STARGAZING

Shelley von Strunckel, one of the world’s top astrologers, writes a weekly forecast for Friday

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 18

The setbacks you’ve been experiencing since your ruler Mars went retrograde, in mid-April, have been irritating. This cycle ends on Wednesday, and you’ll benefit from having dealt with a range of issues. Not only are you finally free of these, what you’ve learnt will shape future plans.

TAURUS APR 19 – MAY 19

While this week of stunning planetary activity promises exciting encounters, they won’t always fit in with existing plans or even what seems in your best interests. These are about breakthroughs, in both circumstances and in your thinking. Say yes to it all. Obviously, you won’t pursue everything, but you will learn from it.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUN 19

Usually, when others are complaining about developments, you’re excitedly exploring what’s arisen. It’s the same now. What arises this week is so powerful you’ll be drawn into life-changing events. They may seem overwhelming at first, but they’ll take your life to the next stage.

CANCER JUN 20 – JUL 21

Sometimes opportunities are clear-cut but, judging by the swift pace and twists events take, you’ll have to rely on your instincts. As a Cancerian you dislike taking chances, so could worry. There’s no need. By the New Moon in your sign, on July 4, you’ll be viewing your future with optimism.

LEO JUL 22 – AUG 21

You know unexpected offers are best dealt with by simply plunging in. That will be your response to the current amazing developments. Your biggest problem will be certain individuals you’re close to, who’re less eager. Don’t argue. Proceed, knowing events will reassure them.

VIRGO AUG 22 – SEP 21

In August of last year, the fortunate Jupiter moved into Virgo, triggering a year-long cycle of growth. While you’ve benefited from some events, others seem disruptive. Ordinarily you’d go into analytical overdrive. Instead, wait and watch. Things will come together in a magical manner.

LIBRA SEP 22 – OCT 21

Certain long-standing arrangements aren’t what they once were. Yet you hope they’ll bounce back. Not only is that unlikely, developments between now and July 10 show you’ve better options. Explore them. While you may be able to merge old and new, you’ll also consider saying farewell.

SCORPIO OCT 22 – NOV 20

The rare capacity for spotting what’s new and exciting and, equally, what must go has given you a reputation for an almost psychic foreknowledge. Yet, bizarrely, you won’t necessarily see the promise in certain ideas. Knowing that, explore everything. Soon you’ll realise how thrilling these are. After that, the rest will be easy.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 21 – DEC 20

The events triggered by the current link between your ruler Jupiter and Pluto, planet of transformation, will be as exciting as they are powerful. Still, you could have little control. Let go. Challenging as this is, once you learn more, you’ll be relieved you allowed things to unfold as they must.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 – JAN 19

There’s no denying what’s coming your way is exciting. Still, you’re anxious, because others are making the decisions. But what’s taking place now justifies relaxing your usual firm grip on the reins. Soon you’re worrying less, and saying yes to options that, only recently, you’d have rejected.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18

For months there’s been talk of changes in your everyday or professional world that would mean rethinking elements of your life. Appealing as the idea of changes of that nature are to you, these go too far. Still, since you haven’t much choice, get involved. This proves informative.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19

When you see others wrestling with changes, you worry. Yet you know those events are in their best interests. You need only encourage the individuals in question. And next? Focus on the glorious ways you’re already benefiting from events. Your time has come. You need only say yes.