IT’S SOLSTICE TIME!

TYOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 17 JUNE 2018

he Solstice is a twice- yearly event in the astrological calendar that marks the Sun’s turning point in the sky. It has been a cause for celebration for thousands of years. From pyramids in South America to Stonehenge in the UK, our ancestors celebrated the magical moment when the Sun appears to stand stationary in the sky, signifying the Earth’s movement into a new season. Since it coincides with a Grand Trine this year, we can expect this to be an inspiring turning point; not just in the Sun’s procession, but in our own lives.

ARIES March 21- April 20

I've been terribly busy recently: in fact I've still got a few errands to run. So, would it all right if we just skipped your forecast? I could really use the extra time. Since you're naturally kind and generous, you'll no doubt understand and graciously allow me to get away with this! But that's my point. This is a gentle reminder that, as we approach the Solstice, with Venus opposite your ruler, you risk giving something away that you need to hold on to. Bearing that in mind, it's also true that one good turn leads to another. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Those who belong to the sign of the ram are born with huge potential. Are you using yours. Could you right now?

TAURUS April 21- May 21

Even the world's greatest athletes have ' off ' days. The most talented singers sometimes lose their voice and the best chefs have been known to whip up inedible dishes. External conditions, difficult moods and even changes in the weather can throw us off course. No- one can be at the top of their game all the time. This week, the energy of the Solstice and a Grand Trine remind you that just because something doesn't work out as you'd wished, doesn't mean that it won't work out for the best. Have faith in your dream. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Are better times always ' just around the corner'? Decide that you are going to feel okay, regardless of what happens.

GEMINI May 22- June 22

Although the Sun is soon leaving your sign, your ruler is more than making up for any loss of celestial light. The Grand Trine is a sign of strength, understanding, achievement and prosperity. But a signpost is only useful if you heed it. Whatever you do, don't develop tunnel vision and focus entirely on the road you can see before you. To profit from the efforts your ruler makes as it links to Jupiter and Neptune, be open to changes of direction. Be skilful, be patient, but be brave too. There are adventures ahead. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You are starting to see the world differently. Your changed priorities will yet bring something little that means a lot.

CANCER June 23- July 23

They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. It’s a theory I’ll be putting to the test this week when I set my alarm to silly o’clock and get up to greet the Solstice sunrise. But I hardly need tell you this… you’re already well on your way to a theoretical understanding of the maxim. You feel as if you’re entering your own darkest hour; as if the vestiges of light guiding your path are fading. You’re starting to doubt a recent choice. Be reassured that, whatever the weather, a flood of hope- filled sunshine is on its way. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You think that ‘ doing nothing’ is not an option. But sometimes it is. Like now! Give the dust a chance to settle.

LEO July 24- August 23

There's a difference between things coming naturally and them being easy. Many of the ' natural' processes we go through in life are difficult. Just ask the long- suffering lady who gave birth to me! She wouldn't, I hope, ever think that the result didn't justify the means, no matter how difficult it was. The Solstice comes with a Grand Trine, and Venus in your sign. That suggests a powerful, positive week ahead and a turning point in a key relationship. You may have to be strong and forgiving, but it will come naturally to you. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Here comes your chance to fulfil a desire and satisfy a need. Stay calm and prepare to solve a baffling mystery.

LIBRA September 24- October 23

Don’t work harder, work smarter. Too many people go through life throwing everything and anything at the world with little to show for their efforts. Rather than rushing headfirst into this Solstice week, you’ll make greater advances if you carefully analyse what you need to achieve. As Venus and Mars align, your enthusiasm will only get you so far. It’s time to think rationally as well as emotionally. If you recognise the root of your powerful feelings, and act accordingly, you’ll be amazed by all you can accomplish. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You can’t leave behind all you would like to consign to the past. But you can kiss goodbye to a fear you have outgrown.

VIRGO August 24- September 23

Walking a mile in another person's shoes is a familiar idea but it's difficult in practice. What's really the best way to see the world from another person's perspective and be able to understand what that they want, or what they fear? It comes down to being observant and really listening to them. That's how you decipher people's motivations and needs. And that's how you can best support them. Be aware of what's changing in your life this Solstice week. Could others also benefit from these events? You certainly will. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You might not think you have much, but you have what you need and you are about to use it rather brilliantly.

SCORPIO October 24- November 22

I’ve received a letter for you from the cosmos. It reads: ‘ Please notify your Scorpio readers that this is an exceptional week. It’s time to throw out the rulebook. None of the usual worries or constraints need apply. Here’s a certificate exempting them from their normal anxieties and frustrations. Warm wishes, The Cosmos.’ I've verified the certificate and I can confirm that it’s authentic. So, to paraphrase, you can walk tall and be confident in the benevolence of the Universe! This Solstice week, nothing stands in your way. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Temptation is coming. The question is not, should you fall for it or resist it? It is: do you see what it could lead to?

SAGITTARIUS November 23- December 21 Uncertainty is the enemy of progress. So, don't be tempted this week to waste valuable time and energy worrying if you've made the right decision. Not when you've made such a strong start. The path is opening up ahead and there are no major roadblocks in sight. As we enter the Solstice week, people all over the world are reaching major turning points in their lives. The most important thing you can do is to lay your hesitation to the side and embrace the myriad of possibilities you're now being presented with. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You tend to cling on to grievances. Now, though, there is good reason to let them go. Forget what you used to feel.

CAPRICORN December 22- January 20

The Solstice is just days away, a moment when your ability to express yourself is reborn and your natural persona operates unchecked by personal baggage. Whoops. I've got the wrong Solstice! It's not the one where the Sun enters your sign; it's pretty much as far from Capricorn as it can be. Should I change your prediction? Is the opposite true? Not at all! In order to fulfil the original idea, all you have to do is reach for it. You may simply need to engage a willing companion to help reflect your potential for positive change. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Trouble reading a subtle heavenly sign? Don't fear; it will be delivered in the most unsubtle and unambiguous way.

AQUARIUS January 21- February 19

As the Solstice arrives it’s encouraging you to focus your mighty intellect and skills into a project that means a great deal. Even if you feel as if you’ve hit a wall, and that your recent efforts have been in vain, what you want to achieve is possible. Mars remains direct in your sign a little longer, providing the energy to sustain your enthusiasm. And Venus’ opposition with this fiery engine helps to soften any frustration you feel at having to tackle this again. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. But you can make valuable progress. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Do you wonder if, by avoiding an issue, you may be prolonging it? Fear not. Everything is starting to take care of itself.

PISCES February 20- March 20

This week, the Solstice brings enchantment into your life. Even though Neptune changes direction in your sign, there’s an undercurrent of potential positive change. The Grand Trine involves both your ruling planets, indicating an important juncture in your life. Through a process of reexamination, you can expect to reach a very pleasing resolution on something you’ve been putting off too long. As you find the courage to talk about a difficult experience or relationship, you’ll gain precious insight. Make the most of it! IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Being constantly overwhelmed is something we must learn to enjoy. Remember, the journey is the destination.