STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Planning ahead may be a virtue, but do too much of it now and you’ll only confuse matters. Instead, focus on those activities that no longer matter, then begin making the necessary changes. This process will declutter your life but, equally, prepares you for the insights and unexpected ideas or opportunities that accompany the Libra New Moon, on Tuesday the 9th.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Sometimes obstacles are exactly that, difficulties that must be overcome. But those you’re facing now, and will be until early November’s Scorpio New Moon, are about letting go of elements of the past and, equally, exploring new and often oddly foreign ideas or offers. Begin now and, when the time comes for those changes, they’ll have become familiar, enough that you’re ready to plunge in.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

Often it’s not until discussions turn into arguments that the full facts and everybody’s feelings come out. This isn’t just what’s happening, the resulting revelations will lead to offers as thrilling as, often, they are unexpected. Still, with circumstances shifting until next month, when your ruler Jupiter moves into Sagittarius, you’re urged to regard plans as more of an experiment than anything lasting.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

No matter what you plan, explore or decide, you’re in for challenges. That may sound worrying but, actually, these issues and obstacles are highlighting matters that need attention. Some are longstanding, others new. But in every case, changes in circumstances around you mean exploring a range of options. While, initially, you’ll be tempted to do the minimum, you’re urged to do things once, and be bold.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

It’s not that you mind change, but you do object when others are in charge and making decisions that will only complicate matters. Discuss your concerns. Either the explanations of the individuals in question will calm you or, alternatively, they’ll adopt your suggestions. Or both. Mostly, be aware this isn’t about a single plan or event, but a lengthy period of ultimately rewarding growth and evolution.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Although nobody would blame you for suspecting somebody’s been making plans behind your back, seemingly underhand manoeuvres are the result of little time for discussion. Instead of worrying or feeling left out, get involved. Don’t wait to be asked. Instead, simply step up, begin making suggestions or take action on your own. This won’t just be welcomed, others will be thrilled you’re part of it all.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

You’ve been facing a range of inflexible individuals and complex arrangements. Ordinarily, you’d battle these. Instead begin asking questions. What you learn will explain the origin of those difficulties but also will reveal other, potentially more rewarding, ways of dealing with them. However, you’ll encounter an appealing option. Drop these battles and shift your focus to more rewarding pursuits.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Between recent changes, many dramatic, and your ongoing analysis of worrying elements of your life, you’re conducting a serious rethink. You’re not alone in this. Many around you are doing the same, and many of them are struggling. If they seek your advice, give it, but cautiously, as they’ll blame you for what doesn’t work. And if you need advice? Go within. It’s probably the best bet.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

Being told you’re about to be disillusioned won’t sound promising. However, what arises only confirms your existing concerns. Now that things are clear, you could confront the issues or individuals in question head on. But you’ve an alternative. Take charge. Decide to substantially alter or even break away from these arrangements. Whatever you do, taking action will be a huge relief.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Tempting as it is to put certain badly needed changes into action, things are unlikely to go well. It’s not that you’ll be facing difficulties as much as with the actual circumstances shifting, there’ll be several revisions. Knowing that, be relaxed about timing and focus on exploring your options. What you discover could turn already appealing concepts into something both as amazing and unexpected.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

While, recently, you’ve battled to keep existing arrangements unchanged, suddenly it’s clear you should go with the flow. True, this could take you into unfamiliar territory. However, with the foundation on which these are based unstable anyway, even longstanding arrangements must shift or could crumble. Besides, what you discover and who you meet will justify a bit of disruption.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

Recently, you’ve faced difficulties in elements of your life. These have made it clear a substantial rethink is vital. Mostly, this is about updating arrangements. True, some will demand you review your approach, rethink once profitable habits or, possibly, your objectives. While, initially, you may battle this, the resulting insights will reveal a promising new approach.