The last time distant Pluto traveled into the sign of Capricorn on the astrological chart was during the American and French revolutions in the 18th century.

In January 2008, the planet entered the sign again, remained a few months and came out before returning in November 2008, to begin a 16-year stay.

"It symbolizes a new revolution we are going through,'' said astrologer Cheryl Crise, who collaborates with astrologer Rick DiClemente on topics such as what the cosmos tell us about a new year.

Astrology is the study of positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief they have an influence in the course of natural earthy occurrences and human affairs.

Mr. DiClemente will share his "Forecast for 2009" at 6:30 tonight at South Park Township Library. The program is free and open to all.

"I will explain why things are happening,'' Mr. DiClemente said.

While he will try to do some individual readings, it is more important to understand what is happening collectively as a nation, he said.

"When [a world] like Pluto shifts signs, it is indicative of a shift of era of the collective mind we all share,'' he said.

To understand the present, one must understand the immediate past and its ramifications, Mr. DiClemente said.

When Pluto was in Sagittarius from 1995 to 2008, our world expanded and got smaller at the same time, he said. Mr. DiClemente speculates that was symbolized by Microsoft's new operating system Windows 95, and the introduction of hand-held devices and other communications breakthroughs.

There were also extremes in ideas and ideals, such as fundamentalist Christians and Muslims at odds with one another.

"With Pluto now in Capricorn,'' said Ms. Crise, "I see people settling down.

"There is a sense we have to put aside theories and work together practically,'' she added.

As a result of what he considers a free-wheeling, open-ended, previous era, Mr. DiClemente predicted that we will see more regulation and government control "because we have to calm things down to get hold of them.''

That helps explain the mortgage crisis as "the industry was not built on enough real substance,'' Mr. DiClemente said.

The astrologers said the challenges ahead require us to assume personal responsibility and contribute to our communities.

"We must become informed voters and participate in all level of government,'' said Ms. Crise, "and we must recycle to preserve the planet.

"We must also reach out and help our neighbors, through such activities as volunteering,'' she added.

"We cannot sit by anymore and expect the government to solve all our problems,'' Mr. DiClemente said.

The astrologers live in Richeyville, Washington County. Mr. DiClemente has an office in Green Tree.

Ms. Crise said while the horoscope -- an astrological forecast of a person's future, based on a diagram of the planets and stars at a given moment -- can give clues on how to reach one's potential, free will is important.

"A Chevy is a Chevy is a Chevy, but you can drive it where you want to,'' Mr. DiClemente said.

Registration is requested for the program by calling 412-833-5585. For more information on Mr. DiClemente's services, call him at 724-622-8079, or visit his Web site: www.starself.com.