I explain more about this in the current podcast.  Mostly, it’s a time issue.  During the upcoming year, I’ll be writing several books — including one related to astrology — and I need to focus on them, at least 100%.

After that, I may resume these free, monthly readings and podcasts.  I’ll re-evaluate my schedule then.

Thank you for your interest in my readings during this past year.  I hope that they were useful to you.

I’ve also really enjoyed the feedback that you sent to me, as comments and emails.  They were the reason I continued this experiment in readings for the past year.

There are many excellent astrologers and psychics, online and off.  Many of them work on their predictions, full time, and provide free readings, too.  Check several to find one (or more) that fits your needs.

I especially recommend two astrologers:

David Wells - http://www.DavidWells.co.uk - David is a good friend and I like his gentle approach to astrology… and the future, in general. You may recognize David from his past work as the lead psychic on the British TV series, Most Haunted.

Michael Lutin - http://www.MichaelLutin.com - Michael goes way out on a limb with his predictions, and they’ll either delight you or annoy you… and sometimes both.  For me, he’s either exactly right or totally wrong, each month.  But, I admire anyone who will take the chances that he does, and he’s well respected among many astrologers.

Website: FionaBroome.com // Music: Back to Back, by Father Rock

(Note: This forecast echoes much of what I said in my psychic Tarot reading, so I recommend reading or listening to that for additional insights.)

There are a couple of lesser influences during August.  One of them is a Jupiter-Saturn combination that may make you feel unstable or off-balance, especially around August 19th.  That’s immediately followed by a helpful New Moon that helps you move issues back into perspective.   (So, don’t speak or act in haste around the 19th.)

However, the greater influence involves the Moon’s nodes.  They’re often overlooked by newspaper astrology reports, but in August, the Moon’s nodes are the major players in your life.

Any time we talk about the Moon, something is not how it seems at first glance.  Keep that in mind.

Early in August, you’re going to feel vulnerable.  Something you’ve counted on isn’t there any more, or it’s slipping away.  Your first impulse will be to plead, beg, make compromises (unacceptable ones, I might add) and retreat to the safety of what’s familiar.

Don’t do it.

Instead, focus on your untapped, unrecognized and unrewarded strengths.  Now is not the time to lookat all the reasons why you need the support of others; put your weaknesses to one side and accept that those are the cards you’ve been dealt… for now.

Set new goals that are based on self-reliance, independence and the life you’ve always wanted to live, regardless of what others do or think.

Start building on your inner strengths and the knowledge that you already have… the things that you do or know better than most people.  Enhance those areas, and shine the spotlight on them.  They’re the lasting foundation that will lead to a happier, more fulfilling future.

August will be a busy month.  For the greatest success, make broad changes in your work and play habits, so you have the focus and energy you need to accomplish a lot during August.

September 7th through the 29th will bring a Mercury retrograde that will allow you to restructure some of your relationships and start new ones that fit your new independence, as well as the goals you thought were beyond your reach.

During September, you’ll need patience with others.  By making changes in your own life during August, you’ll be making September’s relationship adjustments with clarity and confidence.

By early next year, you’ll look back on this month as the beginning of something new and wonderful that enhanced your life in ways you never anticipated.

Website: FionaBroome.com // Music: Back to Back, by Father Rock

Here’s the summary.

You’re in a position of vulnerability right now, indicated by the Page of Swords, reversed.

The past — symbolized by the Emperor card — is behind you, and with it a sense of stability.  You’re feeling a little uncertain as you have to do more for yourself now… or perhaps you should be doing more for yourself now.  Either way, this is a challenging time for you, stepping into an area where you don’t feel as confident as you’re accustomed to.

You’re crossed by the Queen of Pentacles.  In that position, the card means a (possibly destabilizing) fear of failure, balanced by your confidence that you’re willing to work hard and to learn what you need to.

The foundation of this — the underlying issue — is the Eight of Pentacles.  That’s a card of learning and apprenticeship.  It means that you’ve been acquiring more skills and knowledge, probably at a level far above a novice.  You’re someone who’s prepared to continue learning and to work hard.  As a result, wealth and wonderful things can open to you.

Immediately ahead is the card on which this whole reading hinges.  It’s the Devil card, reversed.  That means you have been (or you’re about to be) set free from something that’s been holding you back.  Sure, it seemed nice and cozy and secure… but it’s still been holding you back.

Your future success hinges on how much you’re willing to change, and how self-reliant and independent you’re willing to be.  Will you make the big changes, accepting the risks… and the rewards?

The card representing your self is the Strength card.  It shows that you have the ability to solve others’ problems, and you are innately very powerful.  This isn’t a card of servitude, where you put your interests and independence aside to serve others.  It’s a card that suggests you have untapped (or neglected) resources that you could put to use to make your life richer on many levels.

Others see you as the Hanged Man, reversed.  That card suggests that people are questioning your goals, or how you’re reaching for those goals.  Maybe you should ignore their concerns… but maybe they have a point.

It all hinges on how much you’re willing to change, in the direction of drawing upon your own strengths and abilities, to step into the role of a competent and powerful person in your own right.  Old answers probably won’t work.  It’s time to shine!

Your hopes and fears card is the Nine of Wands, reversed.  That tells me that you’re concerned about obstacles, illness, disabilities… the short-term and long-term things that could prevent you from living the life you want.  That’s a reasonable concern, since you’re suddenly free of something that’s seemed secure but was actually holding you back.

