Seeing the bigger picture

Mercury speeds through Cancer this week and arrives in Leo. Meanwhile, Mars, the planet of speed, slows down to a stop before turning backwards in the sky. These two planets symbolise the tension playing out in all our lives. We may be keen for instant solutions and short- term gains, but with the Full Moon in Capricorn, we’re unlikely to be satisfied by what these achieve. This week brings an opportunity to see the bigger picture, correct silly errors, and take decisive action. Any long- term plans can be reassuringly reinforced.

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING 24 JUNE 2018 ARIES March 21- April 20

As an Aries, even though you’re often scolded for impatience, you’re canny enough to know that it has its benefits. You don’t like dithering, and your willingness to throw yourself into situations often puts you leagues ahead of the pack. You get things done and you get them done fast. But you can struggle when a scenario needs time to breathe and develop. This week, as Mars turns retrograde, something can’t be rushed. If you’re able to reach out for help in restraining yourself, you’ll create a partnership of lasting value. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: A part of you is in a hurry, but something is holding you back. Might it be better if you do not attain your goal?

TAURUS April 21- May 21

The other night, I wanted to make ‘ fettucine alfredo’ for dinner. When I looked up a recipe, there were a bewildering number of variations that I needed to choose between before making an impromptu trip to the supermarket. All in all, the task of cooking dinner took longer, and was much more involved than I’d imagined. Sometimes, things take longer to achieve than we’d like. Your progress isn’t slow… you’re just catching up with your slightly unrealistic expectations. Right now, you’re exactly where you need to be. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: A change is coming your way. A key friendship or involvement is not ending... just evolving.

GEMINI May 22- June 22

Who’s the cleverest person in history? Albert Einstein? Or the late, great Stephen Hawking, whose ideas continue to shape our view of the universe? Whoever’s worthy of the title, it’s worth remembering that no one knows everything. There are great gaps in our knowledge and mysteries that might never be solved. Since you see the bigger picture, you may have already worked out that you need to think again about a recent decision. You’re about to discover a missing fact. The brainpower involved will be well worth the effort. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: It’s wrong to think you are to remain in a precarious situation. Don’t plan for trouble. Prepare for a sense of comfort.

LEO July 24- August 23

Most of us don’t really know how to work our computers, smartphones or tablets. We just do the simple things. We’ve worked out what we need to do to achieve what we want. But if someone asked us why we do what we do, we’d be more than a little stumped. Now that you’ve found a pattern that works for you in your life, there’s no need to start prodding and questioning it. Ignore those people trying to undermine your confidence this week. With luck on your side, you’re about to achieve the result you've been looking for. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: You seem reluctant to revisit a situation that once seemed set in stone. It can change if you want it to change.

LIBRA September 24- October 23

When you realise how unevenly resources are distributed, the world looks like a very unfair place. Although we like to think that we're all born equal, it's patently untrue. Life is like a lottery, except that everybody's playing and the rules remain a mystery. Is it possible to level the field? Well, that's a question that's hard for anyone to resolve. But, you can find an answer to a different question. Whatever you think your life is lacking, you can find a simple way towards satisfying that need. You are, in many ways, very lucky. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Up against more than you can take? Or so you feel. Discover that things are nowhere near as bad as you imagine.

VIRGO August 24- September 23

Sometimes it’s right to forge ahead with a plan; it’s the brave and right thing to do. Yet, right now, your motivation to push forward is an attempt to extricate yourself from a pickle. How sure are you that your idea will work? As Mars turns retrograde this week, it’s worth reexamining your plan. The pressure is cooling off, giving you time to consider your options and question your assumptions. Take the time you need to get this right. The Full Moon linking with Saturn suggests a clever, longerterm solution can be found. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Are you really trying to understand a situation? Events are obliging you to face a vital reality. Be glad of that.

SCORPIO October 24- November 22

Rather than worrying about past mistakes, this week brings an opportunity to leave them where they belong. We’ve all done things we regret, but those actions are just a part of who we are. You’ve moved on. It’s thanks to all that you’ve experienced that you are exactly who you need to be. This insight will bring crucial insight into your perception of who you are and who you can be. Then, as Mars turns retrograde this week, your dreams can be refashioned into a stronger, more ambitious yet achievable form. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Feeling held back, as if attached to elastic? Stretch it or snap it. Which is it to be? You will soon find out. Don’t worry.

CAPRICORN December 22- January 20

The Full Moon in your sign this week is conjunct with your ruler. That’s worth celebrating so, as a special treat, I’ll let you drive my psychological time machine. We’re going to break every rule in the

Time Travellers’ Handbook and go back to meet the old you. This will give you a chance to let yourself know all the things you have to look forward to. It might be risky, but seeing your face light up with hope, joy and thankfulness will make it worthwhile. This week, don’t forget how far you’ve come and how much you’ve achieved. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Look beyond the obvious and pay more attention to actions than to explanations over the next few days.

AQUARIUS January 21- February 19

It’s as if there’s a big red button in front of you with the words ‘ Last Resort’ printed on it. The thing is, once you’ve pressed it, there’s no going back. You’ll no longer have the comfort of having it as an option. You can’t ‘ unpress’ it or undo it. That’s why it also says: ‘ Break glass in event of an emergency’. Before making a dramatic decision, ask yourself what alternatives are available. As Mars turns retrograde in your sign, you don’t need to rush any decisions. You’ll make more progress with sensitivity and intelligence this week. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Welcome the challenges that will bring a tomorrow you have long waited for, and the chance to solve a knotty problem.

PISCES February 20- March 20

Where in your world is the pressure piling up so high that you’re unable to apply your usual sensitivity? As Mars turns retrograde, it’s not that you no longer have passion and energy for the vision you’ve been working towards. It’s just that you seem to be spending more time fighting fires than fuelling the furnace of progress. But the Full Moon promises generous protection in the form of the people who support you, and who have your long- term interests at heart. Stay true to your word and you’ll have all the help you need. IN YOUR LOVE LIFE: Feeling sad about something lost? Be glad you ever had it at all. Don’t be so sure that you know what the future holds.