Weekly Astroguide

All over the world, peoples' destinies rest on the roll of a dice or the toss of a coin. Does the rise and fall of our spiritual and political leaders depend on the same system of chance? Although we prefer to think that the cream of intellect and inspiration rises to the top, in reality we're all subject to the same rules of chance and luck. As Uranus changes signs this weekend, will fortune favour the bold or the bland? That's very much up to you. Whichever way you choose to play, the dice are loaded in your favour. Your luck is about to change. In your love life: Some Capricorns pretend to be emotionally aloof. Is that you? Don't go too far in that direction; stay connected.

Is it possible to explain something that you don't understand? Or follow a route you've never driven? You may be feeling out of your depth, but are you sure that the procedures you face are as alien as you think? You have more than enough knowledge to trust your decisions. Even if you feel uncertain, deep down, you know what to do. Your ruler may be changing signs but it's not changing sides. It's still in your corner, providing inspiration and intuition. This week, if you follow your instincts you'll be very pleasantly surprised. In your love life: Don't seek out a battle. The only way to win the biggest game in your life now, is to resolve not to play it.

When we say something surprising it can sometimes sound funny. After all, surprise is the key element in most humour. Sometimes though, it shocks. Then instead of getting a laugh, we get into trouble. It just depends on the context in which we say what we say. As Uranus changes signs under the New Moon, you're capable of ingenious and unorthodox thinking. But Mars and Pluto's influence suggests you employ an air of caution about how you express yourself. Being sensitive to your situation will make all the difference. In your love life: Don't look for problems that don't need solving or complain about situations that are fundamentally fine.

Are innovative, new approaches better than traditional, well-grounded techniques? You may well be beginning to question the wisdom of a significant commitment but, if you change your mind, you risk appearing to be flaky and undermine your position. So should you stick to your word? The lessons you've learned can't be unlearned. Your decision was based on past experience. As Uranus moves out of your sign for the first time in seven years, if innovation is the answer then go for it! But don't change just for the sake of it. In your love life: If you concede there is something you don't know, be open enough to seek explanation. An inspiring discovery awaits.

For some time now, you've been trying to breathe new life into an area of your world that has begun to feel stagnant and disappointing. The thing is, change doesn't always come in quite the form we expect and, far from feeling exhilarated, you might find yourself underwhelmed, concerned or even threatened by the direction events are suddenly taking. Don't be fooled. Uranus' visit to your sign under the New Moon is the beginning of a sea of changes that ushers in a new wave of excitement. Embrace it you've waited long enough. In your love life: You are making yourself vulnerable by worrying too much about someone else's vulnerability! Try not to be so sensitive.

You can feel the sands shifting beneath your feet. Things are changing; the pace is accelerating. No wonder you feel disconcerted and muddled, almost wishing that you could travel back in time to a period of calm stability. But you're exactly where you need to be, and what's happening is just what needs to happen. If you were able to leap even a short time into the future you'd appreciate the gifts that this adventure brings. Just trust that you have all the skills you need, and embrace the changes. You merit some fun. In your love life: There's a situation you want to control. Back off a bit. You may change things if you alter how you look at them.

When we think back to the school playground we can all think of a kid who seemed always to be given a hard time. Even as adults it's not always easy to identify bullying behaviour we can still brush it off as something children do when they know no better. It's worth checking a decision you've recently made just to imagine how you'll feel about it when you look back at it. What might seem acceptable now may later leave you with feelings of regret. As Uranus changes signs, you have the power to change peoples' attitudes and right some wrongs. In your love life: Usually, there are two sides to every story. That said, there is surely only one way to view the current situation.

If a scenario is making you feel uncomfortable, then put your foot down! Say no. Not today. Not any more. Don't just put up with something. The ropes that bind you exist only in your mind. As Uranus changes signs it sends you a reminder that you need to believe in yourself, your worth and your capabilities, this week. You have the power to change, if not the universe, then your position and standing in it. You and only you are in control of your destiny. So, what are you waiting for? Seize it with both hands. In your love life: You may yearn to be far away in a kind of fairyland. That's not likely. But a brief, glorious escape is feasible.

Uranus' change of signs, occurring at the New Moon, brings you to an important crossroads. Should you continue along the path that has brought you so many challenges? Filled with bumps and potholes, it has proved a hard road to travel. Yet at least it's familiar, while the alternative route is filled with uncertainty. It's no wonder you feel nervous about such a big potential change of direction. Whichever road you decide to take, one thing is certain you can make the move into your new future with confidence and optimism. In your love life: One thing makes more sense than all your other ideas put together. Focus on that. Nothing is more important!

It's easy to think that power and influence just land in peoples' laps. Sometimes they do. But good fortune doesn't always bring influence, and power is often hard-won. Despite their differences, these two phenomena share a critical factor: they're both transient and capricious. Like the tide, they ebb and flow throughout our lives. It's why we inherently understand that we must approach them with care and respect. Your relationship with someone is changing. It's up to you to ensure it changes for the better. In your love life: Prepare for change, when ideas and feelings move dramatically as new developments challenge old preconceptions.

You've been contemplating a radical changewondering how to bring your plots and plans to fruition. But you've also been questioning whether you've got the staying power to see them through to completion. What if you've got it all wrong? Perhaps it's safer to keep everything as it is? It's true that certain events are beyond your control; yet, even though you can't change the nature of the weather you find yourself in, you can harness the power of a storm. Invest in your own creative ability to adapt and find your way. In your love life: You need to think hard about the choice you face. What looks good is not important. It's what feels right that counts.

They say practice makes perfect and that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'. They also say that habits are easy to form and hard to break and that you don't know what you've got till it's gone. Whatever they say, things can't continue as they are and all signs point to this week being the time to break the cycle. Where could a flash of inspiration bring change to a tired routine? Where would an awakening stop you from sleepwalking a path that goes around in circles? You have the power to transform your situation. Use it! In your love life: Now is the time to invest effort into a venture with the hope of profit later on. Put more love into your love life now.

In some ways, the past is all we have. What is personality if not the sum total of our experiences and the narrative that binds together the story of our lives? Except, we're more than that. We're just as much what we do now, and what we work towards, as what we've achieved. This week, don't let an old way of thinking sabotage your chance to explore new horizons. You can grow into a role you might previously have thought was beyond your abilities. It's not! Frankly, not much is. Act with purpose and you'll see what I mean. In your love life: You have what will make you happy in the long run. Don't reject it just because it isn't what you want in the short term.

Everywhere we look there's evidence of creative minds that have been given the freedom to pursue their inspiration and to manifest their goals. Too often we dismiss our own ideas as unrealistic flights of fancy. But they could be notions that can be developed to make a real difference to many lives. As Mercury makes a tense angle with Pluto this week while preparing to converge with your ruler, don't let doubt keep you from exploring your most precious designs. You have an idea that really could be transformative. In your love life: One negative emotion in your life has had too much impact for too long. It's time to give a more positive feeling a turn.

It's not perfect. It's not even ideal. But surely it's worth a shot? A step in the right direction is better than sitting stubbornly on the ground. A lot better in fact! Have a go. Discover what's out there. Though it appears as if an undesirable obstacle stands between you and your dream, the universe has seen fit to intervene. The goalposts are in sight. Summon your strength; you will be shocked by what you manage to score. As Venus and Neptune align, don't let past experiences stop you from achieving your dream. In your love life: We sometimes imagine we have power where we exert no influence at all. Use your energy where it will make a difference!

A crucial decision is dividing your loyalties. You feel torn between both sides, confused and conflicted. More importantly, you don't feel able to articulate your concerns. Since you understand the need for clarity and are worried about dithering, you're faking confidence. The problem is that others look to you for guidance. If you're not careful, you'll end up in a never-ending spiral of copied responses. Someone needs to begin by acknowledging and articulating a shared dilemma. Be confident enough to make the first move. In your love life: Something needs to be fixed. Own and honour your errors, and others who are dear to you, will eventually do the same.

Why do we stick to the same well-trodden path? Is it because it always leads us in the direction we want to go? Or just that we fear what might happen if we were to suddenly strike out in a different direction? There's something comforting about doing the things we always do. But there's something stifling too. You're yearning for new experiences and broader horizons. And as the Sun opposes your traditional ruler Jupiter (the zodiac's very own Indiana Jones), there has never been a better time to start that adventure. In your love life: Be adaptable. It is not a time for strong opinions. It is a time for wisdom. If you're confused about anything, relax.

Any idea how many stars there are in the heavens? Or particles of sand in the desert? Or strands of grass in your garden? Everywhere we look, there's proof of the infinite. But we turn our heads away, preferring, instead, to nourish the comforting myth of our own eternity. Of course, nothing lasts forever. Luckily, that also applies to the specific worry or concern that's currently plaguing you. Although it's important to take the issues you're currently facing seriously don't let them consume you. What really matters is the bigger picture. In your love life: Someone is unwittingly stretching a point. Their actions are making an issue seem bigger than it is. Don't overreact.