That concern should lead you to focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.  This is important! During this time, don’t try to improve the areas in which you’re weakest.  Instead, find ways to make the most of what you do better than most people.  That’s where success is, whether this is a huge life change or something relatively small.

There are two outcome cards in any reading like this.

If you “go with the flow” and change nothing, you’ll find yourself slipping into pessimism and regret.  You’ll be looking back (through rose-colored glasses) and seeing the glass as half empty, not half full.  Don’t slide into self-pity!  Whether it looks that way right away or not, you’re actually in a far better position than you were when everything seemed to be more secure.

You must take a step towards greater self-reliance and self-confidence.  A great future is just around the corner!

The alternate outcome — if you embrace change in a really big way — is that you’ll realize you’ve taken on too much at once.

Knowing this ahead of time, you’ll avoid multi-tasking.  You’ll set an achievable goal and focus on it until it’s completed.  Then, you’ll set your next goal, and so on.

Sure, life has a way of keeping us a little off-balance and jumping from one task to the next.  As much as possible, focus on a single goal until you reach it.

Also, remember that everyone else is experiencing some of this, too.  They’re feeling vulnerable in small or big areas of their lives.  So, voluntarily commit to self-reliance.  You can be a shining beacon that inspires everyone around you!

People do want you to succeed.  The strengths that you need are there already.  You may need to look at them in new ways.  You may need to acquire more knowledge or add to your strengths, but you already have what you need to be successful.

Go for it. Reach for success in every area of your life, starting with where you suddenly have freedoms.  By the start of 2010, you’ll look back and be glad that you did.

July will be a month for practice.

You’ll be challenged to stand up for yourself.  This may involve confrontations, but — after it’s over — you’ll wonder why you were so anxious about what would happen.  Whether you’re effective or not, remember that this is a practice month.  Your future happiness does not depend on how well you handle these moments, at first.  All that’s important is that you do stand up for yourself.

You’ll make plans and watch them get pushed to one side.  This is a time when you’re practicing your ability to remain calm and focused.  Keep your attention on the big picture, the things that aren’t changing.

You will feel unsettled and even wobbly at times, wondering what else is going to change when you least expect it, and when you’ll be challenged abruptly.

Don’t worry.  Remember that it’s all practice!

You’re also clearing away the things that no longer support you.  They’re small things, really, but — at the time — you may not be happy to let go of them.  You’re likely to attach them to bigger memories, or a sense of comfort that you’ve become accustomed to.

Speaking of memories, you’re going to be tempted to wallow in them.  That’s part of this month’s process:  Let go of the past!

Sure, it’s important to remember when you were successful and happy.  Take the best of those qualities and bring them back into your life… but in a new context.

In early August, a lunar eclipse in Aquarius is going to open the doors to playtime and adventures, sometimes frivolous ones.  If you’ve stood up for yourself in July and weeded out the nagging little things that bother you, August can be a month of relaxation and tremendous fun.

August will also bring you opportunities to more deeply experience the kind of authentic life you’ve wanted.  By taking care of the lesser tasks — the mental ‘housekeeping’ and cleaning that you’ve needed to do — you’ll have the focus you need to take advantage of late August’s opportunities.

Link:  FionaBroome.com

Here’s what I see in the cards.

The immediate past: Wheel of Fortune - Your troubles are winding down now.  No matter what comes next, it’s going to be very good.

The situation: Emperor, reversed - You’ve been feeling some confusion.  You have a deeper awareness of your personal power, but recent changes haven’t fully settled in, yet.

What’s challenging you: Ten of Pentacles - You’ve made some profound personal changes, but the world around you hasn’t caught up with those changes, yet.  You’re not sure what to think.

The underlying issues: Nine of Cups - Your wishes are being fulfilled.  This is such a change — after a period of challenges, somewhat troubling discoveries, and a time in which you shifted priorities — that you’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop.  That is, you’re not quite ready to believe that your luck has changed so dramatically for the better.

In your immediate future: Nine of Swords, reversed - You may receive some very good news.  At the very least, you’ll discover that your patience has been rewarded!

The card representing your sense of self: The Star - You have a new-found sense of awareness.  You’re far better able to balance the past and the present, as well as your needs and your sense of self, and others’.

How others see you: Queen of Swords - You are emerging as a person with confidence restored, and you’re feeling better about yourself, as well.

Your hopes and fears: Two of Wands, reversed - Avoid rushing things!  Now is a time for patience.  Allow the world and the people around you to get comfortable with who you are and the changes you’ve made.  You’ll also need to see what’s changed in the people around you, and adapt accordingly… without compromising your new sense of self, of course.

The outcome if you change nothing: Two of Pentacles - Harmony in the midst of change.

The outcome if you are very good about being patient and not rushing things:  Your happy life will feel back on track, and your activity level will resume with great successes along the way.

Here’s what I see in the cards.

The immediate past: 8 Pentacles - You’ve learned several important things recently.  They may be happy things or not-so-happy, but they were important.  Changes are necessary, based on what you discovered.  To repeat a cliche, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.

The card representing the current situation: Hierophant, reversed - You’ve been generous where you probably shouldn’t have been.  You wanted that to be an asset for you, but instead it’s been a weakness.

