STAR GAZING

World-renowned astrologer Shelley von Strunckel writes a daily column exclusively for tabloid!

Aries (March 20 – April 19) Obviously you’d rather those closest to you support the ideas you want to pursue. The real problem is that you must move swiftly and being short of facts you’re in no position to persuade anybody. Proceed, but keep them in the picture. You’ll soon win them over. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Tempting as it is to delve into persistent issues in depth, it could actually complicate matters. Instead discuss and define problems. Clear-cut as things seem, any serious efforts to deal with these should wait until next Monday, the 25th, when Mercury’s retrograde cycle ends and things are less confused. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) There’s a fine line between showing interest in the dramas others are dealing with and getting involved yourself. But it’s one you want to define. Even more, make it clear you care, but really can’t do a thing. This includes giving advice. It could mean avoiding those in question until things are settled. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Some differences are important and deserve time and thoughtful discussion. Those you’re currently facing involve conflicting views about ongoing changes. That being the case you’d only be battling for arrangements that, at best, won’t last long. For now, compromise. Leo (July 23 – August 22) Clashes over already sensitive issues could easily turn into battles you’d soon regret. Tempting as it is to confront these matters and in the process give certain individuals a piece of your mind, the sole result will be to upset them. Express your views once calmly, then back off. Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Judging by the current planetary set-up you’ll want to be wary of what others offer or say they’ll do. It’s not that they can’t be trusted. Rather, judging by this week’s tricky planetary activity, despite others’ good intentions what seem like simple arrangements are unlikely to work out as planned. Libra (September 23 – October 22) When making commitments late last year there was no reason for concern about obstacles or delays. Since then Mercury’s retrograde cycle has revealed previously undetected problems, slowing the pace considerably. Tell others what you’ve been facing. They will be sympathetic. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) Although you’ve a tendency to be a bit of a control freak, you’re brilliant at spotting situations that would be better handled by others. Ironically, with Mars, planet of ego, in Scorpio, you’ve a need to be in charge in many of these and so feel compelled to take the reins. Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Persistence is a virtue. Or at least usually it is. At the moment, sticking with longstanding goals could mean you ignore ideas or offers that are very different from anything you had in mind, but would ultimately be better for you. With so much in transition, most arrangements should be regarded as tentative anyway. Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) When you make a plan or commit to an arrangement you’ll have thought things through beforehand, so rarely need to make changes later. Now, however, with Mercury in retrograde in your sign until the 25th, minor errors are highlighting issues so crucial they could mean you must scrap plans and begin again. Aquarius (January 20 – February 17) Ordinarily the Sun’s move into your sign on the 20th would both boost your spirits and clarify your objectives. However, the benefits may not be clear until the Aquarius New Moon on February 8. Knowing that, rather than rush into the changes you’re currently considering, adopt a more measured approach. Pisces (February 18 – March 19) Being a sensitive water sign you’d rather those closest, at work or at home, support your plans. But judging by the current rather contentious planetary setup certain individuals will be in a grumpy mood and others will object just for the fun of it. Knowing that, proceed without saying a word.