Have you ever felt guilty for something you didn't do? A strongly made accusation can have that effect. We all know that feeling of shifting in our seats, not knowing where to look when a teacher is alleging bad behaviour. And it's a terrible thing to be wrongly accused we can easily find ourselves thinking we did something that we didn't do. Maybe we just forgot that we did it. Other people may be treating you as if you've done something that you haven't done. This week though, your innocence will shine through. In your love life: Events will eventually prove you right. Use inner vision. Look not at what seems to be happening but at what's really going on.

Error-prone people are often the most sensible. That might sound paradoxical, but those of us who are well-versed in the art of mistake-making grow to be adept critical thinkers. We interrogate our own ideas in an attempt to protect against failing. We plan for disaster, rather than success. So if something goes wrong, we know how to fix it. A brainbox, on the other hand, would be flummoxed and flounder. Your best course of action this week? Your ruler's alignments encourage confidence, but not overconfidence. In your love life: A tide is turning and your outlook is brightening. Things may still be tough but they are not as tough as they were.

A friend who was a fashion writer once mistakenly wrote that the latest design trend was for tiger spots'. It made us laugh but now, who knows? With the secrets of DNA decoded and cloning techniques advancing, perhaps one day we'll have a spotty tiger and a stripy leopard. Unfortunately, though, these scientific breakthroughs do nothing to improve our understanding of other humans. If you want to change someone's attitude, there's no serum available just the old-fashioned method of gentle persuasion. You can do it! In your love life: There's a point, when dealing with an issue that gives rise to emotional anxiety, where you must say, enough is enough'.

Don't panic! The asylum hasn't been taken over by the inmates. They're much too sensible for that. They're the ones smart enough to point out that this world of ours is topsy-turvy, back-to-front, unjust and unreliable. And that takes some courage. The rest of us, on the other hand, are still insisting on purpose. We're convinced there's a grand plan out there. We find comfort in telling ourselves that everything happens for a reason. And well it might. But nothing is quite as it seems this week. Don't take anything at face value. In your love life: Just because you have been wrong in the past doesn't preclude the ability to be right now. Trust your judgement.

Aches and pains aren't something we're used to tolerating. We take ourselves to the doctors or the pharmacy and sort it out. We trawl through website after website, analysing symptoms and possible cures until we're sure what's wrong and how to fix it. So why, when we're in intense emotional pain, do we shrug it off, brush it under the carpet and pretend it'll go away? We assume that struggling in silence is our only choice. But there's a second option. Make a decisive change. You're being offered an opportunity take it. In your love life: Don't prejudge someone's opinion. Wait to see what they actually say. Be open-minded about what's in your own heart.

When you have a packed To Do' list, it's easy to get sidetracked in doing the simplest jobs first. But, usually, it's much more effective to prioritise and focus on the toughest job first. Time-management gurus refer to this as doing the worst first'. With so much astrological action this week, you'll need all your resolve to keep focused and avoid getting side-tracked. Don't be afraid to tackle a task you've been dreading; it will be easier than you think. Don't spread yourself too thin elsewhere. The rewards will be huge. In your love life: You suspect that a story is far from over. There is indeed, more to discover but there is nothing to worry about.

There are eight Star Wars films in the official story line, as well as a few spin-offs. But I'm still looking forward to future episodes. One day, probably far into the future, they'll finally decide they've made the definitive film and the series will end. Somewhere in your life, it's time to stop reinventing the wheel and create something new instead. As Uranus moves into a new home this month it brings a creative breakthrough. So, even when Mars causes a desire for stability, make sure that you embrace change. In your love life: You knew that a commitment might mean some trouble; Here comes both the trouble... and a significant reward!

Uranus, whose change of signs is the highlight of May, is your modern ruler. But with your traditional ruler, Saturn, placed in Capricorn, you may find that a desire to fit in is giving you less freedom to express your individuality. You just need to alter your approach to lay the building blocks for great success. The move of Mars into Aquarius will encourage you to look differently at what you have, and see potential for change. Be uniquely you this month, and you'll experience exceptional new perspective. In your love life: Something seems demanding and unfair. A solution is arriving. May brings a distinct sense of reassurance soon.

In May, Uranus begins a sojourn that will last for several years in the sector of the sky that governs your ideas and innovations. With both your rulers also forming a trine configuration, you're about to feel as if you're making progress. You're beginning a phase which brings the chance to overcome obstacles, reach out to new people and alter habits that have built up over a lifetime. If you've been thinking about a plan or a possibility... or even if suddenly, this month, you come up with one... run with it! In your love life: Sometimes you have to be assertive. What's at stake deserves attention and energy. But be patient and tactful.

As Uranus leaves Aries in May, the upheaval in your life will begin to ease. Of course, ease isn't the same as end! And at first it might be difficult to reconcile the difference this makes to your life. If all you've known for a while is the stop-start motion of a bus ride, it might be unnerving to experience a smooth cruise down the motorway. There will still be moments of disruption and inspiration that have the potential to change your direction, but they're likely to come to assist you, as you redefine your goals. In your love life: Are you carrying something others have long since put down? For the sake of positive progress, consider letting go.

As revolutionary Uranus enters Taurus during a New Moon in your sign, you can surpass expectations and confound your misgivings. You're awakening from a state of unconsciousness, with a hidden power you barely knew existed. It will help you to manifest many of the things you've long wanted but struggled to obtain. That doesn't mean there won't be opposition to your plans. But each step forward will bring more progress than much of your previous journeying. This month, it's time to put your best foot forward. In your love life: Do you know what you want? Take care not to reject something unwanted' when it is what you really want.

An ethereal side of you awakens in May, which might lead you to question your level of involvement in institutions you previously regarded as sacrosanct. This will make space for a new, improved version of yourself. A faster, sleeker, more efficient Gemini is in beta mode and will soon be ready for download! But none of this comes without hard work and, as anyone who's upgraded their operating system knows, it's rarely straightforward. But as we move into the new month, any gremlins will be easy to deal with. In your love life: Happy times beckon. Events bring you to a rare place, where your head and your heart are in full agreement.

Uranus, planet of change and progress, turns its focus from your ambitions and your reputation, and concentrates on your alliances and your motivation. You may find your social circle is disrupted. But rather than being a breakdown in your support networks, it signals the dawning of new understanding about what you stand for. With Jupiter making a supportive link to Neptune, and Venus entering your sign, you'll possess the creativity and the emotional sensitivity to turn even the humblest chances into opportunities. In your love life: Find your carefree inner youth to turn worry lines into laughter lines. That will work wonders for your love life.

Uranus' change of signs signals a breakthrough that will widen the scope of your ambition. It suggests the emergence of an idea that will reveal your real potential. Taking place at the New Moon, it indicates that you're ready to turn something difficult into a part of your past. Mars moving opposite your sign suggests that you'll find the courage you need to deal with any challenges. With an inspiring outlook, you'll have a spring in your step and feel motivated and inspired by the strength at your disposal. In your love life: Why allow an old dispute or difficulty to numb your brain? Don't get dragged down by fear or a bad feeling; move on!

As Uranus arrives in a new sign it awakens forces in you that have been hibernating. We often feel as if we're stabbing in the dark when we're looking for clarity and purpose. It's as if we manage to establish a rhythm, then someone (or something) forces us to re-evaluate. The month ahead contains plenty of surprises. But these change from stormy squalls to fair winds to fill your sails. New understandings will be fostered which develop into positive new ideas. You can translate these into real world successes. In your love life: Embrace a new perspective in your emotional life now. Explore a new point of view. Be willing to learn and to benefit.

As Uranus changes signs this month, much of what you've experienced as contrariness starts to make sense. Of course, some people will always be impetuous. But you're realising that a degree of unorthodoxy in your nearest and dearest livens things up. You'll find ways to combine your talents to deal with shared challenges. Your creativity and enthusiasm are highly valued. This month, don't sell yourself short, or question the value of all that you bring to the table especially when success is so near. In your love life: Make a promise to yourself: to worry less. Share your problems and halve them. Stick with that resolution in May!

As Uranus moves opposite your sign in May, what starts as a brilliant firework display will continue to light your way. Neptune's encouraging link to Jupiter indicates that the fire will stay under control and reveal the true potential in a situation that has felt impossible to move on from. As Mars forms a creative angle with Uranus and Neptune, it brings opportunities for success. The faith you have in yourself, and in a key partner, will enable you to take important steps towards the fulfilment of a long-held goal. In your love life: Nothing is certain, but as certain as we can be, Scorpio's cosmic signals are encouraging. Enjoy!

The winds of change are blowing in your direction this month, bringing the revolution you've been waiting for. If you feel more inclined to take shelter rather than put up your sail it's because you've been waiting for so long that you've almost run out of faith. A lull in your creative energy has weakened your resolve. But with your ruler Jupiter making a wonderfully supportive link to inspiring Neptune, and the Full Moon in your sign, it's time to set up the biggest sail you can muster and set forth on an adventure. In your love life: Enjoy some mystery. Don't look always for explanations. In May, look for opportunities, not reasons.

