INTRODUCTION: A FORECAST REPORT FOR YOUTH
AstroJourney is written for adolescents and young adults; we focused on, but did not limit ourselves to, 14 to 24 years of age. There are a lot of transit reports out there. Why write one for youth?
Survival is tougher today. Astrology is like a road map. Your road map. Your destiny. Today, more than ever before, we live in a world of choices. Your fate isn't set in stone. From the looks of things, we don't have too much to say about who our parents are, where we're born, how many siblings we get, whether our parents are rich or poor, loving or mean, rigid or liberal. Spiritual astrology teaches that you got the best deal you could get in terms of your karma. Your karma is the picture of your past, your debts and credits from many lifetimes, for better or for worse. Whether you believe in karma or not, you still have to work with what you've got!

CHOICES
The older you get, the more you're going to want to have a say, the more what you say is going to make a difference, and the more you're going to have to account for the consequences. Growing up and separating out from your parents, and making it on your own is about making decisions, taking responsibility for your life. This happens in stages. Some stages of maturation are gradual. Others are dramatic. Many things are hard to understand until later when we can look back on our experience with wiser eyes. Your personalized AstroJourney can help you understand what's going on while you're in the middle of it. AstroJourney can help you pinpoint various possibilities to help you make the best choices.

THE FIRST SATURN OPPOSITION
Some challenges we face have to do with stages in life. For example, between the ages of 14 1/2 and 16 everyone lives through the first Saturn opposition. This is usually a tough time, because you may feel quite capable of making it on your own, but somehow you're not ready yet. You're probably still financially dependent on your parents and you need to finish High School. You may need, love and respect your parents, but chances are you don't totally agree with the way they do things. This is the age when you really start to see things in a different way. It's necessary. Everyone goes through it. Your parents went through it. It's usually a time of tension.

YOUR PERSONAL DESTINY
Other happenings in your life have to do with the day and the moment you were born. Some of these cycles last for a couple of hours, others last for as long as 14 years! Going through Uranus conjoined your Sun, which happens only once in a lifetime and can totally turn around your life, is going to be different at 16 or 22 than at age 40 or 80! In writing this report, we want you to know what this transit means for you, at your age, at this time in history. A transit like Neptune squaring Mercury, which lasts a couple of years, would be confusing at any age in any time. But today the danger of getting wasted with drugs or alcohol or dropping out of school during this sensitive period is going to be more than it was a generation ago. It's also a great time for self-discovery, creativity, getting into music and art, meditation, Tai Chi, exploring spiritual concepts.

EVERYONE'S LIFE MATTERS
One thing I've discovered by working with thousands of people is that everyone, without exception, no matter how better off they may appear to be, has tough issues to work out. Some kids are in more deeply than others. Maybe this has to do with your relationships with parents, school issues, or feeling good about yourself, your body, your friends. In writing each entry we had to cover a lot of ground to speak to many people in different situations but at the same time hit how a certain influence works for you.
If you're 16 and living at home, stuff about looking for an apartment, buying a car, getting involved in serious relationships and filling out job apps may not be relevant to you yet. But, then again, it might. Many of you are sexually mature, if not necessarily ready. We decided to treat you as older rather than younger. You'll know what relates to you because it fits!

CONTRADICTORY INFLUENCES
On some days you'll hit a mixed forecast. For example, transiting Mercury might be Square your Mars, warning you that you could get into arguments or get a ticket for speeding. At the same time Mercury might be trine Jupiter, telling you it's a great time for communication of all sorts and short trips. When you think about it, in a single day, we deal with sometimes contradictory energies. If you put the two together, they'd read, "a great day for short trips as long as you watch your speed; you have a lot to say, but be willing to listen to someone else's point of view. " You can often make the good better by taking note of the precaution or you can blow a positive breeze by letting your ego be too large.

A SPIRITUAL GENERATION
This report is not religious in any way. But it is spiritual. All of you were born with an astrology that brings you into understanding spiritual dimensions of life not available to previous generations. East has met West, yoga and acupuncture and Tai Chi and meditation, even chiropractors were for the alternative crowd when many of your parents brought these and other "New Age" concepts in a generation ago. Today, they're more and more commonplace; just the beginning of what's to come.

You've been brought up with computers in an informational age where technology and the media are changing our lives so quickly it's not easy to keep pace. It may be harder to plan for the future, when the present moves so fast. Yesterday's model for marriage and close relationships doesn't really work today. In talking about your social and career aspects, we kept these things in mind.

YOU'RE CHANGING THE WORLD
Finally, you're adolescents and young adults at a time in history when major cycles are changing. We've just entered a new Astrological Age -- Aquarius, the age of Love. People have different ideas about what love means but Aquarius is already changing the way we think, work, play, relate. You're inheritors of a new world, one which many people in many lands believe will be a "Golden Age" preceded by incredible turmoil.

In writing to each of you and all of you, we do so with great respect and understanding, and with hopes that this book of changes will make a positive difference on your journey.
The original text of this report was written by Kathie Garcia with Todd Henderson (age 24), Indra Garcia (age 19) and Eugene Garcia (age 17).