The foundation of the matter: 4 Pentacles - Either you’ve been feeling desperate or like an emotional black hole, or you’ve been pouring your energy into a situation (or a person) that’s been a black hole.  In other words, you didn’t get much back for all that you put into it.

What’s crossing you, or making you pause: Ace of Pentacles - You have to choose your new path.  There are several directions you can choose, generally related to skills that you already have, but you must choose one.

The immediate future: The Fool - You’re setting out on a new course.  There will be pitfalls and successes, but this is a very powerful change for you.   Wonderful opportunities await you, if you have faith in the future!

How you feel about yourself: Page of Wands - You see yourself as a faithful and loyal person.  That may be based on what you feel that you’ve done for others, and how you’ve put them first in your life.

What others see: Queen of Cups - You’re perceived as someone who has everything.  This can be good, or it could be that people feel that you have so much, you can afford to share it with them, and they take advantage of that.

The reason that I qualified that is the next card.

Your hopes and fears: Ten of Wands - You’ve been carrying the burdens of others, perhaps more than you should have.  It’s fine to support others when they need it, but not when it compromises your own happiness.

The outcome if you make no changes: Five of Cups, reversed - A relationship is going to end, or be transformed completely.

The outcome if you make changes: Four of Cups, reversed - New possibilities opening up!

In other words, it’s time to be firm with yourself.  Make yourself and your happiness a higher priority.  We’re all trained to put others first, and defer to their needs, thinking that this looks polite or generous or some other positive trait.

When you compromise yourself, and never make your happiness and success the first priority, you eventually bankrupt what’s available to give to others.  Now is the time to make changes so you don’t reach the point of exhaustion, frustration, and burnout, emotionally and/or physically.

You learned things during May.  It’s time to make the decisions — including the difficult decisions — that bring power and stability back into your life.

Once you’re back on track — and the card of new possibilities shows that you can do this — you can be even more helpful to others, from a position of power and strength.

Link: FionaBroome.com

Music: Back to Back, by Father Rock

Mercury turns direct on May 30th.  If you worry about Mercury retrogrades, you can relax now!

For almost everyone, the month of May revealed or highlighted facts that may have unsettled you.  It’s not that you were entirely surprised, but you weren’t ready to make changes this soon.

Truths will continue to emerge between now and November, thanks to a Neptune retrograde that started on May 28th.  But, May’s Mercury retrograde was the kick-start to this, and — if it was a difficult month — the worst is over.

Whether you realized that “the emperor has no clothes” or if you’re that emperor, the harshest truths are in the open now.  No one can put the toothpaste back into the tube.  Changes are necessary.

It’s okay.  Those changes are vital to your continued success.

You’ve had to re-examine the choices you’ve made, and how they resulted in… well, where you are today.  Whether a big change or just some fine-tuning is necessary, June can provide more soothing energy and a sense of balance.  By early July, you’ll probably feel that all is right with the world, after all.

In general, people are realizing what’s really important in life.  They aren’t content to wait and hope for a winning lottery ticket, or a stalled relationship to improve.  They’re tired of endless bad news in the headlines, triggering anxiety or anger.

People are looking at what endures:  Supportive relationships with others.  Personal accomplishments.  Above all, your own spirituality and how you connect with life and the world around you.

By mid-June, Jupiter turns retrograde (until October) and you’ll have a second chance at what you’ve most wanted.  The job will finally work out, or you’ll find a better opportunity.  The relationship will be renewed in lasting ways, or you’ll walk away and find Mr. Right (or Ms. Right) sooner than you expected to.  And so on.

You’ll start treating yourself better, and find comfort in that.  You’ll also realize that recovering your own power now will put you in the best position to help others, later.

Early in July, a Lunar eclipse in Capricorn will restore a sense of fairness.  If you’ve felt as if others are asking you to do too much, and not carrying their fair share, July will bring balance back to your life.  In most cases, others will realize (after a turbulent May) that they need to make changes.  However, some may continue to shrug off responsibility, and — during May — you saw what you need to do.

May brought issues to light.  June is a month to reclaim your power and independence, and — with that — your right to happiness.  July will restore a sense of fairness to the world around you.

June is going to be an easier month than it may sound, as I write this.  (After all, it’s the conclusion of the Mercury retrograde.  Communications aren’t always clear, and some people are still smarting after a few unpleasant surprises.)

This is going to be a summer with many opportunities for happiness… and at a level that you may have given up on, in the past.

I’m calling this “The Summer of Happiness, Restored.”

You’ve been anxious, generally about money.  (Yes, I realize that’s not news, but it’s in the cards, too.)  That’s in the cards all around you.

You’ve also worried that you may have missed an opportunity because you lacked the courage to accept the risks… or the timing just didn’t seem right.

Either way, don’t worry about it.  It’s not as important as the immediate future and the decisions that you make this month.

When I read the Tarot, there are always two possible outcomes.  One is usually much better than the other.  One is the outcome you’ll receive if you take the most logical steps and continue on the path you would have, even without this reading.  The other is the outcome if you make changes that aren’t as likely, from what I’m seeing, but are still very possible.

Life is a “choose your own adventure” path, in many ways.  You can choose which outcome you’d prefer and then work towards it.

With the choices available to you in May, your most likely outcome is The World… one of the best and most fulfilling cards in the deck.  It’s your most likely outcome because you’ve had enough anxiety and you’re almost ready to say, “Hey, I may as well follow my dreams.  Everything’s unraveling anyway, so why not do what I want to do!”

