Sagittarius carries the astrological association of being the sign of gambling, risk taking, good luck and good humor. There are more good things and optimistic projections too, but those listed factors combined to lead Sagittarian archer Howie Mandel (November 29, 1955, Toronto, Canada) to single handedly hit a bull's eye for NBC. Good thing, too. Many had dealt NBC out of contention for any shows able to keep up with the other networks' audience-driven, "win yourself a fantasy life" programming. In fact, Deal or No Deal, which launched during the sign of Sagittarius (December 19, 2005), seems to be the only serious prime time deal NBC has going. How lucky are they to have that?
Deal or No Deal, modeled after a wildly successful Australian version, hit the airwaves with potent patterns involving Venus, the planet of money and lucky ole Jupiter in Scorpio, the sign of other people's money. The mentality of "if I could only win a large chunk of cash, my woes will be mended," prevails. Such a planetary temperament surfaces the motives truly driving the contestants. Sounds like the show's planets, including fast action, Mars, "think big and get more" Jupiter and the time conscious, conservative "better settle now" Saturn argue in loud internal debate, creating the hit show. With abnormal Uranus in the show's 8th house, normally associated with the white-hot realms of sexuality, why not add gorgeous models to tamper with one's sensibilities? Sex, money, frenzy and humor during Jupiter's tenure in the sign of "I want more of all of those, please" Scorpio punch the fervor higher. Add the fast paced high pressure "decide now" used car salesman frenzy delivered by the hyper, hysterical and histrionic Mandel. Is it any wonder Deal is the best deal NBC execs green lighted in a long time? You can bet it's not.
It gets better. Howie holds a winning hand of his own. With agitating Mars and line drawing Saturn both in Scorpio, he knows the limits of the edge of a person's psyche. Loaded up in Sagittarian planets, the playful Mandel can sell anything to anyone. He's credited with convincing a construction company to begin a renovation on his high school by posing as a school board member. He'll rearrange audience seating during a comedy performance so when a person returns from the restroom she/he can't find her/his seat let alone date. While Mandel may be handicapped by color blindness, he certainly knows the color of money and how to sense a good nudging from the forces of fate that drive opportunity. Legend has it that his friends badgered him on stage during an open mike at the Comedy Store, creating his wild ride. Soon, Howie gets handed a series of his own deals from planetary briefcases, each containing its own mystery career cargo.
Mandel's Sagittarian enthusiasm for opportunity and Saturn's reserve in Scorpio go well together. Next fall as Deal reaches its first anniversary, the big breaks teased by Jupiter deal Mandel's Saturn, Mercury and Sun three rapid bursts. First, expect the anniversary show to be a Howie Wowie that goes beyond the beyond. The show will be pulling such weight astute NBC program decision makers go straight to the horse's mouth and ask, "Howie, can you come up with anything else for us?" Surely Howie holds two full briefcases of his own. Yep, he's got an audience participation, wild goose chase kind of show up his sleeve. Since he's got such a strong negotiation skill set, he could convince the network to give him a show with an unbelievable new edge, or sell it to cable if it feels a bit rough around the edges. But when you have a diamond in the rough all that matters is the glimmer that comes when the trades reveal an enormous share for Howie's handiwork.
Big Gulps
Watch the contestants on Deal or No Deal. Adam's apples bob up and down faster than a whippoorwill can coo a greeting to a new day. It's all about shutting out distractions, clearing one's intuition instruments and making a life altering decision. That's Jupiter for you. No matter what sign Jupiter travels, he challenges all known sensibilities and risk barometers. Now in the money motivated, sensuality seeking, "I need to know the mysteries of life" Scorpio - each person on the planet takes a series of challenging, in your face and "hurry up and decide now" opportunity scenarios. Most people sense the pattern but default to what they've learned in the school of hard knocks of life, or suffer from the programming of "good people don't…" whatever it is that shunts risk taking. Jupiter intervals last only days. If you give a decision a week, the opportunity falls flat. To get past big gulps, follow a few simple steps. First, swallow. Take a firm stance with your weight balanced on both legs (honest, Jupiter refers to the hips and the strength of their position on earth). Allow a couple of deep breaths to go in and out. Think nothing. Many folks bet against themselves when they let logic run its course. In that lucid moment without thought, notice how you feel in your thighs. You ready to stride forward or not? First, just notice. You can work out the logic later as long as you remain conscious of any tendencies to paint yourself into a corner of immobility.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
While the look before you leap caution ends up ignored when planets are in Aries, as they are now, focus on the meaning of any relationship you enter as you cannonball into the pool of new personal encounters. What do you
intend to get out of this? What do you both have in common? Will the other person respond favorably when you grab a techie device out of their hands to get the silly thing working? Speak your vision first. In interactions, silence is not golden - not now anyway. To make a good splash, announce your intended maneuver before diving.
