"Go, and never darken my towels again!"

Groucho Marx (Oct. 2, 1890 - Aug. 19, 1977)

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.


Libra, Come Fly With Me!

Boarding Pass and Seat Number

You've got schmoozing down to an art form. But ah-ha! The reason you instinctively know how to relate to so many is you need someone in your life. You worked to hone your social skills because you prefer to have company when you do things. (Unlike Woody Allen who said, "I was the best I ever had.") This is why you constantly meet others in restaurants, coffee bars and clubs. You love scintillating conversation, interesting rooms, beautiful clothes, books, music and a good table at a nice restaurant. You know a lot about fashion and the law. You're allergic to overhead fluorescent lighting and bad art. Others admire you because you're chic (shabby or bargain). You have an excellent eye! And who is more diplomatic and charming than you? No one! You appear to be deeply superficial, but you have a strong social conscience. Everyone loves you.

Hours Logged

Older Librans will remember that the '80s were the decade that defined you. And by 1988-91, you were starting to put down roots or figure out where to live. Fortunately, benefits from others (including banks and mortgages) helped to make this possible. However, increased responsibilities with children in the '90s were a reality. Meanwhile, busting your buns with hard work catapulted you on stage in the late '90s. That's when people began to sit up and take notice. ("Take a bow!") By then, you had a sense of direction; you knew where you were headed, which is why many of you achieved important dreams around 2003-2006. ("I finally did it!") In fact, 2005 was such a strong year for you, it boosted your confidence and sense of poise. Many of you also started to feel financially flush or secure. Nevertheless, by 2007, you entered a window of time right up until today that involves letting go and giving up things. This is not easy for you! Your Libran impulse is to bring people and situations together, to consolidate. To give things up, especially relationships or anything with which you identify, is painful. (Some new wardrobe goodies will certainly help. Ya think?)

In-flight Introductions

(Relationships and Romance)

Partnerships are critical for you because you're not a loner. Relationships are very important. You'll be glad to learn this year brings good news because it benefits all your partnerships and close friendships. In fact, this benefit is so strong, many of you will marry or commit to a partnership (intimate or professional). You might also become involved with someone from another country or a different culture. Something about these relationships will be consciousness-expanding. They will broaden your experience of life. Very possibly, your new partner will be older, richer or more established. (A rich partner is a great labour-saving device.) Counterpoint to this, a different influence will come into play for most of this year: Someone behind the scenes could be working against your best interests - possibly, although unlikely -someone you don't even know. (Yikes!) Be aware of this because if you have a suspicion this is happening, it is!

Holding Pattern

(Job and Career)

Since 2009-10, you've been in a new sandbox, which means you're in an ongoing process of re-inventing yourself. This metamorphosis will continue for the next seven years. However, this year, partnerships will benefit you! (This includes working in conjunction with others.) In addition, many of you will want to spin off and become self-employed. (A feeling you've had for several years now.) If this is the case, be aware that later this year, if you want support from others or you want to raise funds from another source or borrow money, your chances are better than they've been in more than a decade! Most of you, however, will maintain your current holding pattern. One thing is certain: From July onwards, your finances will improve. Travel - either for personal reasons or job-related - will broaden your horizons. Your creative potential is huge for the last six months of this year. You will easily accomplish something, which otherwise might be daunting.

Useful Load

(Home, Family, and Galley Slaves)

For you, the ambience and the "feel" of your home are critical. You're extremely visual and no sign in the zodiac can compete with you when it comes to being affected by one's surroundings. (Who else knows there are 37 shades of navy blue?) You actually feel different according to the lighting in a room, or the colour scheme, the smell and the furnishings. You have the soul of an interior designer. Therefore, it is interesting to note that later this year (for some as early as July) you will benefit from the wealth of others through inheritances or loans, or benefit indirectly through the increased wealth of your partner. Whatever the case, you will use this financial good fortune to fix up your digs! This might happen this summer, later in the year or early next year. Expect fun projects ahead. Family relationships are good this year. However, some kind of behind-the-scenes activity might create problems. Defend your best interests. Wear bold colours!

How to Get the most Air Miles Out of 2012

Various influences are at play for you this year and some of them are contradictory. In one way, you don't want to spread yourself too thin. Stay focused. In fact, turn your attention inward to learn more about yourself. However, in July, when Jupiter enters Gemini (your fellow Air Sign), life gets easier! For the rest of the year, your health will improve, your attitude will be more positive and it will also be an excellent time for financial matters. Travel will please you as well. Therefore, play your cards close to your chest, but know that as the year progresses, more opportunities will open up for you, especially financially. And as all these things take place later in the year, your joy in life increases as well! (Cool!) Plan to travel late in the year. Also focus on opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Looking swell!

Your Libra Mantra for 2012

"My hope that this year gets better and better is not just a hope - it's a fact!"


More Porridge, Sir?

A peek into your long-term future shows 2013 will be an exceptionally good year for your career and reputation. For the first time since 2005, lucky Jupiter will travel across the top of your chart polishing your good name. Those who choose to change their line of work can easily switch to medicine, the law, higher education, publishing or the media. Those who don't change their line of work will get a promotion or kudos. By 2015-17, some of you will be contemplating residential moves or job changes. You'll enjoy increased recognition and good health (especially bones and teeth). Chomp!


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

September

23 Ray Charles 1930
24 Nia Vardalos 1962
25 Glenn Gould 1932
26 Daniel and Henrik Sedin 1980
27 Avril Lavigne 1984
28 Mira Sorvino 1967
29 Russell Peters 1979
30 Fran Drescher 1957

October

1 Zach Galifianakis 1969
2 Kelly Ripa 1970
3 Gwen Stefani 1969
4 Susan Sarandon 1946
5 Jesse Eisenberg 1983
6 Jeremy Sisto 1974
7 Simon Cowell 1959
8 Sigourney Weaver 1949
9 Scott Bakula 1954
10 Harold Pinter 1930
11 Michelle Trachtenberg 1985
12 Hugh Jackman 1968
13 Paul Simon 1941
14 Mia Wasikowska 1989
15 Emeril Lagasse 1959
16 Angela Lansbury 1925
17 Erin Karpluk 1978
18 Pierre Trudeau 1919
19 Trey Parker 1969
20 Tommy Douglas 1904
21 Will Estes 1978
22 Kim Kardashian 1980

Lucky Days for Libra in 2012

  • January 14, 15
  • February 10, 11
  • March 8, 9
  • April 5, 6
  • May 2, 3, 30, 31
  • June 26, 27
  • July 23, 24
  • August 19, 20, 21
  • September 16, 17
  • October 13, 14
  • November 10, 11
  • December 7, 8
Georgia Nicols
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