OSCAR CAINER

I’VE TALKED this week about the need to see things clearly. But looking ahead at Mercury’s activity and its move into Cancer next week, it’s just as important to be sensitive in the way that we communicate our ideas. Despite frustrations that may crop up, the answers we need aren’t as far away as they appear. Sometimes, what appears to be wilful obstinacy is simply a failure to understand. It might be time to rephrase an emotive question.

ARIES Mar 21 — Apr 20

YOU’RE revved up and ready to spring into action, and yet a part of you is holding back. Passion and impulsiveness go together like peas in a pod, and our urges often surge. Yet passion also springs from a deep sense of commitment. As you start to assimilate an intense feeling, it can fuel a quiet and powerful sense of progress. Your ruler’s links to Saturn and then Mercury speak of the need for adventure and caution – both at the same time. Managing this will be a most rewarding adventure. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

TAURUS Apr 21 — May 21

SOMETIMES, especially when there are powerful emotions involved, it can be hard to know just who to talk to and what to say. How could anyone understand the complexities of your feelings when they are so complicated and deep? How could you explain the layers of sentiment? No communication process is flawless, but sharing and talking helps us to gain perspective. Even if no-one is able to understand the immensity of your emotions, beginning to talk will go a long way to helping this weekend. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

GEMINI May 22 — June 22

TECHNICALLY and officially, Mercury doesn’t leave your sign until next week. The little book of daily planetary movements that astrologers consult indicates that this development is still a few days away. Yet astrological effects, especially something as important as your ruler leaving your sign, manifest early. So, this weekend, why not take advantage of the support Mercury is bringing to your corner. Don’t let any delays discourage you from beginning an important process of communication. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

CANCER June 23 — July 23

THERE’S a palpable sense of tension – as if a clock in the background is quietly counting down to a moment you’ve been waiting for. There’s not long to go now. A process that has felt beyond your control is about to be set in motion. It will initiate a decision that will affect your life. You’re about to receive the information you’ve been waiting for – which will both enable a much-needed choice and instigate an important change. Just a little more patience, and that ‘stuck’ feeling will be over. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

LEO July 24 — Aug 23

‘STICKS and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.’ Of course, it hardly needs saying that words can’t hurt in the same way as a weapon. But, when aimed with precision, they do cause damage. As the weekend comes and goes, you need to be aware of what you say, but even more conscious of what and who you listen to. If you’re vigilant, you can both repair a wounded relationship and fulfil a pressing need. Just be sure to respond with compassion rather than envy. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

VIRGO Aug 24 — Sep 23

PSYCHOLOGY suggests that if we ignore our playful, spontaneous, childlike responses to life, we become less fulfilled grown-ups. You were born with a natural sense of responsibility… it’s a trait often emphasised by astrologers. Yet you have a playful side to your nature, too. Recently, with Mercury in the part of the sky that speaks of commitment, you’ve been missing a sense of fun in your life. As your ruler prepares to move on, much-needed laughter and lightness make a welcome return. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

LIBRA Sep 24 — Oct 23

WHEN it comes to theories, we all have an inner scientist who hypothesises and tests our latest ideas. They take new information into account and revise our methodology, too. The theory you’re trying to prove has been beset with so many unpredictable challenges that your confidence has taken something of a knock. Yet, even if you end up with a different outcome, the results of the process are helpful. You can use them to shed light on the path towards future success. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

SCORPIO Oct 24 — Nov 22

THERE’S a saying that ‘truth is the first casualty of war’. Yet, it can be a very effective weapon, too. The sharp edge of truth is hard to ignore and can slice through spin and propaganda and reveal the actuality of a situation. This weekend, honesty will take you to the very core of an issue and ensure that the right thing gets done. Rather than worrying that you might create an uncomfortable situation by telling the truth, remember that what’s right will eventually bring about the right result. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 — Dec 21

THE world is full of folk with different aims and varying temperaments all looking for ways to make themselves happy. That’s why harmonious living is possible. Yet such diversity and tolerance can exist only if they are built on a base created with respect and sensitivity. Sometimes, when you disagree with someone about how to proceed, good communication means spending time apart. You can find perspective this weekend, but you may need to be creative in how you achieve it. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 — Jan 20

WHEN a scheme doesn’t work out as planned, there’s always something you can do. You’re looking at a scenario that seems so complex it’s easy to imagine that someone’s working against you. A simple solution is to be upfront with all those involved; they might be able to help you find an easier route through the confusion. On the other hand, you might find that you’re the one to reassure them. Though this isn’t what you want to do, it could be the way to get what you want. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 — Feb 19

WHEN we don’t know how to do something, it looks difficult… and when we do know, we forget that it once seemed challenging. A particular ability of yours, although second-nature to you, is hard for someone else to understand. That’s why they’re worrying about the situation you’re in. Unusually for you, their doubts are triggering your own sense of certainty. Yet, you have no reason to lack confidence this weekend. You can be sure of what you know and then lead the way. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

PISCES Feb 20 — Mar 20

SOMETIMES, when we don’t know the answer to a question, it’s because we’re over-complicating it. And sometimes we don’t want to hear an answer, so we create internal distractions which make it almost impossible to listen. Various assumptions have been made which are influencing the way you are responding to a request for help. You’re wary of the level of commitment that’s being demanded – yet the solution is easier than you suspect. You can make a valuable contribution. Venus and Mercury are changing signs and bringing hope into new areas of your life. For good news, call 1550 511 611.