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

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

If you’re feeling unsettled or even anxious about what’s next, that’s no surprise. The arrival of your ruler Saturn in your sign, in late December, is bound to have shaken things up. Tempting as it is to turn ideas into solid plans, you’re better off waiting until you’re benefitting from the insights triggered by the Capricorn New Moon, on 17 January. After that, things will be clearer.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 17

As much as you enjoy the company of others, and discussing what’s up and what’s new, you also have a sound instinct about when it’s wise to spend time on your own, and reflect without any distractions. This isn’t just appropriate, you’re preparing for the exciting and, possibly, entirely unexpected decisions that will be triggered by the powerful Aquarius eclipsed New Moon, in late January.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Certain individuals aren’t just complaining a lot, they seem to be in competition for an award for suffering most and, equally, most loudly. Listen, discuss what’s going on but, also, trust instincts that suggest you steer clear of their dramas. While these aren’t yours to deal with, you have certain pressing personal matters of increasing significance, all of which are awaiting your attention.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

Understandably, you’re thrilled by certain changes being made, especially those you’ve struggled with others over for ages. However, you’re annoyed that you’ve less control over the way things will be organised than you hoped. Tempting as it is to speak up, if not get actively involved, back off. Exciting as getting things moving has been, actually dealing with them could prove to be very dull indeed.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

There’s been talk of exploring new ideas, going someplace unfamiliar or studying something that’s always intrigued you. Now that both practical Saturn and your ruler Venus are accenting that part of your chart, those ideas are likely to turn into action. Aim to have arrangements discussed, thought through and organised before midJanuary, because you’ll want to put them into action.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

By no means are you rigid in your thinking. On the contrary, of the twelve signs, you’re the most inquisitive and flexible. However, in certain matters, you refuse even to discuss potential changes. Think carefully about this. While your firm stance is understandable, it’s based mostly on past experience. Things have changed, and you could be missing out on exciting ideas, experiences or opportunities.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Only recently you regarded certain personal matters or those involving ongoing arrangements as settled, for now and in the long term. Yet sudden events or, possibly, a change of heart have raised numerous questions. These may have more to do with issues that are unsettling but related. Pressing as they seem, once you learn more, you’ll realise you’re better off taking your time.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

The realisation that somebody’s been trying to manipulate you into doing things their way is upsetting. Worse, they’re denying it. The real problem is that they regard being upfront about either objectives or feelings as unwise, if not weak. You can’t change them but you can keep this in mind. However good their intentions are, their approach to discussing matters is very different from yours.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

You’re benefitting from the powerful influence of the Sun, Saturn and Venus in the portion of your chart that accents life’s joys. However, certain issues remain unresolved. It’s out of character, but seek a temporary solution, one everybody can live with. This, then, allows you to relax, and focus on those pleasures. Amazingly, in the meantime, those tricky matters will come together.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

For ages you’ve been trying to find a balance between certain increasingly complex practical issues and ensuring everybody’s happy, especially amongst family and those at home. Now events are forcing issues out in the open. Tempting as it is to put off dealing with them, the timing is perfect, but for reasons you’ll know only once you’re actually in the process of talking things over.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

In early December, the forthright Mars moved into Scorpio, triggering a cycle of personal review and potential change. While you’re welcoming some of what’s arisen, you’re trying to avoid certain developments. These changes are in your best interests. That means you’ll actually have to undertake them. Once you do, you’ll realise how thrilling doing things differently could be.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

It’s only been a few weeks since powerful Saturn departed Sagittarius, ending a cycle that was informative as well as challenging. As much as you’d like to take advantage of the shift, both in your mood and in circumstances, this period is about review, not taking action. That will happen in late January, when Mars’ move into your sign kickstarts a powerful new cycle.