Stargazer 

For All Signs The significant cosmic phenomenon of the year is Uranus' entrance into Pisces, beginning a seven year trek in the watery sign. Its last visit through Pisces occurred during the "roaring 20s." Uranus is a planet that represents discoveries. In extreme it can symbolize revolutions. While it was in Aquarius we saw the dramatic results from changes in technology. Among other things, Pisces rules water, oil, gas, chemicals, and the psyche. It is probable that we will see sensational effects on the world's water systems and massive changes in the oil and gas industries. Discoveries concerning the chemical composition of the human body may open significant new areas of research in the arena of mind/body health. It will be an exciting seven years of new finds in multiple fields of research.

Aries Mars is traversing Aries through mid-February. This increases your courage and strength, but shortens your patience. Focus attention on projects that you can manage alone during this period. Mercury retrograding in Aries during April may play havoc with your calendar. Family concerns and property matters will occupy your attention throughout the year. This is emphasized in January, May-June, and October-November. You have a desire to improve on health and daily routine through September. Beginning in October, opportunities for travel, and/or education, love life, and partnerships are multiplied. Give special attention to who or what is beginning in late November, early December, as it will bring favorable things to your life. For those already betrothed, this period brings increased intimacy and improvements in shared resources.

Taurus The Bulls embrace love, and much of this year you will frolic in the pastures of romance land. Be alert in mid-January or mid-March for a new playmate in the pasture. (For those not interested in "romance," read this as fun, play, and creative activity.) In February-March you are energized and more assertive than norm for the grazing bull. Venus, your ruling planet, turns retrograde on May 17, symbolizing a breather from relationships while you tend to personal and financial issues through late June. During the last quarter you will have a desire to take on one or more programs of self-improvement. You may be offered a better job or improved circumstances in your career life at that time as well. The full moon eclipse of October 27 represents a turning point. What is working well and what is not will become fully clarified. You'll change that which is not.

Gemini "Retrograde" will be your middle name this year. As January begins, your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograding until the 6th. During April, August and December it will also be retrograding. In these periods it is most workable to return to unfinished projects. Mercury retrogrades three times per year so it is nothing new in your life, but it is helpful to know when it will occur. During late May and early June, Venus will also be retrograding in your sign. This suggests a tendency to drift into outworn patterns of relationship. Some of you will choose to back off and reevaluate an ongoing relationship. Old issues may resurface. Your personal resources have been reduced in recent months. It will probably require two years to fully recover, but the long-term investment will be worth today's sacrifice. Beginning in October for one year, you have favorable aspects for love, romance, children and personal creativity. As Uranus moves through Pisces (see lead paragraph), you may feel the need to break free from any structure that binds.

Cancer Since last summer you have been challenged to become truly "real." It requires sacrifice of a self-image that has been important in the past. Now you are invited to cross a new threshold and take on the work of building a new self. The former self-image actually was no longer relevant to your direction. You are asked to reeducate yourself, to learn fresh skills. You don't have the self-assurance that you had in the old life, but it will come in time. Cancerians are Moon-ruled. It is important to be aware of the eclipse seasons because your feelings will be intense and perhaps exaggerated beyond proportion. There are two in '04. The first eclipse season begins in mid-April through May 10. The second eclipse season occurs in mid-October through early November. In the last quarter you will be interested in making home and property improvements that may require a year to complete.

Leo You are undertaking self-examination. Your psychic energy may feel depleted, probably because you have become bored with the regular grind. Leo is not a quitter, so you may not have gone that far yet. But the truth is that you are tired and in need of a two-year sabbatical from everyday issues so you can reconnect to your center. You could be moved sideways, into a job that is not so pressured. This is not pleasing to the ego, but your psyche would be grateful. Sometimes the physical body provides a convenient escape hatch so we can rest. None of us is able to develop all our capacities at once. At this point one or two ignored traits or talents are knocking at your door and begging for recognition. They want admission into your life and it is best to "invite" them to the party or they may break through at embarrassing moments. During the next year let yourself explore previously ignored talent.

