If there's one phrase to define 2008 for you, Aquarius, it's that this is 'a year of discovery'. This may seem a strange thing to say because, of the twelve signs, you are amongst the most inquisitive and friendliest.
There are all sorts of things that you're always encountering and discovering. Not only do you thrive on this variety of exploration, those around you — friends, family, loved ones and even colleagues — all benefit from your innate inquisitiveness.
However, there are certain things that you would never consider exploring, certain people you regard as uninteresting and certain pursuits that, quite simply, aren't part of your normal orbit. During 2008, however, you're going to be exposed to many of these.
And some of what you encounter and some of the individuals you meet won't just be interesting, these encounters will alter your thinking — and your life. What's more, because this is a year of discovery, the focus isn't about making changes as a result of who and what you encounter. Rather, ideally your focus will be on learning what you can.
Knowing this, when you feel pressure to make changes because those around you are doing so, you'll recognise that their approach to the dramatic developments of 2008 will be very different from yours. They'll happily make changes, large and small. But for you, this process of exploration is an essential one.
In fact, perhaps one of the most important things for you to keep in mind is that what's taking place is about a shift in your sense of your identity, and therefore, a shift in what interests you. This begins with the eclipsed New Moon in your sign — the Aquarius New Moon — on February 7.
While there's a New Moon in your sign each year, the fact that it's eclipsed indicates that either changes in circumstances, or changes in your own perspective, or both, mean that you're suddenly looking at your life and your situation from a different angle.
Eclipses end one cycle and begin another. However, you won't necessarily recognise what's on its way out at the time. And, similarly, you may not spot what's coming as having the importance it will right away.
As you live out the months of the year, you'll find that by August, when the Aquarius eclipsed Full Moon takes place, which influences others as well, you're clearer in your mind about some of those changes, and just when others — those around you — are prepared to undertake far-reaching changes, too.
However, because this is a time of exploration, you'll want to focus more on the complex network of people, events, surprises and changing plans that draw you in various directions. While no single one of these will give you all the information you need to discern the shape that your new life will take, each one will contribute something to what will become your future. This future, however, is unlikely to become clear until next year, when as 2009 begins, Jupiter, the planet of growth and opportunity, moves into Aquarius.
Because Jupiter takes 12 years to go around the zodiac, it's been some time since you've benefited from this planet's expansive influence. Therefore, during 2008 you'll want to examine carefully what works in your life and what doesn't. And, if there are things that don't work, you'll want to consider letting them go, knowing that in doing so, you're clearing the way for the thrilling ideas and offers that 2009 brings with it.
This is made all the more important by the fact that the planet of truth and transformation, Pluto, moves into the most sensitive and intuitive angle of your chart in early 2008, remaining there until June, when it departs temporarily, to return again at the end of the year.
Because the kind of transformation Pluto brings comes about because of revelations of some variety, either something you learn or pivotal facts that you figure out on your own, could completely alter your thinking and perspective, what you learn during the year, both the difficult facts you face and the insights you gain as a result of discussions with others and your own explorations, will colour your perspective and in doing so, alter what you consider to be possible.
This shifting perspective on what you could do and want to do will, ultimately, contribute to rethinking the shape and structure of your life.
With the practical Saturn, opposite your ruler, Uranus, during the entire year, and with these two spanning the parts of your chart that have to do with life's practicalities — that is, with money, with your resources and with the time you have to invest in various activities — you'll be considering where the balance lies and if any changes or improvements need to be made.
Here, again, this is all about exploration and what you learn. Focus on this kind of learning during 2008 and then, as the picture becomes clearer, you'll be prepared for the exciting and dramatic developments that end 2008 and begin 2009.
