Oftentimes, the positive planetary aspects pass by with hardly a notice. Who cares where the planets are when you’re having fun? We generally turn to the stars and other forms of divination when our world goes wrong, when our personal plan does not meet or agree with the universal plan.

A preponderance of planets is moving through the earth signs these days, creating ample opportunity to bring order and rhythm into our lives. We may be witnessing a miracle, or many miracles, in the near future.

This isn’t a time for petty politics, replete with strut and show, but time to show the world what we can truly do when our collective will is summoned.

The power of the people will be apparent as the full moon on April 20 sheds light on our problems and concerns.

Don’t know about you, but I’m keeping my helmet and shoulder pads close at hand in anticipation of the battles that are destined to materialize in the days to come.

The three fiery brothers—the sun, Mars, and Jupiter—are in hot contention. They are squared off, indicating that the gloves will be off and the issues and concerns we have personally and collectively will come to a boil.

Good Friday on March 21 could turn into Bad Friday as the full moon and planetary aspects are intense and dynamic. Bouncers, rowdies, gangbangers, punks, crooks, and cops should note that it won’t take much of a spark to set off big problems. The full moon forms a cardinal cross with Mars and Pluto, raising tensions and testosterone. Mars rises at full-moon time midday, and is another indicator that people will be touchy, pushy, and impatient. Fires, accidents, and other mishaps could occur.

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.

The Pisces new moon on March 7 signals a time of intense action, most of it hidden from our eyes. We are experiencing the last of the winter signs, and spring is close at hand. A thaw begins, and the earth prepares for yet another round of life.

The moon’s light changes as she completes her monthly rounds. Just a thin slice is illuminated, with the points facing west indicating her waning position on March 5. This may prove to be a special day, not in terms of anything in the news, but in the sense that a special and magical time may be had.

The lunar eclipse on February 20 will resonate through to the end of the month. Eclipses are believed to bring on intense action in all areas of life. Many wonder what the big deal is, thinking that full moons and lunar eclipses don’t affect them. If you have important or sensitive points in your horoscope aligned with a full moon, life’s activities will intensify greatly.

Let’s look at the position of the stars on Valentine’s Day. The sun and Mars will be in a perfect triangle early on February 14, bringing high levels of energy and great excitement. The sun and Mars represent the ideal of what a man should be. This fiery combination will bring the necessary courage if you intend to pop the question. I’m sure the ladies will be waiting for their knights in shining armour to show up with flowers and chocolates, tickets for a play, and a night out on the town.

What does the Year of the Rat hold for Canada? Sherman Tai, a well-known local fortuneteller and feng shui consultant, makes his predictions on the economy, politics, and people.

The solar eclipse on February 6 will deliver its special powers throughout the year. Eclipses are seen as special conveyances of planetary energy also known as karma. The sun conjuncts Neptune on February 10 in Aquarius, which is the sign of advanced knowledge and humanitarian love. Neptune is our connection to the divine and all matters of a psychic nature. It’s the first planet visited by the sun, just four days after the eclipse.

These days, the majority of planetary action is taking place in the winter signs Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Pluto’s 16-year visit to Capricorn will certainly change the way we conduct business between nations. It seems like we are in a time when, rather than being proactive with our efforts to help one another, we are reactive, as we dash hither and yon, placing the cosmetic bandages where needed.