ON THE EDGE

Retrograde Mercury’s influence doesn’t seem to have dampened the effect that any confused bulls who happen to find themselves in china shops might be having. The weekend’s Sun-Mars alignment suggests a slightly edgy time when all red rags need to be kept safely hidden in our pockets! Unusually, the Full Moon might have a stabilising influence as it creates a T-Square with the coming Mars-Saturn conjunction. So, as Venus moves into Taurus, if we direct our enthusiasm wisely, we might end up achieving what we desire after all.

ARIES March 21-April 20

Anyone can look back at an event and trace back to the reasons why things panned out the way they did, why people reacted and what the repercussions have been. That’s the benefit of hindsight — we can use it to explain just about everything. Foresight though, is a very different practice. We often have expectations of how things will be and are surprised when the reality is so removed from the theory. How will these challenges you’re dealing with work out? Under this Sun-Mars link, you’re about to find out. It’s better than you think. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You have to unpick some stitches. Don’t stress yourself by asking if a mistake been made. You’re doing what’s right.

TAURUS April 21-May 21

Change is the most natural thing on the planet. It’s essential. It’s the life force that brings the seasons and the tides, the day and the night, enlightenment and ignorance. We can’t afford to fear or resent it. That doesn’t mean, though, that all change is for the better. But it’s rare when it doesn’t bring any benefits. Most significantly, change relies on motion… and a moving object can be more easily influenced than a stationary one. If you don’t like the look of what’s coming your way, you’ve got time to shape it as you will. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Try not to jump to judgement about others too swiftly. Keep an open mind about people and situations.

GEMINI May 22-June 22

Can people who spoil their ballot papers complain when they don’t like the decisions made by the powers that be? It’s the same in life. If we’re not engaged enough to effect any change in ourselves, how can we be upset when we drift into difficulties? You’re standing on the precipice of greatness now. You’re inspired by the world around you and you’ve got the ability to galvanise other people — despite their fears or their lack of commitment. Be bold enough to take the next step. You can be a powerful force for good. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Overwhelmed? Fear not. You’re moving from a situation of excess — towards an arrangement that will be ‘just right’.

CANCER June 23-July 23

We have all the time in the world’ was the theme tune to On Her

Majesty’s Secret Service. But even James Bond, with all his gadgetry and quick-wittedness, can’t outsmart the inexorable hands of time. But just because we’re unable to turn clocks backwards doesn’t mean that we can’t do things that make the passing of time feel more (or less) under our control. I can’t promise you a ‘happily every after’ week. But under the influence of the Full Moon, you still have enough time to change the outcome of your story. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Cling to your dreams. Any hope is better than no hope. You now have a big idea. It is far-fetched but not impossible.

LEO July 24-August 23

Gyms are rather strange places full of people running and cycling on the spot. Just think of all the electricity being used so that they can stay stationary. And more again, on the fans that cool them down when they’ve finished! It would be more environmentally-friendly if we were more old-fashioned in our exercise routines. Maybe the treadmills could be hooked up to a generator so the energy burnt on running could be repurposed! Your current expedition is turning out to be equally innovative, and surprisingly productive. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Every so often, you get consumed by an urge to act quickly and decisively. That’s what you’re feeling now. Trust it.

LIBRA September 24-October 23

You’re performing a complicated and delicate balancing routine at the moment. Although it feels as if a small wobble could send everything crashing to the ground, sometimes a little pressure helps you to perform at your best. Of course, there are simpler, safer places to be, but that spine-tingling thrill can stimulate you to previously unknown achievements, before steering you to safety. The easiest most logical way of doing things won’t be half as much fun as the slightly edgy way that you’re tempted to follow this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You are close to a turning point, a defining moment of significant change. Something important is about to move.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

History is filled with the great deeds of ordinary people who’ve been inspired. Whether it’s a mathematical algorithm or an artistic movement, there’s no doubt that some people have a profound effect on the world. But does anyone ever wake up knowing that this is the day that they’re going to make a difference? World-changing adventures may not be on your agenda this weekend, but you have all the resources you need to be successful in your endeavour. Plus, the creativity to work out what to do if you run out! IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Some problems disappear and solve themselves — if you ignore them. ‘Least said, soonest mended’ is a useful credo.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

The best horror movies aren’t the ones with lashings of blood. They show less, not more. The threat is real, but hidden in the shadows, and our imagination fills in the gaps. The danger is that the monster is far less scary than we imagine. The same is true of our worries. When you take them out of the dark corner they’re lurking in and bring them into the open, you can transform them from unknown threat to helpful friend. This week, you can find something delightful hidden where you don’t want to look. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t dwell on what’s unlikely, unless there’s a miracle. Look at what is within reach. That will be enough.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

Trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit,’ said the seventeenth century playwright, Moliere. I suppose that’s a fancy way to say patience is a virtue. The problem with sage words is that they’re often used to scold. How often have you been reminded of that particular virtue when someone thinks that you’re taking too much time over something? I thought not! Yet when we’re being patient we’re told that lethargy is a vice. With so much judgment around it’s impossible to get it right. The best thing to do this week is follow your instinct. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Share as much as you dare; be pleasantly surprised by how much your point of view is acknowledged and honoured.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

The legend of King Cnut tells of a man obsessed with power who nearly drowns as he tries to command the tide. It’s a myth, though. He was apparently a pious man with a reverence for powers greater than himself. Thanks to creative writing and the mists of a thousand years, he’s best known for shouting at the sea. You may not be Danish royalty, but you command respect and have considerable power. If you recognise the forces that need to be worked with, rather than struggled against, you’ll make excellent progress. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You’re conscious of a potential drawback in a plan. Don’t focus too hard on it. Keep on moving in your chosen direction.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

If you’re reading this forecast on the internet you probably owe more than you realise to a siren from the golden age of Hollywood. Hedy Lamarr was a big star of the silver screen in the 1940s. But when war broke out she helped to develop a radio guidance system that protected allied torpedoes from being jammed. The US military didn’t take her inventions seriously at the time. But years later, they used them to develop wireless communication we now enjoy. Great ideas will come in surprising packages this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The unhappy path involves constantly questioning. The happy one? Walking forward in trust. Do just that.

PISCES February 20-March 20

Someone, somewhere is always predicting the end of the world. Since I’m in the forecasting business, sometimes people ask me when can we expect it to happen. To which I respectfully reply that it won’t! It’s not happening. Instead of worrying and thinking about the end, I suggest that they invest their energy in a new beginning. This same attitude can transform your personal life this week. Energy doesn’t disappear, it’s transferred. Wherever you decide to focus your resources you can rejuvenate your situation. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t try too hard. Just do what feels most natural; magically, you will end up with what’s needed... despite your worries.