When considering how best to deal with a difficult situation, have you ever imagined that you have super powers? Then you'd have the quickest, smartest response. You'd stay calm amid the chaos and influence the thoughts and behaviour of others for the better. Although this sounds far-fetched, don't underestimate your power as Mars and Pluto conjunct in your sign. You're stronger than you realise and those around you know it. Use your strength wisely, but if push comes to shove, know you're a force to be reckoned with. In your love life: Why does luck seem to be plentiful for some folk? Your answer: Effort and faith. Just apply these two qualities.

In law, claims need to be backed up with evidence. Your honour, I've just got a feeling about this,' doesn't work. Right now, if you weren't so meticulous in your rationality, you might ask others to trust your intuition. Your perceptive powers often lead to wonderful discoveries. But because you have no evidence behind your hunch you're reluctant to make a case for your idea. It's unlike you to have nothing to back up your thoughts, but your intuition is powerful. The conjunction of Mars and Pluto encourages you to trust yourself on this one. In your love life: The individual best qualified to sort out your current situation is... you! Give your all to the challenge; you can triumph.

In certain traditions, shamans are the possessors of secret knowledge. With the power to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds, their authority is unquestioned. But in our technologically driven world it's hard to know who to trust. We've seen figures across the spectrum falter in their missions, morals and values. Nevertheless, we all need someone to turn to when we're in trouble. For those around you, this week, that figure is you. With support from Mars and Pluto, have no doubt, you're well qualified for this latest challenge. In your love life: Tempted to accept a poor proposition because you can't face the effort to set it straight. Be stronger than that.

Just because you know where to draw the line when it comes to challenges doesn't mean that there's not a whole range of exciting options that you want to try. It's going to take effort to satisfy your most urgent need, though. Nothing's ever easy but even if you refrain from engaging with a particularly intricate scenario, there's no guarantee that it will pass you by unscathed. But this is actually good news. As Mars conjuncts Pluto you have the power to make a positive impact. Go on! What are you waiting for! In your love life: There is a battle going on. But it is between two parties who agree about an awful lot. Look for a gentle resolution.

Science has brought remarkable changes to our lives. With robots that can perform somersaults and hold simple conversations, who knows what wonders the future holds? But, however amazing the technological advances they'll never match the creativity of the human brain. Never underestimate your intelligence. The connection of Mars to Pluto suggests that with an open mind, warmth in your heart and the wealth of your experience, you have all you need to dream up a fantastic, future-proof way forward this week. In your love life: Contemplating change? What if the alternative is worse? In your heart, you sense certainty. It deserves some respect.

Whenever Venus enters a sign, (she's about to enter Gemini) she brings gentle kindness, beauty, peace and prosperity. Whenever Mars and Pluto converge, (as they will on Thursday) they urge us to wrestle back control of our lives and find strength as we challenge for power. So how can these opposite emotions find a way to sit comfortably in your world? The answer lies in subtlety, guile, and striving to do what is right, rather than what feels right. This week, follow the impulse that will make a positive difference. In your love life: Events urge you to be grateful for what you haven't got and are not likely to get. Then, appreciate what you already have!

The balance of trust and power is delicate but vital. An abuse of trust is seldom anything but a grasping attempt to seize or assert influence over another, and an abuse of power is a violation of trust. Recently you've begun to suspect that someone's tipping the scales unfairly. No wonder you're tempted to barge in, guns blazing, as a defender of decency and fairness. But, this is a delicate situation. Bide your time. Mars and Pluto are on your side. A moment will come when it only takes a subtle, carefully calculated manoeuvre to set things right. In your love life: A point is coming when you can handle the backlog of un-kept promises that make you uncomfortable; you are doing fine.

As children we're taught to be brave and independent, but also to follow instructions and to behave appropriately. We're scolded when we disobey, or flout the rules. As adults, even if we think that we've shrugged off those childhood dressing-downs, we've taken enough to heart that we retain a fear of incurring displeasure. In your life now, what cycle are you repeating that you ought to have grown out of? You have the skills to reset people's expectations and, as Venus changes signs, you'll find support when you do. In your love life: You don't have to play out old dramas and be discouraged by the same old reasons why not'; dare to be different.

Recently I've been obsessed with The Mills Brothers version of You Always Hurt The One You Love. It's not the first time I've experienced enthusiasm at the rediscovery of a classic record. But this recording wasn't the version that topped the charts. Nor was it on any of the greatest hits compilations. After many hours of research I discovered that it was a 1958 re-record that had captured my heart. Sometimes we set ourselves impossible standards. But, with help from Mars and Pluto, and persistence, perfection is possible for you this week. In your love life: The cosmos is bringing you a rare experience, usually enjoyed only by the highly favoured; it is no less than you deserve.

In our individual ways, we try to protect ourselves against the pain of loss. Some people do this by running away from situations that spark powerful feelings. Others abandon ambitions rather than risk failure. But that's like being so afraid of catching a cold that you end up living in a bubble. Where's the pleasure in a life without risk? You're beginning a journey that calls for courage. That might mean trading security for vulnerability. But, as Mars and Pluto unite, if you set off with an open heart you'll unlock a potent power that lies within. In your love life: Some things cannot be grasped only with our intellect. Like love, beauty and spirituality. Be glad of what's baffling you now.

We've come to expect that politicians will be more considerate and social-minded as elections draw close and inflexible opinions are replaced by interest in the less fortunate. We all find it easier to be more considerate when our personal situations are uncertain. As Mars links to Pluto, you're undergoing a process of transformation. But instead of viewing it with trepidation, see it as an opportunity. You're at the centre of events. Your voice has an unprecedented amount of power. Make the most of that this week. In your love life: Don't take the moral high ground in your emotional life now. It may yet start to crumble beneath your feet.

There are many competing theories that attempt to explain how we find ourselves on our particular paths. Some people think it's due to predestination. Others put it down to free will. But no matter how you got here, there have been unpredictable challenges along the way. As Mars and Pluto link, they bring you the strength to transform a difficult situation, and the love and support of someone to enable and assist you. Be grateful by all means, but most of all, have faith in your ability to control your fortunes this week. In your love life: There are lots of things you cannot do. Cheer up... soon you will have your revenge and your freedom. Be patient.

Having regrets is just a part of being human. But carting around a millstone of repentance, or the baggage of guilt, shouldn't become a defining characteristic. You've been carrying a heavy burden for far too long. This week, before your ruler turns retrograde, you're being offered an unmissable opportunity to put some of those heavy cases down. You can overturn a misplaced conviction and free yourself from the effort of having to trudge. You'll need all the self-belief you can muster. But if anyone should have faith in themselves it's you. In your love life: You may not now be getting what you think you want, but you are being offered what you need.

Everyone knows that you can't just walk around pushing any red buttons that come into your path. We just know that we mustn't do it. Yet, we often make assumptions based on little more than convention. And, while conventions start for a reason, they often continue when they are no longer relevant. As the New Moon arrives and forms a conjunction with your ruler, it's time to be bold. Push the envelope. Press the button. Challenge the assumption. At least one of your brightest ideas is not as crazy as it sounds. Go for it! In your love life: It's not possible to be unbiased when viewing one's own situation. Be wary of your own strongest views!

I often write about guardian angels in my forecasts. They're fascinating beings who live beyond our physical realm, and can't experience things like pain or illness, financial pressures or stress. Perhaps this explains why they don't always respond quite as quickly as we'd like. Which raises some questions. Why do they help us? What do they actually do? Well, this week they can whisper words of encouragement and support. Mercury turning direct is showing you where you have more resources than you think. In your love life: No law says you can't put yourself into a state of abject angst and stay there. But you really don't have to.

As Mercury changes direction, things in your life can start turning around. About time too because you don't do things the easy way! You push yourself beyond limits to reach new heights. You often grapple with feelings of uncertainty, as if you're not sure that you're doing what you're supposed to be doing. Not all the answers will appear this week. But as the Moon turns dark, just as the Sun and Uranus meet ceremoniously in Aries, if you're not sure where you're heading, look for a sign that's as bright as day. In your love life: Something valuable is developing but you are not fully conscious of what's actually going on. Trust it anyway.

You're feeling vulnerable. But Mercury's change in direction ahead of the New Moon signals a timely change of mood and spirit. You're about to be able to clearly recognise the ways that people are trying to have a positive effect on your life. Though sometimes it feels as if they're hindering rather than helping, if you can look past any clumsiness and see the generosity being offered, you'll see how much faith they have in you. Not everything is about to get easier. But as the Sun enters Taurus, where Venus already awaits, it's getting better. In your love life: You are working out where you stand with a certain someone. You will like how things turn out.

