Your stars for 2021 By Nicholas Campion

What a year it’s been. For 2020 I predicted fireworks in March and April, sensing some sort of major crisis. It turned out to be the

Covid pandemic. In 2021 all the major planets which we relate to global crises (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) continue to separate, pulling away from each other, a longterm trend which takes us to 2026. It will take the whole of the coming year for the virus crisis to die down and, even after that, there will be ripples of disturbance as the world adjusts. But the question is where does that leave us?

The year kicks off with a conjunction between the two giant planets, Jupiter and Saturn, in Aquarius. This wonderful sign has a double meaning, an old one and a new one.

In the old world it was all about setting up barriers, but in the new world it is all about removing them. The message is all about understanding, rather than judging each other. This rule governs our behaviour from our families through to our public and professional networks and to the entire world. It’s all about stopping to see the other person’s point of view before leaping into action. And as a great teacher once said to me, “neither give nor take offence”. This is the great message of Aquarius.

That said, there is one point of peak tension in mid to late January, especially around the 20th-21st. There are similar pressures as June turns to July, only less so. The message is to stay calm: it is time to heed the advice of the ancient astrologers who said events are sent to test us, and we pass the test by taking the path of wisdom. As an added thought, confusion and muddle are a risk around April 10-14, but it’s easily dealt with by keeping a clear head and focusing on the facts.

Let me add one feature of astrology which is all too often overlooked. We are not subject to the stars but in a relationship with them and, if life gets tricky, the key is to change our attitude. Rather than resisting difficult circumstances we can start by figuring out how we work with them. This is not always easy, but if we manage it astrology becomes a matter of how we play our part in shaping a better world.

LOVE AND ROMANCE: By a happy coincidence, Venus, goddess of love, occupies friendly positions in April, July and November, an indication that at these times your relationships should be running smoothly, during a year when many people close to you will be under extra strain. August initiates a level of passion which may take you by surprise, but by late September you’ll be back on an even keel. Whatever takes place at the beginning of October will colour events in November, encouraging you to be more emotionally creative – but also more businesslike. Once you know what you really need, you can go out and get it.

KEY DATE: Renew your vows in July.

WORK AND MONEY: Once again, your horoscope is devoted to work.

Not just work, we should say, but your broader professional ambitions, your desire to fulfil your destiny to be the first and foremost in all human activities. It looks very much as if you will repeatedly place family commitments and romantic hopes in second place, although the New Moon in June will oblige you to deal with urgent demands at home. Mars’ exciting

should adopt a sensible saving policy in September, working for the future and seeing to it that you have cash set aside for those all-important social costs. At work, there’s one key rule: take colleagues seriously – and don’t imagine they’re joking.

HOME AND FAMILY: Family members can be so argumentative: sometimes you’ll tear your hair out at their inability to see sense. So, look at the problem practically: you’ll have to do some difficult negotiating early in the year but, if you get the right words out at the right moment, the most obstinate individuals will melt. If you take a property gamble it will be a lesson to you, and remember that there’s something to be said for learning from your mistakes and getting it right next time round. December could be a month of domestic and family transformation, so be certain you’re in the driving seat and can ensure that everyone’s hopes are fulfilled.

TIP FOR THE YEAR: Dream away.

LOVE AND ROMANCE: You may expect a small romantic upheaval early in the year – hopefully a thoroughly pleasant one. Partners may be hard to understand this year, which may not surprise you.

It’s just that there’ll be moments when their motivation seems complicated and their demands contradictory. You’ll have your work cut out dealing with difficult individuals. But everything changes when other people try to woo you and you’ll be more than a little uncertain what the best course of action may be. At times you’ll feel like confronting partners, at others you’ll be tempted to seduce them with your charm. Maybe you’ll do both!

KEY DATE: Enjoy a brief flirtation in July.

WORK AND MONEY: You could be on the verge of a major professional breakthrough, but it is absolutely essential that you prepare for the consequences in your home and family life. If anything, you’ll be a little too happy-go-lucky in

June when a group of planets will meet in a creative and adventurous region of your chart. Although this is an excellent