That is the correct choice.  I see an opportunity presenting itself shortly.  It will relate to something that holds tremendous energy, attraction and appeal for you.  This may be a direction you’ve always wanted to go in, but the siren song of a steady paycheck lured you away.  Or, it wasn’t the right time or place to pursue your dreams… and now it is.

The alternative is to give in to your fears, and retreat even further into your cave.  Follow what seems to be the “safe” path, and you’ll reach the Four of Swords… a return to basics.  It’s not going all the way back to square one, but it may not be an easy step for you.

That said, it’s not an awful choice.  You may have to swap your cable connection for dialup, or cook from scratch instead of eating out, but it’ll be okay.

So, the question is:  Will you reach for your dreams this month?  I highly recommend it.  That’s where the energy is… and the rewards.

Remember what I talked about in my astrological report for May 2009: We’re heading into a Mercury Retrograde.  You’ll be revisiting things with two sides, two paths, or two outcomes.    You’ll be returning to areas in which you’ve found creative rewards in the past.  If you’re an artist (and this prediction isn’t limited to art), it could be materials or a technique or theme that you enjoyed in the past and you can incorporate into fresh, new artwork.

If you’re not an artist, May could be a month in which you’re reminded of past interests, hobbies and pursuits.

If the energy seems to be there, and if it sparks your interest (and creativity or ingenuity), pick up that sword (your sense of power) and carry it forward with this new/renewed interest!

Take chances.  (However, not financial risks that make you lose sleep.)  Be bold and confident.

It will be a new direction for you in many ways.  The road may seem long as you look ahead, and there are many steps between where you are now and the point of success where you want to be.  However, the world is waiting for you and the rewards will be there.

My website:  FionaBroome.com

Music in this podcast: Back to Back, by Father Rock

You know how you sometimes walk away from a situation or conversation and mutter to yourself, “Arrgghh!  Why didn’t I say such-and-such?”

Well, retrogrades offer a chance to revisit past events, giving you an opportunity to be more clever about them.

In May 2009, Mercury (ruling travel, communications, mechanical issues and sometimes career matters) revisits the signs of Gemini and Taurus.

The Gemini phase — through mid-May — reveals two-faced behaviors.  If you’ve had a “gut feeling” that someone hasn’t been entirely honest with you, now is the time to find out for sure.  (Generally, this won’t be huge or devastating, but it’ll be something to keep in mind for the future.)

Gemini’s dual nature also softens the harsh aspects of Mercury retrogrades.  You may be faced with some challenges, but — if you look — you’ll find unexpected and happy opportunities in those same areas.

In many cases, it will be as simple as looking at the glass half-full instead of half-empty.  (Remember, I said “simple”… not “easy!”)

Since this retrograde may bring you back to issues that have had a long-lasting effect on your life, you’ll have a chance to find better solutions.  So, you’ll be relieved when Mercury moves back into Taurus on May 13th.

Taurus — the sign of the bull — is a sign in which things start out very slowly.  With Taurus, you can take “baby steps” and see if a new answer is the right one for you.  If it isn’t, you still have plenty of time to try something different until you find the best solution for the situation.

By the time Mercury turns direct on May 30th, you’ll be ready for Taurus’ extra bonus:  Taurus’ slow start can lead to some very powerful changes for the better. (Think of a bull pawing the ground, then slowly approaching before he breaks into a full charge ahead with tremendous impact.)

The sign of Taurus also makes certain areas easiest for you to change.  They include:

• How you eat.  Dietary changes are easier than ever during this month.  Establish good eating habits this month using the supporting energy of Taurus plus Mercury.
• Your creative interests.  Whether it’s music, visual arts, dance or some other creative field, this is the month to revisit past influences — materials, techniques, inspiration — and incorporate it into your newest work.  Mercury will enhance your memories and Taurus will give you those “ah-HA!” moments.
• Your surroundings.  This month is perfect for redecorating your home and/or office.  Mercury gives you a fresh eye for familiar surroundings, and Taurus provides the inspiration for reusing what you already own, or adding a few accent pieces that make a huge improvement.

This month’s podcast is the first of my new astrology style.  I’m going to be focusing on just one or two major influences each month.  They’ll be trends that will affect your entire month, more than the less important day-by-day changes.

If you’re looking for more detailed reports, I recommend these websites owned by two real-life friends.  Each has a different approach to astrology, and at least one of them is likely to offer helpful information that works with your life.

David Wells - http://www.DavidWells.co.uk

Michael Lutin - http://www.MichaelLutin.com

Also, be sure to visit my own website, Fiona Broome - http://FionaBroome.com

As usual, this month’s “bumper” music is Back to Back by Father Rock.

During the first half of April, focus on resolving past relationship issues.  Find closure, even if things didn’t conclude perfectly.

During the second half of April, take your new or existing relationship to a new, happier level.  You’ll have the energy and enthusiasm for this, because April is another high-energy month.

However, April isn’t all about romance (though the Full Moon on April 9th brings a little extra love into everyone’s lives).  April’s equally good for new projects that will improve your future material successes.

Just remember to stay in focus.  When you’re at work, focus on work.  Don’t get lost in a daydream about romance.

Likewise, when you’re with your significant other, don’t start thinking about work.