The universe has a gift for you. As Mercury now changes direction, it's holding out a blank slate that says, Here you go. Write a novel! Here's your paper, your ink, your contract, even your book tour!' You've got the freedom to do what you like... so why aren't you feeling thrilled? Well, forging a path is daunting. It's easier to read what's gone before and to follow a script that we recognise rather than write our own. But your world should be everything you want it to be. This week, with the support of the New Moon, it can begin to be. In your love life: Where will you end up as a result of your next set of choices? It all depends on you showing good faith.

We conform to social norms. When we're at a party we dance and sing in a library, we stay quiet. We adapt to our surroundings. But, whatever situation we find ourselves in, one thing stays the same. We have a right to be happy. No matter how challenging the circumstances, we have the freedom to live, love and laugh when the moment takes us. If someone thinks otherwise, this week would be a good time to question their authority. You need no one's permission to have a thoroughly enjoyable time. In your love life: Relationships are like recipes; a wrong ingredient or too much heat can make things go wrong. You can fix that.

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a quick dip in the pool after a hot sauna. But anyone who tries this knows it's best to jump straight in. The worst option is to edge your way in bit by bit because the cold seems to increase exponentially. Mercury in retrograde has been drip-feeding you some difficult experiences and making you agonise over past choices. But as it changes direction, and the New Moon arrives, you no longer have to sweat over a key decision. You'll recognise the moment when it comes. Then leap forward with faith. In your love life: Once, you tried something that didn't work for you. Your made that territory off-limits. Reassess an old idea.

As fans of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy will know, the answer to life, the world and everything' is... forty-two! The trouble with these beautifully simplistic (and in this case, funny) solutions to worldly conundrums is that they give more boring explanations a bad name! As Mercury turns direct, you're nearing a moment of discovery. Something's been right under your nose for a while now and you're finally about to discover a solution. It might not be the answer to life, the universe and everything, but it will be life-changing. In your love life: You may not know how blessed and loved you are. A series of pleasing events will soon provide confirmation.

It's never pleasant to find yourself talking at cross-purposes when you should be on the same page as someone. But while Mercury has been retrograde opposite your sign, the pathway to symbiosis has been obscured. With the New Moon, and Mercury's change of direction, that will change. You'll be able to focus on what you have in common with someone important. Solutions to what seemed implacable conflicts will begin to emerge and you'll start to see why this key partnership has been worth all your investment. In your love life: Do you worry about your security? It's natural to want to feel protected. All is well. Stop worrying so much!

As a wise man once said: with great power comes great responsibility'. OK, it was Uncle Ben from Spiderman! But his point was a good one. The people who bark orders, rattle their swords and go in with guns blazing are merely trying to establish a facade of strength which they know that they lack. The people who hold real power tend to function quietly and effectively behind the scenes. You might not consider yourself much of a powerbroker, but take a moment to consider the situation. People are ready to follow your lead. In your love life: Are you over-reliant on the advice of others? Be careful of who or what is leading you where, now.

Pity poor old Damocles. In the ancient myth, Dionysus suspended a sword above his head, held only by a hair, to teach him the fragility of power. Each of us is like Damocles in our own way. Problems and worries weigh heavily upon us. Recently, with Mercury retrograde, you've become overly conscious of your fragility. But hair can be surprisingly load bearing just ask Rapunzel! As Mercury turns direct and Venus opposes your ruler, the less you fret, the easier it becomes to draw on your luck and bring fortune into your life. In your love life: Trust what you truly know in your heart, and have the wisdom to seek help when you are out of your depth.

JK Rowling might have defined the world of witchcraft and wizardry for a generation, but it was hardly a new concept. Double, double toil and trouble' could have been performed at a Hogwarts feast but it was the witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth that first enshrined the notion of newts' eyes and frogs' toes in the popular imagination. Your way of looking at a certain issue seems perfectly logical. But remember, there's never just one perspective. This week, cast off everything you think you know and look again with fresh eyes. In your love life: Decision time? Trust your emotional judgement, and seek the advice of people who are a little better informed.

This week, nothing is quite as it seems. Everywhere around you, situations are evolving, climates are shifting and people's attitudes are changing. That's why you feel ever so slightly out of balance. Don't panic! The atmosphere is actually quite habitable. Just act with confidence and consideration, and question your instincts. Think once and then think twice. The trine will help you to adjust your impulses so that they match the delicacy of your situation. Then, you'll be able to pursue your goals with subtle vigour. In your love life: Helping someone to go beyond an assumption, and you can liberate yourself from what was looking like a dead-end.

Francis Bacon said, It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else, and still unknown to himself'. Still, though, we feel that putting ourselves first is selfish. But why is that? There is, after all, a reason why flight cabin staff tell us to put on our own masks before helping others. Whilst it's noble to devote our lives to making other people happy, we can't ever truly help without acknowledging our own needs. With your ruler involved in the trine, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for support of your own this week. In your love life: You have had to perform a delicate juggling act. You have already begun to see success. More rewards come soon.

They say that fantasies should never be acted out because reality never lives up to the scenarios we play in our minds. They have a point. Some things are best left to the imagination. On the other hand, some experiences turn out to be more delightful than we ever dare to dream. You don't have to act on your heart's desire this week. But if you do, you have the resources to transform a complex situation into one you've long wished would materialise. The trine, involving your ruler, adds a magic touch to your plans. In your love life: Love is always needed and it's always attainable, too. In your world now, there is as much as you need and more!

We forgive many small and accidental transgressions against our rights, our bodies and our personal spaces on a daily basis. Like a person stepping on your foot or bumping into you on a busy train station, a mumbled apology in these circumstances is acceptable. We can forgive bigger infractions too. But sometimes we confuse forgiveness with allowance. What behaviour are you green-lighting that could be detrimental to your well-being? Forgiveness is one thing, but this week's trine empowers you to stand up for yourself. In your love life: The boundaries and lines need to be changed. Here comes your chance to redraw them.

There's a vast difference between human and artificial intelligence. A robot can be programmed to make coffee, but it has no understanding of what a cup is apart from it being a necessary part of the process. It doesn't know how much is enough' either it will pour for the time it's programmed to pour. Nonetheless, robot-brewed coffee is just as effective as its human prepared counterpart. Where in your life are you facing a complex issue? This week, the trine suggests that the answer may be less complex than you imagine. In your love life: Our moods are much more powerful than we realise. One small shift of viewpoint, though, can alter everything.

With a world of information at our fingertips, gone are the days of ignorance. We know details about events happening halfway around the globe. This knowledge might, though, create more problems than it solves. With so many voices clamouring to give us information, how do we separate what's important and significant from the rest of the noise? This week, it seems unlikely that the pieces of a puzzling situation will fall into place. But, if you listen carefully you may be able to learn enough to see a bigger, brighter picture. In your love life: Have you been thinking lately about needing to talk to somebody you can trust? Your emotional outlook can only benefit.

What do you mean you've never seen an alien? Are you sure? Not all aliens arrive in space suits and have a green hue to their skin! In fact, some UFO aficionados insist that they look just like you or me! It's not always easy to assess the truth of a situation from first appearances. But you know that. Even the extremes of disasters and miracles are a matter of perspective. It can be almost impossible to tell them apart. You need a close-up look at the skin of the situation you're dealing with. The answer to your quandary is a question of perception. In your love life: You have an objective. Be sure of it. Then just do what you need to. You will succeed.

Here's a conundrum: you need to transport a chicken, a fox and a bag of grain across a river and your boat can only carry one thing at a time. If you leave the chicken with the grain, it will eat it. If you leave the fox with the chicken, well...? There's only one right answer, it requires you to think outside the box. In reality, though, you could ask a passer-by to help or use your ingenuity to come up with an alternative. A present riddle waiting to be solved. Empowered by the trine, and your imagination, you'll find an answer. In your love life: Forget your track record, the bits of your history you regret. You can trust that you're on the right track now.

Sports commentators have it easy. They just sit in a box and shout! Anyone could do that! But could they? You understand that sometimes it's more than a little tricky to see the magic in everyday events. The more we encounter similar people and scenarios, the more they lose their sparkle. And, just as it's easy to overlook the wonder in simple things, it's just as easy to confuse minor issues with cataclysmic problems. If you can keep your perspective as you head into a new week, you'll appreciate moments of delight. In your love life: The question is not, What's on your mind?' But, What is no longer on your mind that might well be worth recalling?'

It's said that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is a sign of madness. If that's the case, Roger Federer must be a complete loon! When he was a kid he must have spent years hitting tennis balls that spun off in wild directions. OK, there's always an exception to the rule. Some transformations are slow processes that we have to coax into reality. This week, as the trine weaves its magic, you can inject fun into your learning. You'll be able to assess the progress you've made. In your love life: No matter how busy you are, it's time to seize a chance to plant a seed of possibility that will grow.

Everything in moderation is a good rule. Yet, as a Sagittarian you easily get carried away with good things. You like to dive in and hope that you'll eventually resurface before running out of air! The consequences? You'll deal with those later. This policy works most of the time. But every now and then we all have an experience that transforms the way we approach challenges. The cosmos suggest that you may not be able to give in to your deepest urges this week. But if you commit to a healthy plan, they won't go unsatisfied. In your love life: Should you experiment or play safe? You deserve the best life has to offer. The way to get it is to be a little bolder.

