Those born early in the sign of Pisces (February 19-23) are experiencing an eye-opening harmonious transit from Pluto in 2009. Group work and friendships are very positive and transforming for you this year, and you could find many opportunities to heal and empower yourself through them. Your friendships and possibly group associations are likely to deepen, and you feel more “alive” and vital as a result. You are likely taking more creative risks this year in an effort to pursue dreams that suit your deepest needs. You are becoming more self-assured, and love relationships can benefit as a result.

Those also born early in the sign of Pisces are likely to encounter some challenges in the last two months of the year in their intimate relations. The influence of Saturn in your eighth sector can point to some difficulties satisfying the libido and/or problems with intimacy. Changes in your friendships as noted above could become the source of difficulties in an intimate relationship starting in November, and will likely be resolved in mid-2010.

Because Mercury rules your partnership sector, its retrograde periods are significant to you and your love relationships. You could find relationships are sluggish, challenging, or even moving “backwards” during these periods. They occur from January 11-February 1, May 7-30, September 7-29, and December 26/09-January 15/10. From September 18-29 in particular, while Mercury is retrograde in your partnership sector, you should be cautious about making sweeping decisions, and should avoid serious conversations. The likelihood of misunderstanding a partner runs high. If a partner is distant during these periods, give him/her some space and don’t pressure.

The Venus retrograde from March 6-April 17 affects everyone in general, mainly in the areas of love and finances, but its sign position doesn’t impact your love life directly, except for those born very late in Pisces.

Eclipses this year affect your more casual love relationships. A Solar Eclipse in your romance sector occurs on July 21, and then a Lunar Eclipse occurs in the same sector on the very last day of the year, December 31. In July, circumstances and events call for a new beginning or fresh start on a romantic level. You will be learning to take risks, and to develop the courage to strike out on your own individual and creative path without fear. You are learning to deal with lovers in a more personal, involved, and loving manner, rather than falling back on reason and intellect, which detaches you from your feelings. The lunar eclipse on December 31can bring tests and challenges to a casual love affair.

Arguably the spiciest period for your love life in 2009 occurs from September 29-October 14, when both Venus and Mars, the planets of love and sex, are traveling through your romance and partnership sectors. Your charm is super and romance fairly sizzles. Love is pleasurable and exciting at once.

A short but exciting period occurs from April 18-22 when Venus and Mars join in your sign. Many of you will be enjoying a new or renewed romance during this window.

Jupiter in your spirituality sector this year suggests a feeling of being spiritually protected and confident.

Eros, the god of erotic love, is direct and in your sign from May 8-July 19 and November 8-forward. Your powers of attraction run very high during these cycles, but more in terms of you going after what you want than waiting for things to come to you. Sexual activity may be more frequent than usual. An impassioned attitude in general is with you.

Key Periods in 2009:

January 3-February 3 is a period in which you are especially charming and pleasant to be around. This is a time when the world seems to be speaking, or at least appreciating, your “love language”. It’s a period ripe with opportunity for attracting others, for turning on the charm, and for receiving positive feedback from partners or love interests. Love seems to come to you without the need for your pursuing it. This energy returns briefly from April 18-22, when it’s a little more potent and dynamic.

March 6-April 17 is the Venus retrograde period. Don’t make any major decisions about love (and finances) during this cycle, particularly from April 11-17. Review and reflect on your love life.

March 15-April 22 is a strong period for going after exactly what (or who) you want. It’s a high energy period. You’re oozing sexuality now, and others are most turned on by your leadership qualities. April 17-22 is a stellar period for sexuality and romance.

August 1-25 is a playful, lighthearted, and magnetic period for love, particularly for casual love affairs. Your powers of attraction run high. Love comes to you rather than your having to pursue it.

August 25-October 16 is a time when your powers of attraction run high, but this time it’s particularly true when you are taking on a more assertive and outgoing role. Romance picks up pace. Although it’s a strong period overall, from September 18-29 a partnership could feel “iffy” temporarily. September 29-October 14 is particularly exciting and stimulating for love matters. A partnership is warm, loving, and especially pleasurable.