OSCAR CAINER

MARS is at its closest to Earth for 15 years. That’s the planet in our skies that radiates energy and action only a galactic stone’s throw away. Not that I’m suggesting anyone throw stones! Mars’s retrograde motion has a tendency to remind us of what our houses are made of. But, as the red planet prepares to make the second of its three disruptive squares with Uranus this year, there’s something of David and Goliath afoot. We cannot afford to be foolish, but we also need to be brave.

ARIES Mar 21 — Apr 20

IF you always knew what was about to happen, life wouldn’t be much fun. We need surprises. They’re a critical part of our experience, because they create challenges which call on our skills to improvise and think on our feet. When all goes well, we feel a sense of pride and joy. And when we struggle against a difficulty that we can’t seem to overcome? We have an opportunity to show determination. As your ruler repeats a tense link with Uranus, there are many constructive steps you can take. All you need to know about August is packed into your four-minute forecast. Make it a magical month, call 1550 511 611.

TAURUS Apr 21 — May 21

THERE are some important questions that you’d really like answered. If you knew what was going on, you’d be able to change the way you’re approaching a sensitive situation. The necessary facts are coming your way. Within a day or two you’ll have much more knowledge and feel better equipped to deal with a key person and the situation they have instigated. Until then, there’s no need to be worried about what you don’t know. You’ll gain much from showing innovation as you seek information. Make August a magical month! Find out how in your LATEST in-depth, four minute forecast. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

GEMINI May 22 — June 22

WRITERS often feel a sense of almost overwhelming apprehension when faced with a blank sheet. When they find the courage to put pen to paper, the challenge changes and they can start to build on the beginnings of an idea. The page before you isn’t completely blank now, but you do have a sense of ambiguity and doubt about what to do next. So, now you know what to do! Starting is the hardest thing — but once you’ve taken that initial step, the way forward will be revealed. August is positively charged with astrological promise. For your inspiring four-minute guide to the month, call 1550 511 611.

CANCER June 23 — July 23

IF YOU’RE unsure about the responses you’re getting to the questions you need answering, this is the time to rephrase your queries. If you’re unhappy about the conversations you’re involved in, it’s time to open up your channels of communication and talk to someone else. If you’re feeling displeased with the opportunity you’re dealing with, you might be able to swap it for something else. Everything is fluid and flexible in your world now. Unless you want them to stay the same, things will change. Your in-depth August monthly forecast could be one of the most rewarding calls you ever make. Call 1550 511 611.

LEO July 24 — Aug 23

HOW much do you matter to a key person? How much do they mean to you? An important relationship needs to be reviewed now. Something about it isn’t making sense any more. Yet, when does a relationship ever make sense? Life seems to be more about discovering ways to adapt to other people’s foibles than it does about sticking to a sensible way of interaction that never needs to change. Perhaps all you need to do is modify your expectations and allow a situation time to breathe. All you need to know about August is packed into your four-minute forecast. Make it a magical month, call 1550 511 611.

VIRGO Aug 24 — Sep 23

IT’S impossible to learn how to read and write if your teacher is illiterate. Neither will you gain much mathematical technique from someone who’s poor at numeracy. So, when we all suffer from anger, fear and worry, who’s ever going to teach us how to cope with such difficult emotions? Could it be that you’ve been shown a bad technique for dealing with a stressful situation and are pursuing the same methodology? You have a chance to rectify and alter the way you react. Trust yourself. Make August a magical month! Find out how in your LATEST in-depth, four minute forecast. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

LIBRA Sep 24 — Oct 23

PEACE is priceless. It’s impossible to put a price on genuine harmony and goodwill. It might be possible, though, to pay for a pause. But that usually means a postponement of the stress rather than a resolution. To deal with the challenge you face, you need to get to the heart of a contentious issue. Then you stand a good chance of enabling those involved to find a position where they can reach agreement. You might have to put your preferences aside. But it will be worth it. August is positively charged with astrological promise. For your inspiring four-minute guide to the month, call 1550 511 611.

SCORPIO Oct 24 — Nov 22

CAN you imagine reading the instructions on how to ride a skateboard? No matter how long and detailed it might be, you’d be absolutely no closer to being able to hop on and ride along the street than if you’d never begun! You just can’t learn how to balance from reading about it! It’s a technique that can be learned only through repeated experience. The essential message could be phrased in one sentence: get back on, and start again. You can deal with the challenge you’re facing if you stick to it. Your in-depth August monthly forecast could be one of the most rewarding calls you ever make. Call 1550 511 611.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 — Dec 21

AT TIMES things get our goat. When we just can’t let something go, it makes us unpredictable. Why then, when we need to summon up our inner wise, higher selves, do we so often find ourselves internally combusting with stress? Our adult selves seem to stand back and we regress with ease back to childish tantrums! We all have a brooding teenager and a tempestuous toddler lurking within. Tempting though it is to react to a challenging situation, you can keep your cool. All you need to know about August is packed into your four-minute forecast. Make it a magical month, call 1550 511 611.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 — Jan 20

IT FEELS a bit as though you’re window-shopping and desiring things that are beyond your means. So how are you going to free yourself from the uncomfortable pinch of economic pressure that you’re experiencing? Well, it’s not going to happen if you’ve set your heart on one particular goal. But, if you can let go of that, you’ll be able to turn your attention towards something different, yet equally tantalising. What’s more, it will lead to financial gain, too! Keep looking, what you need is close at hand. Make August a magical month! Find out how in your LATEST in-depth, four minute forecast. For good news, call 1550 511 611.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 — Feb 19

WE’RE adaptable creatures. We learn so quickly that we absorb new techniques without noticing, so that they become an established part of our routines. Then, when someone suggests a new, more efficient way of doing things, we feel resistant to their ideas. Even the most innovative of people can be like old dogs who can’t be taught to do new tricks. This is a chance for you to have a second look at a challenge you’re tempted to turn away from. Could it hold a treasure? August is positively charged with astrological promise. For your inspiring four-minute guide to the month, call 1550 511 611.

PISCES Feb 20 — Mar 20

WHETHER they be ideas or illnesses, some people are always trying to protect themselves. They fear contamination of their minds as well as their bodies. Such attitudes are, of course, unhealthy and unhappy. We need to build our defence mechanisms on positive ideals, not fearful, negative ones. A genuine positive attitude makes us feel healthy and strong and more able to keep weakness at bay. Rather than focusing on what you’re nervous about today, concentrate on what you want to welcome into your life. Your in-depth August monthly forecast could be one of the most rewarding calls you ever make. Call 1550 511 611.