STAR GAZING

Aries March 20 April 19

Last May your ruler Mars moved into the inquisitive Aquarius, triggering a period of exciting if unanticipated encounters, offers. All have been worth exploring. A few haven’t worked, but many have — enough, that a review is timely. This begins on Tuesday, when Mars shifts into practical Capricorn, and you decide which are merely intriguing versus those that could become a part of your life.

Taurus April 20 May 20

You’ve long intended to examine certain once-worthwhile arrangements with an eye to altering or ending them. Finally, you can and, better yet, the process is straightforward. Since not everybody will agree proceed solo. Weeks, if not months, from now you’ll explain your reasoning to others and, by then, they’ll probably thank you.

Gemini May 21 June 20

Perfection doesn’t matter, but still, doing things halfway only means having to tackle them again later. And with your ruler Mercury retrograde until the 19th and ongoing fallout from the three recent eclipses, even simple arrangements are complicated by unexpected developments.

Cancer June 21 July 21

Once you understand the shakeups in practical, business or financial matters you’re facing are part of a larger cycle of change, you’ll exchange worries for enthusiasm. True, it’s a steep learning curve. But, actually, that’s the point. The current planetary focus is on growth, which means the more questions you ask, the better advantage you’ll take of what’s already come your way.

Leo July 22 August 22

The irony about the powerful Leo eclipsed New Moon on Saturday the 11th is that, when you look back on this period, you’ll recognise events as having been life-changing. Currently, however, what you’re facing seems a nuisance, if not bad news. However, often breakthroughs are preceded by exactly such tricky situations.

Virgo August 23 September 22

Usually, facts are exactly that – facts. However, in mid-July you began a cycle of often unsettling but illuminating change. Add your ruler Mercury retrograde, until August 19, and between errors and misunderstandings, even simple arrangements could become dramas. However, while the dust will settle in a week or so, what you’ve learnt will prove valuable.

Libra September 23 October 22

After a lengthy period of uncertainty, you’re finally clear about who and what comes first in your life. However, certain persistent questions are preventing you from putting those valuable insights into action. That’s for the best, as you’ll recognise in late August, when those once problematic situations fall into place magically. Until then, focus on deciding what should go and making it happen.

Scorpio October 23 November 21

Since early this year there’s been talk of changes in your work or lifestyle, or both, but you’ve managed to keep things as they are. Despite your concerns, explore what’s involved. That way, when ideas turn into plans, and those into action, possibly overnight, you’ll be ready. While unsettling in the short term you’ll recognise these as the breakthroughs they are.

Sagittarius November 22 December 20

Challenges can be thrilling but watching elements of your life you’ve worked hard to organise come undone, often overnight, isn’t easy. Unlikely as it seems, these are making way for the extraordinary ideas or offers triggered by the rare link between your ruler Jupiter and Neptune, on the 19th.

Capricorn December 21 January 19

Few Capricorns believe in good luck, but even those who do pave the way with effort. Yet recent setbacks have you wondering where you went wrong. You didn’t, as will become clear after fiery Mars’ moves into your sign on the 13th. Still, decide nothing until August’s final week, when spectacular planetary activity brings you good fortune, in a range of forms, and all at once.

Aquarius January 20 February 17

Since late July’s Aquarius eclipsed Full Moon, you’ve been weighing up new ideas or, possibly, radical changes, versus sticking with what, or who, you know. With the actual circumstances still shifting, decisions haven’t lasted long. Things seem urgent, but there’s no rush. Actually, the more flexible your thinking, the better.

Pisces February 18 March 19

Some say planning ahead is a virtue, but now and until after the Pisces Full Moon, on 26 August, you’re urged to take each day, and its accompanying twists and turns, as it comes. Some will require you let go of plans or, possibly, passions while others involve intriguing ideas or encounters. Explore, show interest in whatever appeals but save decisions until the month’s close.