Taurus

Year-Ahead Outlook For year commencing Jan 2008

Overview
This will be a year of a profound shift in your attitudes as Pluto moves out of a decade plus of being stuck. You'll sense your horizons opening up ahead of you. Your opinions will strengthen and your words will carry weight in the right quarters. More travel will be on your agenda and ways of injecting excitement into your routines. Loved ones may be a heavier responsibility which could put a damper on your high spirits at times, but you've got new friends galore to keep you company. Your motivation for work may be low or you'll be indecisive about how to get a grip. But you'll need to push yourself to make the effort early on. Later you'll relax.

Romance
Saturn in your chart area of romance, fun and entertainment is neither ecstatic nor passionate. What it does do is teach you lessons about handling loved ones which will stand you in good stead for years to come. If you give graciously do and do the right thing, then you'll find everything mellows as time goes by. Just don't set too many rules and regulations or be too rigid. Even if you don't feel like socialising, since it will seem like an effort - make the effort. With determination you'll be able to enjoy yourself, even at times if it means organising the parties and social occasions yourself. In the second half of the year you may feel marginally trapped but loosen up since it will pass. From August sort out what you feel is lacking at home and in your family situation. It won't be all out indulgence but the positive benefits coming your way will outweigh the duties you feel landed with.

Money
The year starts on a note of mixed blessings with certain cash hold ups but also the promise of better to come. The few months from the end of January will be a distinct improvement as you feel you have stepped out of a tricky phase and are freer to make your own decisions and be more in control. It certainly isn't a year to speculate, gamble or take risks but February and June will give you a hint of the benefits of being more secure. Just be aware since your longer term plans are subject to change that you need to be cautious rather than reckless or too indulgent. Pluto reversing into Sagittarius from June till November may re-run an old scenario financially where you ponder on the best solution to the problem. Then you'll bounce into a higher gear and make it all happen.

Work
Although you may not be entirely clear where you are heading it is crucially important that you make a real effort for the first few months. The February Solar Eclipse and Neptune at your midheaven hint that it's a time to make your mark and aim higher. Though you'll also need to be kind caring and not too ego-centred since that won't work well. Drifting along would be all too easy so take courage in both hands and exert some willpower. You've got a raft of great ideas, an easy way with words and the confidence to communicate your opinions so you can make a difference. Team mates and colleagues will continue to be rather wayward, not always there when you expect co-operation so you'll have to take them as they come but not depend too heavily on their input. From August you'll take it easier for a few months and put your feet up on the sidelines. By the year end you'll know you are on the brink of a more successful patch.

Health
There are no major astrological influences indicating health is an issue this year. Though with tensions easing from late January you'll definitely feel more exuberant, more flexible and upbeat physically. Make sure you schedule rest and relaxation into your schedule since you'll tend to be overly serious and fun is a great restorative. Your chances to step off the bandwagon and wind down will come after mid year when you'll have a chance to recharge your batteries. September and October will be times to pay more attention to your keep fit regimes.

Symbol - The Bull
Earth + Fixed sign. Very physical and tactile, steady, placid though stubborn. A bon viveur, you adore good food, drink and sex. Financial and material security is important so you can be jealous/possessive. A slow starter you rarely budge once you are on track.

Birth Stone Your birth stone is emerald, brilliant green of nature. Sometimes, because of Venus, your ruler, also the blue sapphire or lapis lazuli. Emerald improves memory and the intellect, helps overcome depression and insomnia. Lapis lazuli helps eyesight. Sapphire has great healing properties, physical and emotional. Your metal is copper.