STARGAZING

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

Your stars for the week ahead.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Although every sign is influenced by the New Moon, and the accompanying reflective mood and need to rethink things that it triggers, Wednesday’s is unique. That’s because it’s in Scorpio and, even more, is prompting you to delve into ideas or offers you’ve already questioned, if not rejected. At least give these a chance. Times are changing and so, too, should elements of your life.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

You may already sense you’re ending one chapter and, with the move by your ruling planet Jupiter into Sagittarius, on Thursday the 8th, beginning a new and exciting one. For now, be ready to eliminate unrewarding arrangements. That means truly letting them go. Their departure is clearing the way for thrilling offers. Equally, let others take the lead, as they’ll introduce you to magical ideas.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

It’s rare that you get caught in verbal battles. But several individuals are making suggestions you regard as invasive, if not a takeover attempt, and can’t help but argue. Instead at least listen. With powerful planetary changes altering the circumstances around you, the more prepared you are to consider new, and seemingly far out, options, the better. For now, focus on listening. Decisions can wait.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

As an inquisitive Aquarius, and an air sign, you plan ahead because, ironically, it frees you to explore all sorts of ideas and venture into unfamiliar territory. So when events or, perhaps, certain individuals demand a rethink of those plans, you’ll battle changes. Don’t. They’re triggered by your ruler Uranus’s move into a new position, and the beginning of a thrilling new cycle. Be ready for excitement.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

For ages you’ve been putting off pursuing certain cherished dreams because something else or, as often, the needs of others came first. However, now events are almost forcing you to focus on these and you’re unsure what’s wise. Also, you feel guilty about putting yourself first. The fact is, it’s your turn to have your own dreams turn into realty. Forget about worries. Go for it.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

Ordinarily, you don’t object to sudden shakeups in existing arrangements or plans for the future. In fact, often these add spice to dull routine. The only problem is you fear certain individuals will take over. Initially, it may seem so. Discuss this, and you’ll realise that, actually, it’s destiny that’s triggering those sudden developments. The fact is, you’re by no means alone. Everybody is facing similar dramas.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Usually, you’d be uncomfortable with turning serious decisions over to others, even those you trust most. Yet you’ve been distracted by exciting if tricky ideas or offers and need to focus on these. That being the case, make it clear that while you’re both happy and relieved you can rely on the individuals in question, you expect them to check in with you regularly.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

By no means are you a control freak. But that doesn’t mean you’ll happily abandon important matters to the hands of partners, in your personal or working life. Yet judging by the current rare and powerful planetary emphasis on that portion of your chart, you’ve no choice. Actually, that’s for the best, as the individuals in question are well informed and have your best interests at heart.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

For some time you’ve been wrestling with issues involving an individual, passion or pursuit that means a lot but which is becoming more complicated by the day. While your concern is understandable, happily Wednesday’s New Moon ushers in a much better mood, one that will both relieve tension and lead to constructive discussion of issues. Once, perhaps, they were – but no longer.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

Most problems are resolved by employing a combination of logic and persistence. But one particularly tricky issue is a real puzzle. Everybody has suggestions but most are unworkable. Ideally, you’ll approach this combining a compassionate attitude towards those who’ve been judged as trouble-makers with trusting your instincts. Illogical as this may seem, it’s not only best, it will work wonders.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

Ordinarily you’d deal with complex issues of the variety you’re currently facing by examining the facts, weighing up the options, then making a plan. However, once you’re actually delving into these, you realise they’ve both complex but, also, involve certain delicate issues and easily wounded egos. The only answer is a gentle approach. Trust your intuition. They will tell you exactly what to do.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

As a Libra, you both enjoy a lively debate but, even more, you learn from the views of others and, just as much, from their questionable ideas. Ask what’s behind the latter. But be ready to listen because what they have to say won’t just surprise you, these concepts will take you into new territory in terms of your own thinking and, possibly, longstanding plans.