Back to the Future Lilly Roddy’s annual horoscope for 2002 After the last year, most of the questions I have been getting from my clients are: "When will this be over?" and "When will it get better?"

Currently, we are under the influences of Saturn and Pluto sitting in opposition. Pluto is about expunging all that is old, and Saturn is the principle of stability and practicality–you can see how we might get some mixed messages here. This influence actually began in January 2001 and will end mid-June 2002. After June, we should see the economy begin to rebuild. We will still be involved in the fight against terrorism well into January 2003. Eclipses occur in May, June, November, and December 2002, making them trigger months.

What does all of this mean for you? There will be a continuing struggle between freedom and individual rights. The "tech" part of the market will still be down as it tries to find a way to recover. The government will increase its examination of the mail, e-mail, airline travel, and other communications. The travel industry and the airlines are going through the same astrological influences that the banking industry went through in the mid-to-late ’80s, with no real solutions until the beginning of 2003. Religion takes a more prominent role. And the "fringe" elements want their time on stage.

Mercury is retrograde Jan. 18-Feb. 8, May 15-June 8, and Sept. 14-Oct. 6, making these good times for personal and professional review, cleaning out the closets and file drawers–and not good times time to start new projects or make major purchases. Look for issues and problems to come to a head so you can bring about resolution. Venus is retrograde Oct. 10-Nov. 21. This is a time to be cautious with investments and not the best time for makeovers and plastic surgery.

The eclipses this year are May 26, June 10, June 24, Nov. 20, and Dec. 4, stimulating people to voice their own version of the truth, to take stands based on "principles" rather than the practicality of a situation.

For you more astrologically minded folks, the planets’ movements are in italics, while the interpretations are in regular type.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Jupiter moves into your solar eighth house in August. Happiness in relationships is on the increase. Optimism surrounds your connection with your partner. If you are single, this is a fabulous time to get out and beat those bushes. Your partner may also be expanding his or her horizons–maybe a chance to travel, hopefully with you in tow. Business partnerships also prosper. After August, you’ll get clear about how to use your money for growth in business. Overall, this is a good time for investing. Your desire for sexual intimacy is also on the increase. Getting away from it all with your partner could do wonders for your bank account.

Saturn is in your solar sixth house. Your ruling planet, Saturn, wants your work environment in order, making the office work better as a whole. You may be focused on details you normally ignore, and act as though you are the boss (even if you are). But be careful–if you overload yourself with responsibilities, your health could suffer. Time for a checkup or improvement in your health and diet regimes.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar second house. These planets call to your youth and creative spirit. If you’re not feeling creatively fulfilled at work, you may find yourself daydreaming about the fun of your younger days. Those adventuresome planets are in your money sector, drawing you to high-tech investments or alternate power sources–something unconventional. Found yourself browsing in thrift stores and trendy art galleries? Time to integrate that youthful energy into your moneymaking machinations... or be bored to death.

Pluto is in your solar 12th house. You are exorcising those old devils from your religion and spirituality. Your current religion better make itself more real and useful or you will be out looking for a new temple. Maybe a more evangelical approach. You are looking for that passion fruit, the holy grail, the lady of the lake. In a more secular approach, you are interested in exposing illusion–from your employer’s business ethics to your partner’s flimsy excuses about why she or he was so late getting home. As you sniff out the truth, you will be able to smell a lie no matter how much sweet-scented they are.

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18)

Jupiter moves into your solar seventh house in August. Daily life is getting hectic. Your work environment is getting a facelift, plus you’re thinking about adding some skills to your résumé. In August, romantic relationships start to glow. Attractive? You’re like a magnet these days, pulling people to you–maybe foreigners or people who work in international businesses. Travel may be involved. After August, luck runs high. If you are a writer, publishing is up for you.

Saturn is in your solar fifth house. Creative energies are high, but with an underlying theme of putting them to use, or marketing them. Outcomes are important: If there’s no direct return, forget it. If you have children, they may be testing their boundaries of adulthood, ignoring any authority figures. If you suddenly feel blocked creatively, back off that critical side and give yourself some room. Ask others for their views so you don’t get caught up in this personal eddy of hypercritical behavior.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar first house. These planets cause you to rip up your mental carpeting and search for any crumbs of unhappiness in your life. Sounds like a big job? It is, but you’ll do it, since your itchy feet are going to find a new path whether you like it or not. You may switch into hermit mode, shunning anyone from your past, but things lighten up after August, when new fun people enter stage right.