As I always warn during high-energy periods:  Some people (you as well as the people around you) may mistake this energy surge for anxiety or even anger.  Accept the energy and direct it in positive directions with extra attention to your work or extra activity such as exercise or recreational pursuits.

The energy will peak around April 22nd.  After that, you may see your energy return to a (happy) normal level.  So, don’t overextend yourself with the idea that this energy surge will continue indefinitely!  Put the energy to good use, and build a solid foundation for your future business successes.

One warning around April 24th:  Although you’ve resolved many relationship issues during March and early April, don’t rush ahead with your new or current relationship.  For example, unless the date was set awhile ago, don’t decide to elope or push the relationship too quickly.

In general, this is a month when — as long as you stay in focus and direct the extra energy appropriately — you can accomplish great things at work and in your romantic life.

Music:  Back to Back by Father Rock

Fiona’s website: FionaBroome.com

In the recent past, I see a person or situation has stepped out of your life.  Maybe this actually happened awhile ago, but you’ve recently realized it, heard about it, or decided to come to terms with it.  Or, it could be something that’s just happened.  Either way, you’ve been looking at the door that closed, and you’re not sure what to do about it.

That door closing was actually important for several reasons.  One is that it opens the door to renewing past friendships and re-energizing a support network that has helped you (and that you’ve contributed to, in return).  However, you are the one who will have to make the first move to get back together with your old friends.

In addition, the door that closed… maybe it prevented you from seeing the better choices that have been available to you.  The good news is, they’re still there, waiting for you.  Be more open to alternatives, including those that you thought were beyond your reach.

In the immediate future, I see gossip and narrow-minded people.  Ignore them.  Don’t listen to them.  Don’t reply.  Don’t argue.  Don’t explain yourself.  Stop reading what they say, if it’s online… just don’t visit those websites.  What they’re saying has nothing to do with you.  It’s just how they’re expressing their deep, personal unhappiness, and you can’t change that.

During April 2009 and the coming months, start every day by saying something like, “I’m living a charmed life,” and then work on believing it.  Recover your sense of delight in every day.  Look for the good, the magic and the enchantment of your life and the world around you.

It’s time for a fresh outlook and new attitudes.  Remember that line, “Expect a miracle”?  Well, start expecting one, and believe that you deserve it.  That kind of thinking may take a full month to turn into a daily habit.  April is your month to get started.

Music in this podcast:  “Back to Back” by Father Rock

The sooner you let go of past solutions that didn’t really work, the sooner you’ll realize the magnificence of the path you’re on.

On March 6th, Venus turns retrograde (until April 17th).  This gives you a chance to fall back in love.  If you’re alone and want to be in a relationship, you’ll have an opportunity to revisit past relationships by seeing aspects of them in the people currently in your life.

Think about what you want and don’t want in a partner, and visualize that in someone arriving in your life soon.  Hold onto that visualization, and don’t settle for tired, old patterns that didn’t work before and won’t work now.  (Remember: If you go to the grocery store hungry and without a shopping list, you’re likely to bring home junk food!)

Mercury moves into Pisces on March 8th, making life very interesting.  You can take everything at face value and have a boring (and sometimes frustrating) month, or you can look for the deeper meanings around you.  Nothing is as two-dimensional as it seems!  Release your expectations and look beyond the stereotypes.  You will be pleasantly surprised.

During this time, accept that there will be surprises… many of them.  Don’t let that throw you off-balance or make you want to withdraw from the uncertainties. Embrace them, and find the layers of meaning in everything this month!

However, many people will feel pushed beyond their comfort zones this month.  They won’t see the beauty in the depths that are suddenly available to them, and they’ll react with anger and frustration.  They’ll want everything simple and straightforward… and this isn’t that month.

In general, take things slowly and be very gentle with yourself.  Accomplish as many of the necessities as you must, but otherwise take time to nurture yourself emotionally, mentally and physically.

On the 14th of March, Mars moves into Pisces.  The bad news is, this can make you feel as if you’re going in circles and getting nowhere.  Again, look past the obvious! You are making progress, but not in the ways you may have thought.  Don’t force anything.  Don’t try to rush things, because life is going to turn things around just enough to force you to tread this part of the path thoughtfully.

That message will be reinforced starting March 20th when the Sun moves into Aries.  I’ll say it over & over again:  Be very gentle with yourself this month!  Take time to consider that the best path may not be the fastest path.

Late in March, you’ll feel enthusiasm beginning to build.  Nurture that and don’t rush into new projects yet.  Allow the enthusiasm to develop and refine itself.  By mid-April, you’ll discover new opportunities that will make good use of your growing enthusiasm… as well as the energy you’ve restored by relaxing during March.

In the recent past, you’ve felt anxiety over something.  You’re not sure if you missed an opportunity or should have taken action sooner.

Well, you should have.  The good news is, you didn’t miss as big an opportunity as you might think.  In fact, it wasn’t that important.  This was simply a preparation for May, when something else will make you pause and wonder if it’s time to act… and you should!

(If you didn’t miss the late February opportunity, good for you!  But, you still have a bigger gold ring to reach for in May.  Don’t miss that one.)

It’s vital for you to be honest with yourself about the recent past.  You’ve been thrust into situations that have required some introspection, and that’s a good thing.  If you don’t examine what’s happened, you won’t learn, and life will hand you larger lessons.  Take the hint, early!

