STAR GAZING

World-renowned astrologer Shelley von Strunckel writes a daily column exclusively for tabloid!

Aries (March 20 – April 18) As an Aries and a fire sign you have an instinctive sense of when plans will last and, which is important now, when they won’t. Not only is the retrograde Mercury triggering confusion, recent arrangements were organised in a rush and will at minimum need a rethink if not substantial revision. Taurus (April 19 – May 19) Worrying as potential changes in already tense personal alliances may be, things have remained as they are for far too long. Sudden and perhaps unsettling as the events triggered by this week’s eclipsed New Moon may be, when you look back on them you’ll realise they were both timely and appropriate. Gemini (May 20 – June 19) While obviously every sign is influenced by the confusion triggered by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, the fact it’s your ruling planet can undermine your usually buoyant confidence. Waste no time on analysing these doubts. They will shift both in stature and form until finally you realise they’re mere shadows on the wall. Cancer (June 20 – July 21) As a Cancer and a water sign, being aware how important it is to you that others keep their promises, you try to do the same. Yet during unsettled periods such as this is, that may not be possible. If so, simply discuss the situation in question as it arises. Leo (July 22 – August 21) For ages you’ve known certain increasingly tricky situations needed attention, but you didn’t know where or how to begin. Although Mercury’s retrograde cycle is best known for triggering confusion, the issues it raises will enable you to tackle these concerns and with a bit of effort put them to rest. Virgo (August 22 – September 21) True, there’s a New Moon every month and one in your sign each year. But the one on the 1st is powerful for Virgo. Enough it’s worth taking time to reflect on what works and what doesn’t, on what you’d like more of and, even more important, what you’d happily say farewell to. Libra (September 22 – October 21) Although you’ll be influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle which has just begun and September’s two powerful eclipses, these are more about questions and minor changes. However, the arrival of fortunate Jupiter in Libra on the 9th isn’t just exciting, the ideas, offers and encounters it ushers in could transform your life. Scorpio (October 22 – November 20) Some time ago you sidestepped certain facts mostly because they seemed irrelevant. At the time they were. But now that the actual foundation on which they’re based is shifting you’ll need to discuss these matters in detail. And that means revealing those facts you decided could be ignored. Sagittarius (November 21 – December 20) Usually obstacles are exactly that, problems to be overcome. However, with changes altering both your circumstances and those of others these are prompting you to examine the source of those difficulties. What you learn could lead to a timely and worthwhile rethink of your plans and how you’ll achieve them. Capricorn (December 21 – January 19) Most Capricorns don’t just plan ahead, the clearer your schedule now and for the days, weeks and months to come, the more relaxed you are. While by no means should you stop trying to organise things, bear in mind that with Mercury retrograde, changes are likely and probably every day. Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) One of your greatest assets is your naturally inquisitive nature. You’re not only fascinated by those in the world around you and what they’re doing, you’re also interested in new and especially innovative developments. Still, even you could be taken aback by the sudden and thrilling events that arise over the coming week. Pisces (February 19 – March 19) Sometimes minor differences are no more than that. However, a series of challenging planetary aspects that involve your ruler Neptune during late August and early September suggest that it’s time to acknowledge and discuss several unspoken issues. These are more significant than you realise, so the sooner you begin the better.