STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 18

If you’re feeling impatient, and about a range of situations, it’s no surprise. However beneficial the presence of your ruler Mars in Aries may be in terms of reviewing existing arrangements and considering the future, you could find you’re on edge, even when things are already moving swiftly. That excess energy is best used by getting out and about, ideally doing some form of exercise.

TAURUS APR 19 – MAY 19

You’re building up to the first of February’s two eclipses, on the 11th. This accents the structure of your life. If you’ve already been thinking about changes, events will get things going. If not, you’ll realise not only would you benefit from reconsidering your domestic or work setup, unexpected developments could kick-start the process. Explore everything. You’ll be thrilled.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUN 20

Recent differences have annoyed you, especially since it seemed others were being narrow-minded. But in several situations you’ve refused even to discuss potentially worthwhile ideas. Now, worse, your pride is involved. The sooner you overcome that seemingly uncharacteristic stubbornness and begin exploring, the more swiftly you’ll realise how much you’d benefit from what’s on offer.

CANCER JUN 21 – JULY 21

Even if you can’t actually see the Moon, you’re often aware of its power. This is especially the case now, prior to the dramatic, and potentially life-changing, eclipsed Full Moon on the 11th. Tempting as it is to try to sidestep the accompanying emotional dramas, these force unspoken issues out in the open, and encourage those who’re usually silent to discuss their feelings frankly.

LEO JULY 22 – AUG 21

Although the coming eclipsed Full Moon, on the 11th, brings matters to a head for every sign, the fact it’s in Leo means you’ve reached a turning point, personally and in terms of close alliances, at home and out in the world. While changes might be minor, the more you discuss and discover, the more you’ll realise these would benefit from discussion, if not a serious reorganisation.

VIRGO AUG 22 – SEPT 21

Recent differences didn’t just turn into clashes, you’re still wrestling with the issues in question. It may seem resolving these is taking forever. But that’s because the discussions involved are forcing you and others to go into these matters in detail. What you learn won’t just put the actual difficulties to rest – the resulting insights will also offer guidelines for tackling other, equally persistent, problems.

LIBRA SEPT 22 – OCT 22

The last thing you’re in the mood for is more drama. You’ve had plenty recently. However, there’s no sidestepping the conflicts, confusion and unsettling events both prior to and as a result of the eclipsed Full Moon, on Saturday the 11th. Tempting as it is to tackle these immediately, say little. While many issues will resolve themselves, others will become more manageable by the day.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 21

Obviously, you’d prefer it if certain unappealing changes could be decided and dealt with now. But judging by February’s twists and turns, even if you and those involved could agree on a single plan during the next few days, you’d only need to rethink things over the coming weeks. Knowing that, focus on the ideas you have in mind, but view them as a starting point.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 20

By no means are you rigid in your thinking or attitude. Or so you thought. The situations you face now, and in the run-up to the powerful eclipsed Full Moon, on Saturday the 11th, highlight both the stubborn side of your nature and, equally, ideas or options you’ve bypassed. Explore these. The more you learn, the more you’ll benefit, now and in the future.

CAPRICORN DEC 21 – JAN 18

As a conscientious Capricorn, when you make plans, you both check out the facts and carefully organise your time. Yet during this week, prior to the first of February’s two unsettling yet productive eclipses, events won’t go as smoothly as you’d anticipated. Forget about putting things back on track. You’ll learn lots more and benefit in thrilling ways by going with the flow.

AQUARIUS JAN 19 – FEB 17

The insights triggered by the Aquarius New Moon, on January 28, gave you plenty to mull over. While you’ve already made some changes, you’re exploring others. However, what you encounter and who you meet now could force you to rethink many of those plans. Unsettling as this is in the short term, you’ll be amazed how wonderfully these unexpected developments fit in.

PISCES FEB 18 – MAR 19

Try to give up your perfectionist tendency, now and, actually, during all of February. By no means is there anything to worry about but, rather, you’re in a period of growth, triggered by eclipses on the 11th and 26th, and dramatic developments that will, ultimately, prove to be worthwhile. Still, you must be patient, as their benefits may not be clear until late in the month.