In 1994, the enlightened will leave the planet, sage predicts 12/31/93 The Ottawa Citizen Jean Chrtien will step down, to be replaced ultimately by Jean Charest as prime minister. Science will make incredible advances. Many of us will head back to school, while others will spot Unidentified Flying Objects. At least, those are the predictions for 1994 from a handful of area astrologers, numerologists and tarot card readers. They've checked their charts and cards, played with their numbers and looked into the future to give us a preview of the year ahead. "Internationally, we're in for some big changes. Hold on to your hats, we're in for a hell of a ride," says numerologist Marion McMillan. Numerologists, like McMillan, base their predictions on Earth's personal vibrations. Calculations stretch back to the theoretical year our world was created. But just because they can figure out what the vibrations are saying, it doesn't necessarily mean they're willing to reveal everything coming down the pipe at us. "The stuff that most of us know is too scary for most people to hear," McMillan says. Still, she will say a simmering conflict will probably erupt into a war somewhere in the world. And by February or March some famous people -- likely some "power-monger types" -- will be exposed for their wicked deeds. "The Michael Jackson thing is just the flea on the dog's back," McMillan says. On the bright side, science should advance in "leaps and bounds" this year, as a number of long-term research projects finally make breakthroughs. "It's going to be a year for fantastic progress. The repair of the Hubble telescope heralds many new discoveries." Individuals will do some personal discovering as well, as they head back to school or take off on trips, she says. But that doesn't mean they'll do more experimenting in relationships, says Tom Tindall, a local tarot card reader. As a result of the many readings he's done recently, he predicts local residents will stay monogamous. "People are interested in choosing the right person who's out there for them, instead of indulging in hedonistic pleasures," he says. Tindall sees more people starting their own businesses so they can be their own bosses. All these new businesses could help fuel an economic growth rate driven by Pluto that astrologer Russell H. Simmons pegs at almost 12 per cent for 1994. He sees a nasty succession battle within the Liberal party for Jean Chrtien's job when he steps down for health reasons. Sheila Copps, as deputy prime minister, will take over in the spring. But by the end of the year, she could face competition from a "rising star." Simmons isn't sure just who that upstart will be. But he hints it could be someone who once tried to become prime minister: Jean Charest. "Things will be revealed about how the Tories sunk the economy. Charest will walk (across the floor)," Simmons says. Of course, the real headline news won't be politics. How could it be, with UFO sightings up 1,000 per cent? "It will be something that will have to be talked about because everyone will have seen one. It will be an obvious thing," Simmons says. Look out Ottawa, because the region is one of the highest psychic and spiritual centres in the country. Simmons calls it "a hub of the highest form of enlightened energy." That means the area could also be a mecca for UFOs, since they'll probably be looking for "enlightened" people to take with them, train, then bring back as prophets. They'll arrive in a vehicle the size of the moon, but in the fifth dimension so we can't all see it. The one thing he can't say is who among us might be the enlightened ones who will be chosen for a spin in the UFOs. After all, do people know if they are enlightened or not? "Some do, some don't," Simmons says.