Pluto is in your solar 11th house. Transforming all the groups you belong to is your mission, should you choose to accept it. No coffee and chitchat for you–you have your eye on the larger mission, and you’re prepared to unearth any hidden agendas that are getting in the way. Revealing your truth to the group becomes more than just a passion; it may become your lifework. If you find yourself at the head of an organization, make sure that you enlist some help. You may have to share the credit, but you can also share the blame.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Jupiter enters your solar sixth house in August. Time to frolic. Career? Relationships? Phooey! Life needs more games and prizes and less security concerns. You are feeling childlike and find that your charm and charisma act as a people magnet. If you do want to work, your products and ideas sell easily. In August, you return from your mental vacation ready to work with more enthusiasm than you have had in a while. Times are ripe for a promotion or even a raise.

Saturn is in your solar fourth house. And now for something totally opposite of what I just wrote. Saturn wants you to be grounded, practical, and to establish a foundation from which to build the rest of your life. And why would the Goddess do this to you? She has a great sense of humor. Family pressures can sure make you want to leave the house screaming. And sometimes that is the perfect idea. Normally, you have large boundaries and you want to help everyone on the planet. But not this year. If you feel guilty about this newfound reticence, just keep asking yourself, "Is this my job?"

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar 12th house. Bold new ideas are percolating in the hidden areas of your brain, especially after August. Sure, people might think you are a bit crazy–but you have a good plan on how to make the planet come alive. Forget the old order, you are ready to try almost anything new, and are looking high and low to find your greater purpose–including the spiritual plane or even past lives. School or travel could be on your agenda.

Pluto is in your solar10th house. Your career is downsizing. What to keep and what to get rid of–the choice is entirely up to you. Are you really happy in what you are doing? If the answer to that is yes, you can stay. If the answer is even a little bit "no," you may have to leave. Let’s face it–sticking around when it was time to leave has always been an issue for you, so this time, exit with confidence. Some of you are retiring simply because you just don't know what else to do. Things will improve, but only after the end of June.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Jupiter moves into your solar fifth house in August. In the first half of the year, you want your home base more comfortable–some remodeling, or even a move? You resolve old family issues so everyone comes out a winner. Time to break through routines and add some adventure to your life. As your creativity picks up after August, you are ready to be playful and enjoy your new gorgeous home. Investments should prove fruitful. Groups and business associations are important to your life. You may find new loves, friends, and fabulous business contacts through these connections.

Saturn is in your solar third house. All projects and relationships will have to be reviewed and renewed. As you scrutinize what you really know deep down, you are ready to invest yourself heart and soul into those projects that you choose to focus on. You’re feeling serious, deliberate, and directed–but not pushy. You might feel a calling to go back to school. You are also reviewing early childhood friendships. Relationships with siblings could be tense as you figure out who is really in charge.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar 11th house. Regarding old friends and acquaintances, you’re feeling bored and isolated –maybe even betrayed. You are ready for some fresh life–new friends with a bigger picture of how the Universe works and a stronger spiritual tone about their lives. Any business or community groups better supply plenty of meaning, or your money and time are out of there. You may find big holes in your life and career dreams, especially after August. This will propel you forward to look for something to put in those holes.

Pluto is in your solar ninth house. In questioning your knowledge and education this year, most likely you will find it inadequate. As you look at your former vision of the truth, you will find out you didn’t have a large enough picture of the world. Your horizons widen, and you will embrace this experience. You will be ready to take a leadership role and lead others into this new future view of world culture. But you will not keep your opinions to yourself. And this may make others uncomfortable with your version of the truth.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Jupiter moves into your solar fourth house in August. You are more talkative than usual–and more adventuresome than the normal cautious Bulls and Cows. Learning is high on your radar, you information highway hog you. And you may even travel to get this information. And speaking of transportation, let’s talk new car. New luxury car. After August, your money and time are going toward your family and your home. Might even be a good time to start your own business. Of course, it will have to be home-based, but you are so ready for that.

