Time for a reboot

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 19 AUGUST 2018

When it comes to computer problems, switching a device off and on again is the first action we’re recommended to take. It’s good advice to follow because rebooting the power takes care of most issues. Sadly, real life isn’t so easy to fix… the main switch isn’t so obvious! Yet, as Mercury starts to move forward, it creates the astrological equivalent of a system reboot. Though the process won’t be as straightforward as we’d like, there’ll be fewer gremlins to deal with and, as the Sun enters Virgo, a welcome return to working order. ARIES March 21-April 20

It’s never a good idea to speed when the visibility is poor. If you want to stay safe, it’s better to slow down and make careful progress when you’re making your way through foggy, misty conditions. Whilst Mercury was moving backwards, it provided you with the perfect opportunity to gain valuable perspective, but was not the time for urgently sorting out problems. Now that it’s moving forward once again, you can think more clearly, and see the cleverest, most straightforward way to move to where you want to go. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: An apology? You have a right to be who you are. Grant yourself the confidence to stay your ground.

TAURUS April 21-May 21

Have you ever been told how wonderfully special you are, in a way that you’ve been completely able to believe? Have you ever been able to accept a compliment in a way that has enabled you to move forward in a more confident way? Have you ever felt appreciated just for being you, rather than for what you’ve achieved? As Jupiter and Neptune harmonise, just as Mercury changes direction, under the watchful gaze of supportive Venus, you can attract so much attention and affection that you’ll have a lot to share too. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Your life is not lived in black and white. It’s an intricate web of colour and it deserves deeper consideration.

GEMINI May 22-June 22

We’ve all walked in on conversations and happily added our tuppence worth, only to realise that we’ve got the wrong end of the stick. As your ruler moved backwards, it brought a situation for you to re-examine and reassess. It’s uncomfortable when you realise that you might have misjudged someone or something, but there’s potential for healing to occur. With Mercury’s change of direction this weekend, if you’re courageous enough to admit to a misjudgment, you can move freely forward with renewed confidence. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Are we on Earth to pay for past transgressions? If you believe that you’ll miss your chance to get a big result.

CANCER June 23-July 23

That’s enough time spent imagining gloomy scenarios! This week, unnerving thoughts can be banished. It’s time to think about all that you have that’s positive in your life and all that you have that you can be grateful for. Like your intuition, your talents, your aptitudes and your creativity: which can be celebrated. Mercury’s change of direction will enable you to see that you have what you need in order to be comfortable and happy. A sense of security comes from a growing faith that the choices you’ve made recently were right. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Are you playing an essential part in a complicated chain of events and circumstances? It’s time to make it all simpler.

LEO July 24-August 23

Walking through treacle is never easy. Neither is negotiating your way around unpredictable obstacles. Yet all the problems that you’ve ever had to deal with were blessings in disguise. Without them, how would you have been able to appreciate the ray of sunlight that’s beaming into your life this week? There’s no chance of you overlooking the opportunity that’s on your horizon. Nor will you fail to take advantage of the gift it brings. Mercury’s change of direction will boost your efforts and revitalise your spirit of adventure too. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t ignore your own better judgement. Do what you know to be right, not what someone else considers appropriate.

LIBRA September 24-October 23

This weekend, Mercury, which has been appearing to move backwards, makes an encouraging link with Venus, comes to a standstill, and begins to appear to move forward once again, bringing you to a position from which you can finally start going in the direction you’ve long wanted to move in. You’re no longer going to feel as if you’re struggling to run up an escalator that’s going down. You can begin to shake off a way of behaving that was based on a survival technique. Your defences can be lowered as you find an easier way to proceed. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Imagine if you had the gift of infallibility. There may soon come a point when it begins to seem as if that’s the case.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

As your ruler Mercury changes direction and begins to make up lost ground, you rediscover territory you never thought you’d find yourself in again. As you find your feet in a familiar scenario, don’t be fooled into thinking that it will work out the same this time. There have been some major changes. This time, you can approach challenges with a renewed faith in yourself and your ability to judge what suits you and what does not. Seeing this situation from a new angle brings inspiration, plus a sense of well-deserved empowerment. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Stop doubting yourself. If you question every development, you will lose the magic being showered upon you.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

Even people who find themselves living in paradise have their struggles. Although we like to think that we’ll leave our anger, frustrations and worries at the airport, our emotions tend to follow us wherever we go. Pleasurable though swinging on a hammock, sipping your favourite cocktail sounds, it’s no guarantee that your mood will reflect your surroundings. Much the same can be said of the harmonious link between Neptune and Jupiter. It won’t guarantee good things, but it will definitely help rather than hinder. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Is there too much complexity? Make things simple. Don’t let a small uncertainty create an enormous stumbling block.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

Instead of jumping out of bed when the alarm goes off, you’d be better off hitting the snooze button, rolling over and going back to doze. As Neptune and Jupiter align harmoniously, this is the moment to dream. Take the time to explore fantasies of how your life can be this week, because there’s a good chance that the wish you’ve been trying to push aside, and the hope you can’t stop yourself from hoping, stand a chance of turning into something tangible. You just need to be certain that you know what you really want. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Your epic journey of emotional discovery begins a new phase. But you now need to become more sure of yourself.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

Focusing our attention on something gives it greater precedence in our lives. This is all well and good when we’re thinking positively, but what about when we’re worried about something or someone? It becomes hard to let go of our fears. Mercury’s change of direction brings a glimmer of hope in a situation that’s been causing you concern. By stepping back, a different viewpoint will change how you respond… and that will create a new dynamic. You can take a significant step towards a more relaxed and happier outlook. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Caught up in a situation? You are going to get much-needed help with a decision that has long been rather difficult.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

Someone’s going to share a piece of critical information with you that you can’t keep to yourself. You’re going to need to express what you know but you’re worried about the steps this will involve. Suppose you hear something you don’t want to hear? What if you say something you’ll regret? What if you somehow manage to cause more confusion when you’re trying to sort things out? As Mercury ends its retrograde phase, you might need to take a risk. But if you trust your luck, and yourself, your courage will pay off. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Someone is taking advantage of you. Someone else appears to be thwarting you, but they are doing you a big kindness.

PISCES February 20-March 20

Gradually, gently, subtly, tenderly but inevitably and irrefutably something is beginning to resolve. Things are calmer and starting to meld together into a cohesive and pleasing shape. Yes, this process is taking its time. But this is the kind of progress that can’t happen in an instant. One thing has to happen before another thing can begin to change. This week, as your co-rulers Jupiter and Neptune harmoniously align, look for hopeful signs and you’ll find them. The more open you are, the better your prospects will be. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Nobody lives a clean-lined, glossy-magazine world. Get real and set yourself an attainable goal in your emotional life.