As Mars prepares to form a link with your ruler in your sign, you're feeling under pressure. So I'll get right to the point. As the month starts, you'll feel a real need to get through a lot in a short time. There's so much to do that you're struggling to see how you can do it all. So here's an idea: grab your lengthy to-do list, take a thick pen, and strike through everything that isn't urgent or necessary. It might feel alarming, but Jupiter's link with Pluto in your sign is giving you the power to take control. You can do this. In your love life: You are emerging from a cocoon into the new you. It may feel unfamiliar, but wait till you spread your wings.

You've got three choices. You can struggle on, feeling disillusioned. You can convince yourself it's all in your imagination. Or, you can start a revolution. It's safest and easiest to keep trudging on. It's also easy to bury your head in the sand. But to stand up and demand tangible change? Now, that's tricky. You'd need to harness the powerful potential of something like a Mars conjunction with your ruler, or a New Moon conjunct Uranus.... What's that? Both of these are happening in April? Looks like you're in luck! In your love life: Could there be a better direction for your life? A change heralds a decisive drama, followed by a simple solution.

When your ruler and Pluto aligned earlier this year, we talked about your power to make a difference for the greater good. How's that coming along? Have you managed to bring about world peace yet? What about eliminating the corruption in the corridors of power? Though your inner strength is Herculean, your challenges are daunting. But you're on the right path, and this transformational journey will take time. Don't be so focused on what's not yet accomplished that you can't enjoy the progress you're making. In your love life: Help is coming. One thing can stop it... that note on your door: No help needed'. Be humble, accept assistance.

It takes a while for superheroes to get to know their own strength they've been known to break arms and dislocate elbows all from a friendly shake of the hand. As the latest in a long line of heroes, it's now your turn to learn that sometimes less is more'. Your natural inclination is to throw everything including the kitchen sink at something you want. But with Mars linking with Saturn this month, if you can find the strength to control your exuberance, events will evolve organically. Victory will be yours before you know it. In your love life: Getting too intense? Might things improve if you took a break from something you're starting to get too good at?

You're creating quite an impression. It's highly likely that there are more demands being made on your time and your energy too. That's just one of the side-effects of having your ruler Venus in your sign where it will reside for most of April. So how does the planet of love endow you with such allure and charisma? It seems to weave its magic by encouraging your generosity and kindness. As you're more altruistic, others can't seem to get enough of your company. The more love you give, the more you'll receive. In your love life: An unknown factor is working in your favour. Don't seek explanation or even enlightenment. Just trust it.

I don't often get the chance to say watch out, they're coming for you, they know where you live'. But I can say that to you! This is not a threat or something you should fear. Your pursuers are those who care about you they have your best interests at heart. They're your nearest and dearest, your earthly guardian angels. They've noticed that you're struggling and that you need help. No matter what seems scary or difficult to negotiate this month, there will be both physical and ethereal support on hand. In your love life: You have discovered a truth. Stop seeing what you want to see so you can see what life needs to show you.

Doris Day famously sang, Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be', and as Mars and Saturn converge opposite your sign, there's something seductive about the idea of fate being behind the forces that seem beyond your control. But might this just be a convenient narrative? Does it really empower you to live your life with purpose? With Jupiter and Pluto's alignment, just before the New Moon, stand up and choose the destiny that's right for you. This month you have the power to start a positive revolution! In your love life: Imagine you are surfing. The wave seems too scary. Paddle away? Or go for it? You know what you must do.

They say that time flies when you're having fun. So what happens to it when you're not? As Mars and Saturn converge at the beginning of April, you might feel that you're not making progress but the truth is that you're simply too involved in a situation to see the bigger picture. Though your journey may be slower than you'd like, it's unstoppable. And as the New Moon conjuncts revolutionary Uranus, just before your ruler changes signs, you will reach a milestone that brings you even closer to your goal. In your love life: Very specific issues are arising. Take them seriously, but not too seriously. Bigger things matter more!

Some people espouse whichever view is most expedient in the moment. They can happily trample over ethical and moral conundrums in their quest for an easy life. People who take implacable moral positions are just as difficult to handle. The ability to walk the middle line is an indefinably valuable (and under-appreciated) skill. As you attempt to tackle a tricky situation this month, the key will lie in finding sympathy and appreciation for another's viewpoint even if they can't bring themselves to do the same. In your love life: We all like to live in a sensible, logical world. But you are dealing with a mystery. Don't solve it; savour it.

Sometimes life throws so many possibilities our way that it's easy to miss the instinctive truth: that's the organic understanding of what would be otherwise obvious. As Mars and Saturn combine this month, with Mercury retrograde, it's time to trust your abilities and commit to a feeling. While emotionally based decisions may have less supporting documentation than you're used to basing your decisions on, it's more profound. The evidence exists, it's just harder to see. But it will emerge and prove you right. In your love life: You respect intuition. Something in you now knows the best course of action. Don't doubt a wise idea.

When you exude confidence that infects everyone in your orbit, the phrase as bright as a button' could have been coined for you. With Venus opposite your sign preparing to link to both your modern ruler and Jupiter in Scorpio, this is such a time. First, though, Mars brings clear analysis to enable you to make decisions to power your life forward. This is no flash in the pan: the positivity will stay around long enough for you to find a solution to an extended difficulty. Everything is set for irreversible advances this month. In your love life: You are having more impact than you realise. Someone finds you more appealing than they are letting on.

Our fantasies don't control us. If we dream about buffalo mozzarella, that doesn't mean we can afford to eat pizza until our arteries clog. Though our financial situation may be compelling, it can't be blamed for the morally ambiguous choices we might make. We need to make compromises, but, if we abandon our principles in pursuit of pleasure, the experience will ring hollow. No matter how stretched you may feel this month, as Pluto and Jupiter link, doing the right' thing will ultimately be the most rewarding. In your love life: Overnight success can happen, but is rare. I can, though, promise a real chance to start something positive.

The legend of King Cnut tells of a man obsessed with power who nearly drowns as he tries to command the tide. It's a myth, though. He was apparently a pious man with a reverence for powers greater than himself. Thanks to creative writing and the mists of a thousand years, he's best known for shouting at the sea. You may not be Danish royalty, but you command respect and have considerable power. If you recognise the forces that need to be worked with, rather than struggled against, you'll make excellent progress. In your love life: You're conscious of a potential drawback in a plan. Don't focus too hard on it. Keep on moving in your chosen direction.

If you're reading this forecast on the internet you probably owe more than you realise to a siren from the golden age of Hollywood. Hedy Lamarr was a big star of the silver screen in the 1940s. But when war broke out she helped to develop a radio guidance system that protected allied torpedoes from being jammed. The US military didn't take her inventions seriously at the time. But years later, they used them to develop wireless communication we now enjoy. Great ideas will come in surprising packages this week. In your love life: The unhappy path involves constantly questioning. The happy one? Walking forward in trust. Do just that.

Someone, somewhere is always predicting the end of the world. Since I'm in the forecasting business, sometimes people ask me when can we expect it to happen. To which I respectfully reply that it won't! It's not happening. Instead of worrying and thinking about the end, I suggest that they invest their energy in a new beginning. This same attitude can transform your personal life this week. Energy doesn't disappear, it's transferred. Wherever you decide to focus your resources you can rejuvenate your situation. In your love life: Don't try too hard. Just do what feels most natural; magically, you will end up with what's needed... despite your worries.

Anyone can look back at an event and trace back to the reasons why things panned out the way they did, why people reacted and what the repercussions have been. That's the benefit of hindsight we can use it to explain just about everything. Foresight though, is a very different practice. We often have expectations of how things will be and are surprised when the reality is so removed from the theory. How will these challenges you're dealing with work out? Under this Sun-Mars link, you're about to find out. It's better than you think. In your love life: You have to unpick some stitches. Don't stress yourself by asking if a mistake been made. You're doing what's right.

Change is the most natural thing on the planet. It's essential. It's the life force that brings the seasons and the tides, the day and the night, enlightenment and ignorance. We can't afford to fear or resent it. That doesn't mean, though, that all change is for the better. But it's rare when it doesn't bring any benefits. Most significantly, change relies on motion and a moving object can be more easily influenced than a stationary one. If you don't like the look of what's coming your way, you've got time to shape it as you will. In your love life: Try not to jump to judgement about others too swiftly. Keep an open mind about people and situations.

Can people who spoil their ballot papers complain when they don't like the decisions made by the powers that be? It's the same in life. If we're not engaged enough to effect any change in ourselves, how can we be upset when we drift into difficulties? You're standing on the precipice of greatness now. You're inspired by the world around you and you've got the ability to galvanise other people despite their fears or their lack of commitment. Be bold enough to take the next step. You can be a powerful force for good. In your love life: Overwhelmed? Fear not. You're moving from a situation of excess towards an arrangement that will be just right'.