For the present, I see new beginnings and a sense of release from the past… if you allow it.  Don’t feel as if you can’t start anything new until you’ve finished absolutely, positively everything else you’ve ever started, and you’ve finished it perfectly and to everyone else’s expectations.

That’s the short route to sadness and self-doubts.

If a project has lost its energy, conclude it quickly.  Or, acknowledge that it served its purpose and it’s time to let it go, even if it looks incomplete to the rest of the world.

It’s time to be nurturing with your ideas and creative impulses.  (You’ll keep hearing me say “nurturing” and “be gentle with yourself” repeatedly in this month’s predictions.)

For now and in the immediate future, it’s key to seize opportunities, ideas and visions if they bring you a sense of childlike delight.  If they don’t, let them go.

In the immediate future, look for a renewed sense of trust and communication in your relationships.  If you’ve been waiting for a new romance, the doors are opening.

Also, I want you to know that your prayers are being answered.  However, those answers may not show up in neon lights or at your front door.  Look beyond the surface.  Look for messages and meaning in the world around you.  The answers are there, but they may be slightly concealed.  Whether it’s a phrase in the newspaper, on a billboard or on your cereal box, clues are going to appear almost everywhere you look.

Take time for you this month.  Clean house, in terms of projects that no longer hold delight.  Accept that you are a trustworthy person, and invest more trust in people and relationships around you.  Look for answers to your dearest wishes and prayers.  They are arriving, if you look for them.

This month’s cards: Past - Seven of Wands, Reversed / Friendship Present - Eight of Swords, Reversed / Children, Reversed Future - Lovers / Answered Prayers

February starts with a gift, as Mercury turns direct (whew!) in Capricorn on the first.  However, you may not feel it much until around the 3rd or 4th.  That’s a good thing, because while Mercury won’t get in the way of your communications as much, Capricorn is going to insist on well-considered dialogue and comments.  So, don’t blurt everything you’ve wanted to say for weeks… think carefully about the timing and how you say it.

(And, for those who worry about Mercury retrogrades: The next one isn’t until May.)

On February 2nd, Venus (the planet of beauty, art and love) moves into Aries (a sign that can be very plain-speaking and seem a little pushy).  So, that Venus-Aries combo can lead to some impulsive romances.  It may not last very long, but it can be fun anyway!

The other side of this Venus-Aries mix can be harsh.  It tends to make everyone a critic, especially regarding art, beauty and creativity.  So, artists with thin skins need to add a little extra insulation during this time.

Mars moves into Aquarius on February 4th, tempting you to say, “Out with the old, and in with the new!”  Saturn will oppose Uranus the very next day, adding to your temptation to jump ship and abandon aspects of your past that have been disappointing.  Don’t do it!  During the coming weeks, see if you can build a solid bridge between your past and your future.  Avoid leaping into anything suddenly.  Instead, create a solid foundation for the future you envisioned late in January.

Above all, don’t quit your job on February 9th.  The Full Moon in Leo makes everyone growl a little, and the lunar eclipse adds to the drama.  Step away from power struggles, and stay on track with your evolution from a ho-hum past to a fascinating future.  Don’t rush things!

During February, it will be very important not to let the “slings and arrows” of ill-chosen words make you defensive.  Don’t put up a barrier between you and the rest of the world.  The wall that keeps the insults and drama out will also prevent miracles and opportunities from reaching you.  Keep that Aquarius flow moving in your life.  Hold onto nothing — not anger, not fear, not anxiety — but keep moving forward.

Mercury moves into Aquarius on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.  It’s the perfect time to open your heart and share your feelings with someone close to you.  However, this isn’t a one-day event for Mercury, so don’t feel as if you have to blurt it all on the 14th.  Take it one step at a time, and know that the next several days will provide many opportunities for heart-to-heart talks and emotional connections.

The Sun moves into Pisces on the 18th of February.  If you’ve been reflecting on the past, especially others’ mistakes and your own, the coming weeks will present opportunities for forgiveness.  Forgive others and let go of your disappointments in them and yourself.  With those emotions fully released, you’ll be less likely to act impulsively.  You won’t need to prove your worth to others… or to yourself.  So, savor the coming weeks.  They’re a time for gracious healing.

The final major event in February will occur on the 24th, when there’s a New Moon in Pisces.  This opens the door to magic, miracles and opportunities.  Just be sure that you’re ready for them, and that you look for them.

We’re entering a time (through late August) when you may be filled with nostalgia.  Looking backwards through rose-colored glasses, it’s easy to forget what wasn’t working in your past.  In fact, that past can’t be relived because your memories are selective.  Instead, take those happy memories and renew them in your current circumstances.  No matter where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing, you can still blend the best of your past with the glorious future that’s opening for you during 2009.

Link: www.FionaBroome.com

Podcast music:  “Back to Back” by Father Rock (CT/USA)

For example, many people learn how a Mercury retrograde will affect them, for good or for bad, and they know how it can affect people around them, too.  When the weather report predicts rain, you’ll dress accordingly.  When astrology tells you that a Mercury retrograde’s on its way, you’ll plan for it.

Psychic card readings are different.  They’re about the internal lessons and insights that can affect your external world.  No two people are likely to interpret my card readings the same way.  I recommend listening with your heart, rather than intellectualizing this process.

