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

As much as you adore your loved ones, you generally try to avoid arguments. You’ve better things to do than listen to others’ explanations, especially when you’ve nothing to suggest. Now, however, get involved. What you learn about people, the actual circumstances, and yourself, won’t just be informative, those insights could transform certain perpetually stressful relationships.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

When others complain about the difficulties they’re facing, listen sympathetically but do nothing. That may seem insensitive, but with frequent changes, their tales of woe could vanish, possibly overnight. Your time’s better focused on exciting events in your own life. Explore everything. What begins as unexpected, and possibly unwelcome, could turn into breakthroughs, if not just plain miracles.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

After the fast-paced and often thrilling past few weeks, reality hits with a bump, probably in the form of pressing practical concerns. Focus on untangling confusion and determining who owes what in terms of money, effort, time or even gratitude. Numerous unexpected misunderstandings will surface. Make clearing these up your priority. It will be hard work but well worth doing.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

There’s no simple solution for conflicts at work or at home. Acknowledging that frees you to do something out of character and leave it to those involved to resolve these. This, then, allows you to explore the sudden but intriguing shifts being triggered by Saturday’s Cancer New Moon. Unsettling as taking changes further would be, deep down you know they’ll be in your best interests.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

Ordinarily you’re the first to try out exciting new ideas or explore the latest developments. Yet now circumstances or your own need to reflect on several unresolved, and tricky, situations means keeping things to yourself. Certain of these matters may be unsettling. If so, take it slowly. The issues you resolve will free you from fear or worries you thought you’d just have to live with.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

It’s not until events or, possibly, diplomatic necessities force you to leave certain plans or decisions in others’ hands that you realise what a perfectionist you are. Worrying as their ideas are, these matters are theirs to deal with. Graciously withdraw and, ideally, busy yourself with certain pleasures you’ve been putting off because you were too busy. Now, you’ve plenty of time.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

Initially, events will seem tricky, if not confusing. Ask a few discreet questions, and you’ll realise that, bizarrely, crucial decisions have been split between you and certain other individuals. That being the case, focus on matters where you’re in control. Then firmly leave the rest to others who, once you think about it, are better prepared than you to deal with those particular matters.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Whether it’s practical issues or situations involving others, if you’re sure of your facts, you’ll stand up for yourself. Yet judging by the current tricky planetary setup, you’d be wise to do some serious investigation first. What you learn could be as surprising as it is informative. Better yet, these insights could lead to discussions about changes that once seemed unrealistic, if not impossible.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

When asked your opinion, you’ll give it, and openly. Similarly, when asked for help, you’ll try your best. Now, however, do some serious investigation first. It may be others need expert advice. But it’s just as likely they’re trying to avoid their responsibilities and were hoping you’d take over. While you can be of assistance, these matters are in their hands, they’re not up to you.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

Watching arrangements you’ve worked hard to organise come undone is no fun. However, you’ve long been aware of twists and turns in the background, so won’t be surprised when events demand a rethink, if not substantial changes. While these may be disruptive in the short term, what you learn will prove informative now and, better yet, provide a new vision for the future.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 17

It’s an unsettled week in a period of seemingly constant change. Yet, thus far, you’ve not only ridden out even the most unexpected of events, many have been welcome. That’s mostly the case this week, although you may challenge a reorganisation that seems pointless. Do so, bearing in mind that what you learn from the resulting discussions could win you over to those changes.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Usually, you’re superb at spotting what’s working well but, perhaps, needs more enthusiasm, versus those matters that once were brilliant but now lack future promise. This may be obvious to you but, still, explaining it won’t be easy. Knowing that, clear cut as your views are, gather facts that will back them up. This will refine your thinking and ensure you’re able to win others over.