STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

You’ve got to organise yourself in situations involving everything from practicalities, to study or even travel, but are short of facts. Out of character as it is, make halfway decisions, but ensure others know they’re likely to change. This gives you vital time to explore your options further. While what you learn will answer numerous questions, it’s unlikely you’ll be ready to commit until late March.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

Having been forced to leave decisions up to others or, alternatively, diplomatically sidestep certain matters, suddenly you’re in charge. With dynamic Mars now in Taurus, you’ll be reviewing past arrangements, some long term, and exploring new but often questionable options. Or so it will seem initially. What you learn about these and, as much, about yourself will be as surprising as it is rewarding.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

Once you understand you can’t avoid tedious if not pointless demands, you’ll waste no time trying to sidestep these. The irony is, this process yields valuable insights. This equips you to rethink your initial vision or stand up to demanding individuals or regulations. You’ll soon be exploring ideas or alliances that recently seemed completely inaccessible.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Between Sunday’s emotionally intense Full Moon and already complicated discussions regarding various plans or arrangements, you’re on edge. Understandably, you’re trying to ensure things go smoothly. But the bizarre fact is misunderstandings could lead to profitable discussions. Adopting an easy-going attitude regarding these situations will be worth the effort.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

Usually your instinctive Leo charm easily wins over even those who’re reluctant to embrace your ideas or plans. Now, however, in certain situations you’re being forced to provide information, and in the form others want. While annoying in the short term, what you learn will prove amazingly helpful in a range of diverse situations. Regard this process as an investment in your future.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

The Virgo Full Moon, on Sunday, puts you under pressure yet heightens vulnerable feelings. Focus on those practicalities and, for the moment, ignore your own questions about why nothing’s been done about these before now. You’ll learn the facts, in time. Meanwhile, you’ll be developing the skill of being truly detached, despite facing situations where you could easily blame others.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

While there’s no sidestepping certain dull practical matters or issues about obligations, once you’ve tackled them, you’ll realise they’re not actually that demanding. This, then, gives you the courage to deal with tricky personal issues. Line up your facts and choose your time carefully. The process may take longer and require more thought but these, too, will be settled with unanticipated ease.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Little is as annoying as those who hold back on crucial facts until they’re useful, then spring them on you, their objective being to gain the upper hand. Yet, in certain situations, you’ve adopted exactly the same approach and will soon have to reveal your own secrets. So do it now, while you can sidestep potential dramas. This timing is crucial, as you’ll soon discover.

SAGITTARIUS – NOVEMBER 22 DECEMBER 20

For ages there’s been talk of changes in your domestic or working life but nothing’s worked out. However, Sunday’s Full Moon brings both your feelings about these matters, and the actual circumstances involved to a head, prompting fast action. Move swiftly, bearing in mind that whatever you do or decide is just the beginning of a cycle of exploration that extends into early April.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

Ordinarily you’d take the blame when others complain you’re lacking vital facts or, worse, what they’ve been told is inaccurate. Since, as a painstaking Capricorn, you double-check everything, such errors are unlikely. The real issue is the heightened feelings triggered now, prior to Sunday’s Full Moon. Knowing that, apologise graciously then back off.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 17

Because you dislike dealing with dull practical details, you’ll tackle them as soon as you can, double-check your information, then move on to other matters. So now that certain issues have become crucial, you’re ready. But that doesn’t mean others are. Or that they’ll even recognise those facts you’ve carefully assembled. This is aggravating if not insulting. Be patient. Ultimately, you will win.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Being intuitive, you’ll often sense that others aren’t being difficult because of a specific situation but due to anxiety. Yet since the individuals in question are unlikely to be aware of that, your best bet is to distract them until they’re thinking more clearly. This requires both diplomacy and patience. Eventually, they’ll be ready to discuss issues rationally, but it probably won’t be this week.