Explore your hidden strengths

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble’ chanted Shakespeare’s witches. Although there’s no need to worry about any prophecies that I might be making this week, it’s true to say that there’s something dark, mysterious and powerful afoot. Rather than being a curse, though, the convergence of Mars with newly retrograde Pluto suggests that the time is ripe to explore hidden strengths. Now that Mercury is direct once more and repeating its link with Saturn, there’s a sense of magic in the air.

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 22 APRIL 2018 ARIES March 21-April 20

Just because you know where to draw the line when it comes to challenges doesn’t mean that there’s not a whole range of exciting options that you want to try. It’s going to take effort to satisfy your most urgent need, though. Nothing’s ever easy… but even if you refrain from engaging with a particularly intricate scenario, there’s no guarantee that it will pass you by unscathed. But this is actually good news. As Mars conjuncts Pluto you have the power to make a positive impact. Go on! What are you waiting for! IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: There is a battle going on. But it is between two parties who agree about an awful lot. Look for a gentle resolution.

TAURUS April 21-May 21

Science has brought remarkable changes to our lives. With robots that can perform somersaults and hold simple conversations, who knows what wonders the future holds? But, however amazing the technological advances they’ll never match the creativity of the human brain. Never underestimate your intelligence. The connection of Mars to Pluto suggests that with an open mind, warmth in your heart and the wealth of your experience, you have all you need to dream up a fantastic, future-proof way forward this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Contemplating change? What if the alternative is worse? In your heart, you sense certainty. It deserves some respect.

GEMINI May 22-June 22

Whenever Venus enters a sign, (she’s about to enter Gemini) she brings gentle kindness, beauty, peace and prosperity. Whenever Mars and Pluto converge, (as they will on Thursday) they urge us to wrestle back control of our lives and find strength as we challenge for power. So how can these opposite emotions find a way to sit comfortably in your world? The answer lies in subtlety, guile, and striving to do what is right, rather than what feels right. This week, follow the impulse that will make a positive difference. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Events urge you to be grateful for what you haven’t got and are not likely to get. Then, appreciate what you already have!

CANCER June 23-July 23

The balance of trust and power is delicate but vital. An abuse of trust is seldom anything but a grasping attempt to seize or assert influence over another, and an abuse of power is a violation of trust. Recently you’ve begun to suspect that someone’s tipping the scales unfairly. No wonder you’re tempted to barge in, guns blazing, as a defender of decency and fairness. But, this is a delicate situation. Bide your time. Mars and Pluto are on your side. A moment will come when it only takes a subtle, carefully calculated manoeuvre to set things right.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: A point is coming when you can handle the backlog of un-kept promises that make you uncomfortable; you are doing fine.

LEO July 24-August 23

As children we’re taught to be brave and independent, but also to follow instructions and to behave appropriately. We’re scolded when we disobey, or flout the rules. As adults, even if we think that we’ve shrugged off those childhood dressing-downs, we’ve taken enough to heart that we retain a fear of incurring displeasure. In your life now, what cycle are you repeating that you ought to have grown out of ? You have the skills to reset people’s expectations and, as Venus changes signs, you’ll find support when you do. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You don’t have to play out old dramas and be discouraged by the same old ‘reasons why not’; dare to be different.

LIBRA September 24-October 23

In our individual ways, we try to protect ourselves against the pain of loss. Some people do this by running away from situations that spark powerful feelings. Others abandon ambitions rather than risk failure. But that’s like being so afraid of catching a cold that you end up living in a bubble. Where’s the pleasure in a life without risk? You’re beginning a journey that calls for courage. That might mean trading security for vulnerability. But, as Mars and Pluto unite, if you set off with an open heart you’ll unlock a potent power that lies within. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Some things cannot be grasped only with our intellect. Like love, beauty and spirituality. Be glad of what’s baffling you now.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

There are many competing theories that attempt to explain how we find ourselves on our particular paths. Some people think it’s due to predestination. Others put it down to free will. But no matter how you got here, there have been unpredictable challenges along the way. As Mars and Pluto link, they bring you the strength to transform a difficult situation, and the love and support of someone to enable and assist you. Be grateful by all means, but most of all, have faith in your ability to control your fortunes this week.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: There are lots of things you cannot do. Cheer up... soon you will have your revenge — and your freedom. Be patient.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

Recently I’ve been obsessed with The Mills Brothers version of You Always Hurt

The One You Love. It’s not the first time I’ve experienced enthusiasm at the rediscovery of a classic record. But this recording wasn’t the version that topped the charts. Nor was it on any of the greatest hits compilations. After many hours of research I discovered that it was a 1958 re-record that had captured my heart. Sometimes we set ourselves impossible standards. But, with help from Mars and Pluto, and persistence, perfection is possible for you this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The cosmos is bringing you a rare experience, usually enjoyed only by the highly favoured; it is no less than you deserve.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

We’ve come to expect that politicians will be more considerate and social-minded as elections draw close and inflexible opinions are replaced by interest in the less fortunate. We all find it easier to be more considerate when our personal situations are uncertain. As Mars links to Pluto, you’re undergoing a process of transformation. But instead of viewing it with trepidation, see it as an opportunity. You’re at the centre of events. Your voice has an unprecedented amount of power. Make the most of that this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t take the moral high ground in your emotional life now. It may yet start to crumble beneath your feet.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

When considering how best to deal with a difficult situation, have you ever imagined that you have super powers? Then you’d have the quickest, smartest response. You’d stay calm amid the chaos and influence the thoughts and behaviour of others for the better. Although this sounds far-fetched, don’t underestimate your power as Mars and Pluto conjunct in your sign. You’re stronger than you realise… and those around you know it. Use your strength wisely, but if push comes to shove, know you’re a force to be reckoned with. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Why does luck seem to be plentiful for some folk? Your answer: Effort and faith. Just apply these two qualities.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

In law, claims need to be backed up with evidence. ‘Your honour, I’ve just got a feeling about this,’ doesn’t work. Right now, if you weren’t so meticulous in your rationality, you might ask others to trust your intuition. Your perceptive powers often lead to wonderful discoveries. But because you have no evidence behind your hunch you’re reluctant to make a case for your idea. It’s unlike you to have nothing to back up your thoughts, but your intuition is powerful. The conjunction of Mars and Pluto encourages you to trust yourself on this one. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The individual best qualified to sort out your current situation is... you! Give your all to the challenge; you can triumph.

PISCES February 20-March 20

In certain traditions, shamans are the possessors of secret knowledge. With the power to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds, their authority is unquestioned. But in our technologically driven world it’s hard to know who to trust. We’ve seen figures across the spectrum falter in their missions, morals and values. Nevertheless, we all need someone to turn to when we’re in trouble. For those around you, this week, that figure is you. With support from Mars and Pluto, have no doubt, you’re well qualified for this latest challenge. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Tempted to accept a poor proposition because you can’t face the effort to set it straight. Be stronger than that.