Milky Way Astrology Looks at The Year 2009 in Short; Plus a Brief Snapshot of 2009 for the Signs

By Milky Way Maid

Happy New Year, Everyone!
Probably lots of you expect 2009 to be a real bear of a year, judging from the events of the past four months. But 2008 was a whole different set of transits by Pluto and Mars and Saturn et al (everybody's bogey men) ... plus Jupiter, too. For the most part, all of them have completed the heavy work of that cycle.

First, Pluto. He is the main culprit in the Wall Street meltdown last fall. While Pluto dipped a toe into the next sign, Capricorn, the first six months of 2008, he rushed back into Sagittarius to finish up the cleanup job he had begun back in Nov. 1995. Remember back then when Pluto in Scorpio had brought us (among other things) the AIDS scourge, and we all thought that it would spread to everyone, not just gays, and we would all die horrible lingering deaths? Pluto was delivering to all of us the consequences of our actions, on a mass scale. It is too easy to blame gay people, when the cause was really our 1970's promiscuity.

Now Pluto has delivered the coup de grace to those with a Sagittarian Achilles heel: Religious and spiritual leaders, athletes, actors and other performers, lucky gamblers and speculators in the stock market. Recall all those scandals splashed all over the news about wayward priests, athletes on steroids and other drugs, actors winding up dead or in-and-out of rehab, and now those wizards of high finance? The wolves of Wall Street are the last ones in line for their comeuppance. They sucked the money out of banks with fraudulent loans and Ponzi investment schemes. They told us to go ahead and write loans that would never be repaid, and sold the risk to other suckers. Now they are all going down, and we are left hoping to God that they do not take innocent bystanders down with them.

But Pluto is moving into Capricorn for good in 2009 (it actually re-entered Capricorn around Thanksgiving this year). That means the end of all the Sag high-flyer bloodletting and we can try to mop up the mess they left behind. But wait, what is Pluto going to do next? I'm afraid we have not seen the last of the corporate scandals. But instead of the investors/speculators being the source of the scandals, it will be the execs themselves, and especially the top tier of Chief Executives who make the rounds of major corporations, milking them to death and escaping with the proceeds. The dark underbelly of Big Business will become public knowledge. We will also probably see scandals about the other main Capricorn sphere of influence, Big Government. Where is government really getting all the money that is allocated in the annual budgets? Does that money really come from taxes? Does that money really exist?

But on to Mars. Mars enters Capricorn on Dec. 27, keeping company with Pluto like a pair of hit-men on the loose. One holds you while the other beats you up. Mars, according to astrologer Barbara Koval, is the money made from fees and taxes. “Mars rules other people's money or value that is shared or used without having full control. Mars is a loan. Mars is debt...Mars always represents those transactions that are represented as 'cuts'.”

By cuts she means any fee that is charged for doing the transaction, whether it is a sales tax or a service charge or a commission. These cuts really 'cut' into one's profits and can make the difference between making or losing money on a deal. Mars enters the business sign Capricorn just as credit card companies are raising rates and fees and lowering limits for cardholders. Oh, you don't want to accept their ratejacking, you say? Fine, just terminate the card and so long, buddy. BTW Mars enters Aquarius in February, so watch out for raised fees for your telecom and internet carrier or the end of unlimited texting.

Saturn is still in Virgo, so we have not seen the end of lower yield due to drought, etc., or of higher prices in the grocery store. Saturn will not be done with this cycle till November 2009. While there is light at the end of the tunnel, millions around the world could starve before we get out of the tunnel. The positive spin: Meantime, we may have to eat meat the way that the Orientals do, as a condiment to a dish rather than a separate course. This may be a healthier way of eating, in the end. Virgo is the most health-conscious sign, and Saturn gives us the discipline to both manage our food budget and eat less.

Jupiter moves into Aquarius in January, too. It resides there until January 2010. Jupiter often creates a glut of something so that prices fall. This is good news for consumers who are getting shell-shocked by rocketing prices in other goods and service. However, a great deal on a giant screen TV or new computer is fine, but you cannot put that on the dinner table and it does not help pay the mortgage or rent. All those shiny TVs that went unsold at Christmas are just sitting there, and vendors will be desperate to sell. I suppose if the price gets low enough, you might be able to build a little hut out of a truckload of them.
Readers can follow not only their Sun sign horoscope but also the sign of their Ascendant for further clues to how your week will develop.