Saturn is in your solar second house. The microscope is on your worth and investments. A more conservative investment plan appeals to you. Money feels tight even if you are in a safe economic position. Reevaluate your salary and/or your fees–in general, look at how you are treated by others. You will want to obtain what you are worth. Business partnerships are rocky in May and June. If you don’t share the same clearly stated goals, you will be cruising solo.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar 10th house. These two planets are creating all the hubbub in your life. You are dissatisfied with your current career goals, yet don’t feel like you can attach your anchor to something stable and solid. You are questioning every decision and questioning it again. You have second-guessed yourself so much, you don’t know which way is up with your life goals. One thing you know is what you don’t like, and you are ridding yourself of those people and things with certainty. Family members may test your loyalty and love. Always remember whom you have to love first if you are going to love anyone.

Pluto is in your solar eighth house. And what is the core reason you really want to be with your partner? Pull off those masks and look at each other’s deepest and darkest secrets. While you’re staring at your partner, don’t forget to pick up a mirror. Yikes! Who’s that? Don’t let those money issues divert you from the truth you are discovering. You are ready to allow yourself to be supported emotionally. You could really find out if you are made for each other; soul mates reborn. Maybe yes, maybe no. May and June will answer those questions.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Jupiter moves into your solar third house in August. You are working hard this year on expanding your financial base, wanting more return from your money (and also wanting to spend more). At the same time, you are rediscovering talents that you had stashed in the attic several years ago. After August, wiping the dust off them won’t be enough –you will want to do something with them. Watch for new people to come into your life in August and September to help with these new creative endeavors.

Saturn is in your solar first house. Saturn is your driver for this year: She is turning the spotlight on all those details in your life you usually so successfully avoid. It’s like you are trying on all the clothes in your psychic closet to see what fits, what doesn’t, and what’s in style. You’re in a big cycle of endings and beginnings. If you are over 30, look back to 1972 and 1973–Saturn was in the same area of your life then as now. You are seeing every part of your life more clearly. After July, you will be ready to make some decisions and stick to them.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar ninth house. With these planets here, you are ready to take old habits and routines out to the dumpster. Time for a totally different cultural context for your life. Travel sounds good. Friends and associates have to have a larger worldview because you will not be able to contend with prejudice and bigotry. After August, you will be taking this new vision and bringing it home to your work and daily life. Right now, your plate can’t be too full.

Pluto is in your solar seventh house. Relationships . . . ha ha ha ha ha ha! You probably want a little more detail than that. You finally get up the courage to invite that someone over and they reschedule for a, uh, yoga class. If it can’t be real, you don’t want it–which is scaring the panties off most potential suitors. Your relationships can start and stop in the same day and you will think you have been involved with that person for 10 years. After the end of June, you turn the intensity meter down a couple of microns and life returns to semi-normal.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Jupiter moves into your solar second house in August. You have been busy busy this past year, and it’s not going to stop. It’s all too easy to overschedule your life with too much fun when you’re as danged upbeat as you are–you are even philosophically upbeat about the larger purposes of potholes. It may be hard to understand that not everyone shares your Pollyanna attitude. Crabs walk sideways and we can avoid having to deal with anything or anyone directly. (Did I say "we"?) This is a great time to promote yourself, your business, your partner, meet new people, travel around the world in 80 days, and get more organized than Martha Stewart. After August, all this enthusiasm moves into your money and resources sector, as you both make more and spend more. Just try to keep a balance.

Saturn is in your solar 12th house. Traditionally, this is the house of spirituality and you want goddess/god to make a visit to your house for, oh ... say ... just a weekend. Your vegetable soup is all vegetarian and she will just love it. For you, religion, spiritual beliefs, and philosophic principles are not worth a darn if you can’t use them in your daily life. Be careful as you punch holes in other people’s views. They may not want to be your friend anymore, even after you have enlightened them. Instead, try writing down your views so you can share what you have gleaned with a wider audience.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar eighth house. Essentially, can you have a real friendship with your spouse? Do you really share common points of view or are you just keeping your thoughts and feelings inside to keep the peace? Well, even if you are trying to, they aren’t letting you. If there are undiscovered mysteries, you both will discover them after August. Let them support you emotionally and economically. Go ahead. Just try.

