sign of things to come

Jane Ridder-Patrick reads the stars for the year ahead.

Looking back on 2018

As predicted, sexual abuse and power used against women was further exposed in 2018. As the year began, 300 Hollywood women called time on sexual harassment in the industry. It was all kick-started by the allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. This was followed by the #MeToo movement which revealed just how shockingly widespread such harassment is. More positively, women have gained more power in some areas. Women in Saudi Arabia are now able to drive and Ireland voted to repeal its abortion ban. Brexit opened a can of worms about governance and national and international rules and regulations as well as the thorny question of the Irish border. These issues loomed large in 2018 and will continue into 2019.

Looking forward to 2019

Uranus, associated with rebellion, innovation and human rights, will be firmly ensconced in Taurus from March until 2026. As Taurus is linked with the resources of the world, we can expect protests about ecology and unethical and undemocratic uses of these resources. Capricorn is linked with governance, corporations, regulations and boundaries and the long-term consequences of choices. Three eclipses in the sign could herald new structures in these areas. With Saturn and Pluto also in Capricorn there is strong emphasis on social responsibilities as well as an urgency about deadlines for the planet’s future. Jupiter and Neptune square up in January, June and September, bringing the possibility of careless risk-taking or an imaginative, optimistic and inclusive vision for the future.