ARIES - March 20-April 19 > Whatever sphere of work you are in, I cannot imagine you sitting on the sidelines. Aries will see a problem that needs to be solved, and by golly will get up and do something about it. You're the leader, and people will follow you if you add a smidgen of charm and common sense.
Jupiter moving into your solar eleventh house of friends suggests that your network of social contacts and clubs will be a source of assistance if you should need help. Neighbors and relatives can also be a source of valuable professional insights, due to the influence of asteroid Pallas Athena in your solar third house. Pluto and Mars in your solar tenth house of career could mean layoffs and cutbacks at work. Pluto there can also mean that you move forward on plans for your own business. The South Node in Leo in your solar fifth house can mean you fall back on experience in child care, entertainment or the arts for extra money.
The only worrisome note is Saturn in your solar sixth house of health (and also work). Saturn can weaken one's health, altho Arians are some of the hardiest people around. But Saturn also gives you the discipline to stick to your regimen of exercise and healthy food (asteroid Ceres is in Virgo, too). Avoid all the junk food and read labels!

TAURUS - April 20-May 20 > The asteroid Pallas Athena has moved into your solar second house of money; maybe you have already gotten a new financial advisor (possibly a Gemini), and just maybe that new advisor is yourself! New Year's eve will probably not find you partying the night away. You are in the mood for some classics, maybe the symphony or ballet, maybe some classic movies on the Turner network. The other possibility is baking up a storm with the kids so that you have plenty of bread and sweets into the new year.
Legal or contract issues could come to a head in 2009, due to the influence of Pluto in your solar ninth house. Taureans with planets in latter degrees of the sign could see a positive outcome due to the presence of Mercury and Jupiter at the end of Capricorn as we usher in 2009. (No guarantees, of course. Seek some experienced legal advice for best results.)
Jupiter will enter Aquarius, your solar tenth house of career in January, and I bet you will breathe a sigh of relief when its effects take hold. Taureans can have a lazy streak, true, but they really appreciate doing a hard job and getting the satisfaction of seeing results from their efforts. Jupiter may indicate that the job pays well, or it may mean that you are involved in a counseling, political or performing role. Jupiter rules law and lawyers and judges, but also performers of every kind like actors of stage or screen. Jove also rules kings, government and politics, publishing and counselors (lawyers, social workers, consultants, professional advisors of all kinds). Your career will be more fulfilling even if the paycheck is not as large as your old one.
The asteroid Vesta has moved into your sign, and will visit you till April. It will be interesting to see how this affects you. Will you get involved in a home security business? Will you renounce the world and become a monk? Vesta in Taurus is conflicted between desire and duty; you may also seek your own Holy Grail to answer the question of what is the meaning of your life.

GEMINI - May 21-June 20 > Many Geminis have become the go-to person in their department or in their field. Possibly this is due to the effects of the asteroid Pallas Athena moving into their sign. Geminis absorb lots of data quickly and easily and are quite happy to inform others about all the little angles and shortcuts. One caution: you may try to start too many projects at once, so focus a bit.
Your house is solid, possibly old-fashioned, and may be furnished either with antiques or lots of shiny metal thingies. You're a bit of a neat freak when it comes to your home. You might have started a vegetable garden to grow some of your food. Geminis love miniatures, by the way, so I bet you have cherry tomatoes and baby eggplant, etc in your plans for the next garden. You have become much more health conscious about your diet, and have dropped your favorite junk foods one by one.
You may be in the process of winding up some family estate matters or working out a new tax strategy. Jupiter will be leaving your solar eighth house of estates and moving into Aquarius shortly, which is your solar ninth house. The ninth house rules publishing, religion, higher education, and law. Any one or all of these fields may be activated in 2009 by the the presence of Jupiter. If you have any plans to publish (or self-publish), now is the time to get that draft finished and polished it. If you have some ambitions to run for office or teach at a local college, rev up your network of contacts.

CANCER - June 21-July 22> Cancer is one of the cardinal signs, so it is just as much an executive or go-getter as Capricorn or Aries. So often Cancer is stereotyped as a home-and-family sign, and of course those things are important to us all. But you are also concerned with your career and community. Saturn in your solar third house of neighborhood may mean that you have taken a position of responsibility in local government or with a community organization.
At the same time, you might find that you want some time to yourself. Perhaps a friend has a little getaway in the woods where you like to go to restore your soul. Perhaps you go on an organized retreat (or are the one who organizes it), or join a club that delves into spiritual matters. You could find any or all of those activities inviting and fulfilling this year.
January may be especially difficult for you because both Mars and Pluto occupy your solar seventh house of partners and the public. If you work in a position where you are in contact with the general public, do not be shocked if you are the target of verbal abuse or worse. Mars, fortunately, will move on. These planets will also affect your marital relationship; you may have to get family counseling to deal with the economic and other pressures affecting your marriage.