Pluto is in your solar sixth house. You are sick of your inefficient humdrum routines, so you’re taking them on a trip to a foreign land–even if it’s just the psychic realm of GetReal-istan or NoMoreBS-ia. This means more direct and real relationships with co-workers. And you are finally paying attention to your health. You are going to get rid of those bad habits, and you won’t stop until you have done it this year. Make a list so you can keep score.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Jupiter moves into your solar first house in August. You are busy exploring new areas of spirituality. You have always been drawn to things that are designed to help validate the sense of self–and to a spirituality that puts you in touch with others whom you can bounce your ideas against. This year, you are more interested in integrating that within yourself than validating it through others. In some ways, you are more solid in your beliefs and less concerned with what others think. After August, you begin to grow personally as you put those views into action. You can expect the last half of the year to be very, very busy. You will want to meet new people with whom you can share your views. If you are single, this can be a great time to meet that right person.

Saturn is in your solar 11th house. If friends and co-workers are not showing you the respect you deserve, they will be hearing about it. Groups and business associations need an unambiguous purpose or you’re out the door. And no more sitting in the audience, you’re taking back your leadership roar ... I mean role. If you have children, you are cutting the cord–they want their independence and you are happy to give it to them.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar 7th house. So you are attracting mystical poetic merchant mariners who have a slight drug and alcohol dependence and prefer to write about commitment rather than be in one? And why doesn’t this surprise you? Or is that partner you have had around for decades now paying attention to you? What is going on? Have you entered the twilight zone? No, you are being more real and you want real people in your life. No more push-me-pull-you scenarios. Bad relationships are falling out of your life and you are ready for that someone with whom you can be real and honest. Be careful what you wish for.

Pluto is in your solar fifth house. Awaken, awaken, little inner child. You are hungry and I am here to nurture you back to health. Don’t you remember the good times? Oh, maybe there weren’t any, but there will be. I promise. And all you want is the truth! Are you sure I can’t just bake you something?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Jupiter moves into your solar 12th house in August. This past year you’ve been relishing group activity, and this year you want more. If only you beware of overcommitment, you can fly high. Your charisma’s so strong, people are ready just to be next to you in line at the grocery store. You can make use of your magnet charm in business as well. In August, your charm level goes up yet another notch, as well as your psychic talents. Can you believe it? But you are also ready for some time to yourself. A vacation is looking good. Negative people are not invited.

Saturn is in your solar 10th house. Saturn is kicking your career in the butt. You had better be in top form or she will be letting you know just how far you haven’t gotten yet. And no one can judge a Virgo like a Virgo can judge themselves. Those short floggers were invented by a Virgo. Yes, we know you like to follow others because then you can blame them when anything goes wrong. No more. Stand up and take your place at the helm and, yes, you will make some mistakes. Start your own business, get a promotion, take on a new project. But don’t wait. Keep your options open till after the end of June when the aftershocks stop.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar sixth house. Your health and work habits are being charged and changed. Your tolerance for your co-workers’ BS is at an all-time low. If you are trying to keep it inside like you always do, look forward to tension and ulcers. Make sure you are getting plenty of exercise and eating right. Your system is sensitive, and just a little bit of the wrong stuff will throw you. And, yes, they are redoing your computer system at work. And, no, they can’t seem to figure out why it isn’t working. It is just a living being and wants to do things her way. Take a break in August and September.

Pluto is in your solar fourth house. As you continue to work on your house (both real and psychic) from the flood damage, you are getting rid of rotten things that have been hidden for years and years. Oops, aren’t those your parents you are throwing out with those old magazines? Oh, they are not your real parents, just the ones that live inside of you. You are establishing a foundation based on who you really are–although giving up illusions is always a painful process.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Jupiter enters your 11th house in August. It is a great time to expand your career goals and directions. More customers. Promotions. You are getting recognition for all the work you have done. When opportunity knocks at your door, be sure and answer. You don’t have to make a decision, you wishy-washy seesaws, just go look. In August, you are more social as new friends and business associates come into the picture. Community affiliations can be profitable. You are feeling innovative–think about relationship potential in the audience.

Saturn is in your solar ninth house. Time to get clear on your vision of the universe–and then share these insights into human and cultural interactions with everyone you know. They may not want to hear your truth–it is the darker side of reality and they don’t want to look too closely. You may also find big holes in your own life philosophy. Be careful about defending a tradition just because you’ve gotten used to it. This is very strong in May and June.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar fifth house. Besides being truthful about your life, you get to enjoy it at the same time. All your play and creativity must have meaning and a deeper purpose. And I hear there is an opening for a juggler in the circus. You are attracted to spiritually motivated causes and people. You are about to have a relationship with an enlightened being. Just be sure you have protection. You are looking for outlets to express your creativity, and having children may or may not be on your menu for 2002. One way or another, it needs to get out.

