"Happiness has a bad rap. People say it shouldn't be your goal in life. Oh, yes it should."

Richard Dreyfuss (b. Oct. 29, 1947)

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.


Scorpio, Come Fly With Me!

Boarding Pass and Seat Number

Oh passionate Scorpio! You are so powerful and intense you blow others away! (But you don't even grasp this.) You make the impossible happen. You rally the troops at a moment's notice. Many great commanders and generals are your sign. (Patton was quintessential Scorpio.) Yet, you're so playful and fun-loving! What a complex range of emotions - but who is surprised? You don't do anything halfway. Issues are black and white. You go to extremes. Your take-charge quality introduces improvements everywhere, but what you most want to transform is yourself. You see new uses for things and ways to accomplish objectives that dazzle others. You have the mind of a sleuth and are very secretive. You're hot in bed and whatever you want, you want it now! "Better to fight for something than live for nothing," was General Patton's belief. Some are born to greatness. Some achieve it. Some get it as a graduation gift.

Hours Logged

Children became an increasing responsibility in the mid-90s for many of you. Shortly thereafter, you were busting your buns at work and in your private life until around 1999-2000, when big changes took place in partnerships and close friendships. That was definitely a major turning point. For some, relationships ended; for others, new relationships began. To be sure, with Jupiter opposite your sign then, new relationships with people who were older, richer or more experienced were likely. By 2000-01, your life became enriched through inheritances, the wealth of partners and the resources of others. Publishing and travel opportunities followed and by 2003-04, you had a sense you were going places. And indeed you were because by 2005-07 you experienced a time of harvest. You had increasing responsibilities but, at the same time, you were eager to express to the world who you really were. Your individuality mattered and needed recognition! Since 2009, a shift has taken place causing you to let go of and say goodbye to people, places and possessions. You are divesting yourself of everything that is no longer relevant in your life. And it's not over. (Not until the fat lady sings.)

In-flight Introductions

(Relationships and Romance)

In romance, two opposite influences are at play for you this year. One influence (which began two years ago) continues to urge you to be cautious about relationships. You don't want be weighed down. You want to be free of encumbrances. You definitely want to be free of bad choices! So part of you is purging anyone from your life who you think is no longer beneficial. (And because your sign rules garbage, among other things, when you purge something - it's gone!) The other influence is completely different. Jupiter will be opposite your sign (for the first time in 12 years), bringing you satisfaction in partnerships. (What a contradiction!) You'll discover involvement with others is joyful and gives deeper meaning to your life. Once again, just as around 2000, you can meet someone older, richer or more established who will benefit you. (Could be a great labour-saving device.)

Holding Pattern

(Job and Career)

This is the best year in more than a decade for your job. If you want to get a job, you can pull it off! Others will get a better boss, better working conditions, better duties or a better workplace. Your employment scene is the one area you can really improve this year because you easily impress bosses and co-workers. In addition, you'll be physically vigorous and will approach everything with self-assurance. New opportunities will lead to promotions or an increase in salary. This is the perfect year to demonstrate to others what you can do and how well you can do it because people are impressed with the energy and confidence you project. And it will be easy to get recognition for what you do! Nevertheless, in the big picture, everything is still in flux. Your feet won't really touch the ground until late 2013. (But hey, what's not to like?)

Useful Load

(Home, Family, and Galley Slaves)

Your home is in a state of flux because you're still giving up people, places and possessions. And the dust will not settle until about 2013. (Older Scorpios might recall a similar time in the early '80s.) Nevertheless, this is a positive time because relationships are strong. You have a sense of culmination in some areas of your life and this makes you feel satisfied. (Nothing like satisfaction to feel satisfied!) Take note: You're very good at getting rid of what you no longer need and this is what you must do this year. Rifle through closets, cupboards, lockers, storage units, garages and attics. Sell, recycle or turf what you no longer need. Downsize wherever you can. If you're not using it - out! You'll feel so much better when everything is closer to the bone. Scorpios rarely have a minimalist approach to their homes. (Translation: You have lots of stuff!)

How to Get the most Air Miles Out of 2012

You're quick to size up any situation and go for the jugular. (And many of you are in medicine.) Therefore, go with what works this year. Improve your job. (Because you can do this.) Improve your health. (You can do this as well.) Focus on partnerships and close friendships because these will be rewarding experiences for you. Don't hesitate to form new partnerships. Meanwhile, be extra patient with friends because it's easy to get into a fight! You'll be a tad pushy with groups, yet at the same time, you're like the Pied Piper because everyone will want to be on your team. Trust your gut instincts about letting go of whatever is no longer helpful or relevant in your life. Just give it the old heave-ho, whether it's a person or a possession. After all, you're cleaning house so that you can move on!

Your Scorpio Mantra for 2012

"This is a successful year because I'm up for it plus others are supportive. Bonus!"


More Porridge, Sir?

A peek into the future reveals this year is preparation for 2013-14, when you will enter a whole new world. In fact, your life might be so different you'll change your daily wardrobe. Travel and educational opportunities will be enormous in 2013. You can count on advances in higher education, publishing, the media, medicine and the law. By 2014, you're laughing because your reputation is stellar. You are loved! This is when it will be easy to make a name for yourself. Kirk Douglas said, "If you become a star, you don't change, everyone else does." So true.


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

October

23 Ryan Reynolds 1976
24 Kevin Kline 1947
25 Katy Perry 1984
26 Hillary Rodham Clinton 1947
27 Kelly Osborne 1984
28 Bill Gates 1955
29 Denis Potvin 1953
30 Henry Winkler 1945
31 John Candy 1950

November

1 Toni Collette 1972
2 k. d. lang 1961
3 Roseanne Barr 1952
4 Matthew McConaughey 1969
5 Bryan Adams 1959
6 Rebecca Romijn 1972
7 Joni Mitchell 1943
8 Gordon Ramsay 1966
9 Dorothy Dandridge 1923
10 Ellen Pompeo 1969
11 General George S. Patton 1962
12 Neil Young 1945
13 Gerard Butler 1969
14 Federick Banting 1891
15 Parker Posey 1968
16 Diana Krall 1964
17 Gordon Lightfoot 1938
18 Margaret Atwood 1939
19 Jodie Foster 1962
20 Edwin Hubble 1889
21 Nicollette Sheridan 1963

Lucky Days for Scorpio in 2012

  • January 16, 17
  • February 12, 13
  • March 10, 11
  • April 7, 8
  • May 4, 5
  • June 1, 2, 28, 29
  • July 25, 26
  • August 22, 23
  • September 18, 19
  • October 15, 16
  • November 12, 13
  • December 9, 10
Georgia Nicols
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