LEO - July 23-Aug. 22> Jupiter will move into your solar seventh house of partners, Aquarius, in January to visit for the year. Your spouse may be more helpful and generous than usual. Unmarried Leos may get married to a very attractive person with a good career and connections.
The asteroid Vesta is moving into Taurus, your solar tenth house of career, till April. Vesta in Taurus is in conflict between desire and duty. You may have to make some sacrifice of personal time in order to meet public or career commitments. This will be a difficult winter and spring for you, but at least it is not a long-term situation.
Ceres, the asteroid of nurturing and agriculture, is in your solar second house of money and resources. It is possible that you earn some money by nursing or child care or truck gardening. Ceres helps you find places to park your money where it will earn some steady growth. You are becoming more efficient with your resources, and are learning to curb that Leo habit of excessive spending.
The problematic area is your solar sixth house of health and work (the job that you do because it is just a job). Pluto and Mars are there this January. Mars will move on but Pluto is there for the long-term. These suggest layoffs and cutbacks at work, or serious, chronic health issues. Don't let the stress of the current economy make you eat too much or drink too much. Remember, we love ya, Leo.

VIRGO - Aug. 23-Sept. 22> The asteroid Ceres and Saturn in your sign emphasizes your urge to nurture and nurse others. Some Virgoes focus instead on home cleaning or sales prep.
Jupiter moves into Aquarius in your solar sixth house of health and mundane work. Perhaps you can snag a job in the healthcare field. Your own health and energies should be excellent this year, altho Jupiter tempts everyone to overdo when it comes to food and drink.
The asteroid Pallas Athena is in your solar tenth house of career. Pallas here lightens the load of responsibility; you feel more comfortable with exercising authority and with yourself. BTW, Vesta in your solar ninth house may give you an opportunity to travel with a purpose. This is not just a pleasure jaunt, it is something related to work or career, or possibly self-enrichment. (Examples: a professional seminar, an Elder Hostel tour, a health spa)
Uranus in the solar seventh house of partners can be problematic. Uranus has been there for four years already, so you must be familiar with the situation. Maybe your spouse is not there for you, or travels for his job. You either have a close rapport, to the point of being psychic, or you feel like strangers with nothing in common. Your spouse may express Uranus with a career as a computer geek, electrician, psychologist, chemist, or even astrologer.

LIBRA - Sept. 23-Oct. 22> First off, I have to raise a warning about the entrance of Pluto (accompanied by his little troublemaker pal Mars) into Capricorn, your solar fourth house. This is sure a sign of impending trouble for a home, so it might be prudent to have regular safety inspections and also have a bug man check for termites and other pests. While it is theoretically possible that you might marry into the ranks of the uber-rich (which is another manifestation of Pluto in the fourth), it is more likely that your home is vulnerable to the passage of time.
Jupiter enters your solar fifth house of love affairs and entertainment and children. You could have a fabulous streak of luck at the casino, but it is more likely that you will have more beaux than you can accommodate, or that you will find fulfillment in creative expression. If you can play an instrument, see if you can offer your skills in a weekly visit to a nursing home or in teaching youngsters. Venus and Neptune are already there, and they both also enjoy music and the arts.
Uranus is in your solar sixth house, and has been there for the past four years. It might be good to have your primary physician review all your medications to see if some are duplicating or negating the effect of another. Try to make a point of setting regular hours so you get adequate sleep, too.
The asteroid Pallas Athena is in your solar ninth house of higher education (among other things) is a great placement if you are interested in teaching or lecturing. Perhaps you only make up the visuals for others' lectures (think Power Point), or organize day-long seminars on a topic of interest. Sounds like fun.