Pluto is in your solar third house. You did want a new car, didn’t you? What does affording one have to do with anything? The day-to-day interactions of life are under your microscope. It may be hard to see the big picture when you are seeing the details of dirt molecules. And, gosh, you are taking things so seriously. I was just joking when I said your childhood dramas were going to be published in Reader’s Digest. OK, maybe I wasn’t. A good therapist could be very helpful this year.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Jupiter moves into your solar 10th house in August. You are gathering your forces to make a big career push in March. You are learning and teaching and your mind is like a sponge. Just watch out that you don’t soak up that puddle of spilt milk. More in a feeling than an intellectual mood, you are connected emotionally to what you are learning about. Also, the world’s culture is pulling on you and you can easily be drawn into cause-oriented movements. Do be careful. It is not that your emotions are wrong, but maybe you should question the people who are leading the cause. After August, the push for your career gets even stronger. And it is an easy push. You seem to be able to make headway without much effort, and you are more noticed than usual. This can be a great time for promotion of yourself and/or your business.

Saturn is in your solar eighth house. Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, enters your relationships sector and says, "Just the facts, ma’am." You launch into a detailed and dramatic description of all your past experiences and hurts and how they affected the way you treated your partner. "Were you clear, ma’am?" Saturn, the taskmaster, asks again. "Or did you give mixed messages?" You try to explain how you wanted to say what was in your heart and mind, but you didn’t want to injure your partner. Saturn’s crone face is looking more and more steely. "It looks as though we have to go for a ride to the underworld," she says. You pull the pistol from the bureau drawer and shoot her. Startled, you awake from your dream and there is your partner sleeping soundly beside you. You grab your pillow and hit him or her with it. (Message: The time has come to be more direct in your relationships and get rid of whatever past distresses are getting in the way. But you do not go down that path willingly.)

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar fourth house. You are as rootless as you can be. Now that you have that place you always wanted just to be yourself, you are not sure about it. Solitude calls. You feel more distant from your family, and your friends always seem to want something from you. You are strong, but you always seem to fall way down on your own list of things to do. You have to come first this year, even if you don’t know what you want. You will be clearer after August.

Pluto is in your solar second house. Revitalizing your finances is high on your agenda as money’s vise grip continues through June. After that, you are freer and can invest your time, resources, and talents into projects that you like. You have been missing that commitment part of you. The uncertainty is still there, but after June you won’t be second-guessing yourself as much. Take care of any past debts or tax problems. You don’t want them following you around after this year.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Jupiter moves into its home, your solar ninth house, in August. You are digging deep to find out just exactly what and who are you. In relationships, you find out if your partner has been listening to you. Do you really want the same things in life? You are exposing those core wants and desires and taking the chance to find out if your partner can really handle intimacy. In August you are somewhat lighter about the whole process. Travel is good to clear and expand the mind.

Saturn is in your solar seventh house. This planet really reflects how much you are looking at your life in a long-term fashion. Every decision hinges on the next choice, and you are nervous about making the wrong one. The worst thing to do is freeze and do nothing. Although you will be naturally cautious, it is time to rework all your commitments. You have only till the end of June to get this done.

Uranus and Neptune are in your solar third house. You are communicating more directly than ever before. And you are getting subtle information from people that they are not even aware they are sending. This can be quite confusing. Oftentimes, they will wonder what you are talking about or deny it. Trust your instincts. Also, be careful driving this year: Your mind is wandering around and is not always in total contact with your body. Relationships can be confusing, since you will pick up on your partner’s unconscious message process. If you are in a business where it is important to read the indirect messages that people send, you could do very well.

Pluto is in your solar first house. As Pluto, the cosmic enema planet, moves over your Sagittarius planets, she is cleaning any unnecessary dirt out of your life. Even if you are perfectly happy with that dirt. This slow-moving planet has been here since 1996–and will stay until 2012. The effect is intensified this year because Saturn is adding her weight to the process. Simply put, if you are trying to hold on to something, that resistance is causing you great pain. Let go of it. You will not be the same person afterward. Those of you born December 5-10 are the most impacted by Pluto this year. The rest of you will feel her influence over the next few years.