YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 27 AUGUST 2017

ARIES March 21-April 20 D o you know any contrarians? These are the people who can’t wait to draw you into an argument. If you say something’s black, they’ll insist that it’s white. Say it’s white, and they’ll rhapsodise over the inky depths of its blackness. Sometimes these conversations can be good knockabout fun. But it can be frustrating too. Even though you enjoy the occasional heated discussion, you don’t have time for such games this week. If you can avoid a disagreement, you’ll create the space to embrace a terrific opportunity.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You don’t get the appreciation you deserve. But that is soon to change for the better. About time too. TAURUS April 21-May 21 R ome was not, of course, built in a day, but when we’re focused on achieving something, waiting for it to happen is hard. We want tangible results, well... yesterday! This is ever more the case when we’re trying to construct something that will stand the test of time. And even harder when it involves emotions and matters of the heart. If you want to create an enduring connection with someone, you need to get the foundations right. No rushing. Patience, care and respect are essential. You have these in abundance this week

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Doing the minimum is not an option for you now; the full potential of being part of a team is about to be revealed. GEMINI May 22-June 22 Y ou’re experiencing a case of déjà vu. Familiar faces and familiar places are leading you to believe that you’ve been here before. You’re not wrong. Mercury’s final week of retrogradation brings the opportunity to heal an old, forgotten wound. The old ghosts you’re seeing are reminders of who you are and what you dreamed of. You have a chance to reassess your plans. Whatever problems you face, past experiences have equipped you to deal with them. You’ll be able to put an unresolved issue to rest, at last.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The time to change track has gone. The next chance lies ahead. Relax. You may even like where you are going CANCER June 23-July 23 T here’s a wonderful children’s book by Jill Murphy called On The Way Home. It’s the story of a little girl who grazes her knee — and then tells ever-more fanciful tales of how it happened, involving encounters with a snake, a wolf and a gorilla. It shows the power of imagination in a beautiful way — but then the reality of how a problem can escalate, especially when we’re not entirely honest. As Jupiter now makes a rare sextile with Saturn, it's encouraging you to take the honest, clear route forward. You know how to put things right. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Sometimes we embrace change for the sake of change.

But are you sure this is what you really need to do? LEO July 24-August 23 I t might not seem immediately obvious, but it’s a blessing that life doesn’t last forever. Just imagine if it did. Even the most enthusiastic amongst us might find the novelty wearing off after a few thousand years of observing people doing things. And, procrastination would reach previously unimaginable levels. Think of what you could put off doing if you knew that you had centuries left to do it in! Fortunately, the way time works, we have no choice but to make the most of every moment. Take advantage of the opportunities coming your way this week.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You can be finally freed from the need to perform an exhausting ritual. A complicated dance can be greatly simplified. LIBRA September 24-October 23 Y our judgement is usually spot on. You’re right on most big issues, because you consider them so carefully. And though you sometimes have to put up with doubters who question your wisdom, often, they’re mistaken. And they may well be this time too. But, even if you find someone to be unnecessarily quarrelsome, it’s worth considering their point of view. There’s a possibility that they know something you don’t… and that they have information that could change the whole picture. It’s worth being in listening mode this week.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Some wonderful changes are coming, making you more relaxed about apparent lack of progress in some other area. VIRGO August 24-September 23 P ast, present and future are all absolute concepts. The past is over and done with, the present is the moment we’re living right now, and the future is yet to happen. Simple enough. Except the more you think about the interactions, the murkier everything becomes. Our experience of the past directly affects the way we live today. So, the past is part of our present — even our future. Where and how do we make the distinction? An opportunity slipped through your fingers recently. Don’t worry — life’s giving you a second chance.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You would like to regain a little autonomy. A balance of power is about to shift. You’ll feel better after that. SCORPIO October 24-November 22 W hen you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.’ So sings Jiminy Cricket in Disney’s Pinocchio. But the wise old insect never says when this will take place. If you made a wish — whether it was on a star, or as you blew out the candles on your cake, or just because you felt lucky — the chances are that you probably think that the universe is ignoring you. But, in a movie, the dreams only come true towards the end. Cling on tight to your wish — just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t. There’s magic in the air this week.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Stop worrying so much about what other people think. You really need tiptoe no longer. Be yourself and be strong.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

I saac Newton’s third law of motion famously argues that ‘every action has an equal and opposite reaction’. Suppose the same thing happens with our thoughts? What if every belief we hold causes a ripple to spread round the earth, influencing, shifting, and changing the futures of millions of people, simply by virtue of its existence? Well, why on earth not? Thoughts are powerful, after all. But what a responsibility! You don’t need to start modifying your thoughts this week. Just concentrate on the positive ones — they should be plentiful. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Your main aspiration is between a dream and a wish. Making it reality may yet prove easier than you think.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

W hat would you do if you didn’t have responsibilities? Where would you go if there were no chains tying you to your current situation? ‘But I do, and there are, and to think otherwise is to live in a dream world!’ might be your reply. But we all have dreams, and we’re all here so, unless you’re reading this in zero gravity aboard the International Space Station, that ‘dreamworld’ isn’t as unrealistic as you might imagine. Give something far-fetched the opportunity to grow into something solid now. It may go further than you dare hope.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You can stop envisaging problems that do not exist, and stop bowing to pressure you can safely ignore.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

H ow many Freudian psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Two — one to change the light bulb, the other to hold up his trousers… I mean ladder! Forgive me for starting your forecast with such silliness, but, like a Freudian slip, this punchline reveals more than first appears. Not about your trousers — heaven forbid, but your week ahead! As Saturn your ruler links to Jupiter, it’s time to take your sense of humour and fun seriously. They are, after all what makes life worth living. Not every mistake needs to be seized upon, some can be celebrated!

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Don’t keep looking backwards. The question, now you have so many options, is: ‘What would you like to do now?’ PISCES February 20-March 20 N o great artist was born with the innate ability to know when to throw out the rulebook. Most laboured at their craft, and then worked longer and harder to complete the masterpieces we admire today. All great achievements are a matter of trial and error. The ability to continue working towards a goal, despite setbacks, suggests great strength of will and a sense of adventure. You’re still finding out what works and what doesn’t. As your traditional ruler links to Saturn, though, your unconventional attitude will see you reach your goal.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: We often skirt delicately round each other’s sensitivities. But crucial matters can now be constructively discussed.