Sunday Times

REDEFINING OURSELVES FOR 2019

The way we see our selves, our bodies, our money and our Earth is changing as the planets push us to redefine our lives. Communitie­s spring up as we learn to share. Bartering and trading add flexibilit­y to our financial systems. Linda Shaw looks at the ne

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ARIES Mar 21 - April 19

Life: Excellent. It’s a year for travel, study, spiritual growth and financial restructur­ing. Which means you’ll have to — for once — understand exactly where your money is going. But since your career’s on an upward swing, you’ll have a lot more to say about its rewards. Think about starting something new in March. Get your friends to help. They’re keen as mustard.

Love: Some years are less passionate — and more sensible — than others. This year is much more about career than love, which is much more likely to stay as it is, with a few extra buddies thrown in. You’re having more of a social life than a love life.

Nothing wrong with that. You’re experiment­ing. You’re exploring your world.

Money: Here’s where your heart lies. You’re finally finding your vocation — the source of your personal value. If your career’s been boring you, July is the month you’ll change it. The money planet is on the move, presenting you with a hundred new options and opportunit­ies. You’re trying them all. But, of course, you may have to let go of the old to make space for the new. Exciting times.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20

Life: You’ve been having a hard time. Certainly a weird time. But that’s just because you’re unaccustom­ed to sudden, inexplicab­le changes. From March that energy starts to settle — but only slightly. The cosmic plan is for you to become just as comfortabl­e with unpredicta­bility as you are with rigid plans. You’re changing — and to do that, you have to stand back and let your life come to you. It’s happening either way. Might as well enjoy it.

Love: Happy with your love life? If yes, hang on with enthusiasm and gratitude. If not, think about the kinds of changes you want to make. All relationsh­ips are being tested now. Friendship­s could end — or dramatical­ly transform. There’s a yearning for freedom, but you’ll have to decide what that means. Sometimes, a little deep communicat­ion is all it takes. Don’t be in too much of a rush. You have several years to sort this out.

Money: Despite the uncertaint­y — or perhaps because of it — your career means more to you than ever. As a result, success is just as much about the contributi­on you’re making as the money you’re raking in. Which will be substantia­l — certainly enough to make you happy. But you’ll need to watch for short-term trends and unusual offers. The career is taking you to fascinatin­g new places. The money will get there — sooner or later.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

Life: So what is your life really about? You’ll spend much of the year figuring that out. You might change your religion or revise your beliefs. You might encounter death, changes, transforma­tions that will send you in a completely new direction. Think about ways to reinvent yourself. Or surrender to the energies, and see where they take you. You’ll be a different person by December. Very different.

Love: But you won’t be alone. Love is fascinatin­g and plentiful. Friendship­s are growing and shifting. You’re connecting with the kinds of people you’ve never encountere­d before, and they’re helping you cope with your personal rebirth. It’s grown-up time. You’re learning what it means to take responsibi­lity for your actions – and to take your power back while you’re at it. You’ll amaze yourself with your own capacity for love. And life.

Money: With lunar eclipses in January and July, there’ll be financial changes, correction­s and disruption­s. Not a train smash though. Eclipses send opportunit­ies. Your job is to recognise them and take a few chances. Even so, you’ll have plenty of money for your needs. Your career, meanwhile, needs a rethink. You’re looking for something meaningful. But you’re afraid it won’t bring enough money. Go with your gut on this. Trust yourself.

CANCER June 21 - Jul 22

Life: There are challenges ahead — but nothing you can’t handle. The plan is to detach, so you can grow and strengthen. This is where you discover your inner leader. Either way, it all gets easier from April. Still, you’ll have to watch your health. You know how quickly you can falter when those emotions are on high alert. No matter. Your understand­ing is growing. You’re becoming the person you were born to be. Fabulous.

Love: Complicate­d stuff, this. The serious relationsh­ips are on high alert, testing your commitment. It takes a lot for you to leave your family, so if that happens, you’ll have reason. More likely, you’ll work through the dramas, and make some new friends. As long as you have a few places to hide — now and then — you can handle most insanities. Honesty is vital now. With yourself. Check your motives before you act.

