Your stars for the week ahead.

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

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

Having discussed your options about potentially lifechanging decisions so often, it could seem as if they’ve already been made. But Wednesday’s encounter between the Sun and your ruler Saturn makes it clear that this is about taking a stand, possibly with those closest but, also, in the wider world. Intimating as this seems at the time, doing so will be a huge relief, if not thrilling.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 17

It’s not that you’ve been secretive but that you regard certain matters, and the decisions you’re facing, as your business and nobody else’s. However, once you actually begin talking these over with others, you’ll realise they’re better informed about the matters in question than you. What’s more, the resulting discussion will result in plans far better than anything you’d come up with on your own.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Obviously, you don’t want to upset others. Yet you’re beginning to suspect, correctly, that the complaints of certain individuals are intended to manipulate you into doing their bidding. Acknowledging this won’t be easy. However, it also frees you to explore options you feared would cause upset. The timing is perfect, too, because you’ll be able to say ‘yes’ to thrilling offers without feeling guilty.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 19

Your ruler Mars circles the signs every two years, so its arrival in Aries on 1 January is the perfect beginning for 2019. This triggers a timely review of existing arrangements. But, also, you’ll be exploring a range of options, some already on your mind, but others, new and unexpected. Note, with Mars in Aries until mid-February, it’s about broadening your horizons, not swift decision-making.

TAURUS APRIL 20 – MAY 20

True, the practical side of your nature wants to live a comfortable, and stable, life despite the current chaos. But you’re also restless, and wondering how certain intriguing ideas or offers would benefit you. Explore them, if only to learn more. However, with both fiery Mars and Uranus, planet of innovation, moving into Taurus early in the year, you may soon be embracing those dramatic changes.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUNE 20

Although you rarely notice it, you’ll often dismiss the ideas or suggestions of others because they don’t fit with your vision of life, and of your plans and passions. Yet if you review recent discussions, you’ll realise certain individuals already have the key to dilemmas, if not changes, you’ve been wrestling with. Go back, and discuss these with the individuals in question. You’ll be glad you did.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

True, the powerful Cancer Full Moon was over a week ago, on 22 December. However, the fact is, you’re still thinking about both the feelings it roused and the resulting need to consider changes, some of which you’ve previously dismissed as unlikely, if not impractical. The world around you is changing and so, too, must your views, priorities and, as a result, elements of your life.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 22

One of your most admirable traits, as a Leo, is your willingness to fight for what, or who, you believe in. However, with powerful planetary activity altering the structure of the world around you, certain of your loyalties or beliefs need to be examined, and possibly, change. Once you begin this process of review, you’ll realise how timely, if not vital, it is.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

No sign is more skilled at untangling problems, in your own life, in the circumstances of others and in the world around you. It’s rewarding. Still, do too much of it and you’ll begin to feel neglected. This week’s stars say it’s time to take a break. Deep down, you sense it’s vital. So, for now, sideline that focus on others and put you, and life’s pleasures, first.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

You could easily get caught in interesting but ultimately pointless debates about the world around you and lives of others. However, with so much changing, what’s best one day wouldn’t work the next anyway. But, also, you’re ignoring several exciting and potentially worthwhile options, mostly because they’d force you to take action in a way you haven’t for ages. Try it. You’ll be glad you did.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Because you rarely discuss your deepest desires and most profound plans with others, few will understand how dramatic the changes you’re currently considering would be. Still, it’s worth asking the opinion of those you trust, simply because they’ll encourage you to break away from familiar but increasingly restrictive arrangements. That seemingly minor first step could turn out to be life-changing.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

If you’re into astrology, you’re probably already aware that, in November, your ruler Jupiter moved into Sagittarius, triggering a year-long cycle of growth and good fortune. What you may not have understood, however, is those developments could involve surprising changes. That’s because they’re taking you into new, but unappealing, territory. For now, explore everything. You won’t regret it.