For February, I see that you’ve wanted things to change and you (or others) may have rushed into some thoughtless changes.  For example, if it’s romance, there may have been a rebound relationship.

Since then, you’ve realized that you (or someone close to you) did something that disappointed you, and your reaction was swift and perhaps thoughtless.

It’s important to forgive the other person, but it’s more important to forgive yourself for your response… and then let it go.

At the moment, you’re still looking back at what may seem like false starts.  Well, it’s not that they were totally awful, but you didn’t prepare well enough for what could happen… and did.

It’s time to adjust your course.  It’s time to think through what you want from your future, and build a stronger foundation to prepare for it.  Consider the “what ifs” so that you don’t get tangled in disagreements and disappointments.

Mostly, let go of your fears and anger from the past.  You have nothing to prove to others, so you don’t need to rush into your future, ill-prepared.  Don’t try to change everything; just pause and re-think what’s happened, learn from it, adjust as necessary, and let the past go.

Accept that you are worthy of miracles and opportunities.  Ask yourself if you’ve found enough of a place of contentment, that you’d recognize a miracle if it showed up in your life.

(I’m saying that because you may not have noticed some of the miracles and opportunities within your reach.  You’ve had moments during which you’ve wanted to rush into changes, and create a better life… almost instantly.  The answers aren’t way over there… they’re within your reach right at this moment.)

For the immediate future, I see continued dissatisfaction in some areas.  How large and important are those areas?  The answer is in this very moment.  By making changes, mostly small changes, to build a stronger foundation for your future, you may barely notice areas that aren’t quite right, yet.

It will be vital to quiet your mind at least once a day.  Allow yourself to relax.  Release your cares and concerns, if only for a few minutes of prayer, meditation, communing with Nature, or whatever quiet activity provides you with a sense of beauty and calm.

In general, reflect on the concept of harmony.  This means resolving conflicts or at least letting them go.  It also means accepting that you deserve peace, happiness and the miracles around you.

The answers aren’t in big changes or frantic activity.  Find the small, important changes that will make your future more secure, and then allow miracles and opportunities to appear in your everyday life.

Look especially at the area of your life where the problems are the biggest and most frustrating.  Is it your career? Finances? Romance? Health and fitness?

Take time to envision your life if you were wildly successful in that area.  How would it look?  What can you do right now, with little or no effort or expense, to move in that direction.

Saturn is in Virgo, so you’ll need to work on your life from the outside, first.

For example, if your budget is impossible and you’re feeling “poor,” start working on your home and office environments.  Clean everything.  Repair what you need to, and throw out (or recycle) objects that won’t fit with the bigger, better lifestyle that’s on its way in 2009.

If it’s about romance, get rid of the sad, old mementos and stop talking about what bad luck you have with dates, partners or marriage.  Stop using those issues as an excuse for problems in new relationships, too.  Dress like someone who is confident about how attractive and valuable they are.

But, in general, you’re going to be staring at problems that seem to have no solutions… except to accept a “less than” life and trudge forward through it.

Ick.   That’s the wrong answer.

Starting January 5th, when Jupiter (the planet of opportunities) moves into Aquarius (the sign of flow and movement), you’ll see astonishing opportunities open up for you.  You’ll discover resources and solutions that you didn’t have before… or that you’d forgotten about.

In general, you’ll get “unstuck” as you move through this year.  And, since Jupiter is in Aquarius all year, you’ll see one great opportunity after another; don’t settle for less than you deserve!

In the middle of January, watch for Mercury to turn retrograde in Aquarius.  As usual, be wary of contracts, allow extra time for travel, and prepare for the occasional mechanical problem.

But, also look for opportunities to fix poor communications from the past.  If you or someone else said something badly, this Mercury retrograde will give you a chance to repair the damage and reconnect with that person.

In the cards

The cards for the past suggest a minor conflict resolved, and some very good accomplishments in the recent past.  Pat yourself on the back.  You’ve done a good job!  Then, move forward into the present.

If you aren’t already writing down your dreams — dreams from your sleep, or your general dreams for your future — please be sure to do so, this month.

Also, make the choice to connect with your spirituality and/or Deity.  However, when I talk about “spirituality” I usually mean creativity as well.  So, this is a powerful time to renew your creative activities, or your appreciation for the arts.

Whether you’re resuming your interest in music, visual arts, or performing arts, take steps to get involved again.  Even if it means going out to opera or ballet, or going to clubs, bring the arts back into your life this month.

For the future, be sure to balance time alone with time being of service to others.  Whether you spend an hour helping in a soup kitchen, a day helping Habitat for Humanity, or you help an elderly neighbor with her errands, it’s vital to serve others.  By being generous — because you can — you’re sending a powerful message to the Universe about how you’re handling the successes that are on their way to you in 2009.

In general, be more forgiving of yourself and others.  The only reason that these old problems are returning is because your past solutions were far too small.  It’s time for bigger, bolder solutions to support the wildly successful lifestyle that’s on its way in 2009.

For more information like this, visit my website, FionaBroome.com

December 2008 is a month of mini-resolutions.  If you’ve been planning to make small (but important) lifestyle changes, use December’s surge of energy to start them around the 10th or 12th.

Whether you’re starting a diet, getting more sleep, waking up earlier to start your day better prepared, focusing on work more, or taking more time to play… December is the month to improve your life from the ground up.  Build gradually, starting now.