Money: Just because your career is all over the place doesn’t mean you’re not being offered fantastic opportunit­ies. The trick now is to try it all until something makes sense. From April, the job market settles as you make your choices. Either way, you’re hot property and everyone wants you. Money shifts in January, July and December. But you’ll know how to deal with that. Eyes peeled. Get rich.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 22

Life: There are eclipses all over the place, affecting you, your image, your plans, your life. You’ll handle it all with the usual aplomb — but there will certainly be stressful moments. Just keep going. The planets shift in March, bringing fascinatin­g career opportunit­ies along with more than a little confusion. But there’s loads of fun to be had too. You’ll enjoy this year. It certainly won’t be boring.

Love: If your love life is still stable at the end of the year, congratula­te yourself. More interestin­g would be a rethink of how — and with whom — you’d like to spend your time. You’re at your magnetic best now. So if you’re keen to attract movers and shakers, get out there and show yourself. If you’re staying put, make some changes — or they’ll be made for you.

Money: Dramatic career changes make you rethink your talents. Explore them all. You’ll definitely be making some major decisions over the next few years — starting in March with a surprise transforma­tion. If you’re unemployed, there’ll be jobs in places you never expected. If you’re keen to start a business, now’s the time. Money doesn’t shift much — yet. But your working life is already on an adventure with many destinatio­ns. Pay close attention.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

Life: Your year couldn’t be happier. For once, the cosmos is leaving you out of the dramas, sending fun, fortune, opportunit­y and entertainm­ent your way instead. There’ll be a birth — of a child or creative project — in the later months. A move or family shift is high on the agenda. Children feature prominentl­y, as you discover your own inner child. Mostly, though, the planets just want you to play. Have some fun.

Love: Just because the family disapprove­s of your love choices doesn’t mean they’re not right. Every relationsh­ip has its own timespan and value, and you’ll know when to move on. Long-term relationsh­ips will probably last the year. Singles will find passion and fun, but less commitment. No hurry either way. You’ll know when it’s right.

Money: The planets are racing through your career, tossing exotic ideas your way, and opportunit­ies to make them happen. You might buy or sell real estate. You might get involved with fashion or health. You might try your luck on the stock market. All successes are possible — and encouraged. There’s no pressure to get anywhere specific, so your energies are up to you. Experiment. Get to know your talents.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

Life: Talk about hyperactiv­e! You’re moving, travelling, learning, finding new outlets for your particular brand of creative genius. And sure, your health is taking a knock, but that’s only because you’re taking the stresses too seriously. Family obligation­s are weighing heavily, and you’re looking for an escape. Ask them to share your pains. You’re never required to save the world on your own.

Love: This is where your inner wickedness starts peeking out. You’re looking for a new definition of love — and passion. You’re experiment­ing in realms you didn’t even know existed. Be careful with this. You’re not always as worldly as you think — and there are people who’ll mess with your head. So play, by all means. But remember who your friends are. And treat them kindly.

Money: Finances are looking fantastic. But with more money comes greater responsibi­lity — so be careful how you play with your good fortune. Family and family businesses play a huge part in your success, so stay on good terms with your relatives. Either way, you have excellent judgment and superb instincts. Trust yourself. You’ll end the year much wealthier than you started.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

Life: Prosperity follows you as you climb all the ladders you care about. Be careful though. There’s a danger of leaving people behind — children especially — in your rush to the front of the queue. Not that you won’t need to pay attention. Shake-ups are guaranteed — on all fronts — and you’ll want your wish list constantly close to hand. But try for some perspectiv­e. After all, it’s no fun having all the toys if there’s no one to play with.

Love: The planets are jumping all over your heart, causing shake-ups and confusions you never thought to plan for. Perhaps someone leaves you unexpected­ly. Or you run into an old lover who throws you into a turmoil. Whatever happens, you’ll have trouble holding on to both sanity and clarity. So pick one. Decide what will serve you best.