We have all the time in the world' was the theme tune to On Her Majesty's Secret Service. But even James Bond, with all his gadgetry and quick-wittedness, can't outsmart the inexorable hands of time. But just because we're unable to turn clocks backwards doesn't mean that we can't do things that make the passing of time feel more (or less) under our control. I can't promise you a happily every after' week. But under the influence of the Full Moon, you still have enough time to change the outcome of your story. In your love life: Cling to your dreams. Any hope is better than no hope. You now have a big idea. It is far-fetched but not impossible.

Gyms are rather strange places full of people running and cycling on the spot. Just think of all the electricity being used so that they can stay stationary. And more again, on the fans that cool them down when they've finished! It would be more environmentally-friendly if we were more old-fashioned in our exercise routines. Maybe the treadmills could be hooked up to a generator so the energy burnt on running could be repurposed! Your current expedition is turning out to be equally innovative, and surprisingly productive. In your love life: Every so often, you get consumed by an urge to act quickly and decisively. That's what you're feeling now. Trust it.

The best horror movies aren't the ones with lashings of blood. They show less, not more. The threat is real, but hidden in the shadows, and our imagination fills in the gaps. The danger is that the monster is far less scary than we imagine. The same is true of our worries. When you take them out of the dark corner they're lurking in and bring them into the open, you can transform them from unknown threat to helpful friend. This week, you can find something delightful hidden where you don't want to look. In your love life: Don't dwell on what's unlikely, unless there's a miracle. Look at what is within reach. That will be enough.

You're performing a complicated and delicate balancing routine at the moment. Although it feels as if a small wobble could send everything crashing to the ground, sometimes a little pressure helps you to perform at your best. Of course, there are simpler, safer places to be, but that spine-tingling thrill can stimulate you to previously unknown achievements, before steering you to safety. The easiest most logical way of doing things won't be half as much fun as the slightly edgy way that you're tempted to follow this week. In your love life: You are close to a turning point, a defining moment of significant change. Something important is about to move.

Trees that grow slowly bear the best fruit,' said the seventeenth century playwright, Moliere. I suppose that's a fancy way to say patience is a virtue. The problem with sage words is that they're often used to scold. How often have you been reminded of that particular virtue when someone thinks that you're taking too much time over something? I thought not! Yet when we're being patient we're told that lethargy is a vice. With so much judgment around it's impossible to get it right. The best thing to do this week is follow your instinct. In your love life: Share as much as you dare; be pleasantly surprised by how much your point of view is acknowledged and honoured.

History is filled with the great deeds of ordinary people who've been inspired. Whether it's a mathematical algorithm or an artistic movement, there's no doubt that some people have a profound effect on the world. But does anyone ever wake up knowing that this is the day that they're going to make a difference? World-changing adventures may not be on your agenda this weekend, but you have all the resources you need to be successful in your endeavour. Plus, the creativity to work out what to do if you run out! In your love life: Some problems disappear and solve themselves if you ignore them. Least said, soonest mended' is a useful credo.

Slow and steady wins the race' might be sage advice, but it's not universally true. Sometimes we have to throw ourselves headfirst into things with a jump-first-ask-questions-later kind of approach. So, what's right for you this week? Mars entering your sign doesn't leave you with as much of an option as you might like. It feels as if you must seize any opportunities or they will pass you by. But while there might be no room for prevarication, there's time to listen to your instincts. Don't be nervous be excited! In your love life: Don't worry about unsolvable problems. Focus on the here and now. Learn to love life afresh.

Probably since the dawn of time people have sought out the rock n' roll' lifestyle party all night, sleep all day, never take a moment to smell the roses. Many a celebrity memoir has been penned about the rise and fall that comes with that kind of life. The desire to escape reality is something we all recognise. So, what are you tempted to run away from now? As Mars moves signs, you're well equipped to deal with whatever is bothering you, but first you might need to do some soul-searching. Then, you'll discover what it is. In your love life: But what if?' A question like that is a kind of terrifying virus... usually. But now you have the answer.

On the high street and online, shops are being constantly replenished with the latest products to tempt us to splash out. Given how much of it is useless, it's remarkable how much of it we buy! The strong human desire to acquire more possessions seems to override our thriftier instincts. Though you might not be in a position to be extravagant, there's no need to wear a hair shirt either. If there is something that will give you genuine, lasting pleasure, then treat yourself. You deserve to be indulged this week. In your love life: It is not always good to speak too frankly. Deal with what's real and try not to embroider facts with feelings.

You've done the hard work. You've ploughed and sown the seeds. But you've been waiting for some time, and you're starting to doubt if you will see anything tangible from your efforts. Something to show for your work would be encouraging. As we move towards the Equinox, happy returns are heading your way. What's more, you deserve everything you're about to receive and more. Sometimes these things just take a little more time than we'd like. The cosmic postman brings good news this week. In your love life: A coming wave of change in your emotional life brings the power you have craved. Expect change for the better.

Here's a question before we start your forecast: how do you know that today is today? Are you sure you're not just reliving yesterday? Or have you skipped a day and arrived in tomorrow's tomorrow? How would you know if there were holes in your recollections? There has to be an explanation for the apparently inexplicable scenario that you suddenly find yourself facing. As Mercury prepares to turn retrograde this week, there'll be some odd happenings in your world. But you might be surprised by their positivity. In your love life: Sometimes, disadvantages conceal blessings. You wish you could alter one key factor. It may be better not to.

Mercury prepares to turn retrograde this week. You won't lose your quick thinking, perceptiveness or your wit, it's just that they won't be running as smoothly as usual. If you find yourself feeling hampered by developments, remember that everything's happening for a reason. As you investigate what lies at the root of some of life's challenges, a positive, lasting change can occur. Nor do you need to worry about settling in and setting up shop in this challenging marketplace. Put up with it while you must, but be ready to move on again soon. In your love life: What has gone missing' from your emotional life lately? Begin by looking in the last place you encountered it.

The New Moon calls you in a new direction, and the Sun invites you to set your sights high and your ambitions higher. Your situation reminds me of the late, great Michael Jackson. In order to get to where you want to go you might have to do the equivalent of some moonwalking! You can find a stylish way to manoeuvre yourself around any obstacles this week. Like the King of Pop, you can relish any backward movements you need to make. With your flexibility and creativity, you can impress people with your skill. In your love life: Something exceptional is coming. Stop trying to be ordinary and psychologically prepare for a time of innovation.

I wonder if the band Journey were interested in astrology. Their name represents the Ninth House in astrology which is home to faith and long-distance travels! It's also where the Sun moves into your chart this week, suggesting that you're about to embark upon a mental, physical or spiritual quest. Although the most exciting journeys involve ventures into the unknown, sometimes we have to travel over familiar ground too. So if you end up retracing some steps this week, don't lose heart, and don't stop believing. In your love life: Love and money. You can encourage those elusive elements into your life by manifesting confidence.

You might be surprised to hear that as Mercury prepares to turn retrograde, resolution is on the horizon. For a while, you've been puzzling over a complex situation, trying to unravel the myriad of strands that have somehow formed an inextricable knot. It's time to stop tiptoeing around a piece of faulty logic. You're being offered the insight you need to get to the hidden heart of the matter. If you can find the strength to speak powerfully and truthfully both to yourself and those around you, you'll have nothing to fear. In your love life: Headaches and stress. You can make them go away if you refuse to play someone else's game.

Before you take someone's advice, ask yourself whether they're really qualified to give it. It's easy to confuse arrogance with authority. And people who venture advice are often the last people we should listen to. A pinch of information does not make an expert! Some people like to make dangerous enterprises sound reasonable and, perhaps more problematically, tell you that you're unqualified for tasks that you're well qualified to undertake. This week, the most important advice you can follow is your own. In your love life: Doubt is toxic and can do terrible damage. Rid yourself of yours. Go beyond fear, blame and judgement.

It's so infuriating when someone tells you to calm down' when you're already calm. It feels dismissive as if your objection isn't justified. This is especially true for comments that are hidden under the guise of just a joke', but are veiled criticisms. Someone who's less than happy about the status quo may be using devious ways to affect your attitude. You just need to be clear and choose your words with care. Though confrontation isn't easy, once aired, you'll be able to lay your concerns to rest, and move on. In your love life: Your faery helpers are invisible but they not imaginary. Trust yourself. You're winning earthly admirers too.

Do you feel like you're walking taller yet? Are you skipping along the road as if a heavy burden has been lifted from your shoulders? As Mars waves goodbye it's likely that you will feel a sense of relief this weekend. Perhaps you can already sense the release? These feelings will only increase. Troubles? Clearing fast. Rain? Blown away. Sunny times? Straight ahead. Your new astrological weather forecast is for a more settled period of happiness, relaxation and enjoyment. About time too! Enjoy! In your love life: Feeling guilty? It's all in your mind. You don't have anything to apologise for!

