{What should we expect in the year 2009? How will the starts influence our careers, social status and romantic relationships? Astrologist Sergiu Sumca reveals some of the secrets in the following interview} [ - Could you please sketch a general picture of 2009 from an astrological viewpoint for us?] - Astrologically, the new year starts on January 6, when Jupiter enters the zodiacal constellation of the Water Bearer. There will be two planets that will leave their mark on all our activities throughout the year. The first planet is Jupiter, which signifies power, wealth, career progression, traveling, overseas connections, and prosperity. This is a benefic planet. In 2009 Jupiter will favor originality, I mean everything that is new or uncommon. The second planet is Saturn, which in astrology means the “great evil”. So, fortune and misfortune will alternate. Saturn will hamper us in all our intentions. This will a big challenge for everyone. The solution is patience, which many of use lose easily. When Saturn will make its presence felt, we must reconcile ourselves and try to survive, while letting these challenges make us stronger and build up our inner qualities. [ - How will Jupiter and Saturn influence each astrological sign?] - The stars will prefer the people born under Aquarius above all others. They will get everything they desire. The general picture for the Aquarius resembles a lot that of 1997. Also favored will be Gemini and Libra, which are air signs as well. The other signs will have both good and not so good things. Aries involved in the business sector should to be very cautious, especially early Aries. I pity those born under Leo, they will suffer as Jupiter will be in opposition with their sun. But the experience that they will accumulate this year will prove very useful in 2010. Pluto will partially affect the Cancer. In 2009, the stars will give extra strength to survive to the Capricorn. Those born under Virgo, who had quite a lot of sufferings in 2008, will still sense the influence of Saturn as it will cross their constellation, but the impact will be lighter. There are some difficult times ahead for Taurus and Scorpio, because Jupiter will challenge them. Nevertheless, they will have immunity – the experience of the past year has toughened them enough to resist all the pressure. Pisces will feel confusion throughout the year, with problems at work, sackings and radical changes. Yet they will eventually come to understand that 2009 is better than the previous year. Even if 2009 doesn't herald any extraordinary success for the Sagittarius, they will have the chance to make new relationships and by the end of the year will be pleased to have managed to keep their balance. [ - In the Chinese horoscope, 2009 is the Year of the Ox. What should we know about this animal?] - The Year of the Ox starts on January 29, 2009, and will last until February 13, 2010. This year favors discipline and obedience, diligence and assiduity. The Ox will support all those who work a lot. Tricksters must be very watchful, as the Ox will keep an eye on them. In 2009 friendships will be easy to make. The lucky number is five, and the talisman of the year is the human figure. It is fortune-bringing to have a five-pointed star at work, which means prosperity, good progress in everything. But the star must be necessarily placed with one of the points upward. The color of the year is yellow. [ - What should we expect from politics this year?] - The politicians with new ideas will be favored, and the politicians with conservative views will need to bear this in mind. The trends will determine us to lose clichés. While Saturn waits until you're ready, Jupiter is totally unpredictable. We can make calculations and draft strategies, but everything will eventually become upside down. It is risky to say which of the weighty political parties may win the 2009 election race, because in the end we might get a totally different picture from what was initially predicted. An apparent favorite may suffer a failure at the very last minute of the race. [ - What about the economy?] - New ideas are saluted in the economic sector as well. The financial crisis in 2008 was caused by Pluto when it entered Capricorn. It will be still felt in 2009. The stars advise us to tighten our belts. The decisions which apparently herald easy money will be way to risky. Some businessmen will have to make every effort to stay afloat. But those who will be successful in 2009 will likely remain so in 2010.