"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch."
Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 - Oct. 10, 1985)

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.

Taurus, Come Fly With Me!

Boarding Pass and Seat Number

Fair Venus is the ruler of Taurus, which is why you love your creature comforts! As I say every year: You love good food, good wine, good sex and a nice place to live. Because you need financial security, it's important for you to have money in the bank, mortgage-free land and a solid, comfortable home. You love beautiful things, verdant nature, gorgeous antiques and quality items - wood, pewter and sterling silver. In fact, many of you are collectors. You might work in a bank, or an antique shop, or a vinery or restaurant. You are the gourmand of the zodiac! You appreciate the best that life can offer, whether it's a great loaf of bread or a rack of lamb. You will always surround yourself with the good things in life, and money is particularly good! (You don't want the buck to stop before it gets to you!)

Hours Logged

In the early '90s, you were on top of your game. (Remember how your bathroom mirror was covered in kisses?) But the later '90s were something else. (Ouch.) This is when you dismantled much of what you had created in the previous 12 years. Ultimately, this meant by 1999 you were on a new flight plan. (Destination: Uncertain.) Nevertheless, 1999-2000 was a strong time because lucky Jupiter was in your sign! Something happened then that really boosted your confidence. But nothing is forever, which is why changing weather patterns from 2003-05 made you move homes and switch jobs. (Perhaps both.) By 2006-07, partnerships improved and by 2009, certain events took place that made you look wonderful in the eyes of others! (This was a great time to enhance your reputation with your peers.) This is why you've been busting your buns since 2009. And as we both know, this time of industry is not letting up - you're still working hard! Fortunately, since last year, lucky Jupiter has been in your sign bringing you opportunities, boosting your confidence and improving your luck. It will stay there until the summer of 2012, which means you begin this year under auspicious conditions! (That's auspicious, not suspicious.)

In-flight Introductions

(Relationships and Romance)

Lucky you! This year begins with an unusually long journey of Mars, which in turn makes you playful and sexy! It definitely increases your physical urges and galvanizes your desire to satisfy sexual pleasures. (In fact, you'll be uncharacteristically ready to make the first move.) You'll be keen to play, explore sports and enjoy the arts. You want to party, enjoy social diversions and take a vacation! Meanwhile, you have the respect of others for working hard and, of course, you and your partner will be delighted with your increased earnings (which come later in the year and next year). Since you have a wonderful opportunity (and incentive) to improve your health this year, why not choose something you can share with someone, like a yoga class or some physical sport? Work hard to solidify important partnerships because they will be tested in the next few years. (Don't be quick to resist temptation - it might not come your way again.)

Holding Pattern

(Job and Career)

Because you have survived heavy challenges, you know how effective you are. You know your strengths and limitations and this is empowering! In the next decade, your efforts will bring you rewards on a silver platter, and probably with less effort. (Go figure.) Your chances for personal advancement are excellent because people view you as someone who gets things done. In fact, you can hugely improve your health and endurance. (This is a great time to take up a physical discipline to help you do this.) Your earnings will improve from the summer onwards because you will continue to work tirelessly. By the end of this year, you'll get special recognition or acknowledgment for the work you have done in the last few years. Count on this. (You have come to realize it's not so much doing the thing you like to do, but liking the thing you have to do that makes the difference.)

Useful Load

(Home, Family, and Galley Slaves)

Your home and family life will improve because of your industry and, ultimately, your increased earnings later this year and next year. This means you have money to put into your home and to share with loved ones. Because you want to take a vacation, this also can promote family togetherness and fun. However, fiery Mars could make you impatient with children. Try to avoid power struggles here because if you take the time to analyze it, that's all it is - a clash of egos. (Generally nothing to do with reality.) Don't get suckered into these because they destroy family harmony and your relationship with your kids. (This also applies to romantic relationships.) Some of you will explore owning vacation property or fixing up a second home or looking for ways to enjoy entertaining getaways. In fact, if you save your pennies, you can explore wonderful real-estate opportunities in 2014-15.

How to Get the most Air Miles Out of 2012

In the coming year, you are in the unusual position of wanting to work hard and play hard. Naturally, one will compete with the other. Don't sublimate your desire for fun, parties, sex, sports and vacations into plain hard work. Figure out how you can do both. It's just what it is. Maximize your opportunities to boost your earnings because they are there, especially as the year wears on. You're lucky this year! But it is just as important to take advantage of your desire to have fun with sex, sports, vacations and playful activities with children. Therefore, get out your calendar and make it happen! Figure out how you can have it all, and still have time for sleep. Late in the year and beyond, challenges to partnerships are inevitable. Use the first eight months of this year to show others how much you care and how important your relationships truly are.

Your Taurus Mantra for 2012

"I'm going to work and play because my time is now!"

More Porridge, Sir?

There are two important considerations to keep in mind when we look beyond 2012. Without question, you will have wonderful real-estate opportunities (the best in 12 years) in 2014-15. Plan on using this to your advantage. You like to own land, especially mortgage-free, because you are a country squire at heart. The second thing that you are looking at is a challenge to marriage and partnerships next year and into 2014. Knowing this ahead of time, you can solidify valuable relationships now so they can ride that bumpy road ahead. Although dismal relationships will end, strong relationships will simply undergo a small charge for alterations.

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

April

20	Shemar Moore 1970
21	Queen Elizabeth II 1926
22	"Kaka" Ricardo Santos Leite 1982
23	William Shakespeare 1554
24	Shirley MacLaine 1934
25	Hank Azaria 1964
26	Carol Burnett 1933
27	Coretta Scott King 1927
28	Ian Rankin 1960
29	Jerry Seinfeld 1954
30	Johnny Galecki 1975

May

1	Joanna Lumley 1946
2	David Beckham 1975
3	Frankie Valli 1934
4	Robin Cook 1940
5	Nellie Bly 1864
6	George Clooney 1961
7	Eva Per�n 1919
8	Melissa Gilbert 1964
9	Rosario Dawson 1979
10	Paul "Bono" Hewson 1960
11	Frances Fisher 1952
12	Emilio Estevez 1962
13	Stephen Colbert 1964
14	Mark Zuckerberg 1984
15	Zara Phillips 1981
16	Liberace 1919
17	Bill Paxton 1955
18	Tina Fey 1970
19	Nora Ephron 1941
20	Dave Thomas 1949

Lucky Days for Taurus in 2012

January 2, 3, 4, 29, 30, 31
February 26, 27
March 24, 25, 26
April 20, 21, 22
May 18, 19
June 14, 15
July 11, 12, 13
August 8, 9
September 4, 5
October 1, 2, 3, 29, 30
November 25, 26
December 22, 23

Taurus Forecast for 2012