STARGAZING

What your stars foretell for the week ahead.

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

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Just weeks ago you’d have dismissed certain plans or ideas as fascinating but completely unrealistic. Yet since then, the expansive Jupiter moved into Scorpio, triggering a year-long cycle of growth. While some events are worthwhile right away, others rouse your interest. Ask serious questions as you proceed. What and who you encounter could be life-changing.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

You’re often lectured for not planning ahead. But, mostly, it doesn’t come naturally to Sagittarians. Yet judging by the current complex situations you’re facing, you may wish you were better prepared. This is no surprise. With your ruler Jupiter positioned in the most strategic part of your chart, you’ll soon be finding new ways to organise your life.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

Planning ahead may be a virtue. However, the powerful yet positive shakeups triggered by the alliance between your ruler Saturn and Uranus next Saturday shouldn’t be underestimated. So while leaving arrangements involving how you live, work or family matters flexible runs counter to your Capricorn practical streak, your instincts are already telling you it’s wise. And they’re right.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 17

Because you’re both inquisitive and restless, you enjoy meeting interesting people, and venturing into new territory. But the shakeups ushered in by the powerful link between your ruler Uranus and Saturn on the 11th may initially seem unwelcome, if not overwhelming. At minimum, explore these. They’re about broadening your horizons, personally, creatively or professionally.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

You love to keep everybody happy. Currently, your idealistic side is hoping to avoid clashes regarding certain responsibilities. The overall behaviour of the individual in question isn’t your problem. It’s about ensuring they honour commitments to you. Despite your dread of addressing this, do it. And soon. Once it’s cleared up, the mood will improve, and you’ll be grateful you took a firm stand.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

The problem isn’t the suddenness of exciting ideas, offers or changes but that with things moving so swiftly, you must base decisions more on instinct than information. If you can’t provide the variety of hard facts certain individuals seek, say nothing or simply avoid them until things are settled. And that, judging by the swift pace at which events are taking place, will be very soon.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

Usually, you weigh up decisions carefully so once they’ve been made, you’re sure they’re wise. However, judging by the series of powerful aspects being formed by your ruler Venus to most of the planetary heavyweights until mid-November, even the simplest of arrangements is likely to change, and often. Knowing this, instead of make a single plan, take chances and learn from those changes.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

Ordinarily you enjoy the challenge of devising solutions for tricky situations. So when the responsibility for dealing with several such matters is taken out of your hands, you’re not exactly thrilled. However, the individuals in question are better informed to take action than you are. Besides, several other dilemmas don’t just need your attention - in some cases, the situation is increasingly urgent.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

The intense ups and downs you’re experiencing, both in the circumstances you’re dealing with and your mood, is no surprise. True, the current rollercoaster of events is speeding up progress but has left you without reassuring facts and, possibly, lacking in backup. Still, by the week’s close, there’ll have been enough positive, upbeat developments that your faith will be restored.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

While the views of others about your activities matter, you rarely base decisions on their approval. Yet clashes with certain individuals are strangely upsetting. That’s as much because these matters rouse deep personal feelings, if not doubts you’re usually unaware of - or even ignore. Note these but continue to pursue what you believe in. Your efforts and faith in yourself will soon be rewarded.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

As much as you’d like to deal with the tricky practical issues you’re facing, then achieve an accord with others, this will take longer and be far more complex than anticipated. Worrying as that sounds, this gives everybody involved time to explore options. While some are straightforward, some will be promising yet somewhat risky. At least explore the latter. Ultimately, it will work fantastically well.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

Life would be easier if you could make decisions once, then keep them. But with your ruler Venus moving into a new sign and forming powerful planetary alliances between now and midmonth, ideally, you’ll be focusing on exploration. Learn what you can, considering what would work and what seems questionable and what should go. Only once that’s clear is it time to plan ahead.