"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius!"
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (May 12, 1859 - July 7, 1930)
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.
Oh clever Gemini, thou of nimble mind and quick wit! You're fast-thinking, fast-talking and fast-moving. You play with words and concepts, trying them on like coats to test their comfort. You know what's going on. (You also know that what the large print giveth, the small print taketh away.) You're plugged in, cutting edge and ahead of the curve. (You're not dusty!) You're curious about everything and you need lots of freedom. You love short trips. You also love information being constantly bombarded at you, which is why you read magazines, books, watch TV and surf the Web all at the same time. Your twin nature gives you two jobs, two homes, two cars - and sometimes two lovers. (Naughty!) You prefer to bounce between two worlds because just one is too boring - and you don't do boring!
Relationships were challenging in the mid-80s, which is one reason you sought freedom of action. By the late '80s, you had to rely on yourself because help from other sources diminished or ended. (Gulp.) By the early '90s, you were back on your game, and in the mid-90s, you were styling! ("Look Ma, no hands!") Your health was strong and your job was smooth. Promotions and praise came your way, which paved the way for successful partnerships in 1995-96. Nevertheless, by the end of the '90s, you began to dismantle much of what you created since 1985. That's when you let go of people and possessions. Why? Because around 2001, you entered a new world for the next seven years where you began to redefine who you were. It was definitely a shifting playing field with jobs and residences fluctuating from 2005 to 2008. (You handled this well because love affairs, romance plus activities with children were a bonus.) Now you're trying to figure out what you really want to be when you grow up. Big question! However, "growing up" is not quite the appropriate term. Not for you. Yes, you matured - and admirably so - but you'll always be a kid at heart because Geminis are childlike forever.
A popular year ahead - you are loved! Expect to be involved with groups, classes and organizations. Group activities will be a source of joy. New acquaintances could motivate you to change future goals. Romantically, you might parent someone or they might play this role for you, or perhaps you'll be involved with someone of an age difference? Romantic partnerships are serious, not frivolous, because you are consciously laying the groundwork for your long-term future. Casual friendships will benefit you. In fact, friends will be supportive. Naturally, this benefit is a two-way street; you will help friends as well. By summer, you really hit your stride! You'll enjoy a popularity boost and become involved with groups working for social reform or causes that interest you. People stimulate you this year! Romance with someone from a different background is likely. Life will flow more easily. You will be sought after.
This is the beginning of a 12-year cycle of growth for you. You're in a holding pattern regarding future success. You're testing different approaches. (Trying on those coats again.) Look for opportunities in the entertainment world, show business, sports, the hospitality industry and working with children. After July, you can parlay opportunities to begin a new career, especially where people pay money to be entertained or have a good time. Consider getting further training because this is your time of "preparation." Whatever you set in motion will be successful in about nine years. Nevertheless, this is a good year to win recognition for your achievements! People are impressed by your diligence and the impression you create now will pay off in the future. Moneybags Jupiter enters your sign this June for the first time since 2001 to stay for one whole year! Good fortune for Geminis! (Yay me!)
When it comes to your private life, there's good news and bad news. The good news is for the first time since 2001, lucky Jupiter returns to your sign to stay for a year. Ta-da! This means you'll be happier in 2012! Your daily existence will please you and make you feel richer and more fortunate. ("Yes! This is what we want to hear!") The bad news is (if indeed it is bad news) there will be increased activity and chaos on the home front. This could be due to renovations, visiting guests, residential moves, anything. However, this might trigger domestic friction. Fortunately, by June, you'll take all of this more easily in your stride. Things that annoyed you before will not even bother you. Phfft! "No biggie." (This could be maturity - that time when you start talking to your parents with the same tone of voice you use talking to your kids.)
The thing to remember is lucky moneybags Jupiter returns to your sign in June (for the first time in 11 years) to stay for a year. Yay! This brings you good fortune. Things just seem to go your way. Furthermore, by the end of this year your self-confidence and poise will have increased. No question. So make the most of this! (Do get out of bed.) The other thing to keep in mind is this is your time of preparation. You can lay the groundwork for future success by whatever you do this year whether it is beginning something new, changing your career, or getting further training or education. What you do now "strengthens" the structure of your life in a positive way. In later years, if you face challenges, you will weather those challenges according to how much you strengthened the structure of your life this year. Capice?
Your Gemini Mantra for 2012
"I'm more patient with others and definitely happier!"
In 2013, lucky Jupiter is still in your sign until July. What a springboard to begin the year! The next 18 months should boost your earnings. (Yup, money is the root of all evil and you want roots.) This boost of earnings is likely because from 2013 to 2015, you're working really hard. Do keep your eyes open for real-estate opportunities in 2015-16. This is also a time when your family will be a source of joy. It might expand through marriage, birth or adoption. (Time to make womb for others.)
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 |
| 21 | Lisa Edelstein 1967 |
|---|---|
| 22 | Anna Belknap 1972 |
| 23 | Artie Shaw 1910 |
| 24 | Bob Dylan 1941 |
| 25 | Ian McKellen 1939 |
| 26 | Helena Bonham Carter 1966 |
| 27 | Bruce Cockburn 1945 |
| 28 | Elisabeth Hasselbeck 1977 |
| 29 | Annette Bening 1958 |
| 30 | Colm Meaney 1953 |
| 31 | Clint Eastwood 1930 |
| 1 | Marilyn Monroe 1926 |
|---|---|
| 2 | Carol Shields 1935 |
| 3 | Anderson Cooper 1967 |
| 4 | Angelina Jolie 1975 |
| 5 | Rick Riordan 1964 |
| 6 | Paul Giamatti 1966 |
| 7 | Liam Neeson 1952 |
| 8 | Julianna Marguilies 1966 |
| 9 | Aaron Sorkin 1961 |
| 10 | Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh 1921 |
| 11 | Peter Dinklage 1969 |
| 12 | Anne Frank 1929 |
| 13 | Kat Dennings 1986 |
| 14 | Lucy Hale 1989 |
| 15 | Neil Patrick Harris 1973 |
| 16 | Phil Mickelson 1970 |
| 17 | M. C. Escher 1898 |
| 18 | Sir Paul McCartney 1942 |
| 19 | Paula Abdul 1962 |
| 20 | Anne Murray 1945 |