A new offering! This monthly column is written by my daughter Kelly Benson, who is an excellent astrologer.

She does personal readings by Zoom and phone. For more information click here.

Introduction

As both the Sun and Jupiter are moving through curious Gemini, the pace of our days speeds up as we seek stimulating experiences and connections with others. While the Sun takes one month to move through a sign, Jupiter will stay in Gemini for the next year. This is a great time to embrace change, stay open-minded and see where different paths might lead us. This ushers in an exciting new chapter for us all -- our inner explorer is awakened, encouraging us to get out there and push the boundaries of our regular routines. Connecting with friends, engaging in community events and meeting new people will put a bounce in our step! This light-hearted playful energy allows us to open to new perspectives and dance with the possibilities that life has to offer. Check out your sign below to see how this energy can impact you.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

With the Sun and Jupiter joining forces in your Third House, you're excited to soak in new knowledge and discover more about the world around you. This is an excellent time to boost your education, be that through exploration, applied study, taking classes or trying out new activities. You're eager to connect with new communities, to seek out new experiences, and to share your thoughts and ideas with others. You can easily rewrite the scripts the inner voice has been saying and change that inner dialogue to be more supportive, kind and encouraging. Your focus is strong, making this an excellent time for research and study, writing and sharing knowledge. It's also an opportunity to strengthen your connections with those in your immediate environment. Remain open to invitations that come your way. You might host a gathering that can lead to meaningful conversations that cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder. Your outlook is more optimistic, allowing you to explore new ideas and push yourself past limited thinking. Trust that the universe is guiding you towards experiences that will enrich and expand your mind and your connections with others.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

As the Sun and Jupiter move through your Second House, you'll find yourself feeling more secure and confident with a deeper sense of self-worth and security. You can easily focus on your financial situation, seeking ways to increase your income and create a more solid foundation for the future. This is a wonderful time to reflect on what truly matters to you and to align your actions with your values. With Jupiter activating this house for the next year, you're likely to see significant opportunities for wealth and prosperity. You're serious about investing in yourself and your potential. That might be through applied education that can benefit you in the long run, launching a business, or the purchase of property. You're encouraged to take practical steps toward building the life you desire and deserve. This can also manifest as increased income, unexpected windfalls, or a greater sense of abundance and comfort in your life. Your self-esteem will grow and your self-worth will deepen as you recognize your inherent values and talents. Enjoy experiences that bring more affluence and prosperity to your world!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

It's your birthday season, Gemini! It's time to share your bright light with the world and celebrate your uniqueness. Your confidence is high and you're eager to assert yourself and go after your dreams. So take the centre stage of your life and go after what you want. While the Sun moves through your sign for one month, Jupiter will remain in your sign for the next year, showering you with blessings and good luck! You can easily attract opportunities, and you won't be afraid to take risks. All this activity in your First House ushers in a time of new beginnings, personal renewal, and playful adventures! You have a clearer understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and how you can get things into balance with yourself. This is an excellent time to embark on a new health and fitness regime since you're motivated to adopt better habits. Your radiance comes from the inside out and your open-hearted approach puts others at ease making it a fortuitous time for relationships of all kinds to prosper. The universe is supporting you in your journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

As we get closer to your birthday season, you might find yourself in a more reflective state, Cancer. It's good to get some time alone to reflect over the last year, let go of what you no longer need, and prepare yourself for new beginnings. Both the Sun and Jupiter are moving through your Twelfth House and this brings opportunities for inner growth and healing. While the Sun takes one month to move through a House, Jupiter will remain here for the next year. This is a favourable time for activities that promote inner peace such as meditation, yoga, journalling or spending quiet time in nature. You'll find it easier to be compassionate with yourself and let go of stuck pain and limiting thoughts and behaviours. This is a lovely time to connect with your inner light and listen to the wisdom that comes from within. As your intuition grows and your spiritual nature deepens, pay attention to synchronicities that occur and explore the messages your subconscious mind is sending you. You might find yourself interested in subjects like metaphysics, psychology and esoteric teachings. Embrace this time of transformative, healing and personal discovery.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Increased social engagement, connecting with interesting people and getting turned on to new ideas are in the works for you, Leo! As the Sun and Jupiter move through your Eleventh House, this period in your life is rich with opportunities for community involvement, friendship, and the pursuit of your hopes and dreams. While the Sun moves through this House for one month, Jupiter will remain here for the next year. Take advantage of the blessings and opportunities that are possible now. Your confidence is high as you envision a brighter future ahead making this a hot time to build toward your long-term goals. When you share your aspirations with others, new insights and opportunities are possible. Connecting with people who inspire you and get you looking at the world with a fresh perspective will open you up to all sorts of experiences. The urge to help out and give back will be strong since your humanitarian nature is activated. Lending support to an important cause or issue can be meaningful and rewarding. You're giving a lot of thought to the future and how you can make a difference in the world around you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

