Changing Locale—Making New Friends

A Glimpse at the Year Ahead

(Jan/Feb/Mar 2011)

By Alexandra Karacostas

Happy New Year! We have cause to celebrate, but the party itself will have to wait a while. Big things are afoot as several planets make major shifts, moving into new neighborhoods. While astrology is not about prediction, it is about cultivating meaningful relationships between ourselves and the cosmos in which we live.

Pluto continues his transit through the sign of Capricorn, the journey he began in 2008. The influence of Capricorn’s pragmatism, concerned with large-scale organizations, has brought us restructuring of the corporate world, political systems, and large institutions. It has come to deliver transparency, accountability, and increased efficiencies born of necessity. The god of the underworld, ruling decay and waste, Pluto has a strong impact on the environmental crisis we face. We will witness further investment in “green” energy, growing sustainable businesses, and see a more conservative approach in how we use our resources. This is a slow process with roots entrenched in the past. But Pluto is patient. His stay in Capricorn until 2024 allows us every opportunity to mature, as is this sign’s inclination.

The mythic half man, half horse Chiron, the “wounded healer” and teacher of man, orbits between Saturn and Uranus. He builds bridges between our inner and outer worlds. He moves this February into Pisces, where he stays until 2018. The emphasis on the collective theme grows. It will become ever more apparent how our individual well-being, both spiritual and physical, affects the community, our society. Truly we are connected and are one. The suffering of others manifests as our own. By introducing a spiritual element to “globalization,” we can begin the process of healing the wounds.

Since 1998, Neptune has been in the sign of Aquarius. This year he begins dipping his toes into the watery and sensitive sign of Pisces, his home. In the last decade we have seen how beliefs and science (Neptune = faith, Aquarius = science) have blended. In many ways science now supports concepts long held by mystics and metaphysicians. Neptune’s influence in dissolving boundaries has shaped Aquarian rule of communications and technology, resulting in the information superhighway. Today, at any given moment, we know what is happening all over the world. This is both good and bad news.

Neptune’s voyage in Pisces begins in 2011. Here, we can be more comfortable using intuition alongside reason. We will experience greater sensitivity and compassion toward others’ suffering, a Piscean concern. Strides will be taken to ease the pain. The last time this occurred was 1847-1862, a period when the serfs were freed in Russia and the abolitionist movement to end slavery grew in America. Issues of human injustice will take precedent. Drugs, legal or illegal, including alcohol, all Neptune’s domain, will gain our attention as they affect our society on a variety of levels. Tending to spiritual concerns will alleviate the escapist tendencies of dreamy Pisces.

This year Uranus will enter the fiery sign of Aries, where it will stay until 2018. We will see rapid advances in human potential work through recognizing that we are all part of the same whole, again a Piscean theme. It will be evident just how significant the actions of an individual can be to his or her fellow citizens. New systems of social organization can be pioneered. The last time Uranus was in Aries, between 1928 and1934, Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic, television broadcasts became popular, and quantum physics was further developed.

Individual destinies are likely to be strongly affected by collective influences seemingly beyond our control. Uranus and Pluto remain in an angular relationship for the next several years, as they were through much of the Great Depression. The American Dream is in its sunset. We are, however, in the budding stages of creating a dream that will serve all citizens across the globe, in a more sensible manner.

Saturn continues his journey in the sign of Libra, restoring balance to relationships, personal and national. Through diplomacy and cooperation we can meet with mutual victory. Fairness and justice want to prevail.  Honoring our commitments is one way we can ensure that happens.

Jupiter is an adventurous explorer this year as he leaves Pisces at the end of January, visits Aries, and then crosses into Taurus in June until the spring of 2012. Breakthroughs in the education system and expanding fields of energy generation are on the horizon. Bold and rapid actions may provoke resistance, but the optimistic influence of Jupiter is likely to pave the way toward mutually beneficial growth. Later in the year, our ideals and our philosophy will lean toward practical wisdom, rather than inspired vision. Focusing our attention on what we value will help us meet with success.

The dance between Jupiter and Pluto early in the year can help us take healthy steps toward working with those who do not share our beliefs. Our difficult but wise friend Pluto can assist in understanding fear and the accompanying loss of power. This helps us let go of impractical and unrealistic expectations, ideas, and ideals.

As you can see, there is much to look forward to this next year. Each of us will be called upon to work consciously toward the benefit of all. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful year ahead!

Aries – The year begins with a bang, summoning you toward an even greater yearning to achieve your goals. Your friends and support system can prove very useful if you are willing to cooperate. As spring arrives allow your faith and inspiration to act as your principal guides.

Taurus – Travel and adventure take priority this winter. You desire spice in your life. Don’t delay! Good books by the fire may hold similar appeal. The emphasis is on freeing yourself from old concepts and ideas while moving toward unknown horizons and destinations.

Gemini – What are your intentions behind newly formed relationships? This can be a very rewarding time if you understand your own contributions. Spring equinox brings with it new career opportunities. Spontaneity can serve you well in measured doses. Faith is your ally.

Cancer – Maintaining harmony in partnerships while making changes at home and in your inner core can be stressful. The old traditions are giving in to new possibilities. Keep stepping out of the way and trust this process. Allow for adjustment as you, too, have changed and are changing.

Leo – Greater joy and creativity can be found in the most mundane tasks. Take pleasure in the daily grind. As winter rolls into spring, intimacy and romance dance into your life. Clear communication can sweeten the encounter while compromise will help ensure its success!

Virgo – Opportunities remain to further develop creative tools for healthy money management. Work picks up in February. Make sure you create the space for some vigorous exercise to help ease any stress. Working with a partner can be rewarding, fun, and productive.

Libra – This is undoubtedly a time when your attention turns inward as you attempt to restructure your being. Simplify your life so that distractions do not take you away from the tasks at hand. Relationships grow and flourish. This is an excellent time to ask for assistance.

Scorpio – Use your creative intelligence to express your ideas. Examine your own unconscious waters for any conflicts that arise during this period. Journaling can assist this process. Your job becomes easier and you may be afforded greater freedom as we transition into spring.

Sagittarius – Pay attention to your finances and assets as the New Year begins. Financial success will come through investments that benefit the whole. Appreciate your uniqueness. You are not what you do. Your artistic juices and imagination get a boost come spring.

Capricorn – Happy Birthday, Capricorn! This is a time for reaping what you have sown both professionally and in your community. The harvest may require longer hours and harder work, but the payoff is commensurate. Conditions at home shift to accommodate current or unexpected circumstances. It’s all good!

Aquarius – Happy Birthday, Aquarius! If possible, indulge yourself in a bit of downtime. Start the year by honoring your needs. Read, meditate, pray, play. Invite your dreams to guide you. Soon you will begin a new cycle of activity. Expand your mental horizons. The pace of life picks up, abounding with opportunities to see life through new eyes.

Pisces – Happy Birthday, Pisces! Your friends and community provide inspiration and support. Get involved in organizations that promote common goals. Your insight and compassion serve you well, but it is important to keep your boundaries clear and strong. Your ability to generate income increases as we march into spring. Enjoy!

Dear Reader, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback. I look forward to hearing from you! You can reach me at (530) 520-9992, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit www.WisdomAstrology.com.