TAURUS (April 20-May 21)
As the Sun enters your sign you'll feel like you've put on an extra comfy pair of shoes. Nothing better than a familiar foundation when taking long strides in career development, saving the globe from a calamity, or shopping for something for your birthday. The planetary patterns continue the same themes as you
bridge one birth year to another. Tell others what you want - what you really want - even if it does get a bit testy and seem risky. Think of life as if it were a continuous birthday. If others don't know what you want, they'll give you only what they think you want. Want on.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Ever notice that the people who think outside of the box get more kudos at work? Go one step further. Instead of just thinking outside the box, add another spin to a spiffy idea. It's just like a toy top. While the patterns of colors and
the cool shape look great sitting on the boardroom table, the kid who gives that top a big ole spin right on the mahogany table gets the "Wows!" Think every idea through applying all possible permutations. Incidentally, your "anticipate everything" modality works miracles in pleasing a mate in need of interaction.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
The word master, Mercury, and the personal action planet, Mars, argue over your attention. Expect logjams you've had with other people or missing communication links, expect those to blaze forward with a loud fanfare of
energy. It's good actually. If someone charges into your space and gets you on the run defensively, you'll cough up all your feelings without thinking. The current pattern induces blurting first, clearing it up later. Conserving feelings in the interest of the sensitivity of others falls short in personal interactions. The faster it comes out, the faster you fix it.
LEO (July 23-August 22)
With Mars actively rummaging in your emotional attic, it pays to observe the urge to act impulsively and verbally shoot from the hip. Keep in mind your underlying agenda is that of creating agreement with others about
your grandest and greatest concepts. In no time at all, clearly stated and agreed upon ideas positively occupy your time in the work place. The kudos that you receive for a job well done driven by your mind taste even sweeter. On the personal front, consider all differences and similarities you hold with those close to you. Work out the kinks.
VIRGO (August 23-September 22)
Press the reset button. Better yet, lean on the reset button until others fully come to grips with your definition of what works perfectly for you and what does not. Politely stated, a bit of weaning must occur in your world. Work
colleagues cannot act as your offspring. Relationship partners needing nurturing must receive that in a way that does not distort intimacy. It's an emancipation proclamation from those regulations and restrictions that impinge upon your sense of a free flowing relationship. Declare that!
LIBRA (September 23-October 22)
While the edge at work feels different from it did last week, any bumps and bruises from tough, recent clarification sessions need more time. Pushing forward to resolve yet another agenda in the immediate exacerbates recently
acquired sore spots. For now, when communicating your needs, be clear and crisp making it all about what you need - not what your mate does or does not do. Install a supercharged sense of humor. How about seeking some laughs with your loved one? Go see some comedy or chat about the irony of life in a good spirited way. That'll work.
SCORPIO (October 23-November 22)
Take the week to restore your focus on your daily drill and how that discipline feeds your huge life objective. Consider this the week to retrieve your life from the grasp of grubby little details. Redefine your great life plan and declare what you must to those impinging upon your energy. While it may sound self-centered,
getting back all your energy works better now than down the road. As the week matures, interest in calling out a relationship gains momentum. So what do you call a relationship? Given your intense nature, nothing less can do.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 22)
Before the Sun goes to Taurus (Thursday), get back in the groove of having fun. Let's see, taxes are paid. Shopping for a few this and that's for the house is done. You're not quite as groggy and you benefit from planning a few
things in the category downright fun. Plan a short trip or two for the next weeks. Assign one (and only one) dutiful deed to do such as cleaning the garage, fasting for two days or organizing travel photos to accomplish in the next month. But mostly, have some free spirited, mind stimulating fun and adventure. Grab someone who gets it and take them along.
CAPRICORN (December 23-January 20)
The common thread between work interactions and romantic relationships is communication. At work you might be in the position of telling others what to do. In love you stop at expressing what it is you need and eagerly do
your part to listen to your mate's needs. Of course, that's in a perfect world. When arriving home, on a date or at a party, remember: this is not a networking event and your brass doorplate can be seen by no one. Use the magic words "please" and "thank you" in all interactive realms and finally, get in a few good laughs. That's an order from above.
AQUARIUS (January 21-February 18)
Consider yourself under the microscope when it comes to work matters. Others are not sure if you spend too much compensated time drifting off for a mental exploration of distant galaxies and if so, that benefits them how? Focus
clearly while doing your work. If you do get a cosmically driven insight, finish the expected task first, and then wax brilliant. Time is an odd thing for you. When someone says get something done now, they might mean in five hours. You tend to think in terms of whenever with no time attached. That said, any intimate companion expects you to be on time, too.
PISCES (February 19-March 20)
You know, it feels quite good out there. Sure there's a bit of backside biting when it comes to testy missed communications, but when you get to the bottom of that, the smell of a rain refreshed atmosphere returns. A lot of
inspired seeds float down in that fresh air. In your terms, there's a lot of juice out there - you know, creative gas. Tank up on it. While doing that, why not take some of that and show everyone how magnificent it feels to be responsive and stimulated by everything that's going on in life? It's like surround sound home theater except it's not just at home and fully applies every sense.
Philip Sedgwick became a professional astrologer in 1975, having studied fervently since 1969. He has penned five books on astrology, a short story collection and a series of scripts (in the pitch phase). Philip formerly wrote for scifi.com, America West Airlines Magazine, StarIQ.com and for a large collection of astrological journals. You can visit his website at www.PhilipSedgwick.com.