* * * HOW TO USE ASTROJOURNEY * * *

At the exact moment of your birth, the planets were in certain signs, in a certain relationship to one another. To erect your natal chart, the astrologer takes a picture of that moment, as if the heavens froze! The story of your life is written in the working out of these energies over time. Some are harmonious and others are challenging. Astrologers are able to predict what things happen when and for how long by evaluating the impact of transits. Transits compare the positions of a planet on a given date to a planet or position in your natal chart.
Using AstroJourney is easy!
* In your report you'll read the date on which a transit is exact on the left hand side. This is when its influence is strongest.
* In parentheses you'll see the full duration of the influence, when it comes into play and when it leaves.
* On the right hand side, you'll see the description of the transit which includes a transiting planet in aspect to a natal planet. For example : Merc Sxtil Ven means transiting Mercury is sextile natal Venus.
* Beneath is the interpretation of the influence.

UNDERSTANDING ASPECTS
Aspects are the astrologer's tool to understanding the nature of the relationship between two planets or positions:
Sextile (60 degrees) and Trines (120 degrees) show where energies flow harmoniously. Take advantage of these transits to lighten your load, move forward, get that date, etc.
Squares (90 degrees) are the most challenging of all aspects. Conquering a square can be difficult and requires discipline, but the prize is worth the effort.
Oppositions (180 degrees) challenge you in your relationships with other people. Sometimes you feel a real positive, even stimulating exchange of energy. Other times we deal with conflicts, confrontations, schisms, or separations. Someone else could be mirroring something about yourself you need to deal with but don't see.
Conjunctions (0 degrees) can go either way and depend much upon the nature of the two planets coming together. Venus and Jupiter is a fun, if potentially lazy, combination while Mars and Pluto can be pretty heavy since they both relate to anger and ego.

PLANETS IN HOUSES
Planets transiting through houses are going to highlight a specific area of your life for the duration of the transit according to the nature of the planet. AstroJourney will tell you when a transiting planet enters a particular house in your natal chart. The date on the left hand is the date the planet enters the house. In parentheses you'll see the duration of the transit. It will start a day earlier than the beginning date. This is when the transiting planet is on the house cusp. On the right hand side you'll see the name of the planet and the house its entering. For example, "Merc 4th H." means "transiting Mercury is entering the 4th house of your natal chart."
So, now you've got the pack, enjoy your journey!

Tropical/Placidus   NATAL CHART
Calculated for time zone 0 hours

Natal positions:
Sun= 0CN06 Moon= 4CN58 Merc= 8GE58 Ven=25TA40 Mars= 9LI12
Jup= 0SC29 Sat=15LI30 Ura= 1SA30 Nep=25SA33 Plu=24LI10
Asc=27SA31 MC= 2SC28 2nd h=12AQ46 3rd h= 0AR22 5th h=24TA11
6th h=11GE19

PLANET-TO-PLANET SELECTIONS
Natal: Sun Moon Merc Ven Mars Jup Sat Ura Nep Plu Asc MC
Transiting: Sun Merc Ven Mars Jup Sat Ura Nep Plu
ASPECT ORB ASPECT ORB
Conj ( 0 deg 00 min) 1 deg 00 min Oppos (180 deg 00 min) 1 deg 00 min
Sqr ( 90 deg 00 min) 1 deg 00 min Trine (120 deg 00 min) 1 deg 00 min
Sxtil ( 60 deg 00 min) 1 deg 00 min

Aug 25, 2002         (July 18, 2002 to Jan 12, 2003)Nep Trine Merc

A potentially non-stressful time to learn more about yourself and others. Imagination and intuition are heightened. Musicians, photographers, writers, actors, and creative people as well as those of spiritual inclination benefit. You are at your most poetic and devotional. Your muse awakens!

Aug 27, 2002         (Aug 26, 2002 to Oct 1, 2002) Merc 9th H.

Mercury in the House of travel, philosophy and higher education: with favorable aspects, good fortune related to travel, spiritual pursuits and school; with challenging aspects, difficulties must be mastered to acquire the experience you seek.

Aug 30, 2002         (Aug 17, 2002 to Nov 23, 2002) Sat 7th H.

Saturn in the House of relationships: even when love seems certain, Saturn will put important relationships to the test; experience teaches you the art of balancing what you want from others and what they demand of you; trust is built on doing what you say you will; don't second-guess others, know the score before giving away your love; lessons related to romances formed now may be painful but valuable; you may have to confront your enemies -- tact could be your best friend; the beginning of your climb to the top deals with learning to handle many one on one situations; stay centered in the heart and you can only win!.

Sep 11, 2002         (Sep 9, 2002 to Nov 10, 2002) Ven 10th H.

Venus in House of career, reputation and elders: connections take you to the top; an older person sponsors you; know your worth.

