YOUR STARS

I have recently been suggesting that some nearby planets were once inhabited, if not by humans, at least by beings of a kind. It sounds far-fetched, but then, I see it as part of my job to challenge accepted ideas. Here’s something else to ponder. Our solar system is carefully arranged. The distances between the planets follow a precise mathematical formula. Only Neptune is an exception to that rule. That, plus a peculiar gap between Mars and Jupiter where the formula says there should be a planet. Could this represent a lost world? I’ll say more next week.

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ARIES ( March 21 — April 20)

Sometimes we all get an itch that we just can’t scratch. We notice a need that it is seemingly impossible to meet. Or a problem to which no satisfactory solution exists. How do we know when we are up against this? When we try, and keep trying, only to find that our best efforts have made a situation more complicated or moved a difficulty from one area of our life to another. What should we do at such times? Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax. Pursue a distraction. The main thing you need, this weekend, is a little more time.

For more, call 1902 222 500.

TAURUS (April 21 — May 21)

“Daisy, daisy, give me your answer do...’” So sang Hal in the classic sci-fi movie, 2001. As the great computer lost all sense of reason, this silly old song was all it could recall. The last line of the chorus goes, “but you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle made for two.” In a way, we are all a bit like Hal. When our logic circuits fail we re- treat into the realm of romantic fantasy. Here’s your big question this weekend: Who is steering the tandem that you are riding now? Either resolve to enjoy the ride or demand your turn at the front.

For more, call 1902 222 500.

GEMINI ( May 22 — June 22)

“It is not the winning that matters, it is the taking part that counts.” That’s what people say to reassure folks who have not come first in a competitive event. But they never say that to the winners! We all have an urge to compete against one another, and many schools deliberately foster this. Children are encouraged to do better than their peers. All fine — until you notice the frustration and disappointment that an apparent failure can give rise to. What (or who) do you want to “beat” this weekend? You can do it, but is it worth it?

For more, call 1902 222 500.

CANCER ( June 23 — July 23)

I have not spent a life on the ocean wave but I did once do some sailing. I soon learned about “tacking.” Sup- pose you want to get from A to B, but the wind is blowing elsewhere. You put up your sail and position your boat so that it catches the wind sideways. Then you keep adjusting your position so that nature slowly nudges you in your chosen direction, albeit with some discomfort and difficulty. It doesn’t work under all circumstances. But this weekend, if you are determined and clever, you can zigzag towards your ideal destination. For more, call 1902 222 500.

LEO (July 24 — Aug. 23)

When scientists first began to explore the process of immunization, they were both astounded and excited. It turns out that a small amount of exposure to something bad can be enough to prevent a prolonged experience of something far worse. Or to put it another way: sometimes a little bit of what you don’t fancy, does you good! You have, in your past, had a taste of some undesirable process. That’s precisely why you are so well equipped to deal wisely and successfully with a problem this weekend. For more, call 1902 222 500.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 — Sept. 23)

We all want to do “the right thing.” Unless, I suppose, we are very naughty and perverse. There may be some people who actively and consciously want to do “the wrong thing.” But then, in their minds, “the wrong thing” is “the right thing.” So it amounts to the same thing! Yet there are times when all of us, no matter how saintly or otherwise we may be, just can’t make the thing we want to happen, happen. If that’s the case for you this weekend, don’t gnash your teeth. Just try to see what’s right about what’s happening. For more, call 1902 222 500.

LIBRA ( Sept. 24 — Oct. 23)

You can’t put a square peg in a round hole. Well, you can, but only if the hole is much bigger than the peg and that is not going to make for a very pleasing fit. Either you have to change the shape of the hole or change the shape of the peg. And as both options represent a bit of a challenge and a compromise, most folks are generally more inclined to find holes and pegs that more naturally match each other. This weekend, it may seem hard to find either a solution or a workable compromise. Fear not, things will change. For more, call 1902 222 500.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 — Nov. 22)

What’s the point in being nice? People, it often seems, get much further when they are nasty, selfish, or sharp. But how do they live with themselves? What innerbarriers must they put up in order to justify such insensitivity? And what else might those defence mechanisms be keeping at bay? What joys, pleasures, delights may remain forever unattainable to those who have hard hearts? Be glad of what makes you soft and sweet this weekend. This affords you a priceless protection that can be had in no other way. For more, call 1902 222 500.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 — Dec. 21)

“What goes up must come down.” That’s what we are all told. The law of gravity applies to all things physical and a similar spiritual law apparently applies to all things psychological. Thus, “pride comes before a fall.” And does all this work in reverse? Must what is buried eventually resurface? Will a “low” inevitably be followed by a “high”? Actually, yes. A tide is turning in your life. A nadir has already been reached. From this point onwards, as you will see to your delight this weekend, the only way is up. For more, call 1902 222 500.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 — Jan. 20)

It seems that almost everyone has a suggestion for you this weekend. You can hardly turn in any direction without being offered some kind of guidance or advice. This is almost making me feel a little reluctant to offer you my own insights. I would hate to be just one more voice for you to ignore, especially as I’m inclined to encourage you to ignore as many voices as you can! Perhaps a little reverse psychology is called for. Do everything everyone tells you to do, particularly if this puts you into a position of impossible conflict. For more, call 1902 222 500.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 — Feb. 19)

You might imagine that if you had to get from one place to another with only your legs to carry you there, you would pick the most direct and efficient route. Nobody minds taking a detour if they are sitting in a swift and comfortable carriage. But even walkers find themselves needing to meander a little, from time to time. What are you setting out to achieve this weekend? And how circuitous is the path that you must follow? If it is the only option open to you, it remains the most appropriate way in which to make your journey. For more, call 1902 222 500.

PISCES (Feb. 20 — March 20)

Pisces, as every student astrologer soon learns, rules “the feet.” That’s why so many people who share your sign are funny about the shoes they wear, or are particularly sensitive to feelings in their heels, soles and toes. It may also be why, quite early in life, you learned to tread carefully and delicately. Life currently requires you to find a way through a quagmire. The more you put your foot down, the more you stamp and stomp, the more stuck you will become. But you can yet find a way to skip lightly to success. For more, call 1902 222 500.