As we head into 2008 we begin to see a different cosmic picture. Each year is different; as in any year planets connect to other planets, change signs sometimes, appear to lie dormant or are highly active. Often they get on with each other and hold positive dialogue, in other years they seem to squabble and create tension. The planetary angles are reflected here on earth as a generalized influence that can affect people on a global sense with some of the bigger angles, also on the personal level as at some point in life they will make an exact connection in a chart that makes it an ultra personal or memorable year. In a generalized forecast such as this one, I try to explain the potential that is offered to those of us who live on earth.

We are leaving behind 2007, a year that I personally found `bitty' and quite frustrating at some levels, as it seemed to only inch forward. This in part was influenced by the final opposition of Saturn to Neptune in June that created a sense of uncertainty and for some destabilized the structure of their world. I have spent the last two years talking of how this once-in-a-35 year cycle is inclined to have this affect, and it does make people more cautious, and also fearful, and aware of the future.

Also in 2007 three personal planets, Mercury in Pisces in February/March, Venus in Virgo July and September and then Mars in Cancer September 07 - May 2008 were always going to affect personal lives. These planets represent our communication (Mercury), our money/relationships (Venus) our work/health (Mars). All 3 went retrograde in the signs of their `fall' indicating that none of them felt, or in the case of Mars still feel, comfortable with the energy.

As we begin 2008 Mars will move back into Gemini and come into opposition with Pluto again at the end of Sagittarius and as this occurs on 1 January it may very well indicate a theme that runs through the year. This transit can indicate strong and combative energies exist between people, indicating potential power struggles and sometimes this can act ruthlessly towards achieving an end goal. Some will attempt to gain control over others, and for those so inclined realize this aspect can turn on those who follow this path. If you were born 15-24 June or 16-24 December you come under the influence of this connection and relationships of important can end or begin around the exact opposition. It is best to sort out your differences, or find people you can blend your energy with, as this can be powerful when two people work together. It can bring a period of hard work. Interestingly, the last aspect of the year will be a Mars conjunct Pluto in early Capricorn so the year of 2008 is very much influenced by these two. The conjunction is working together or blending the energy, so does show energy will be expanded on issues that matter now.

As Mars will move back into Cancer early March it will once again oppose Pluto, who by this time has entered Capricorn. As this is the third and final connection, plans or ideas that surfaced in October 2007 will finally come to a conclusion or be completed in the first week of March 2008.

A quick check of the planetary positions for 2008 shows:

1. Jupiter in Capricorn all year.

Jupiter will retrograde on 9 May at 22° and direct at 12° on 8 September. Jupiter makes a positive trine with Saturn in January, September and November- this combination can bring growth that is restrained or more practical. Plans laid down in January can power ahead through the latter months of this connection.

Jupiter loses much of its exuberance in this workmanlike sign, and caution and restraint are common words associated with this combination. Using common sense, not wasting resources and having a more frugal attitude can be the one that prevails. This is in some way a pre-runner of the major transit of the year, that of Pluto in Capricorn and maybe we will learn to appreciate what we have and use it wisely, than trying to over-reach. Jupiter will put some limits on life.

2. Saturn will remain in Virgo all year - and it will continue in a retrograde state until 3 May when it will move into `direct or forward motion' at 1° of this sign. So it goes right back to the beginning again almost and takes many back into a phase of their lives that began in September 2007. In April/May Saturn will come into trine to Pluto and this is a positive building transit as well, beginning to work on problems of long-standing. (see the Pluto in Capricorn article for more information).

Saturn is into systems and organisation whilst it remains in this service related sign. It is important to find the most useful or efficient way of getting a result. This transit can put some order into life. It is also a combination of hard work.

Saturn will next retrograde on 1 January 2009.

3. Uranus remains in Pisces moving retrograde at 22° on 27 June and moving into `direct/forward motion' at 18° on 28 November 2008. It will make a conjunction to the Sun of those born 8-14 March of any year. (see individual Pisces report for more detail).

In October/November Saturn in Virgo will oppose Uranus in Pisces and these two are very, very different. Saturn is all things conservative, traditional and of long-standing, Uranus on the other hand governs everything that is modern, alternative, progressive and new. This can herald a breaking from the past, as old structures collapse and are replaced by ones more fitting for the times and age we live in. It is a developmental opposition, as it can get rid of the dead wood so to speak, and allow new growth to develop. It can bring a battle between opposing sides as some will strive to hold on to the past, while others see the need for a changeable future - hence it can end shaky and out of date partnerships and relationships. This is the beginning of this connection, but it does continue through until September 2009.

