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

Although you’re probably still wrestling with the powerful shifts triggered by the recent Pisces New Moon, your priorities are clear enough for you to know what needs to be done now, and the order of tasks after that. Still, with so much in transition, you’ll probably want to rethink things, possibly more than once. While annoying, each change will introduce a timely fresh vision.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

Unsettling as the current crop of changes are, there’s no question they’re inescapable. If there’s any problem, it’s that many decisions are shared, largely with those who want details, and soon. Ideally, you’d tackle all of these later, when circumstances demand, and not before. Despite that, deal with them now. What you learn in the process of gathering the necessary facts will amply justify the effort required.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Happily, you’re well prepared to deal with pressing matters and make the necessary decisions. True, this is complicated by the fact you’re contending with the indecisive mood of those whose support you require. Obviously, this is frustrating. However, it also slows your pace, which in turn gives you time to explore a range of unexpected ideas and suggestions, many far more worthwhile than you’ve anticipated.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

It would be easy to blame the bizarre twists and turns you, and everybody else, are facing on the confusion triggered by your ruler Mercury being retrograde. Still, most of what’s arisen involves far more pivotal events, some unexpected and others life-changing. However, because this unsettled but timely period continues until late March, you’re urged to regard any plans as a bit of an experiment.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 22

After recent intense and, perhaps, unsettling developments, you need a break. However, the changes taking place are vital and are, in fact, building up momentum. Knowing that, focus on where and how improvements are needed, your aim being to link them with events as they unfold. Challenging as this may seem initially, you’ll be surprised how easily what’s arising and your existing goals fit together.

LEO JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

As a quick thinking fire sign, being told to take things one day at a time irritates you. Yet, as you’ll discover when facing the relentless and, usually, unexpected changes now and over the coming weeks, this slower pace combined with flexible thinking, isn’t just wise. It ensures you’re aware of, and able to take advantage of ideas or offers as unanticipated as they are thrilling.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

Ordinarily you’d move swiftly to find solutions for the bizarre range of dilemmas you’re facing. But between powerful planetary activity and your ruler Mercury being retrograde and triggering errors, even simple arrangements will need to be rethought, probably more than once. Knowing that, waste no time being precise. Out of character as it may be, organise vague plans, and leave any details until later.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Because this is a period of transition, in many areas of your life and, often, involving others, you’re conscious that your decisions will have a far-reaching influence. Yet not everybody is aware of your efforts or the need for teamwork. In fact, certain individuals are being downright uncooperative. Don’t bother with explanations now, but do prepare yourself for the questions they’ll ask later.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

For some time your concerns about a range of situations have remained unspoken, mostly because you were short of facts, so lacked ideas or suggestions. Now, suddenly, everybody’s talking about these as if they were experts when they’re not nearly as well-informed as you. For now, merely question their views. Gradually, between gentle probing and frank discussions, you’ll soon clarify who actually knows what.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21

While you don’t mind change, when elements of your personal or working life are involved, you want to be included in, if not shape, discussions and decisions. But judging by the current powerful and frequently unsettling planetary activity, events are taking on a life of their own. Worrying as this seems, even what appear to be bizarre developments will turn out far better than you’d imagine possible.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19

Capricorn may be one of the most decisive signs of the zodiac, but you’ll commit only after gathering solid facts and considerable thought. However, between rapidly changing circumstances and the need to have a plan of some variety, you’re being forced to organise arrangements based more on your instincts than reliable information. Worrying as this seems, you’ll be amazed, and delighted, how well things work out.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

You may be aware that your ruling planet Uranus, moved into a new position on the 6th, triggering a new cycle in your life but, equally, in the world around you. Still, you’re clinging to certain arrangements that you regard as vital. Let go, the sooner the better. These, too, must change. Once they do, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to deal with everything else.