Also vent that extra energy in healthy, physical ways.  Go dancing.  Clean the house.  Start an exercise program.  If you don’t direct the energy constructively, this is a month when counting sheep won’t help with insomnia.  In fact, the sheep will start demanding overtime pay.

Exercise is your friend this month!

The holiday season is already stressful for many people, but December could be even more challenging than usual.  People are likely to be over-assertive, aggressive, overbearing and they may even seem like bullies at times.

Weirdly, they may seem utterly amazed when you don’t cheerfully follow their advice.  (It’s all about Mars and the Sun entering Sagittarius on December 5th.  That’s going to set the tone for much of the month that follows.)

By the 22nd, you’ll start wondering “Where’d that come from?” when ordinarily pleasant, quiet people become uncharacteristically pushy or even demanding.  Deal with it as gracefully as you can.

Around the 27th, you’ll be glad that you made the lifestyle changes earlier, and that you’ve maintained those new good habits.  The New Moon of the 27th has “burnout” written all over it.

On New Year’s Eve, avoid temptations to tell the boss (or the new clerk in the mailroom) that you’ve worshipped him or her from afar.  Likewise, smile and edge away gracefully if someone makes that kind of confession to you.  This is just a continuation of that strange pushiness that the planets can dictate.

Also on New Year’s Eve, Saturn turns retrograde.  Obstacles, including those you thought you’d resolved, are likely to appear.  Brush them aside and keep your eye on your goals… the big goals.

The cards tell a similar story for December:  The negative energy that’s kept you slightly out-of-focus lately is moving out of your life.  A lot of conflicts, indecision and obstacles will vanish as quickly as you release them.  Don’t use “positive thinking” to banish them, just let them go and don’t think of them again… at all!

This will seem like “the end of an era” in some ways, and you will have some bittersweet moments.  Underneath that, you’ll sense that it’s a positive step forward.  Focus on the positive.

Towards the end of December, and as you move into January 2009, you’re moving into a time of confidence.  Every step will feel right, if a little uncertain at first.  You won’t be starting “all over again,” but a lot of what’s new (and very good) in your life will bring “first date” jitters.  There may be some missteps, but it will all work out fine.  Allow yourself to be flawed, forgive yourself (and others) for minor blunders, and get ready for 2009.

Really, 2009 is going to be amazing.  December is your month to clear away things that no longer serve you, and make lifestyle improvements that will support you as you step into a bold, exciting new year.

Link: FionaBroome.com

Music: “Back to Back” by Father Rock

Here’s the condensed version:

New Moon, October 28th - Enjoy the energy and the ease with which you (and others) start new projects and complete them.

Full Moon, November 12th - Use tact.  This is a time of “open mouth, insert foot”.  The theme is “tempers and true love” as people are on edge and grab at the first solution that occurs to them.  Absolutely nothing is the solution to every problem, and when that reality hits, it can be harsh.

New Moon, November 27th - Tempers will flare even more as Mars (conflict) lines up with Mercury (communications).

In the cards:

You can’t force fun.  Relax.  Quit waiting for things to change before you allow yourself to reach for your dreams.  The answers to your prayers (or spells or wishes) have arrived.  You simply need to start taking positive steps towards your dreams, and you’ll be amazed at the resources you discover around you.  Even if you can only do a little, take the first steps right now.

Be gentle with others and keep moving forward towards your own dreams.  By the end of November, you’ll have a lot to be thankful for.

In this podcast, Fiona talks about letting go of past anger, and forgiving others (or perhaps yourself).

Fiona also warns of false nostalgia, and the idea that the future won’t be as happy — or offer as many opportunities — as the past.  Don’t overlook the many blessings and new avenues of support that are opening for you right now.

In the immediate future, Fiona predicts abundance, despite the obvious social and global changes that are in progress.  By letting go of old standards and false values, and getting back to what’s really important in life, you’ll soon see that these changes will benefit all of us in deeply meaningful ways.

Also, Fiona warns about ’scarcity thinking’ and equating happiness with material wealth and status symbols.  Wealth isn’t about things, it’s about your life, your environment and your relationships. Fiona reminds us that — according to the cards — help is on the way, and it will arrive sooner if you keep a positive outlook and accept blessings as they arrive, even if they don’t look the way you expected them to.

Most people are going to find renewed enthusiasm for life and a richer daily existence as they revisit their spirituality, and their relationships with nature and the people around them.

In addition, many people will be going on a journey.  That may be a literal trip to another location, or it could be a more personal, internal journey to the soul. Either way, you will find both comfort and answers as you learn from these experiences.

Astrologically, Fiona points out that current planetary alignments are similar to those of the American Revolution and many other events that changed life globally… for the better.  While we may experience some ‘growing pains’ as those changes enter our daily lives, the outcome will be positive and perhaps even wonderful.

To those who worry that we’re heading into another Great Depression, Fiona suggests that the planets were very differently aligned in 1929 and the early 1930s.   While there may be some financial turbulence ahead, it is not likely to mimic the 1930s.

Mostly, Fiona advises us that news headlines don’t tell the real story.  To some, the current social and economic changes are a crisis.

To those who can see beyond media hype and rumors, we’re emerging into an era that’s been anticipated for the past 40 years:  The Age of Aquarius.

Forget the short-term rain clouds.  Let the sun shine in.