STARGAZING

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

What the stars have in store for you.

TAURUS APRIL 19 – MAY 19

Planning ahead is wise, but you’re currently reviewing what works and potential changes. This process of considering alternatives is timely. What’s more, it’s preparing you for Tuesday’s Taurus New Moon, with its accompanying fresh perspective on existing plans. Of greater importance are unexpected ideas. While some are merely exciting, a few will be life-changing.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

If you haven’t already realised it, there’s no escaping certain dull practicalities. Challenging as dealing with these is, what you’re learning is preparing you for the fast-paced, and remarkable, cycle that begins next week. Between sudden changes and the increasingly intense pressure, keeping up will be challenging but ultimately worthwhile. The secret? Focus on details. What seems unimportant could be pivotal, if not thrilling.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

When fiery Mars moved into Cancer on 23 April, your focus shifted to your current requirements and future plans. You’re halfway through this cycle, so a review of what you’ve achieved and, equally, what’s next is timely. List existing arrangements and equally, your passions and even distant dreams, updating both. These will become your priority during the next four weeks. Be bold. You’re transforming your life.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

Only recently you tried to avoid, and even battled, changes you regarded as disruptive if not unnecessary. However, destiny took over and now you’ve exchanged those concerns for an inquisitive enthusiasm about where, and how, you can take advantage of this new approach. This isn’t just about overcoming tricky matters and improvements, it’s about breakthroughs. Begin exploring your options now. You won’t regret it.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

Dealing with those who battle changes of any variety is frustrating. But now, the situation is crucial and the pace swift. So your usual approach, gradually gaining others’ enthusiasm with discussions about how they’d benefit, now and in the future, won’t work. Forget about reason and simply take charge. You’ve done this in the past, and successfully. You will again now and over the coming weeks.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

You’ve employed both charm and discreet manipulation in your efforts to get others to agree to certain arrangements or future plans, and with notable success. Now you need to rethink the foundation on which plans are based. What’s more, you’ve no time to strategise but must forge ahead, winning others over as you devise each day’s plans. Stressful? Initially. Soon, however, you’ll be superb at it.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

It seems unlikely. But the random and frequently bewildering changes in both existing arrangements and future plans you’re dealing with are part of a period of growth. While this influences others, who’re delighted, you’re struggling. This is because of the time and effort you’ve invested in certain plans. Let go. Unwise as that seems, arrangements will spring back in ways as worthwhile as they are unexpected.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

Being inquisitive by nature, you’ll usually explore sudden changes or new ideas, if only because you’re likely to learn something. However, those coming your way now, and until the pivotal Sagittarius eclipsed Full Moon, on 26 May, aren’t mere changes. They’re about breakthroughs. While some influence others, what you learn won’t just be exciting, those insights trigger a transformation in the here and now, and your future

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

The dilemmas you’re facing are exasperating but, also, certain individuals simply refuse to acknowledge that minor problems could easily turn into genuine crises. The trick? Move swiftly, even if it means defying others and acting solo. Within days, if not hours, the wisdom of your strategy will be recognised by everybody. And, to your amusement, if not irritation, they’ll insist they’ve supported you all along.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 18

Tuesday’s New Moon is about breakthroughs and, particularly, situations over which you’ve minimal control. You may already have tried a range of strategies, but achieved little. While backing off may seem weak, that’s the secret. It’s to wait, watch and, especially, learn from what you observe. In this case, others really are better informed than you, enough you might decide it’s wise to seek their guidance.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Obviously, the arrival by the fortunate Jupiter, into Pisces, on Thursday, is thrilling. While a few longstanding dreams may come true, it’s more about new and worthwhile changes, ideas, offers or links with others. You’ll recognise the potential in some immediately. But as many seem dull, unappealing or just plain uninspiring. Despite that, give things a try. What’s least promising could turn out to be miraculous.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

Recent events have reshaped elements of your life in ways as unsettling as they’ve been unexpected. Finally, you’re recognising that turning things over to destiny isn’t just wise, certain individuals are well-informed about events and their potential. Meanwhile, focus on decluttering. Let go of unworkable plans and burdensome alliances. While what’s next won’t be immediately clear, the more open your mind, the better.