STARGAZING

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

What the stars have in store for you.

During the week just past events, and often your own impatience, led you to plunge into existing, but potentially unsettling, arrangements or to make changes prompted by your instincts. Risky as this seems, these are about exploring these changes. Some are taking place around you and influencing your life. Others are farreaching. For now, explore. Decisions can wait. LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

At the moment it may seem you’re doing nothing but saying farewell to the past, from former passions to cherished possessions. This is timely, because the lighter you’re travelling when the Sun moves into Leo, on the 22nd, the better prepared you’ll be to shed yet more burdens and focus on exciting and often unexpected changes. Planning ahead? Not now. Live one day at a time. VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

Even at your most logical, you’re likely to be puzzled by sudden, and unanticipated changes or events. For now, look, listen and learn. On 29 July, the courageous Mars’ move into Virgo begins a decisive cycle. The trick is to focus on exploration, not lasting plans. This runs counter to your painstaking nature, but ensures you’re able to explore every option that comes your way. LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

The idea of ridding yourself of clutter, in terms of both possessions and plans or commitments, may be appealing. Doing it is another matter. Focus on this now, before fiery Mars moves into Libra on 15 September, kickstarting a new cycle, and both your mind and your ‘to-do’ list will be clear. Initially, simply notice what could go. Lasting decisions can, and should, wait. SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Recent plans seemed solid. However, even at your most intuitive, you’d never have conceived of, or imagined, the range of unexpected changes, ideas or offers currently coming your way. While, obviously, reassurance things will go as planned is appealing. However, with so much in transition, it simply isn’t possible. The secret? Take chances. The bolder they are, the more you’ll benefit from the unexpected.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

While you’re inquisitive by nature, when you’ve already set your objectives and are in a rush, you stick to what you’ve decided. Now, however, further exploration isn’t just vital, who or what you encounter could be of pivotal importance. Others may insist all this is a distraction and you might agree. Actually, this will broaden your horizons, so much you’ll realise just how worthwhile it was.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

The Capricorn Full Moon, in late June, was an eclipse, so triggered shakeups, many illuminating. You’re still dealing with several of them. Knowing that, regard this week’s surprises as part of that cycle of growth, and you’ll focus on what you’re learning. While usually that will be clear, at times you’ll need patience. As a Capricorn and a practical earth sign, you understand how important this can be.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 18

True, you enjoy encountering new ideas, activities and intriguing people. But, also, you benefit from a routine. However, the build up to the powerful Aquarius Full Moon, on Saturday the 24th, is about a series of breakthroughs in your perspective on living and thinking. What’s more, because there’s a rare, second Aquarius Full Moon on 22 August, this is about a thrilling journey of discovery.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 19

Only days ago, you’d have laughed at the idea of even mentioning certain exciting, yet far-reaching, changes. Yet now you’re not only discussing them, the odds are good they’ll become reality, and soon. If there’s any challenge, it’s believing in yourself and what you’re doing, enough to aim high, possibly much higher than you conceive of at the moment. If ever miracles were possible, it’s now.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

Although you deal better with sudden developments than most, those you’re currently facing threaten to undermine plans you struggled to organise or, worse, pivotal joint arrangements. While your instinct is to battle to keep these going, judging by the powerful planetary activity between now and the end of the month, unsettling as what arises may be, changes aren’t just inevitable, they’re worthwhile, for you and others.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

For weeks you’ve been reviewing what must go, often with relief, and considering future plans, mostly with excitement. Now, finally, things begin happening. Initially the pace is slow, but as you move towards the Full Moon on Saturday the 24th, which triggers changes, both in your reaction to events and your feelings about them will intensify. For now, focus on exploration. Final decisions can and should wait.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

While you’ve done, learnt and accomplished a great deal recently, you need a break. The current slow pace enables you to review recent insights and restore your energy. Focus on this during the week’s first half. That prepares you for planetary activity as dynamic as it is unsettling. This begins on the 22nd and continues until July’s close, and takes you to explore new territory.