Sunday Times

Your Stars

- By Linda Shaw

Andrea Swemmer

January 31 1961, Vienna, Austria, 8am Sun sign: Aquarius

Moon sign: Virgo

Rising Sign: Capricorn

Big changes are happening at work – and in your life. All those extraordin­ary strengths will be rounded up and tested over the next few years. Not that you’re unaccustom­ed to being tested. Yours was the childhood that was over much too quickly, replacing games with responsibi­lity and dependency with courage. By now, you’re more than equipped to deal with the next phase – that phase that pushes you either into mastery or (if you let it) old age. In fact, this is probably one of the most exciting times of your life. Sure, you’ll feel alone and unapprecia­ted (until October, when a new zing changes all that). And sure, you’ll sometimes wonder whether there’s any point going on. But before you’re 65, you’ll understand precisely what you’re doing here, and why you needed to struggle as much as you did. Your talent, courage and extraordin­ary leadership abilities are about to find their feet. You have lots more to do before the next phase.

Want your chart read? Email Linda Shaw on asklindash­aw@mweb.co.za

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

Good grief! There’ sa powerful leader inside that timid little flower. Excellent. Now that you’ve found your courage, use every ounce so it will never feel discourage­d enough to leave again. But first, ask for help. It takes real courage to do that. Then, when you’ve mastered a few people skills, make five important decisions and stick to them. By Saturday, most of the planets will be in your sign – and you’ll have all the support you need.

PISCES

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Those ancient emotional issues you’ve so carefully buried are rising to the surface. No tantrums needed here. Your frantic efforts to hide your feelings are wearing thin. And you’re going to have to accept a bout of vulnerabil­ity. If you need a distractio­n, how about something in real estate or business? Get profession­al advice first, though. You’re a bit dilly on your own.

ARIES

Mar 21 - April 19

Relatives driving you bananas? Your home starting to resemble a very small cage? Don’t let it bother you. You – better than anyone else – know how to expand your horizons and find alternativ­e stimulatio­ns. Visit friends. Learn something new. Do something you’ve never done before. And then, when you’re feeling much, much better, go home and sort out the problems. Try communicat­ion. Sulks do not qualify.

TAURUS

Apr 20 - May 21

You’re arguing over money again – and whether the partnershi­p is one of business or pleasure, it will suffer unless you sort it out. Needless to say, you’re feeling manipulate­d, without really knowing why. Curb the desire to retaliate, and try for negotiatio­n instead. The deals, you see, are basically good. What’s at stake here are a couple of battered egos. Time to get over it. Your soul needs a rest from the madness. Find a reason to laugh.

GEMINI

May 22 - Jun 20

How fabulous! That romantic adventure with the sweetheart is almost in the bag. Only snag is, your diary looks like the dog walked all over it. Look, this is certainly a perfect time to improve your love life – but not if it means losing your job in the process. So look again. With the odd compromise here and there, you could be on your way in no time. And yes, that does mean obeying the occasional boss. Not nearly as annoying as you think.

CANCER

June 21 - Jul 22

Just for now, try viewing your social life as a medical necessity. Your soul needs a party. Your psyche is taking itself far too seriously, and suffering ghastly agonies as a result. You owe it to your health to become an irresponsi­ble lunatic. As least once. You can go back to being the diligent grownup any time you like. But meanwhile, give yourself a hug. You’re doing splendidly.

LEO

Jul 23 - Aug 22

You’re getting vicious with the lover again. Better stop right there. The real problem is unspoken rages – not to mention the occasional leaping hormone (boys too). It’s time to take a deep breath and tell the truth. If you can find good reasons to stay, make a new commitment. But stop messing with everyone’s head. At work, meanwhile, expect improvemen­ts. Soon. Your many talents are finally being appreciate­d.

VIRGO

Aug 23 - Sep 22

Greater insight and a new gentleness are smoothing the rough edges. As such, the timing is perfect for long-range plans. Find ways to integrate your needs with others, in a way that lets everyone win: think of yourself as part of a forward-moving team. Trying to do it all yourself will only give you a headache. So ask for help. Meanwhile, clear your diary. An unexpected invitation could land on your desk. Be ready.

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Despite the odd setback at work, you’re much closer to your goals than you know. Think of this as the perfect moment to heal old wounds and forgive ancient pains. Besides, an old friend is coming back on the scene. And once you’ve moved past that “I don’t need anyone” lunacy, you might discover something worth reviving. Meanwhile, think about unfinished business. Your karmic destiny is hovering around, waiting to clean up your past. Pay attention.

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Emotions are fuzzy now, sending you into a spin of confusion affecting work and play. Write down exactly what you’re feeling and why. If not, you’ll do what comes naturally — start looking for people to blame. Clear communicat­ion, on the other hand, will do wonderful things for your career. It wants to move forward. Help it out. By Thursday, there’ll be some interestin­g news. Gratitude is always required.

SAGITTARIU­S Nov 22 - Dec 21

If it’s the job that’s making you miserable, there’s no law against making some changes. Even so, you have options. An attitude switch, for example, might be enough to change your mind. Or a long chat with co-workers, stating your needs. Or, yes, a new job. If you opt for the latter, choose slowly. Guilts and regrets are extremely boring, and totally without merit. Simply decide what you want – and get it.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

Feeling a little drained, are we? Not altogether surprising, considerin­g the lunacy of your lifestyle of late. Never mind though. Try dragging yourself off to a gym. And then, when you’re all pumped up again, take another look at your love life. The love gods are with you, urging you on to greater fulfilment. So try not to waste your big moment. That absurd perfection­ism you’re searching for doesn’t exist. Never did.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa