"Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked".

Warren Buffet (b. Aug. 30, 1930)

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.


Virgo, Come Fly With Me!

Boarding Pass and Seat Number

You are bright, clever, witty and the world's best mimic. People love your mind and are entertained by your conversation because you know so much! (Actually, you have this big locker where you store trivia - totally useless facts you can't get rid of.) Although you can be as reckless as the next person, you could write a book on healthy living, expounding on the details of diet, hygiene and exercise. You have an organizational mind and an eye for detail. It's true your humour is self-deprecating but you take pot shots at everyone else as well. (Because of you, the sacred cow is an endangered species.) But beneath your wit and sophistication, you harbour a strong idealization of what you wish your life could be. You respect true giving to others and being of service where needed, whether to an individual, a community or the world. Ah yes, Mother Theresa was a Virgo (and so is Charlie Sheen).

Hours Logged

A telling point in your life took place in the mid-90s because you stepped out into the world in a bolder, more confident way. However, for some, taking your power created an imbalance causing friendships and partnerships to come to an end. Nevertheless, many expanded your home scene with residential moves, the addition of babies, children or partners, which this time was a mixed bag! In fact, 1996-97 was a great year for vacations, fun with kids and financial speculation. Another significant time was the turn of the millennium. Your reputation was shining and many of you were proud of your achievements. Your popularity soon increased, and by 2003-04, lucky Jupiter returned to your sign to increase your optimism and boost your luck. (Yay Virgo!) Approaching 2005 was another story because you started to dismantle much of what you created since the 90s. Actually, this process of letting go was to get ready for 2007-08 when you would set off in a completely new direction. Now you are wondering what your values are. What should you do? What really matters in life? This could manifest as "What kind of job should I get?" - but it's deeper than that, isn't it?

In-flight Introductions

(Relationships and Romance)

The year 2012 holds much romantic promise. For starters, your gonads are in overdrive and you're feeling sexy. As the year progresses, you might travel more and explore new territories through higher studies or job changes. You will meet people who are "different" or from another background. Adventures in publishing, the media, the law, medicine and dealing with foreign countries will also generate new introductions, as well as re-ignite existing relationships (especially through travel). Let us not forget that fiery Mars, the planet that the rules your sexual energy will be in your sign for most of the year! (Lordy Lordy!) It's safe to say you can look forward to a fun-loving, romantic year. However, all is not sweetness and light. (Here's the small print.) Mars in your sign will make you dominant. If others give you lots of rope -no problem. But if anyone is demanding - watch out!

Holding Pattern

(Job and Career)

Others are generous to you this year. This is a great year to raise cash, ask for new equipment, get a loan, get a mortgage, increase your budget or use the resources of others for your work. Ask and ye shall receive because others will open their arms and their pocketbooks. Some will experience sweeping changes that will make their lives richer. Count on this. Later this year, opportunities in publishing, the media, working with foreign countries, being involved in higher education, medicine and the law will benefit you. Work-related travel is likely. It's a strong year for writers, teachers and publishers. Essentially, because you want a broader experience of life - you'll reach out. And when you reach out, you generally end up with a handful of something! By the end of the year, many opportunities abound. People are impressed with you. Definitely!

Useful Load

(Home, Family, and Galley Slaves)

Your home might improve this year because it's easier to get a mortgage or a loan if you want to do home improvements. Plus some will receive an inheritance. Your reputation with authority figures will improve as the year wears on and this could have a positive domino effect on your private world as well. However, because fiery Mars is making you so dominant and forceful this year, you have to be aware of how strong you appear to others. They might see you as bossy, pushy, insensitive and rashly independent! You're not trying to act this way but you might appear this way. Therefore, be mindful of how you act and speak. You might need to consciously make an effort to be patient and tolerant. Hey -- you want to get along with loved ones, right? (After the game, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.)

How to Get the most Air Miles Out of 2012

The important thing to realize is two unusual situations are occurring this year. On one hand, you will be more aggressive, more dominant and more forthright than ever before in your life for most of this year. Factoid. By strange coincidence (is anything a coincidence?) another influence, for the first time in 12 years is pushing you out to centre stage. You will easily find yourself in completely new situations meeting new people and shortly after that enjoying a fabulous reputation! People in authority are going be so impressed with you by the end of year. So at the very time when you are going to be more gutsy about going after what you want, you have more chances than ever to reach out and grab them. A happy coincidence indeed! In other words, this year you're all dressed up and you've got someplace to go. It's all up to you.

Your Virgo Mantra for 2012

"Let my wisdom show me how to use my increased strength."


More Porridge, Sir?

Around 2013, you enter a three-year stretch of residential moves and job changes. Just go with the flow because in 2013, lucky, moneybags Jupiter will travel across the top of your chart for the first time in 12 years. Perhaps a residential move will bring a new job or a successful job will bring a new home. The year 2013 will be a culmination. Your confidence will be strong. Expect recognition for what you do, or a chance to change to a new field that is travel related or in medicine, the law or publishing. What happens will be satisfying and rewarding!


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

August

23 Kobe Bryant 1978
24 Rupert Grint 1988
25 Regis Philbin 1931
26 Rick Hansen 1957
27 Lady Antonia Fraser 1932
28 Shania Twain 1965
29 Richard Attenborough 1923
30 Cameron Diaz 1972
31 Richard Gere 1949

September

1 Lily Tomlin 1939
2 Keanu Reeves 1964
3 Charlie Sheen 1965
4 Beyonce Knowles 1981
5 Freddie Mercury 1946
6 Pippa Middleton 1983
7 Michael Emerson 1954
8 Martin Freeman 1971
9 Michelle Williams 1980
10 Colin Firth 1960
11 D. H. Lawrence 1885
12 Michael Ondaatje 1943
13 Tyler Perry 1969
14 Amy Winehouse 1983
15 Agatha Christie 1890
16 Alexis Bledel 1981
17 Baz Luhrmann 1962
18 Jada Pinkett Smith 1971
19 Jeremy Irons 1948
20 George R. R. Martin 1948
21 Leonard Cohen 1934
22 Tom Felton 1987

Lucky Days for Virgo in 2012

  • January 12, 13
  • February 8, 9
  • March 6, 7
  • April 3, 4, 30
  • May 1, 28, 29
  • June 24, 25
  • July 21, 22
  • August 17, 18
  • September 14, 15
  • October 11, 12
  • November 7, 8, 9
  • December 5, 6
Georgia Nicols
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