Seize your opportunities

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 9 AUGUST 2020

A Finger of Fate is created when two planets harmonise with each other and focus their encouraging energy onto another planet. As the week begins, the energy created by Jupiter and Neptune points at the Sun; but by the weekend, their energy is transferred onto Mercury, the planet of communication. This creates a cosmic climate conducive to finding creative and exciting ways to reach goals. Yet in order to transform our lives we must consciously choose to seize and appreciate these opportunities.

ARIES March 21-April 20

Forming sentimental attachments to people and things adds extra layers of complication. We might unconsciously put too much effort into maintaining a relationship or achieving a goal. You've convinced yourself that someone, in some way, deserves your forgiveness. You're prepared to overlook (or make excuses) for their behaviour. Yet how much respect are you giving to your own wellbeing? Under this week's powerful cosmic climate, it's time to pay sentimental respects... to yourself !

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You think you must accept a solution that upsets you. Your appraisal of the problem is bleaker than it needs to be.

TAURUS April 21-May 21

Here's a thought from the poet Coleridge; 'What if in your dream you went to Heaven, and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower, and what if, when you awoke, you had that flower in your hand?' Your life seems to be filled with unanswerable dilemmas and imponderable questions. Yet there's a sense too, that something exciting lies ahead; if only you could find a way through the complexities you're dealing with. If you let go of the 'what ifs', you'll find the answers you seek.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Seeds take time to grow. A positive process is in motion. The speed of change will increase soon. Patience!

GEMINI May 22-June 22

Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean, yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen'. The lyrics of the Elton John song epitomise romantic feelings in a delightfully playful way. As the Finger of Fate focuses on your ruling planet Mercury, the infectiously goodhumoured side of your personality is highlighted. If a key relationship needs a boost of energy, this is the week to pay it some attention. It may not involve romance; but heartfelt, honest affirmations and signs of appreciation will fill your heart with joy.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Enough of stress! Recovery time is needed, and the cosmos will provide it. It's a time to stride happily forward.

CANCER June 23-July 23

The cosmic Finger of Fate indicates that something is working out perfectly in your world. Yet it's not easy to predict a perfect outcome when you're unsure what you want that outcome to look like. Eventually, the journey you're focusing on will lead to satisfaction. But, along the road, whilst you're still working out the nature of your role and how you want to play it, there are bound to be bumps to deal with, as well as occasional uncomfortable moments. This week brings a chance to clarify what you want.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Are you now accepting a situation that really, you ought to reject? It is time to give this fresh thought.

LEO July 24-August 23

Human beings are very good at creating confusion and complications; which is why we often find ourselves implicated in impossible situations. Your strong sense of unfairness has been provoked by an injustice and you're experiencing a growing passionate need to do something to rectify this 'wrong'. Although the obstacle standing in your way may appear to grow in size this week, don't allow yourself to be daunted. As long as you persevere, recognition and clarity will be your prize.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: No rainbows without rain first. It has been raining for a while. But now look at what's lighting up your world.

LIBRA September 24-October 23

Don't you deserve a satisfyingly comfortable life? Or are you under the curse of a maleficent fairy whose beauty sleep you accidentally interrupted? Whereas that idea is easy to write off as nonsensical, the reason you're ascribing to a current difficulty is no less fantastical; yet you're taking it very seriously. The Finger of Fate alignment holds a clear message for you. As long as you're able to summon a smile, and put your best foot forward, the happy ending you're hoping for is within reach. Don't give up!

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Stuck? What's required is determination, faith, and short-term self-sacrifice. That sense of angst will subside.

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 21

Are you sure there's enough going on in your life? Aren't you overlooking the few spare seconds that aren't filled with things to do? What about all the time you're wasting waiting for the kettle to boil? Let's not even mention the queues you have to join just to get your shopping done. Wait! Rather than reprimanding you for not prioritising your time, the cosmos is attempting to show you that you've already taken too much on. When this week brings chances to delegate, take them!

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Normally, you hate inactivity. But now it's time to step back a bit and allow a chain of events to run their course.

VIRGO August 24-September 23

As the Finger of Fate energises your ruling planet, Mercury, the cosmos opens up a fresh new set of interesting possibilities. Although they may not be 'new', there's a definite aura of innovation that brings the insight to look at old options under a different light. Recently, you've had to put aside an idea that had dominated your dreams. As you revisit old territory, you'll find that the time has passed in a helpful way. You're in a position to take positive steps towards achieving an old goal.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You can't buy what you need: wisdom. When you find it within yourself, as you will discover today, it is priceless.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

It can't be easy being a sports commentator. They can't take their eyes off the action when there's not much going on, and have to sound excited when they don't care who's going to win. Even if they're watching a repetitive game with no action, they need to make it sound thrilling. Although you might find yourself having to talk up an ordinary event in order to raise peoples' interest this week, bear in mind that a minor issue is being flagged up as a major problem. Perspective holds the key to success.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Yesterday's drama is tainting your views. I know what I can see - and it's good. Take another look, and learn from it.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 20

When we're determined to get something done, and will take any opportunity to achieve it, our sights can be set so firmly on the way to make it happen that we overlook the simplest route towards achieving our goal. Like a wrestler who's trained to prepare to meet an opponent, you're ready to give something everything you've got; yet if you stop and appraise the situation, you'll see that the person opposite you in the ring isn't as capable as you think. Victory is within easy reach this week.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Sometimes you just have to let go. You want to stay in control. But why? Relax. You won't fall; you'll fly.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

Why can't things stay the way they are? Why are you forced to make choices, when the status quo suits you fine? Yet the options you're facing may well turn out to be less mutually exclusive than they appear. Choosing one direction to take won't necessarily mean losing the other. Although the art of compromise is hard to master, this week's cosmic climate enables you to do just that. Rather than wasting valuable time worrying, be your wisest self. You may even find that options open up.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: The road is bumpy, but you are learning things of value and you will be able to profit from these discoveries.

PISCES February 20-March 20

There's an old saying: 'If at first you don't succeed, give up. Indulge in a bad mood and lay the blame at someone else's feet'. Well... that might not be the traditional version, but it's a feeling we all recognise. You've got good enough reasons to lay down the towel and let something go. Yet the wall you're facing is thinner than it looks. It won't take much to push through it and the other side has a much more promising vista. The cosmos encourages you to give a challenge one final push.

IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You are questioning some recent choices. That's not a sign that you are losing your grip, it is proof that you are regaining it!