Cancer Horoscope for 2008

Relationships open your life and widen your horizons this year, but the reality of what follows may not live up to your exaggerated expectations. Exercising caution and using common sense could be your best weapons against disappointment, because some opportunities won't prove quite as amazing as they seem at first glance. A feeling of infinite possibilities in January quickly turns into hard work as you successfully scale the mountain of ambition to reach your goals.

When Saturn was in your sign just a few years ago -- from May 2003 to July 2005 -- you had to get serious and make a stand for what was then most important to you. In 2006 and 2007, you began to firmly establish yourself in your new direction. In September 2007, Saturn entered practical Virgo, the sign of efficiency, and stays here in your 3rd House of Communication throughout 2008. Now you must organize your thoughts clearly enough to present them to others. Putting your personal information in order, deciding how to make better use of your time, and establishing positive working relationships will enable you to progress methodically along your path to success.

Your long-term goals broaden, yet your expanding vision widens slowly and surely in a way that keeps you feeling safe throughout the process. Optimistic people enter your life and encourage you to move beyond your established boundaries of safety. Jupiter in cautious Capricorn this year suggests that growth will not come easily. As it travels through your 7th House of Partnerships, it indicates that your spouse, friends and co-workers will confront you with their realistic assessments of your progress, motivating you to learn, grow and be open to options as they appear. But Jupiter does not operate alone this year, for Pluto, the slowest moving of all the astrological planets, has tentatively moved into Capricorn -- also in your 7th House -- signifying that you are taking the first small steps toward a much larger transformation that will take years to fully unfold. Although this metamorphosis will surely affect your most intimate relationships profoundly, all interactions with others will deepen along with your newfound emotional intensity.

Compassionate Neptune continues its journey through your 8th House of Shared Resources that began in 1998, melting away boundaries that might prevent you from experiencing increased levels of intimacy. But don't fool yourself, for Neptune can also pull the wool over your eyes. As a Crab, you are particularly sensitive to eclipses, which affect you for months before and after their occurrences. Since nebulous Neptune is closely involved with three out of four eclipses this year -- on February 6, August 1 and August 16 -- confusion can create avoidable problems. Enter into emotional and financial negotiations with caution; things could unravel quickly unless everyone is clear about expectations and commitments. Due diligence is essential, so put extra effort into digging out all the needed facts and separating the useful information from the unrealistic promises.

*This article is excerpted from the book, 'Your Astrology Guide 2008' by Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer, astrologers for Tarot.com. To find out your key dates and those of your friends and lovers -- and to get the scoop on your Super Nova days, too -- purchase this book.