Your stars

For the week 28 July-3 August, with Russell Grant

‘The hype around a 13th star sign has come back (again). Western astrologers use the Tropical Fixed Zodiac. Fixed points like equinoxes and solstices are always the same. These are the points we work from and they do not move. So please be assured that you’re sign hasn’t changed,’ Russell says. Here’s your horoscope… LEO 24 July – 23 August

A playful interlude will be refreshing for Leos such as American businesswoman and presenter Martha Stewart, and the legendary star of The WestWing, Martin Sheen. Their sunny personality and fun-loving attitude makes them popular. Some surprising and beneficial changes are about to occur. Enjoy them.

SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November

Before taking on a new commitment, have you weighed up all you are letting yourself in for? Once you have said ‘yes’, there is no going back, and you are aware of this. You need to think about this carefully. A rival is watching and waiting for you to make a mistake. This is your chance to prove your worth.

AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February

Spending long hours at work is not good for your health. Are you giving too much of your time and energy to a volunteer organisation? To get full value from life you need some relaxation and pleasure, too. Strike a healthier work-life balance. Avoid becoming so fixated on details of a project that you lose all sense of time.

TAURUS 21 April – 21 May

Group activities are entertaining but watch out for home-related problems. A community or volunteer project could benefit from your expertise. This may mean having to sacrifice free time, but you won’t begrudge it. It will mean a lot to you to be able to share skills and knowledge with others who appreciate it.

VIRGO

24 August

– 23 September

You need a change. You long to get your teeth into a project that will offer lots of intellectual stimulation. The stars are nudging you into putting your imaginative ideas into action. If your love lacks lustre, then note that it isn’t too late to find ways to put the spark back into your relationship.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December

One of the reasons you and your workmates and neighbours get on so well is that you are able to laugh and have fun together. Life has been too serious recently. Be sure to make enjoyment and laughter a big part of your week’s activities. Costly mistakes can be avoided by taking a cautious approach to money.

PISCES 20 February – 20 March

It pays to have an open mind when working with a group of unusual people. You will enjoy researching for a special project. A sensible friend will work out the practicalities while you are being creative and inventive. Are you currently single? An old relationship can be successfully rekindled.

GEMINI 22 May – 21 June

Familiar routines aren’t working any more. Taking a new approach to regular commitments will be surprisingly refreshing. You’re feeling more at home in the workplace now than you ever thought was possible. Even if you aren’t particularly ambitious, you will still feel a flush of pride when you discover you’re in line for a promotion.

LIBRA

24 September – 23 October

Someone wants to know your long-term plans. You might have a hard time answering because you haven’t looked that far ahead. Currently you just want to take it one day at a time and if this is a problem for a partner or close friend, they may just have to make their own plans, without you.

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January

You’re tempted to text or call a friend who seems to be avoiding you. You know they’ve been getting your messages even if they have chosen not to read them. Give them some space and if they want to continue your friendship, they will get back to you eventually. It’s important to get your priorities right.

ARIES 21 March – 20 April

You might notice some suspicious changes in an online friendship. If someone is asking for money, be ready to refuse this request. You need to know where you stand in all situations and this may mean issuing an ultimatum. It might feel as if someone is walking all over you; have a heart-toheart discussion.

CANCER 22 June – 23 July

A friendship could turn into something romantic. If this is what you’ve been secretly longing for, embrace this positive change. Whether you have plans for new projects or you’re just winging it, you will find it fun to be spontaneous. When working with others, delegate responsibilities and this will give you more time to be creative.