STARGAZING

Shelley von Strunckel, one of the world’s top astrologers, writes a weekly forecast for Friday

Your stars for the week ahead.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

Because you dislike living with pointless constraints, you’ll tackle obstacles the moment you can. Now, however, you’re urged to consider their nature and whether there’s something to be learnt from these. The issues will range from misunderstandings to unacknowledged resentments. Bizarrely, the more forthright discussions are, the easier it will be to turn these to your advantage.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

After a period that’s focused on disentangling yourself from outdated activities, alliances and even plans, you’re feeling freer than for ages. Resist the temptation to seek immediate alternatives to occupy your time and, possibly, passions. Explore various options, knowing that the Taurus New Moon, on the 26th, constitutes a personal new year, and is the ideal time to decide what’s next.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

Having been born under the most inquisitive sign of the zodiac, you thrive on unexpected changes and new ideas. Yet even you could be overwhelmed, mostly by what’s on its way out, often with nothing solid or inspiring in sight. Be patient. This is clearing the way for the powerful cycle of personal review and change that begins with Mars’ move into Gemini on the 21st.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

This is a week of unsettling events and discussions. Worrying as that sounds, you’ll be tackling tricky but minor issues, and not only putting them to rest but learning from them. Many go back ages and you’ll realise there are better ways to approach them and similar situations. Equally, resist the temptation to finalise arrangements, as these changes will continue.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

Whatever you do, each day will bring changes, some unexpected. While initially you’ll be irritated, looking back, you’ll realise these were timely, if not vital, breakthroughs. Tempting as it is to conduct a major reorganisation things are unlikely to come together until after the New Moon, on Wednesday the 26th. Until then, regard all plans and arrangements as tentative.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

Telling a Virgo to forget about analysis is like suggesting you stop breathing, it’s as natural as that. However, with your ruler Mercury retrograde until May 3 and the foundation on which both existing and new plans are based shifting, sometimes more than once, thinking things through will only drive you crazy. Living one day at a time may seem overly cosmic but really is the best option.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

The recent Libra Full Moon accented certain increasingly unworkable arrangements, all requiring serious discussion, if not a total rethink. While you’ll have dealt with some, others seem overwhelming. Actually, you’re better off allowing this week’s events to do the job for you. They’ll either force issues to the surface or so alter situations it’s obvious what’s needed.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

You pride yourself on the way you keep track of life’s twists and turns. And, equally, you’re superb at reining in potentially disruptive changes. Except now, as you’ll be aware, certain changes, some dramatic, can’t be avoided. Worrying as this seems, looking around you’ll spot others who’re struggling with similar surprises. Ironically, what’s least welcome initially could add most to your life.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

For ages you’ve been trying to escape situations that are either increasingly unrewarding or alarmingly restrictive. Yet commitments have prevented you taking action. Now events change everything, but not in the way you’d hoped. All such arrangements are about the valuable lessons you’re learning from Saturn’s presence in Sagittarius. Eventually, they’ll prove hugely helpful.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

Watching arrangements you’ve struggled to organise come undone is no fun. Yet your instincts are correctly telling you they’ve outlived their time. While you could struggle to resurrect these, let them go. And soon. Only then will you have the time, and heart, to focus on other, very different but remarkably intriguing alliances that would take you into new territory.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 17

With your strong sense of justice, watching others speak or behave in a manner that’s unfair and remaining silent isn’t easy. But there’s more to their situation than you know. Besides, you’ve certain matters of your own to deal with. The problem is these involve changes you dread. Ironically, once you actually begin the process, you’ll wonder why you were so worried about them.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Ignoring the unfair situations others are facing isn’t easy. But you’re well aware you’ve obligations of your own, and getting involved in these dramas could cost you in terms of time, money and, possibly, create conflicts in already strained relationships. Deal with your duties and obligations first, then once they’re resolved, return to those dramas, although you could find they’re of far less interest.