STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Not only are certain ideas, plans and projects going your way, things are so good you’re wondering if you’ve missed something. While the past month’s experiences justify such concern, you’re in a period of nearly magical growth. So tempting as it is to seek guarantees, for now, go with the flow. Within a week or so, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this bountiful cycle.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

Nobody is better equipped to deal with the unexpected than you, as a fire sign. Yet even you could be overwhelmed by the unexpected encounters and exciting offers triggered by the arrival of your ruler, Jupiter, in Sagittarius, on 8 November. While, ordinarily, it would be unwise to say ‘yes’ to everything, taking this approach allows you to explore and experiment. Decisions? They can wait.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

Having right on your side may give you the conviction necessary to stand up for your convictions but, at the moment, that may not be the best strategy. Both circumstances and the situation of others are shifting, not always positively, and just when certain things are going well for you. For now, wait, watch and learn. Despite their urgency, regard any plans as tentative, and involve others.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

Certain arrangements or future plans have been part of your life for so long it’s never occurred to you they wouldn’t proceed as expected. Yet recent changes are making it clear that, at minimum, a rethink is necessary. Disruptive as this seems, what you learn and unanticipated options and new ideas fuels your enthusiasm for those changes, more than you’d have conceived possibly only recently.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Ignoring the complaints of those who insist they’re being treated unfairly isn’t easy. But their dramas are nothing new and, even more, you’re aware they can take care of themselves. Which means there’s nothing to keep you from pursuing certain thrilling, if not lifechanging, ideas or offers. Yet you feel guilty. What’s come your way is well deserved and timely. You need only say yes.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

You don’t mind a challenge. In fact, when life is too predictable, you can get bored and will create your own excitement. For now, it’s the reverse. Straightforward as minor issues seem, they’re likely to becomes more complicated by the day. Knowing that, resist the temptation to promise you’ll deal with these matters swiftly or, shoulder the burden for others. Take it slowly. You’ll soon learn why.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Planning ahead isn’t just practical, knowing what’s next enables you to concentrate on organising important plans exactly the way you want. However, during this period of exciting, if disruptive twists, even the simplest of arrangements will demand a rethink, possibly several times. Don’t put these off, hoping things will work out. Once you’re involved, you’ll realise these aren’t just wise, they’re essential.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

While every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, from Saturday November 17 until early December, it’s your ruling planet so rouses personal questions as well as triggering the usual confusion. Tempting as it is to hope these issues will resolve themselves, they’re worth delving into. There’s every likelihood that you’ll find ways to deal with these, some for good.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

For ages you’ve managed to tiptoe around tricky issues, dealing with the practical side of things while avoiding upsetting anybody. However, with the Full Moon on Friday November 23 bringing both delicate matters and feelings to a head, you’re better off raising these now. Worrying as that seems, the odds are good others will be as relieved as you are they’re finally being discussed openly.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

As a Leo, you’ve a talent for turning adversity to your advantage. Yet, ironically, you’re better off allowing several already seriously tricky issues to fall apart. What’s more, resist the temptation to tackle these on your own. Express your concerns frankly, then ask those who’re involved or who could be helpful to lend a hand. The result will be nothing short of miraculous.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

This is one of those odd periods during which even organised plans are unlikely to remain as they were initially conceived. While changes are partly due to your ruler Mercury being retrograde from November 17 until December 6, ever shifting circumstances and the equally unsettled mood of others suggests you’d best take a flexible approach to both existing plans and thoughts about the future.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Usually you’re the one who’s helping smooth ruffled feathers. But, bizarrely, you’re facing clashes, and in a range of situations. Unwise as doing nothing seems, by midweek certain facts will surface, most of which will explain the source of, and mostly rectify, those problems. In the meanwhile, this is the ideal time to consider which elements of your own life would benefit from a rethink.