Virgo Your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograding but shortly it will turn direct and by the end of January you'll feel able to move forward again. It also retrogrades during April, August and December. It is best to return to unfinished projects during these periods rather than attempting to break new ground. Mercury retrogrades three times per year so it is nothing new in your life, but it is helpful to know when it is scheduled. Through September, Jupiter is in your sign, representing the continued expansion of your personal territory, increased travel, and an improved attitude. Significant Others are moving toward greater independence. You may be helping them along, so that you can also have more freedom. This is healthy growth. For three more years you will be reaping the harvest of efforts from the past. Use the Mercury retrograde periods to rest and regroup your energies.

Libra Librans are working hard this year. Last summer your responsibilities increased and this will continue for two more years. Many have gone into business for themselves. You need to learn how best to economize on your energy in all areas. You know that you must tend to matters of personal health. Don't waste any more time. March brings improved resources that come through gifts, insurance, investments, partner's income, or corporate monies. In mid-May your ruling planet, Venus, turns retrograde and its effects will last through most of July. It represents a time to reflect on your patterns of relationship. It may reduce your energy level for the sake of rest. October marks the beginning of one year of partnership focus for the Libran. This could mean a marriage, for those who are interested. "Partnerships" can occur on multiple levels and are not always romantic, so remain open to possibilities.

Scorpio Your contribution to the world probably involves teaching, education and/or travel this year. In January you arrive at the culmination of a project or relationship begun in the spring of '02. Step back and look at the broad picture of growth over time. Your reputation is growing and your name is steadily spreading to a wider territory of recognition by others. Be prepared to take a good look at yourself and your life early in May as we approach the full moon eclipse in your sign on the 4th. You may like what you see, but if not, it will be a good time to change. You will find that you enjoy the next seven years with Uranus in Pisces because it triggers your fifth house of romance, children, and play. These areas are up for a fun and interesting roller coaster ride. In particular, a new endeavor that begins in late November, early December, will offer fresh excitement with a probable two-year run.

Sagittarius Since September you have expanded considerably in the area of career and life direction. People are noticing you. It is important to use this power wisely. It would be all too easy to slide into arrogance and an attitude of entitlement. You may now be managing the resources of others and your former casual attitudes have required some adjustment to the new responsibilities. You can no longer skim through, but must research the options and choose carefully because others are depending upon you. Meanwhile, on another level, you are pondering the reality of your core self. You need to establish your individuality. Sometime during the next seven years (see lead paragraph), it may become important to leave home, to move a great distance and try your wings without the support and/or pressure of those who have known you so long. This cycle happens once in a lifetime.

Capricorn You are taking a serious look at both career and relationships. What is truly good at core will now require focused attention to refresh and enliven it. You may be considering marriage. On the other hand, a long-term relationship or career may have outlived its useful purpose and needs to be allowed to go so that something new can happen. The Goat is practical and realistic and can arrive at wise solutions without wasting much time. In October '04, your career will gain a major boost or you may choose to let go in favor of freedom. Your actions will be highly visible and good fortune flows in your direction. You are likely to begin an entirely new set of friendships among people who cherish individualism and personal growth. It will feed your spirit.

Aquarius Last summer you became aware that you must focus attention on your health and develop routines that are better for you. This also applies to all your systems of organization. Now is the time to increase efficiency and eliminate clutter of all types. Although designing new methods is time consuming, it is exactly what you need in order to handle the increased workload and/or business that arrives in a couple of years. The cosmos is also asking you to reevaluate your relationship to money. How much do you need it? What are you willing to pay in order to have it? What might you do that will attract money with greater fulfillment? In the last quarter you will likely be expanding your world through increased travel. If not traveling in your body, then that expansion may come through educational exploration or meeting those of other cultures.

Pisces You probably have been sensing for several months that a huge change is approaching. Uranus entering your sign for seven years will demand that you become honest about who you have grown to be. The real self is about to burst through to the surface. If the difference is great between who you are on the inside and what others see, then you are heading for an explosion. People with this transit make big changes. They marry. They divorce. They expose their secrets. They move great distances. When the time is right, you will do what is needed. Meanwhile, Jupiter has been transiting your seventh house of relationships since September and has helped you realize your needs in this area. While some are thinking about a permanent relationship, others have broken free to search for something better. You are definitely not interested in casual romance at this point. Children or creative enterprises in your care are in need of more attention at this time. In the last quarter of '04, you likely will have good fortune through the resources or gifts of others.

See http://www.horoscopesbyvivian.com for an expanded version of the 2004 Horoscope. Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-987-2258 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments.