SUNDAY 19 | FEBRUARY 2017 A FIERY COMBINATION

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 19 FEBRUARY 2017 W e’re in the magical time between two eclipses. As the Sun enters Pisces it brings a new sensitivity to the playful creativity encouraged by last weekend’s Lunar Eclipse. And, as it moves towards the

ARIES March 21-April 20

They say we should strike when the iron’s hot. But this is a blacksmith’s analogy. If there was ever a need to update our terminology to cope with modern times, then this must be the time. Perhaps we should say we should ‘act while the hashtag is trending’ instead. But whatever the phrasing, the advice remains the same. Something in your world is calling out for change. Don’t, this weekend, let the opportunity to make a difference pass you by. If you’re sensitive enough to your surroundings, you’ll see there’s a way ahead. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Life takes us down unexpected roads. Your journey now takes you to a place where you can cast a very potent spell. TAURUS April 21-May 21

Are you fundamentally a good or a bad person? Well, indeed. Me too. Or, at least, we would both very much like to hope so. But this does raise one rather crucial question. What if we aren’t? Few, if any, of this world’s ‘bad’ people, ever think of themselves as ‘bad’. Almost all the harmful actions and despicable decisions that have ever occurred stem from people who believed that what they were doing was ‘good’. This week, with the coming Eclipse, you owe it to yourself to ask, “How right is the right thing?” And, “How wrong is the wrong thing?” IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Tough lessons are empowering you to build a meaningful future. Soon, there will be a lot more love in your life. GEMINI May 22-June 22

It’s easy to get caught up with what’s in front of you because, well, it’s right there — in your way, waiting for you to deal with it. But life isn’t a screen to be stared at. It’s an Oculus Rift — a virtual reality headset that reveals new dimensions depending on where you point your perspective. This week, if you find that you’re in a less pleasing situation, don’t forget to, metaphorically at least, turn your head. There’s more to the game of life than the puzzle you’re stuck on. A little change of direction and you’ll explore the next level. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: There’s no shame in saying that conditions are not right yet. Wait for clarity before trying to make a dream take flight. CANCER June 23-July 23

First you snap your shoelace. Then you miss the bus. Then someone says something sniffy. The next thing you know, you’re having a bad day. At every turn, you start to expect another setback or a reason to feel uncomfortable. A classic experience of irritation. Yet what makes a good day? Usually it involves a little more than functioning footwear, well-timed transport and folk who keep their opinions to themselves. As we approach the coming Eclipse, be less sensitive now to trivial tribulations and you’ll keep the bigger ones at bay.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Sometimes we need to remind the universe of its obligation to take care of us. A nudge is usually all it takes. LEO July 24-August 23

Once in a while we all need to take the plunge and take an action which will turn a casual relationship into something more substantial. And this doesn’t apply only to romantic involvements. Intimate relationships are critical to our wellbeing. Someone who’s been in your peripheral line of vision is worthy of being brought into focus this weekend. Their influence and ideas can inspire you. They can offer valuable perspective. Trust your instincts and listen to their advice. There’s much this alliance can teach you. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The goal you are aiming for is attainable but not by any form of instant magic. Be willing to put in a lot of hard work. VIRGO August 24-September 23

It’s one thing to differ with a colleague or companion — or to argue vociferously with a politician or a philosopher. These things happen. Sooner or later, we all find ourselves passionately upholding a controversial view. This may or may not be good for us but it’s at least understandable. Yet what are we to make of someone whose big point of debate or disagreement isn’t with another individual, but with themselves? You’ve lately been in a state of almost constant quandary but, with the coming Eclipse, this may yet soon resolve. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The body knows best. Physical discomfort could well be a reaction to some emotional factor you are ignoring. LIBRA September 24-October 23

What’s pushing you out of your comfort zone? Who’s instigating change for change’s sake? Who or what’s upsetting the delicate balance of life’s glorious gumbo? Applying change is like seasoning a chilli. Too little, and it’s a bland affair. Too much, and the whole dish is spoiled. But ‘just the right amount’ has us returning for second helpings. Whether we come back for a second life is a question for philosophers rather than astrologers! But this week, let someone else add their ingredients. You might like the zest they inject. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Look to your highest priority. Honour that at all costs and ignore everything (and everyone) else for the time being. SCORPIO October 24-November 22

Harry Potter never decided that he wanted to become a wizard. Fate, circumstance and ‘accident of birth’ thrust this role on him. Neither Bilbo nor Frodo were hankering for adventure when Gandalf came to take them on their travels. They just found themselves caught up in something they couldn’t get out of. Just as these literary heroes eventually triumphed, with Mars conjuncting Uranus at the Eclipse, you’ll prove more than worthy of the challenge that life has placed before you, even if it wasn’t one that you chose. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You may be in two minds about a certain matter. Difficult, doubts will soon give way to inspiring certainties. SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

We’re told ‘get back on the horse that throws you’. Of course it’s easy advice when sitting comfortably on your high horse, but harder to take when lying in the mud. And, of course, we all have the equivalent of psychological steeds to mount. You have the advantage of being the sign of the centaur — your horse can offer you a helping hand to help you clamber on! This week, don’t let the fear of a fall prevent you enjoying the ride. Accept the help on offer and you’ll benefit from a change of scenery. Life’s keen to take you on a journey.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t believe that everyone is going to let you down. Drop your guard; allow someone genuinely generous to help. CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

How hard is it to see something that we don’t want to? Even if we see it, we may immediately do our darndest to forget it. Rather than acknowledge it, we ignore it, deny it or mistake it for something else. Unless, that is, a part of us is willing and ready to see it. With the coming Eclipse, it’s important to be openminded. And, with the focus of Mars’s conjunction with Uranus, that may involve overcoming a reluctance to accept an unnerving explanation. But don’t let an unappealing impression stop you realising a golden opportunity. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The answer to your current question can not be found in any reference book. But it is in your heart. Look there. AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

Change doesn’t happen just because it’s the right thing to do. We humans are a long way from developing robotic brains. We may like to think our choices are determined by the rational study of the merits of a decision. But more often than not, it’s a good story that sways hearts and rallies troops behind a cause. It’s important to remember this over the week ahead. Sometimes belief matters more than vision. In order to manifest what you need to feel fulfilled, a combination of passion, candour and confidence will make the difference. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Surprises can be pleasant or... well, that’s what makes them surprises. Expect the cosmos to deliver the nice kind. PISCES February 20-March 20

When faced with difficult circumstances, you can either let your confidence crumble or redouble your determination to find a way forward, regardless. Try not to be overly sensitive to a cause of worry or concern. Overcome your exasperation at the circumstances that have led to a problem — or any instinctive sense that you wouldn’t be in a tricky situation if someone else had been a little smarter. The coming Eclipse will help you to see the most positive route you can take, from here to the kind of future you want to enjoy. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Emotional pressure. Run away and it will follow you. Turn around with a smile on your face and it will leave you alone.