Are your neighbours your friends? And are your friends your neighbours? Our speech patterns often lump these two categories together but there's no guarantee that either situation is true! In the coming week, you may find yourself with reason to question just who your real friends are and why. Just remember that your true friends can be people you don't see for months or even years, but have been there for you in your darkest hours. If you need to reach out this week, the right person, offering the right support will be there. In your love life: Pace yourself wisely. Trust what you understand (whilst respecting what you do not understand) and you will make the perfect romantic choice.

If you had to choose between being your own best friend or your own worst enemy, it looks like an easy choice to make. The problem is that it's not always easy to differentiate between the two. We slide into the less honourable position rather more easily than we'd like usually by overlooking our mistakes and getting carried away by our success. To avoid such a pitfall, all you need to do is put your analytical skills to good use and confront an uncomfortable situation. The benefits of your care and attention will be many. In your love life: Don't deny or ignore your deepest feelings. You know what matters. And why. Expressing this will make a big positive difference.

Some people seem to be in the wrong careers; like shaky knife throwers, slapdash pilots, unhygienic chefs and meek sergeant majors. Some jobs require a certain attitude and approach. If you're going to succeed in a high-pressure, high profile position, then you have to act according to expectations. Then, if you're going to keep mind and body together, you need to learn when to turn your public face off and relax. Make time to recharge your batteries this week, and you'll be delighted by how far you can go. In your love life: We often think, That will never happen.' How do we know? Events in your love life will soon oblige you to rethink your prospects in a good way.

It's difficult to know how hard you should push yourself. If you overdo it, there's a chance that you'll reach breaking point. That said, you might instead break through those forces that have been holding you back. Most people would avoid taking the risk. But you have an adventurous streak and you know that nothing much will change if you don't occasionally breach the walls of your comfort zone. Your goal is very ambitious but not unattainable. So why not give it all you've got this week, and see where it takes you? In your love life: Things that seem bad can sometimes lead to things that are very good indeed. Just be conscious of this in your love life now.

The longer you hold on to a dream, the harder it can be to let go. When the long-anticipated result fails to materialise, we look for reasons why, and try to pin it on one particular set of circumstances. When they change, we reason, we'll have more luck. But there comes a time when even the most philosophical among us have to face the truth. You're clinging on to something, even though you know that it's time to move on. You can take that first step this week. This isn't the end of hope, it's the start of an exciting new chapter. In your love life: Someone you care for is in the process of making an important discovery for themselves. Be supportive and patient.

Some people seem to have it all worked out. They appear to go through life as if they've been let in on a secret that allows them to take everything in their stride, and deal with hurdles as if they're mere potholes on the path to success. And the truth is that they may well be in possession of secret knowledge. Here's what it is: everyone else feels exactly the same way as you. Though your challenges might not get any easier, you'll realise this week that a troubling mystery is much more mundane than you fear. In your love life: You don't have to make yourself a martyr to your conscience but you do have to listen to what it is saying as you now deal with issues in your love life.

Dear Santa Claus, This year I'd like one of these and two of those. I know it's the wrong time of year but I thought you might appreciate some extra time to get yourself organised. Maybe you could take this year's unwanted presents away too. I hope that's not too much hassle. Thanks.' Now that's not the way to write to anyone let alone someone you're asking for a favour. This week, it's worth being as diplomatic as you can be before asking for help. Then, with the assistance of someone close, you can find what you're looking for. In your love life: There's a perspective issue' in your love life now. All you need to do is stand back and you'll immediately see the right way to step forward.

Despite what we might like to believe, structure gives us the ability to negotiate through society's complicated configurations. But the rules and regulations that we generally adhere to only guide us so far. You seem to have reached a place where the framework that you've been working with has started to wobble. In these moments, you can stick to your original plan, hoping that things will get back on to solid ground or, you can switch to Plan B. The best advice I can give is to remain flexible this week. Don't be daunted. In your love life: If there has been trouble in your love life lately, let it go and move on. Soon, the old problem won't be a problem any more.

When it comes to politics, the voice of opposition is different to the voice of protest. Of course it's the people's right to make their voice heard. But it's the responsibility of the opposition to offer an alternative plan. And reaching some sort of middle ground between the two ensures that democracy works for the majority of us. This week, it isn't enough to criticise or simply shout in disagreement. Try to spell out the merits of your own ideas. They may not be universally accepted, but they can be a positive influence. In your love life: If you try too hard to fix what's seemingly wrong in your love life you may make it worse! Look instead for reasons why it may not be as wrong as you fear.

When you cast your mind back and look at the decisions that changed your life, I'd put money on the fact that they weren't always the ones you expected them to be. It's one of life's peculiarities that the things we agonised and stressed over yesterday can become irrelevant today. But our ponderings are never a waste of time. They're part of a valuable process. This week, you have choices to make that appear to have no easy answers. Trust in your experience. The fact that you're in this position is to your credit. In your love life: What happens next in your emotional life will be connected to what you believe you are entitled to! So believe in the best and you may yet get it!

Business theorist Marvin Bower described company culture as the way we do things around here', which sounds like something the villain in a spaghetti western would say to the stranger from outta town. The idea is that you shouldn't rock the boat, especially when there's a well-established order. Yet must we always go along with the way things are? No! This week, don't be afraid to question the way that things are being done. Trust your instincts and take action. Sometimes, the boat needs a good rockin'. In your love life: To prepare for what's ahead in your love life, just relax. Ask the universe for what you want, not just what you want to protect you from what you fear!

Catastrophe. You're cooking an elaborate dish. Everything's prepared and you're halfway through the cooking process, then you realise that a crucial ingredient's missing. Do you work with what you have and hope to produce something edible anyway? Or do you dash out to buy the missing element? Life is presenting you with a similar dilemma. Do you stick to the plan or adapt? There's no wrong answer. You just need to go with what feels right to you. Then you'll see a number of constructive changes magically manifest. In your love life: Are you sure you know what's available to you in your love life? Be ready to be pleasantly surprised.

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' This is how F. Scott Fitzgerald chose to end his masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. It's a perfect metaphor for life one moment we're being swept along with a following wind, the next we're in the middle of a tempest feeling disorientated by forces we can't comprehend. This week, as Mercury and Venus change signs, you have the chance to revisit a past relationship. Don't let regret stand in the way of a tide of positive developments. In your love life: You have more power and more choice than you realise. The real issue is for you to be sure of what you really want.

Have you ever wanted something so much that it seemed to drift further away every time you thought of it? What's worse, is reaching a goal when the anticipated sense of achievement remains elusive. Perhaps we should learn to desire the things we already possess! Often, we focus our energies so completely on external factors that it can take ages before we realise that the thing we desire is right under our nose. As Jupiter turns retrograde, if you look for happiness within, you just might be amazed by what you find. In your love life: Don't pretend you are not bothered how things turn out. Don't deny what you feel. Don't give up on that dream.

Rarely is anything as bad as we expect it to be. We can spend an age worrying about a particular situation, yet, when the dreaded moment arrives, we simply get on with it. We pool our resources, evaluate carefully, and make the best decision we can. More often than not we surprise ourselves with our success. Try not to hypothesise on imaginary failures this week. The most effective way to prepare is to relax. Rather than focusing on your fears, Venus and Mercury's change of signs will help you to manifest your desires. In your love life: An intriguing possibility awaits you. Seize your chance and you can set in motion a process that brings great success.

Once a year, every year the universe bestows a unique celestial gift upon you. As Mercury enters Aries this week, you'll begin to feel a sensation of revelation. It's not as if everything miraculously and perfectly will fall into place. There will be tests to face and mountains to climb. But you'll be able to see that things aren't quite as complex as you first thought, or that you're more capable of tackling them than you feared. As Venus joins Mercury in your sign, this week brings a spark that can ignite you with exuberance and energy. In your love life: Can you put down what you no longer need? It is possible to move away from negativity. Embrace a better future.

Recently I visited my local Turkish barber for a trim. In my experience, these environments are usually boys clubs', as the barbers and their clientele are almost exclusively men. Yet when I revealed my profession to the man with the clippers, he was soon translating relationship advice into his mother tongue and gossiping with his colleagues so much so that it was as if they were trying to subvert a stereotype. You don't need an interpreter to get the right message across now. You can let your heart do the talking. In your love life: You will get a big step closer to fulfilment soon, the moment you stop worrying quite so much about a material matter.

Here are the headlines: Children can sometimes be hard work, say parents. The warmth of the sun is key to the growth of trees, scientists report. People are happier after being with friends, reveal experts'. That was the latest bulletin from News Of The Profoundly Obvious. In a world of rapidly changing events, we sometimes take things for granted. Sometimes, though, it's worth focusing on the joys of everyday life. Don't get embroiled in a daft quarrel this week enjoy the simple pleasures of a sense of harmony instead. In your love life: Planning is the key to success... sometimes. But now it's good to go with what feels right on the spur of the moment.