SCORPIO - Oct. 23-Nov. 21> Rah for you, Scorpio, you may one of the lucky ones who gains a new home this year. I say that because Jupiter enters your solar fourth house, Aquarius. If you already have your family home, then it may signify an addition to the family or a guest. You might host a student visitor from abroad, and that might provide an interesting source of information about how people live in other lands. Jupiter will join Venus, Neptune and the North Node, as well as Chiron.
Uranus in the solar fifth house, Pisces, has been giving you a quirky sense of humor for four years already. You may also have learned to enjoy using the computer more, and it really has opened another world to you. It is possible that the transiting sextile between Uranus and Pluto (entering Capricorn in the third house of communications) signifies that you are finally able to grasp how to use computers to communicate with masses of people, instead of just emailing your friends individually. No, I do not mean for you to start spamming. But I think that you will find some online platform for your writings so that you begin to reach many more people than before.
The asteroid Vesta moves into Taurus and your solar seventh house. This is such a self-sacrificing sign for Vesta to be, and I am not sure that it is too healthy for you. Vesta makes you live thru others and deny your own needs for others, and we all know how frustrating that can be over the long term. Fortunately Vesta will only be here till April.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 22-Dec. 21> I am sure you will be quite glad to see Pluto leave your Sun Sign for good! But now it enters your solar second house of money and finances, and that could be a whole new jar of pickles. Of course it is remotely possible that you strike oil, or inherit billions from a long-lost Rockefeller. But it is more likely that you invest your funds with a large firm, in bonds, or in your own business. Pluto joins Mars, the Sun, Juno, Mercury and Jupiter already visiting Capricorn.
Jupiter moves into Aquarius, your solar third house, January 5. It will stay there for the full year. Jupiter here could prompt a local publishing venture, maybe a fundraiser cookbook for a school. If you are in the field of education, you could get a promotion to an administrative post, or even run for a school board position. Jupiter rules politics, higher education, publishing and printing, religion, and law.
Uranus has been in Pisces, your solar fourth house of home and family, for four years already. Your home might be unusual, either very old or very newfangled with all kinds of electronic gadgets. You may even live in a houseboat, so you can take off when you need a change of scene. Uranus can denote an estrangement from family, which is unfortunate, but some families just do not respect each other as individuals.
Vesta in the solar sixth house may bring a job that has intrinsic rewards but little in the way of material rewards. You may even do a job for free just because you feel it needs to be done. You might be paid, but have to buy supplies out of your own pocket. Better save your change in a jar to cover those expenses.

CAPRICORN - Dec. 22-Jan. 19> Pluto enters your Sun sign and you could refresh your dress and hairstyle, even revamp your image and career. Of course it is remotely possible that you suddenly enter a high-ranking job that comes with lots of power and perks, a kingship for example, or at least a baronetcy. But is more likely that you purge everything that no longer has meaning for you. In fact, “purge” may be the right word for what is going on inside. Everything that is out of sync with your true values is going to go out the window, so get ready.
Jupiter enters your solar second house of money; how nice for you. It may not mean that you suddenly make a lot more money; it can mean that you are spending more than your income. It can also mean that your source of money, your job, is protected for now, at least.
Uranus has been in Aquarius in your solar third house of communications for four years already. Besides denoting electronic gadgets and computers and wireless, it also rules foreign languages. (Uranus is foreign, and the third house is language.) You may benefit from studying a second or third language in order to gain or keep employment.
The asteroid Vesta moving into your solar fifth house of children and enjoyments can inhibit having or enjoying your own children. Maybe you pursue a high-powered career in order to provide for them, but suppressing your own creative urges can lead to illness. BTW, you may also like to camp or hike, and these might be ideal occasions to take the family with you.
Ceres and Saturn in your solar ninth house of higher education denotes that you go back to school to get promotions or other advancements in your career. Try taking a literature or philosophy class for personal enrichment.

AQUARIUS - Jan. 20-Feb. 17> Jupiter enters your Sun sign this January and while that can give a real boost to your mood and personality, it can also add to your waistline. Use restraint and stay away from buffet restaurants. Venus and Neptune are also in your sign and can increase your attraction to sweets and alcohol, so be on the mettle when it comes to controlling your appetites.
Uranus in your solar second house of money can be very frustrating because often it means that your income is not in a steady, predictable stream. You may be a temp worker, live on commissions or royalties, or are prone to seasonal layoffs. Uranus is also foreign sources of money, so perhaps you have gotten a stipend to go study in a foreign country.
You are very attached to your home this winter and spring, or you might take in relatives or other guests just so you can spend more time at home.
Pallas Athena will be in your solar fifth house of amusements for awhile, so your taste for fun may turn to mental games like chess, bridge or Sudoku rather than tennis. Joining a club can help you gain mastery over any of these games quicker.
An interest in natural foods and in reincarnation are both possible results of Ceres and Saturn in your solar eighth house.

PISCES - Feb. 18-March 19>Uranus has been in your first house of self for four years. You are funny, witty, multi-talented, but also some people see you as unusual, maybe even unreliable. Vesta in your solar third house may mean you are a good student, but do not enjoy teaching. Yet teaching may be the only job that opens up for you, so learn to make the best of it and enjoy your students.
The asteroid Pallas Athena has moved into your solar fourth house, and may have prompted you to start a home business. Yet you are quite restless, and may change your own home several times during this transit.
I see Saturn in your solar seventh as a needed source of stability in your life. Learn to appreciate the steadiness of your partner's presence, even if he/she is not the most demonstrative of persons. Also try to avoid arguments with friends early in the year (transiting Mars in your solar eleventh house). You really do not want to alienate friends who have already helped you a great deal.

So that is it, folks. That was my mini reading on the year 2009 for all the signs. In many cases, it just covers the influences at the beginning of the year or the first half. So do not despair if you did not like the thumbnail sketch of 2009 for your sign. Happy 2009 to all.