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

After a tricky couple of weeks, it would be no surprise if you were still thinking about the powerful and positive insights triggered by the Scorpio New Moon on Wednesday the 7th. While some insights were clear right away, others have been emerging gradually and a few have been a real surprise. For now, explore every idea or option. Lasting plans and decisions can and should wait.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

During the past year, your ruler Jupiter has been in the most strategic portion of your chart. While you’ve learnt a lot, about various tricky situations, difficult individuals and, importantly, your own weak points, that’s over. Now that Jupiter’s in Sagittarius, those insights won’t just become clearer, circumstances will arise that will enable you to put a great deal of what you’ve learnt into action.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

As a practical Capricorn, you’re wary of ideas that seem too good to be true or offers that come from out of the blue. But every once in a while, things really do go that well. Still, things won’t fall into place right away and there will be several twists and turns. But even these are part of this remarkable period of timely if unexpected events and offers.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

Ordinarily, as an inquisitive Aquarius, you’d investigate the source and value of new ideas or offers, and not only yours but those of others, as well. That’s because the insights you gain are helpful to you and, often, to those around you. However, with things moving swiftly and, often, into new territory, certain events won’t fit, at least right away. But, then, there’s no need to rush.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

What only recently seemed mere ideas are becoming lasting arrangements. Not only will that be a relief, it means you’ll have time to give a hand to others. Think twice about this. While being there for those who’re in need is important, lately, certain individuals have taken advantage of your kindness and generosity so much that you really must put you, and your needs, first.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

For months you’ve been exploring new ideas and facing challenges, in equal parts. But now that your ruler Mars has moved into the most strategic portion of your chart, to remain until 1 January, you’ll get a break. It’s not life itself will stop but that those events you’ve been dealing with will slow down enough, you’ll assess what you’ve achieved and consider what’s next.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Obviously, life would be easier if you could make pressing decisions. What’s more, certain individuals are eager for you to organise plans. Do so, but don’t rush into commitments. Whatever looks promising now is bound to get better after the spectacular alliance between the Sun, fortunate Jupiter and Mercury, during November’s final week. What arises then will be well worth waiting for.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

With several elements of your life in transition, you’ve good reason to be on edge. Tempting as it is to force issues, take it slowly. Not only are things unlikely to come together until the Gemini Full Moon, on November 23, suddenly you’ll realise you’re ready to say farewell to certain people and passions but, also, you’ll be ready to focus on others.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

Theoretically, planning ahead gives you time to update existing arrangements, too. However, with so much new and exciting things being discussed, you’re urged to regard whatever you organise or are thinking about for the future as more of an experiment than anything lasting. That enables you to organise your life yet retain the variety of flexibility that allows you to take advantage of sudden offers.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

Understandably, you’re eager to turn appealing ideas into plans and those into action. Do exactly that but sidestep commitments until after the 26th, when your ruler the Sun meets the fortunate Jupiter, newly arrived in its own sign, Sagittarius. The ideas and offers that come your way then could exceed anything you’d conceived possible now, during the week of November 11.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

While every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, the fact that it’s your ruling planet and begins its period of reverse movement on Saturday the 17th suggests you’re in for some twists and turns. Unsettling as some may be, others could take you into new territory or result in breakthroughs as exciting as they are unexpected. Explore absolutely everything. You’ll be glad you did.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Recent ideas were so good you were hesitant about taking them seriously. What’s more, as each day has passed, you’ve realised they weren’t just worthwhile, they were far better than you imagined possible. Explore these but, despite your enthusiasm for certain possibilities, make no lasting commitments. The odds are good. Whatever you’re now discussing will improve over the coming weeks.