STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

PISCES February 18 – March 19

Every New Moon brings a fresh perspective. But because Wednesday’s is in Pisces and takes place during a period of dramatic change, this isn’t about a single situation or day. Rather, as you’ll discover, it’s about recognising that existing plans, for the present or the future, must be reviewed if not substantially altered. Annoying as this seems now, you’ll soon realise how timely this process is.

ARIES March 20 – April 19

For ages you’ve sensed certain arrangements would have to be rethought, especially pointless details that slow the pace. Consequently, when questions about exactly these matters arise, you welcome them as an opportunity to rethink things, especially involving the use of your resources, such as time, money and even your ideas. For now, focus on what must go. Future decisions can and should wait.

TAURUS April 20 – May 20

On Wednesday, Uranus, planet of innovation, moves into Taurus, kick-starting a thrilling period of change, and growth. While this influences every sign, for you it’s about breakthroughs, which means both finding new ways around obstacles but, even more, new ideas and opportunities. Explore everything but for now, sidestep promises. There’s lots more yet to come.

GEMINI May 21 – June 20

While you’re familiar with the confusion triggered by your ruler, Mercury’s retrograde cycle, which begins Tuesday, you’ll probably notice it’s more intense than usual. That’s because with several of the planet heavyweights moving into new positions over a short period of time, every sign will be dealing with the unexpected. Exciting and, possibly, disruptive? Absolutely. An opportunity for breakthroughs? That too.

CANCER June 21 – July 22

Often in modern life we must provide facts to back up practical decisions and, equally, to gain others’ confidence. This makes you realise how, usually, you rely primarily on your intuition. But, between sudden changes and your own powerful instincts, now and over the coming weeks, you’ll blend facts with those feelings. Actually, with events as thrilling as they are unexpected, it’s best and easiest.

LEO July 23 – August 22

Since last year you’ve been battling changes in elements of your work or lifestyle as unwelcome as they are impractical. Recently, however, you’ve begun to realise they could bring solutions for problems you’ve struggled to cope with. These, triggered by the move by the planet Uranus to accent the matters in question aren’t merely about change, but a very different take on the actual situations.

VIRGO August 23 – September 22

With the current unsettling planetary setup, plans will change frequently and, often, you’ll be frustratingly short of facts. Acknowledge that, and you’ll stop struggling and rely on a combination of your instincts and pure good timing. True, this means temporarily sidelining the analytical side of your nature, and letting each day’s experiences lead to the next. While uncharacteristic for a Virgo, it will work brilliantly.

LIBRA September 23 – October 22

Recent tensions, and occasional clashes, with those closest have you on edge, if not concerned about the direction things will go. However, because every sign is influenced by the current unsettling but ultimately productive planetary setup, this isn’t about smooth sailing. It’s about speaking frankly, possibly in a way you never have before. And, just as much, it’s about approaching certain once worrying changes fearlessly.

SCORPIO October 23 – November 21

You sense good fortune is coming but the current disarray, in your own life, in others’ and in circumstances make you wonder. Things are moving swiftly and dramatically, so much so that over the coming weeks, you’ll be amazed by the nature and extent of changes and, even more, how thrilling they are. Until then? Challenging as it is, go with the flow.

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21

Everybody’s anxious about events shaking up life in general, and matters closer to home. While you’re aware of these unsettling developments, you sense they’ll lead to breakthroughs. You’re right. Since explaining that to others won’t achieve much, for now, busy yourself exploring your own options. By the week’s close, things will begin to make sense to everybody.

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 19

The more unsettling what arises is, the greater your efforts to impose order. Between now and mid-March, do something out of character. Step back, wait, watch and most of all, observe events. Some will be so unexpected you won’t know how to respond, others will force you to rethink arrangements, some longstanding. In every case, you’re urged to reflect at length, and research decisions before making them.

AQUARIUS January 20 – February 17

With your ruling planet Uranus moving into a new position, and to accent the structure of your life on Wednesday, change is in the air. While in some situations this is straightforward, and welcome, in others you’re unclear the direction things are taking. For now, explore everything, if only out of curiosity. The more you learn now, the better equipped you’ll be for future decisions.