As the Sun and Jupiter move through your Tenth House, you can expect powerful opportunities for growth, achievement, and recognition in your career and public life, Virgo. You're intent on achieving your goals, ready to push past obstacles and not taking "No" as an answer. Over the next year, you'll likely experience changes to your status and your public reputation. Perhaps a promotion is in the works, or you are striking out on your own and heading up a major venture. Higher-ups, VIP's and people in positions of influence are taking notice of you. This is an excellent time to get the attention of others and get them on board with your vision or promote something important to you. You can also use this time to call in favours since it's easier now to get the ear of influential people who can offer a helping hand. It's an excellent time to focus on your career and public life with enthusiasm and confidence. You're open to new opportunities and ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with your success. You can easily inspire others and make a positive impact on your community and beyond.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The Sun and Jupiter are both activating your Ninth House of travel and higher learning, Libra. This upbeat energy awakens your adventurous nature and makes you want to spread your wings and take in more of the world around you! You're ready to embrace new ideas and mindsets making this a fantastic time to delve into new studies, sign up for classes or find a mentor who can guide you. This is a great year for a major trip if you can swing it, so look into travel opportunities and think about places you want to go. Connections with people from other cultures or backgrounds different from your own will open you up to interesting conversations that get you thinking. New relationships can develop that can have a major impact on you and your life path. This is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in different cultural traditions, learn about the world's religions, ethics, and philosophies, and grow your understanding. It's also an opportunity to share your knowledge and insights with others, this could be through teaching, writing, public speaking, or other forms of communication.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The Sun and Jupiter are activating your Eighth House, Scorpio. This opens the doorways to transformation, healing, and empowerment. While the Sun shines its warmth in this House for a month, Jupiter will be here for the next year. Your core sense of vitality is strengthened and your courageous heart can prosper despite obstacles or adversity. You can easily navigate the depths of your psyche, exploring your fears, desires, and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. You're encouraged to embrace your inner power and shine a light on the parts of yourself that are ready for growth. One-to-one relationships with others can reach new depths and have a profound impact on your life path, and you on theirs. Also, consider areas where your responsibilities, finances and resources are intertwined with others. This is a good time to free yourself from a limiting situation, and open to more prosperous business investments. If you need a loan, mortgage or seed money to get a venture off the ground, this is the time to go for it. Listen to what your intuition is telling you, your instincts are on target!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Buckle your seat belt, Sagittarius, because both the Sun and Jupiter are activating your Seventh House ushering in a sweet new chapter for growth in your relationships and partnerships. You can expect increased interactions with others that are stimulating, mutually beneficial and inspiring. This is a wonderful time to nurture your connections, to communicate openly, and to show appreciation for the important people in your life. For those in a committed partnership, this is an excellent time for travel, joint adventures and initiating new chapters together. For single Sagittarians, this is a sweet time to cultivate relationships that are based on mutual respect, trust and a shared sense of purpose. Business relations are also blessed, so get ready to team up and collaborate with associates who reflect your interests and support your talents. Recognition for your work and efforts can manifest now as others appreciate your contributions. This inspires you to take things further bringing about opportunities to grow your business. Positive shifts to your title and status can occur this year since others see you in a favourable light.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Improved vitality and opportunities for growth are on the horizon, Capricorn! As the Sun and Jupiter move through your House of day-to-day routines, service, health, work and effort, you can look forward to increased productivity and an overall sense of well-being. While the Sun takes a month to move through this House, Jupiter takes an entire year, meaning you get to reap these benefits for 12 months! This is an excellent time to bring more awareness to your daily practices, whether that means establishing a new exercise routine, improving your diet, or finding more efficient ways to manage your tasks. You're encouraged to take pride in your work, be that on the job front, at home, or how you take care of yourself. You might find yourself more focused on your daily routines and health habits, seeking ways to improve and optimize them. This is an excellent year to seek out new job opportunities, or go for that promotion, or experience a greater sense of satisfaction and purpose in your daily work. This is a time to focus on building habits and routines that nourish you and help you thrive.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Get ready for a fresh new chapter, Aquarius! Both the Sun and Jupiter are moving through fellow Air Sign, Gemini making a sweet trine with your sign. With all this activity in your Fifth House, your optimism grows and your childlike nature wants to come out and play. While the Sun activates your Fifth House for a month, lucky Jupiter blesses this House for a year! You'll feel a surge of creative energy and a strong desire to express yourself more fully. This is a wonderful time to engage in activities that bring you joy, whether that's through artistic endeavours, hobbies, recreational outings and exciting getaways. Exciting new projects can begin, and you'll have the willpower to see things through. Your bright light is an inspiration to others, attracting people from different walks of life who can expand the range of experiences in your life. Romantic relationships can blossom under this influence. Single Aquarians, it's time to get out there, develop new connections and see where things lead. It's a bold time to shine brightly and to embrace your individuality with confidence.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Jupiter and the Sun join forces at the base of your chart, Pisces. This activates your nurturing instinct as your attentions turn to home and family matters, healing, and self-care. While the Sun takes a month to move through this House, Jupiter will be here for a full year! You're giving a lot of thought to the fundamental aspects of life -- what keeps you grounded, how you replenish yourself, and the tendrils that keep you connected with your family and inner circle. Expansive Jupiter brings its blessings for growth and abundance and this further amplifies the themes of caregiving, self-care and making your home a sanctuary that nourishes and energizes you. You can expect a boost to your optimism and your outlook on life that strengthens your sense of self, allowing you to deepen the quality of your exchanges with others. On an emotional level, you can heal old wounds, shed inner blockages, and discover (or rediscover) aspirations and talents that reflect your authentic self. Get ready to improve your living spaces, tackle repairs and redecorating projects, plus, enjoy heart-warming connections with those you love.