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

Thursday’s powerful link between your ruler Venus and practical Saturn indicates you can expect magical events. The problem? They’re unlikely to be in the form you’ve been hoping for and, in fact, some require sacrificing time or money for those who need it. However, this won’t just be virtuous, your compensation will appear, within days, and in ways as stunning as they are unexpected.

GEMINI MAY 20 – JUNE 20

While having both your ruler Mercury and, as of Thursday, Venus in Gemini boosts your spirits, you’re still vulnerable to the current and coming unsettling events. The trick? It’s to go with the flow. Focus on discovering what you can learn from seemingly unworkable situations and, within days, you’ll have regained your bounce. Any advice? Between now and the end of May, forget about planning ahead and just go with the flow.

CANCER JUNE 21 – JULY 21

The only real challenge you’re facing is your uncharacteristically stubborn determination to have things your way. This rare, and occasionally overwhelming, focus is indicated by the presence of fiery Mars in Cancer until 11 June. While this boosts your spirits and heightens your courage, be wary of being overly demanding. This isn’t because you’re underserving as much as, when Mars departs, you’ll need greater flexibility.

LEO JULY 22 – AUGUST 21

As you begin this week, you’re feeling more powerful than for ages. Welcome as this boost in your energy and mood may be, think twice before you take on certain challenging situations or tricky individuals. The problem? Things aren’t quite what they seem. Do some serious investigation. Once you know more, you’ll rethink your long range objectives and, as a result, your short term strategy.

VIRGO AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 21

For you, few things are more unsettling than neglected tasks or careless disarray. While, ordinarily, you’d plunge in and impose order on these swiftly, your efforts are likely to be frustrated by unexpected and, often, puzzling, obstacles. Take it slowly and, in the process, do some serious investigation. What you learn will force a timely rethink of certain of your own plans and long term priorities.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 22 – OCTOBER 22

Others are determined to plan ahead, even in situations where the actual circumstances are changing, if not unstable. Tempting as it is to try to reason with them, instead back off and let them organise arrangements, and however they please. Say nothing, meanwhile busying yourself elsewhere. That way, when their plans come undone, you’ll be nearby, to talk to, if not help them start afresh.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Understandably you’re wary of unbelievably promising ideas, events or offers. However, they’re triggered by Monday’s stunning link between the Sun and your ruler Pluto, and aren’t just amazing, they’re probably better than you think. Still, before everything is settled, there’ll be numerous twists and turns. Stand back for about a month, while these unfold. Then step in, and make these a part of your life.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 20

Between your ruler Jupiter just having moved into a new sign, and to accent the structure of your life, on the 13th, and the Sagittarius eclipsed Full Moon on the 26th, triggering shakeups, you’re feeling unsettled. The trick? Live one day at a time. While you can’t slow the pace of changes, you can thrill at the excitement they promise. Planning for the future? That can wait.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 18

Rarely will any Capricorn completely withdraw from discussions or plans that involve some element of your life. Now, you’ll do so. Between this week’s tricky planetary activity and the confusion triggered by Mercury’s retrograde cycle, from 29 May until 22 June, the more flexible both arrangements and your thinking are, the better. Once things begin to come together, as they will in early July, you’ll be glad you waited.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 18

Since late 2020, you’ve benefitted from the expansive Jupiter in Aquarius. On 13 May, it makes a temporary departure, moving to accent your selfworth in general, and finances in particular. This will boost your wellbeing, and in a range of ways. This is also preparing you for new projects from late July onwards, when Jupiter returns to Aquarius. Plans now? Regard them as an experiment, more than anything lasting.

PISCES FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 19

Others’ dramas are pressing. But in every case, the individuals in question can survive without your help. The fact is, you’ve exciting developments in your own life. However, you’ve no idea how to make the best of them, so are tempted to distract yourself elsewhere. Actually, the solution is the reverse. Seek the guidance of those who can clarify what, and who, you should put first.

ARIES MARCH 20 – APRIL 18

This week’s greatest challenge isn’t what you’re facing but, rather, the range of situations over which you have virtually no control. Tempting as it is to get involved anyway, back off and busy yourself elsewhere. Two tasks require your attention. First, family and friends need your support in ways as important as they are dull. Mostly, it’s about listening. This, alone, will mean the world to certain individuals.