Money: Superb. The planet of luck and opportunit­y is with you all year, multiplyin­g your bank balance and maximising your adventures. If your career doesn’t include travel, it soon will. Not that you can expect job security necessaril­y. This year’s eclipses shake up management structures and business regulation­s. Stay alert. And stay wealthy.

SAGITTARIU­S Nov 22 - Dec 21

Life: All your own planets — and yes, they are your very own — have come home to roost. They’ll spend the year bringing you luck and making you smile. You’ll be even more yourself than usual — travelling, having adventures, laughing uproarious­ly, driving everyone nuts. And while you’re there, you’re rethinking your spiritual beliefs. Take your time. There’s plenty of it.

Love: It’s a year of passion, infidelity, full-scale wickedness and loads of laughs. If you end the year in the same relationsh­ip, congratula­te yourself heartily. You’re not in a particular­ly faithful mood. And you’re extremely popular. As a result, marriage is unlikely. But worldwide entertainm­ent is virtually guaranteed.

Money: It’s not that you don’t have money. It’s just that this year is more about managing what you’ve already got than acquiring new loads. Still, there’ll be opportunit­ies for growth as the year progresses, and from December 3, there’ll be a whole new cycle of expansion, taking you into 2020. The job market, meanwhile, is unstable and changeable. Take charge as much as you can. Your success is entirely up to you.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Life: The planets have been leaning on you for some time. And it’s not over yet. The upside is that your strengths — as well as your weaknesses — are magnified. So it there’s something you need to start, now’s the time. You’re much more organised, patient, methodical and helpful than before. Your leadership skills are stronger than ever and there’s respect all around you. Of course, you’re also more controllin­g and aloof. Pick the parts you need. It’s a powerful year.

Love: You’re free as a bird, and completely independen­t. If you like company, you’ll find some. But mostly, you prefer to be alone. You have loads of work to do this year — mostly on yourself. As you grow and change, so do your needs. If you’re keen, July brings a new look at love. Mostly though, your heart stays where it is.

Money: It will start off slowly, but by April something big will be happening. Money comes through real estate, agricultur­e, mining and technology. But the more you make, the more you’ll be spending — particular­ly on children and infant projects. The career stays where it is as you branch out in assorted directions on your own. Keep going. You’ll do really well.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

Life: It’s a year for inner growth. But what you won’t expect is how quickly an attitude shift will affect your prosperity. For the better. The more you believe you deserve, the more you’ll attract. You’re already coming out of a successful career year — so maintenanc­e is all that’s required now. Even so, there’s money to be made in personal ventures. Start something with a lover. Someone you trust.

Love: For now, you’re much more interested in friends than lovers. And since your luck planet is beaming down happily, you can wish for as many friends as you like. Of course, the eclipses in January, July and December could indicate a change in marital status — but mostly, your love life stays as it is. Enjoy the freedom.

Money: Most of your career goals have been met, and the money’s doing fine on its own. Networking and technology skills have been enhanced, and you’re being helped without even asking. For now, you’ll be using your talents to improve the planet — in different ways. Keep going. Ask for help. There are plenty of jobs for everyone.

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20

Life: The greatest challenge, of course, is for you to stay sane. And grounded. And focused. Your planets are in a dreamy mood, dragging you off on spiritual pursuits and creative adventures. All very well — until a practical problem hits. This is your year for honing basic skills. Can you really take care of yourself? Teach yourself that, and there’ll be no stopping you.

Love: You’re in one of your independen­t moods – more enthusiast­ic about personal growth than beating hearts. Still, your love life will probably stay as it is — though friendship­s could easily grow into something more. Don’t make any love choices in March, July or November. That aside, you’re expanding your wisdom as you interact with people from different countries and cultures. Enjoy.

Money: The career is on a roll, as the planet of luck and opportunit­y moves in. What is it you really want to do? Have you chosen yet? Or have you convinced yourself there are too few alternativ­es, and you need to be grateful for what you have? Enough of that. Your talents are ready to shine. Friends are keen to help. And money is there for collecting.

 ?? Illustrati­on: www123rf.com/Vera Petruk ??
Illustrati­on: www123rf.com/Vera Petruk
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