None of us arrive on the planet with a mission statement, or clutching a wish list detailing all we hope to achieve. But, there's something inside each of us that guides our hopes and dreams. The cosmos is presenting you with the opportunity to review your perspective regarding a situation which is making you unhappy. Are you taking steps to alleviate the tension, or are you pinching yourself in one place to distract you from the pain in another? It's time to focus on long-term goals, rather than sticking-plaster solutions. In your love life: You have the chance to make a move that may not seem obviously impressive. But it is due to bring you lasting benefit.

Apparently most people don't enjoy waiting in a station or an airport. Even when they're filled with a myriad of shops and restaurants, most folk rate their experience of them as being adequate'. We spend time in these places because they're stepping stones on a journey to somewhere more exciting. You feel as if you're stuck in a holding pattern. Though it's not thrilling, you're there for a reason. Fortunately, the way to reach your destination is becoming clear. The next step on your journey is well worth the wait. In your love life: Recognise the extent of your power. Never mind what you can't control. Focus on what you can influence and all will be well.

Sentimentality is an odd emotion. It leads us to attach disproportionate value to items that otherwise serve no fathomable purpose. We keep concert tickets, photographs even shells we found on holiday. But the real problem arises when we transpose these feelings on to people. You feel tempted to overlook someone's bad behaviour. The question is whether a friendship predicated on forgiveness will make you happy? Although you can't lose sight of your values, don't let an overly critical attitude rob you of a wonderful bond. In your love life: If you are too bound by rules and protocol you might miss it when opportunity comes. It's time to just seize your moment.

When Venus moves opposite someone's sign, the suggestion is that they're going to encounter someone with a big heart. This week, you have the added bonus of Mercury and Venus engaging in this process together. Since Venus is your ruling planet, it suggests that your interactions with a key person are about to play more naturally to your strengths. Your communication skills are highlighted and your words should find an appreciative audience too. Just remember that you have the biggest heart of all. In your love life: You needn't climb every mountain. Consider waiting till what's on the other side of the mountain makes its way towards you.

Slowly but surely, virtual-reality games seem to be taking over the world. It's hardly surprising when they enable the people who play them to embark on exciting adventures, and live thrilling parallel lives. As Jupiter turns retrograde in your sign this week, it might help you to imagine yourself as a fictional avatar. If you can take a step back from the reality of your situation, your perspective will enable you to see the best way to proceed. You might not have superpowers, but you can initiate an important change. In your love life: One point of reference is fixed. In turbulent times, let that be your anchor; then everything will yet make perfect sense.

Knowing when to let something go is an underrated skill. Nobody likes to lose things and that's what letting go can sometimes feel like. It's never easy to relinquish ownership and control of something that we've worked hard for. But sometimes it's necessary. Just like we sometimes have to make do with a phone with cracks on its screen, there's something in your life that needs replacing with something new. This week, you must choose whether to let go or to hold on. But this change isn't a loss, it's an upgrade. In your love life: Going through a difficult experience can leave you fearing more things will go wrong. Fear not; things will ease up.

The Solar Eclipse suggests your priorities are shifting. You're questioning what you hope to gain from an enterprise that you're involved in, and how it can benefit you. This is about more than satisfaction or pride. It's the value of your pragmatic approach that's being highlighted. And it's only right that you should get what you deserve. As Valentine's Day approaches and Venus prepares to change signs, by making a relatively small gesture, you'll give someone the opportunity to show you just how appreciated you are. In your love life: There's always someone who has all the answers. You might be better off with fewer of those... and more questions!

Although this week's Eclipse is only partial, it doesn't mean that you'll only feel part of the benefit. Prepare to have your mind expanded and your perspective altered. It arrives in your sign linked with your modern ruler, with Mercury in close cooperation. It suggests that a new way of looking at a problem will provide an ingenious solution, the answer you've been looking for. Not only can you find the final piece of a jigsaw, you'll see the whole picture it forms, and realise the value of an important relationship you're involved in. In your love life: Are you sitting right on top of a solution you seek. Step back, get some perspective. You already have what you need.

People seeking a forecast often ask when their life will change for the better. They hope that their astrologer will declare the precise day and time that their fortunes will turn round. But I don't propose to do this! You hold your destiny in your own hands. The instant you resolve to allow your life to improve is the moment when it will. That being said, the Eclipse, plus Venus' arrival in your sign, suggests that this week could be a good time to start! With romantic notions in the air, you could be in for a memorable week. In your love life: It is time to listen to your intuition and trust your imagination. Some challenges need more than just plain logic.

A biding by society's rules is something that most of us want to do. But there are some rules that are difficult to adhere to. Even though they seem to be undeniably unfair, we're supposed to follow them. The irony is that when you choose to campaign against regulations, you still have to abide by them! But some boundaries are made to be challenged. As Valentine's Day approaches, you can not only break a rule, you can make a new one. It will enable a much easier relationship with someone important to you. In your love life: Just one small change or flash of inspiration is all that is needed for transformation. Are you looking at an inspired idea?

You've come to a point where repeating the same old habits and techniques is not bringing you enough satisfaction. You need to find a fresh approach as you prepare to tackle a familiar obstacle. It's going to mean stepping out of your comfort zone. You might not master this new way of dealing with issues straight away. But you need some excitement in your world! Fortunately, with your ruler moving signs and romance in the air, a little risk seems like a fair price to pay. Jump out of that rut, and be innovative this week. In your love life: Ever reached your destination and not realised you have arrived? Perhaps you have already reached the perfect place.

Remember the days when navigating involved a book of maps? Nowadays we're much more likely to use satnavs. These machines are so fast at recalculating the route that you can't always tell when you've gone wrong. You're definitely heading in the right direction, so why is there a voice in the background telling you to make a U-turn? If you want to deepen a relationship, or bring romance into your life, you're sharp enough to steer in the right direction. Follow your intuition and you'll end up where you need to be. In your love life: Are you part of the solution or part of the problem? Focus on what can and will work out well; it deserves your attention.

When you walk down a narrow street, it's customary to move out of the way for a person walking in the opposite direction. This small concession is often recognised with a quick nod or expression of gratitude. Where possible, we try to make room for other people in our lives, even though it's not always to our immediate benefit. This week, with romance in the air as Venus changes signs, you don't need to follow anyone else's logic. The Solar Eclipse shines a light helping you to concentrate on what might be good for you. In your love life: A commitment is under question. You have been treading water and will feel better when you reach your big decision.

The greatest thinkers have to battle against the so-called sensible people' to make their voices heard and their discoveries known. Evolution? How ridiculous!' The Earth is round? Don't be absurd!' But they had enough faith in themselves to stand by what they believed. Don't be tempted to listen to other people's ideas of sense this week. With Venus changing signs, a barmy suggestion might be the doorway to an inspirational plan. The Eclipse suggests that an amazing idea will arrive from an unusual source. In your love life: Some books take a few chapters to get going; then you can't put them down. Don't mistake slow change for no change.

When a high-quality bargain store opens nearby, it's surprising how few folk change their shopping habits and give it a try. It might be cheaper and closer, but they have a routine and they're sticking to it. Why? Because it's easiest to stay with the people, places and routines we know. But this week, as the planet of love changes signs, if you can bring yourself to change a long-standing pattern you can gain more than a cheap shopping bill. Challenge a tradition and you'll be surprised by a delightful development this week. In your love life: Hope for the best; plan for the worst, they say. No! Plan for the best; give your finest energy to your highest aspirations.

The Grand Masters understood that the creation of a masterpiece was a question of layering. They began with large brushes, creating sweeping suggestions of shapes and colours. Then they used finer brushes for the intricate details. Eventually they built so many layers that the casual observer could only see the whole. As the Eclipse arrives it brings a moment for abstract creativity and fun. Venus' change of signs suggests that practice will eventually make perfect. There'll be plenty of time to refine things later on. In your love life: Is a stressful situation on your mind? Vulnerable? You can't fake disinterest but you can nurture greater independence.

Who are you? And no, I don't mean your name, or any of those external features that constitute your identity. When we strip away the layers that make us who we are friends, education, class who's left staring back at us? Is it your heart? Your soul? It's a deeper, wiser part of you that is being inspired to bring you a message. As the Eclipse arrives and Venus changes signs, a tiny moment of awakening, and the recognition of the importance of a dream, could have a profound impact on the next phase of your future. In your love life: Don't let your head get in the way of your heart when looking for peace, love and contentment. They are available to you.

Ending a phone call can be difficult. Especially when there are emotions involved. It can feel as if whoever hangs up first is making some sort of statement. So both parties dance around saying goodbye'. Sometimes politeness, or being sentimental, forces us to observe ridiculous rules. But when we're honest and clear it's rare to be misunderstood. As Valentine's Day approaches, you'll find that you can be much more effective if you simply say what you mean. A satisfying level of trust and warmth can develop. In your love life: Sometimes ridiculous rules have to be honoured. Do what you know will work and don't worry about why it works!