YOUR STARS

YOUR YEAR AHEAD The cosmos is asking you to slow down, which is probably welcome news. Try to go with the flow; you may be surprised by who’s strolling along beside you. Life may be quieter than usual, but in no way are you robbed of your sexual magnetism. It may not be an instant love match, but from friendship a lasting relationship could develop. Aries (March 21 – April 20) If it seems like the fates have it out for you, it’s not so, just a mischievous Mercury playing pranks. After September 5 upended plans, tangles and scrapes should manage to right themselves. In the meantime, just take lots of deep breaths. Taurus (April 21 – May 20) With Mercury in reverse motion, be careful what you wish for as you could make some bad judgement calls. To save finances, shop at stores with a good returns policy and avoid making promises or commitments. Wait until after September 5 to make major purchases like a computer or car. Gemini (May 21 – June 21) What’s worked for you in the past may not work for you now, mostly because of a stalled Mercury until September 5. You’re also faced with a different set of circumstances. Don’t worry – you’ll find a new comfort zone soon enough.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) Double-check dates, times and e-mails. A retrograde Mercury can cause havoc. Avoid signing contracts until September. Travel is also subject to delay. Don’t enrol in courses and don’t buy electronic or mechanical items like a car or computer. Leo (July 23 – August 23) Projects may be hampered until September 5. You may feel that others are stifling your freedom or deliberately delaying your progress. Maintain your focus. For now, short-term projects are more likely to attract. Expect frustration. Virgo (August 24 – September 22) Your ruling planet, Mercury, is behaving badly – a warning that if something or someone seems too good to be true, it probably is. Mercury rules siblings, contracts, cars, technology and travel. So take care – confusion may surround these areas until the 21st. Libra (September 23 – October 23) The cosmos promises more cash – but a mischievous Mercury causes delays. Reduce debt and cut expenses. Do this and you’ll transform potential losses into gains. There’s also a romantic detour – perhaps you’ll be mixing a little business with plenty of pleasure. Scorpio (October 24 – November 22) Your popularity this week should go a long way towards advancing professional ambitions. Not so fast off the blocks maybe also be a love interest. A family member or pet may need some extra tender loving care. Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21) You don’t think or feel the same way others do. Others should know better than to force your hand especially when, despite a backward-moving Mercury, you’re more inspired than ever. Go on, Sagittarius – live the dream. Capricorn (December 22 – January 20) It’s a good thing your energy levels are in for a top up this week, as Mercury keeps you busy. Just don’t be surprised if some outcomes are different from those originally planned. Fate ushers you towards a more unconventional path. Love at first sight isn’t out of the question either. Aquarius (January 21 – February 18) This week, Mercury persuades you to slow down and pay attention to what’s going on around you. You need to reflect on what you’re trying to accomplish, while ensuring that your next steps are the best ones to take. If plans go awry, your mission is to simply step back, take a deep breath – and slow down. Pisces (February 19 – March 20) As Mercury turns retrograde this week, all manner of irritating delays set in. Use the time to go through old papers, tidy up correspondence, complete projects and other unfinished business. Computers and other processes that work with information may experience crashes or unexpected failures.