4. Neptune will continue to move through Aquarius reaching 24° where it moves retrograde on 27 May. It will move direct at 21° on 2 November. It will conjunct the Sun's of those born 8-14 February in any year.

5. Pluto will change signs this year and enter the earth sign of Capricorn on 26th January. Pluto will move retrograde at 1° on 2 April and re-enter the sign of Sagittarius from 14 June. It will move into direct/forward motion at 28° Sagittarius on 9 September 2008 and re-enter Capricorn at 27 November 2008. In these years when Pluto is moving from one sign to another, there is often a need to really understand exactly what growth or otherwise the transit of Sagittarius has meant in personal life, and on a global sense, since it first entered in 1995. Irrespective, of the `scientists' claim early in 2007 to downgrade this planet to `dwarf' status - they may just see exactly what a power house this planet really is when it moves between the signs.

I am writing a full and extensive article on this planet (Pluto in Capricorn) and the effects it can have on our world over its 16 year stay in Capricorn. Just bear in mind that Pluto is the great leveller as it clears out the old, reforms and transforms and clears the way for a new regime or structure to enter life. It may not be everyone's favourite planet this year though as it can be quite disruptive and bring definite endings, before it allows the new to be felt.

This is the end of the major planetary connections we can look forward to in 2008 and at least with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Earth all making some connection or other at times in the year, this is the first time for many years that this practical energy is available. Earth signs represent the hard work, structure and security many seek in their lives, so ultimately this is the year to apply yourself towards goals.

On a personal level, the planet Mercury will move into three retrogrades in any year and for 2008 they occur in the Air element. This is the favourite element of this communication planet as it is most at home in the air realm of ideas and discussions. It will retrograde on 29 January at 23° Aquarius in conjunction with Neptune and move direct in motion at 8° Aquarius on 19 February. Alternative action and ideas can now take shape. Be careful to give them some reality though as this combination is not all that practical, as it tends to make people' imagination work overtime. It is best for creative, artistic and progressive new ways of doing things.

The second Mercury retrograde will take place on 27 May (same day as Neptune goes retrograde - a big day really) in its own sign of Gemini at 21° and move into direct motion on 20 June at 13° of Gemini. Life is fast paced here as now some reforms and new ideas are being given a trial of some sort. Interestingly, on the day of the retrograde, Mercury and Neptune are in positive trine to each other - so maybe some of those earlier (January/February idealistic ideas) are now taking shape.

The third retrograde of Mercury will occur on 24 September at 22° Libra and move direct at 7° Libra on 17 October. This transit affects relationships and partnerships. Mercury in this sign is full of indecision, but ultimately a joint decision will be made near the direct date.

Eclipses in 2008:

The Eclipses take place this year in February and August, with the first an Annular Solar Eclipse due on 7 February at 17° Aquarius. If you were born 6-8 February in any year 2008 is going to be important for personal new beginnings.

On 21 February a Total Lunar Eclipse will occur at 1° Virgo and for those born 20-22 February, or 22-24 August in any year, your year will be full of relationship matters. As this is the degree where Saturn will sit in April/May and move into its direct motion exact, the period of time from the Eclipse to Saturn's direct will require much thought especially in joint affairs.

On 1 August a Total Solar Eclipse will occur at 9° Leo. If you were born 31 July - 2 August, 6 months either side of this date will end up being an important period in your personal development. This heralds many new events, people or places entering your life through until February 2009. As an Eclipse repeats itself around every 18 years, your age may determine exactly the opportunity that opens up for you personally.

The Eclipse on 1 August 2008 is part of a large cycle that
has been influencing our world since the 12th Century. It is
called the Saros Cycle 10 South and even though it will not
affect everyone, it will still have some influence on those
born near it. I feel it is part of the times we live in. This Cycle
concerns itself with:

`Breaking out of a very negative situation where no hope can be seen - to a more positive space containing many options. The solution is shown by the Cosmos (from February 08) and needs to be taken up
without too much delay'.

As you can see the above statement could definitely go along with the theme of the year - get rid of the past and remodel the future - and influence both personal and global life.

The final Eclipse of the year is only a Partial Lunar Eclipse and is due on 17 August at 24° Aquarius. If you have followed the dates of some of the major planets and changeable degrees, you will have noticed that Neptune is passing this degree of Aquarius this year, and Mercury will go retrograde virtually on this degree in late January. This is close enough in February to bring this sudden communication, or need for a new look at an old matter.

One fact to bear in mind this year, you have an extra day in which to complete projects as 2008 is a Leap Year. Leap Years are times to bring the world back into some balance point.