 26	October 29 - December 14

Famous People Who Share Your Birthday

March

21	Rosie O'Donnell 1962
22	William Shatner 1931
23	Hope Davis 1964
24	Jim Parsons 1973
25	Marcia Cross 1962
26	Martin Short 1950
27	Jann Arden 1962
28	Lady Gaga 1986
29	Jennifer Capriati 1976
30	Vincent Van Gogh 1853
31	Gordie Howe 1928

April

1	Wangari Maathai 1940
2	Linda Hunt 1945
3	Cobie Smulders 1982
4	Roberto Luongo 1979
5	Gregory Peck 1916
6	Ram Dass 1931
7	Billie Holiday 1915
8	Barbara Kingsolver 1955
9	Kristen Stewart 1990
10	Omar Sharif 1932
11	Alexandre Burrows 1981
12	Ron MacLean 1960
13	Eudora Welty 1909
14	Adrien Brody 1973
15	Emma Watson 1990
16	Jon Cryer 1965
17	Sean Bean 1959
18	Maria Bello 1967
19	Maria Sharapova 1987

Lucky Days for Aries in 2012

January 1, 27, 28
February 23, 24, 25
March 22, 23
April 18, 19
May 15, 16, 17
June 11, 12, 13
July 9, 10
August 5, 6, 7,
September 1, 2, 3, 29, 30
October 26, 27
November 22, 23, 24
December 19, 20, 21

Aries Forecast for 2012