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

After weeks of enforced patience, your ruler Mars moves to accent the structure of your life, kick-starting a cycle of change. While some matters may be urgent, review plans before you take action. Circumstances have changed, some recently. Also, your own priorities are shifting swiftly and will over the coming days. The questions you ask and answers you get help ensure you avoid problems later.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

You’re in a period of exploration and personal growth. Interesting as what you’re learning may be, you’d rather make a plan, so you know what’s next. However, this is about new ideas, places and possibly a major shift in your goals. Decisions may seem urgent, but would actually hold you back. For now, focus on what you’re discovering, who you’re meeting and intriguing, if unexpected, options.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 19

Although every sign is influenced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, the fact it’s your ruling planet means you could finally tackle certain doubts you usually ignore. True, the idea of delving into these is unappealing. Still, not only is it unlikely you can ignore them, what you learn will both explain, and help you overcome, obstacles or issues you thought you’d just have to live with.

CANCER JUNE 20 – JULY 21

Once you understand you’re in an unsettled period and that, mostly, decisions are up to others, you’ll stop struggling to organise plans. Instead, focus on decluttering your life of everything from unrewarding passions to plans that are unlikely to work out. This clears the way for the new. While some of what’s next is clear, what’s least expected could turn out best in the long run.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

The range of practical issues and obligations to others you’re facing is no surprise, although you’ve been hoping they could wait. Not only is that impossible, you’ll soon realise how much you’re learning from even seriously dull tasks or individuals. They’re introducing you to new places, people or even helping you replace outdated enthusiasms with activity or alliances as new as they are exciting.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

While there’s no avoiding this tricky period’s complications, what you learn while dealing with them will more than compensate for the effort, and patience, required. What’s more, with your ruler Mercury retrograde from Monday, minor errors will slow your pace yet also lead to amazing insights. The two secrets to dealing with this week? Forget about learning who’s to blame for problems, and take it slowly.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 21

True, you’re in a cycle of dramatic change and growth. If you were in charge, you’d ensure things go smoothly. But you’re not and, often, must leave things to those whose approach is chaotic. Tempting as it is to hint at ways to deal with these, busy yourself elsewhere. Several dull but increasingly pressing matters need your attention. Once you’re actually involved, you’ll find it amazingly rewarding.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 22 – NOVEMBER 20

It’s not that you’ve been secretive. You’ve sidestepped certain matters either because they’ve no relevance to crucial issues or, their complexities mean they’d require special attention. Whatever your views, these are bound to come to light, probably because of the minor errors triggered by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, from Monday. Surprising as it may be, the more that’s revealed, the simpler life will become.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 20

Recently, life’s been full of twists and turns, some thrilling, others less so. However, the swift pace has prevented you dealing with practicalities, from finances to lasting plans. Now, suddenly, these need attention. Although some insist details are vital, your instinct to focus on the big picture aren’t just wise, with the situation still in flux, this is about getting things organised, not detailed arrangements.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 19

Since the new year, you’ve learnt a lot but achieved frustratingly little. However, the fiery Mars’s move to accent the structure of your life and your goals, both short term and long range, changes everything. The resulting insights won’t just be handy, as circumstances shift and options arise, they’ll be crucial. For now, explore. If you must commit to plans, ensure it’s understood they’re tentative.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18

Good fortune can appear in many ways. And for you, at the moment, they’ll be as unexpected as, often, they’re unsettling. Worse, decisions aren’t in your hands. Yet, what’s happening is so thrilling that, despite your misgivings, you’re urged to say at least a tentative ‘yes’ now and think about the details later. Because this is just the beginning, you’ve lots yet to experience, encounter and learn.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 19

Others are telling you planning ahead is crucial. But you’re overwhelmed with your own ideas and several appealing options. Actually, for now, ensure whatever you organise is flexible. This ensures you’re free to respond to your own insights, and the amazing ideas or offers triggered by the Pisces New Moon on February 23. Only after that will circumstances or your own priorities be clear.