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November/December 2004 Starscope
Astrology Forecast for the Holidays

by Mark F. Dodich

Mark Dodich

The year ends on a tone of kindness and generosity. It is a welcome relief after the intensity of two eclipses and two freedom-loving pentagram patterns during October. The planets offer a much needed rest.

This break in the astrological action helps you consolidate the wisdom you gained during the past 1½ years. Take a brief sabbatical to reflect on how your values have shifted. Consider the belief and behavior changes you have made in terms of relationships, physical location choices, prosperity consciousness, and opening your heart to a more creative and fulfilling lifestyle.

This inner work is preparing you for a major, although subtle in appearance, energetic shift that begins on December 26^th. Leading up to that shift is the Sun in Scorpio until November 21^st, urging you to heal at the deepest levels of your Being. It may be that erratic Uranus energy early in the month drives you into your inner world, if only to escape the chaos of the external world.

Relief comes through a sensual Taurus moon on Thanksgiving Day. Because the Full Moon follows on Friday, over-indulgence in food and spending is amplified beyond the norm.

Travelers should be aware that Mercury is slowing down to turn retrograde November 30 through December 19. This communications breakdown cycle may indicate traffic jams, changes in travel schedule, and general uncertainty about making concrete plans. Practice flexibility and openness to change this holiday season.

December 25 & 26 are quite special this year. Assertive Mars enters adventurous Sagittarius on the 25^th. Make large and expansive plans to express your philosophy in the world. A holiday gift of exotic travel would be highly appreciated under this influence.

December 26^th begins a new spiritual tone for the next 1½ year. Two, soul-enhancing points called the Node’s of the Moon enter independent Aries and partnership-oriented Libra.

Relationship belief and behavior changes within you are now ready to express themselves in your world. You are learning to cooperate in relationships without losing your sense of self. Assert your uniqueness while playing nicely with others.

To get a hint about how these spiritual destiny points will operate in your life, think back to the last two times the nodes were in Aries-Libra: Aug. 1995-Jan. 1997 and April 1986-Jan. 1987. For further hints, read your Sun and Rising Sign below:

Aries: You are completing an 18½-year cycle. Do something to enhance your self-esteem by presenting yourself to the world.

Taurus: Release excessive needs for tangible proof and open to higher levels of intuition and healing. Expand psychic and spiritual abilities.

Gemini: Increase your communications with groups, friends, and organizations to achieve your goals. Lead groups in win-win opportunities.

Cancer: Balance an increasing need to take your work into the public with a healthy balance of home and family. It is time to be seen.

Leo: Release any needs for approval from society to follow a path of higher wisdom. The mentor/coach speaks higher truth.

Virgo: You don’t have to do everything yourself anymore. Request assistance. Teach others how to take responsibility.

Libra: This especially strong 1½-year placement teaches you new ways to participate in relationships without losing your sense of self. Express your uniqueness in partnerships.

Scorpio: Humble service, healing, and pets help you to cleanse and purify yourself and others. Expand your healing abilities.

Sagittarius: You win the fun ticket for the incoming cycle. Release the humdrum. Open your heart, and take a risk on yourself. Lucky you!

Capricorn: Take more time for yourself and those close to you. The world can wait for your talents. Treat yourself to some personal, nurturing time.

Aquarius: Learn to share higher philosophy and concepts in a way that everyone can understand, not the way you think they "should" understand. Teach and write.

Pisces: Pioneer new ways to manifest your dreams and desires. It is more than ok for you to have material abundance as long as you manifest it in accordance with your highest beliefs.

In sum, allow yourself to rest, rejuvenate, and play as 2004 comes to a close. The New Year opens you to a higher-level balance of individuality and partnership.

Mark Dodich has been an astrologer and intuitive consultant since 1980. He publishes the newsletter ASTROMARK, and is a Certified Astrological Professional (C.A.P.). Call for his free newsletter: 503-252-1558 or visit his web site at www.astromark.us