STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

Ordinarily, you’d tackle challenging situations swiftly. However, at the moment, the less you do, the better at least until the Sun’s encounter with your ruler Saturn, in your sign, on January 2, clarifies matters. Then there’s the Capricorn eclipsed New Moon, on the 6th, which triggers changes. After that, you’ll know what needs to be done.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

Being a quick-thinking air sign, it’s rare that you’re forced to live with uncertainty. But between questions about existing arrangements and the even more far-reaching changes promised by the move by your ruler Uranus, into a new position and to accent the structure of your life, in early March, even seemingly straightforward decisions should be regarded as tentative, if not a bit of an experiment.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

The last thing you expected was that plans you organised carefully and thoughtfully would need to be altered. Yet with the foundation on which certain of those plans were based changing, if not being completely reassembled, the more flexible your approach, the better. And aim high. Don’t assume that just because you’ve discussed plans with others previously they’ll remember what you have in mind.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

A number of pivotal decisions simply aren’t up to you. Acknowledging this may seem a defeat. However, with your ruler Mars in the most reflective part of your chart until New Year’s Day, you’ll be wrestling with certain tricky issues, not forging ahead. The sooner things are settled, the more swiftly you’ll know what’s what. This clarity will be helpful now and crucial in the long term.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Over the past weeks, you’ve had to leave a range of decisions up to others, mostly partners or close associates. While, ordinarily, you’d be anxious, they’re better equipped to discuss and deal with these matters than you are. What’s more, this gives you time to consider which elements of your life you’re actually prepared to change and which, to your surprise, you’re willing to say farewell to.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

The line between good, solid ideas and inspiring but more questionable options is often unclear. However, it’s especially blurred at the moment. Knowing that, consider before you plunge in and try out certain ventures. Instead, take it slowly. That way, as both circumstances and your experience with the matters in question develop, you’ll have a far better idea of what will work.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Judging by the unsettling events prior to the Cancer Full Moon, on Saturday 22 December, the accompanying insights could be difficult to spot. In fact, the emotional ups and downs it’s triggering may be getting most of your attention. Still, be patient. After a few days, both their potential and your thinking will be clearer, enough you’ll be ready to turn those ideas into a plan.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

For ages you’ve known you’d have to focus on, and deal with, certain crucial but tedious practical matters or obligations. But now that time has come and, what’s more, things are getting more complicated by the minute. Unappealing as the thought is, get involved. Within a few days, you’ll have a better understanding what really matters and, more important, how you’ll benefit from your efforts.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

Waiting for others to make decisions is nothing new. But waiting for the actual circumstances you’re dealing with to settle, enough you can make lasting decisions is quite another matter. Tempting as it is to rush things, with January’s two eclipses shaking things up, the more flexible arrangements are, the better. For now, continue to explore your options, and if you do make plans, ensure they’re flexible.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Talking about reorganising elements of your domestic or working life is one thing, but actually undertaking changes is another matter. However, who you meet and what you encounter will so boost your spirits that instead of avoiding these situations or trying to do the minimum, you’ll begin exploring. And, better yet, every fact you learn will encourage you to learn more, and do more.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Usually, when you’re making plans or turning your vision into something lasting, you check everything out in detail. But, seemingly reliable facts could change, and overnight. Out of character as taking chances is, you’ll learn far more from experience than discussion or research. Besides, with things continuing to change, when you do organise plans, regard them as tentative.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

Although your ruler Jupiter moved into Sagittarius in November, you’re still exploring the options its presence has triggered. But, also, you’re considering what must go. While ordinarily you’d rush through any such review, your instincts are correctly telling you to take things slowly, and to avoid making commitments until the facts are clear and you’ve a guarantee exactly what you’ll get in return.