The most important day of the year for western-trained astrologers is the spring equinox. The upcoming equinox on March 19 heralds the astrological and astronomical new year. The planetary influences can be weighed as to their positions in friendly or not-so-friendly signs at the time of the equinox. How each planet relates to the others is also noted, and hopefully we can draw up a framework of probable occurrences for the following months.

Here is an excerpt from the introduction to last year’s spring equinox column. “Great unrest is predicted, and great divisions among the high and mighty will bring complications. Much will be revealed, and we will never be quite the same as before this time in our lives. Gang-war activity, serious violence, drugs, corruption, and fear rule the days. Fortunately, Jupiter and Saturn are in a triangular pattern, indicating cooperative action and the positive formation of alliances that are dedicated to getting it right and bringing the scales of justice into balance in accordance with the will of the people.”

Now let’s blow the dust off the crystal ball and take a peek at what’s in store for 2008.

A nice little cardinal T-square takes shape between the sun, Mars, and Pluto, indicating a big battle resulting in quite a lot of carnage. Mars, lord of the equinox, is moving close to the sun, the moon, and Uranus in our national horoscope, indicating high drama and serious fireworks before the end of March. Saturn passes over Mars and opposes Jupiter, and is another indicator of being hamstrung, delayed, and frustrated by the turn of events. The year will bring about great changes for Canada, and we may be flying by the seat of our pants; when the dust settles in early 2009, all will have changed. We will move as never before as we usher in a new wave of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement. Jupiter and Uranus are in harmony at the time of the equinox, bringing about a time when we work in a cohesive manner to solve our burgeoning social problems. We may be relieved to have the murky past finally in the past. Let’s get on with it.

Aries
March 21 - April 19
Happy birthday. The sun enters Aries late on March 19, bringing you into your solar high of the year. You may be busy winding up the past in some way. It certainly is time to look to the future and anticipate an intense spring.

Taurus
April 20 - May 21
A bittersweet time has arrived. Venus and Mars cast fine energy into your sign, bringing love, hope, and happiness. But this is tinged with a memory or regret that must be let go of. Prepare for a dynamic spring.

Gemini
May 22 - June 20
The first-quarter square of the moon on March 14 occurs in your sign, bringing somewhat of an intense time. Emotional issues keep rising to the surface and clouding your intellect. You may be of two minds as you consider the pros and cons regarding career choices.

Cancer
June 21 - July 23
The moon passes through your sign from March 14 to 16, bringing high excitement, drama, action, and passion into play. It is your time in many ways, and you will not be bored. You may feel militant and worked up on March 13, and it won’t take much of a spark to set off a bonfire of emotions.

Leo
July 24 - August 23
In an odd way, you get a free pass—there just isn’t a lot of dynamic planetary focus on Leo right now. Neptune opposes Leo, indicating a time of seeking unusual or exotic experiences. You may be trying to find yourself or define yourself, and everything might still be a bit fuzzy. Go with it and go play.

Virgo
August 24 - September 23
Your forecast is just about opposite as can be from Leo’s. Leo gets a free pass and is allowed to dream and play, and you get a ticket indicating committed and concentrated work and other obligations that won’t allow you to lift your head for a while. You may love it, though.

Libra
September 20 - October 23
Life is destined to intensify in the last half of March for Libra. The keys to success are getting others onside and working within a cooperative framework. It could be a hard go this round, though, as others may be in a noncooperative mood. Time, truth, and patience get you through.

Scorpio
October 24 - November 22
You can never get an accurate forecast from a sun-sign column, although many truths may be realized. Having your birth chart interpreted by a professional astrologer can be extremely revealing, and may be helpful in confirming the energies unfolding at any given time. Generally, this is a good time for Scorpios, a time when you can be successful.

Sagittarius
November 23 - December 21
You may be restless and seeking change. You might sense that changes are in the wind with that visionary, intuitive quality you have. The first-quarter square of the moon on March 14 in your opposite sign, Gemini, will reveal where the glitches are and what must be done to correct them.

Capricorn
December 22 - January 20
Intense scenarios unfold on March 14 and 15. You may feel impatient and irked by someone’s inconsiderate ways; bite your tongue and let it pass. The overall situation is great for Capricorn. You won’t experience another time like this in your life. Forget your horoscope—just get out there and be all that you can be.

Aquarius
January 21 - February 19
You may feel a little sensitized and spacy as the moon travels through your opposite sign, Leo, from March 16 to 18. You may be worried about recent events and developments. On another level, your imagination could be overflowing with all kinds of unique and creative concepts.

Pisces
February 20 - March 21
Life’s pace quickens, if that is even possible. Your social calendar fills up, as does your workload. Problems and concerns are dealt with between March 14 and 17 as you strive to bring order and clarity to the situation. Serious decisions are made.

Mac McLaughlin conducts personal consultations. You can reach him at 604-731-1109 or through www.macsstars.com