Sep 21, 2002         (Aug 24, 2002 to Jan 9, 2003) Ura Sqr Ven

The danger of this influence is the temptation to ignore logical consequences that result from reckless actions. Hard to cork desires explode into your world. Where are they coming from? Something buried inside you demands to be let loose. Protect yourself from potential heartbreak by respecting and valuing the person who you are. Never degrade yourself for a moment's love or demand of another they hurt themselves to fulfill your fleeting whims. In love and money if you decide to throw caution out the window, the payback time inevitably arrives at your doorstep. Girls especially could be prone to looking for love where love is not. Look behind the mask and see what's really there. For some, a sudden loss of love forces you to become more self-reliant.

Sep 23, 2002         (Sep 22, 2002 to Oct 26, 2002) Sun 9th H.

Sun in the House of travel, higher education, and philosophy: New horizons; look, experience and learn.

Sep 24, 2002     6 PM(Sep 23, 2002 to Sep 25, 2002) Sun Sxtil Ura

Take a little trip, do something different! You may discover insights into day-to-day problems and into your psychology that will prove to be of great value later. A good time to study your astrology! A teaching you hear now or dream you experience could be a revelation. This is a positive influence for participating in group activities and for taking the lead. Tying into the Internet or some other computer related work may be on your menu.

Sep 25, 2002         (Aug 27, 2002 to Jan 7, 2003) Ura Sxtil Nep

Your inner antennae are especially sensitive now and you're listening to awesome inner messages that could result in some radical changes. You could rethink and redefine your direction in life. You might reshape your lifestyle as a result of philosophical and mystical visions and insights. Spiritual seeds planted in your childhood, or even in a past life blossom now. New visions or sudden flashes could magnetize you into getting involved with some sort of group with a purpose. This could be the cycle you choose to explore the world. Memories are happening now that you'll remember for the rest of your life. How about keeping a journal of your adventures? Especially writers and artists should cash in on this inspirational aspect.

Sep 27, 2002     8 AM(Sep 26, 2002 to Sep 28, 2002) Merc Sqr Moon

Watch out! Your emotions are getting in the way of your thinking! You could be impatient with younger kids, fed up with teachers! Try to keep in touch with your inner feelings. Stuff that happened in the past could resurface. To avoid getting into it with people, it's best not to revolve negative experiences in your mind.

Sep 28, 2002     7 AM(Sep 27, 2002 to Sep 29, 2002) Sun Sqr Moon

Get ready for clashes. That is, if you take yourself too seriously now. Even if your family or significant other is in your face, you can make it right if you try to understand. Your feelings could take you in one direction, your head in another. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you can't get all you want, settle for now for what you need.

Sep 30, 2002     3 PM(Sep 29, 2002 to Oct 1, 2002) Merc Sxtil Ura

Your mental genie is awake. Quick answers, great lines, and brilliant solutions are yours to command! This is the time to get your point across and be creative.

Oct 1, 2002          (Oct 1, 2002 to Oct 11, 2002) Merc 8th H.

Mercury in the House of sex, financial transactions, spiritual regeneration, the deep and mysterious: Sex, death, and other of life's ultimate mysteries arouse your curiosity; figuring out ways to make your nest egg grow can be a preoccupation.

Oct 2, 2002      6 AM(Oct 1, 2002 to Oct 3, 2002) Merc Sqr Sun

You may have a hard time getting across right now. Ego conflicts get in the way of effective communication. Arguments are possible with an authority figure or someone older than yourself. Handle the nervous energy and watch your mouth, and you could discover at the end of this period that you've gotten a lot done.

Oct 2, 2002      8 AM(Oct 1, 2002 to Oct 3, 2002) Sun Trine Merc

The creative juices are flowing. Maximize on this optimum time for planning, writing, and schoolwork. You may find yourself more talkative and involved than usual. This is a positive influence for dialoging with older persons, teachers, employers or people in charge. You shouldn't have any trouble getting your point across!

Oct 2, 2002      2 PM(Oct 1, 2002 to Oct 3, 2002) Sun Conj Mars

You're energized now. This is the time to get projects off to a good start. Mars gives you lots of potent energy for sports and competitive events. Now here's the ugly part: Mars energy can make you feel full of yourself and aggressive, not caring much about others' feelings or needs. Reckless actions could cause you danger or get you into trouble. It's not worth it! A coach or older person may motivate you onward. As long as you're respectful and mindful of protocol, this is actually a good time to talk to parents, teachers and those in charge. Chances are they'll listen.

Oct 4, 2002          (Sep 28, 2002 to Feb 4, 2003) Jup 8th H.

Jupiter in the House of sex, financial transactions, spiritual regeneration, the deep and mysterious: $$ may come your way; how to handle it is the test; healing at a deep level possible; spiritual regeneration; psychic experiences.

Oct 13, 2002         (May 29, 2002 to Nov 14, 2002) Plu Sxtil Sat

This once in a life time cycle finds you examining your foundations, responsibilities, and basic security. You can get rid of stuff, people or circumstances that do nothing for you. Get down to what works. Your relationship with your father may be the focus of changes so gradual you hardly know they're happening but which alter the course of your life forever. If in recent years you felt discouraged or were slacking off, now you're compelled to make it happen in your work and personal life. Spiritual self-discipline sets the stage for future success and satisfaction.