Weekly Astroguide

You're almost tempted to throw some coins down a wishing well. Or purchase fairy dust. But are these skilful ways to secure your happiness? Of course not! There are more practical things you can do; like taking your well-being into your own hands. You could try getting out and about and considering ways to make more of your current circle of friends and contacts. Mercury is retrograde, and many of the usual rules don't apply. So challenge yourself by trying some unusual activities. This beats wishful thinking! In your love life: Nothing holds back a good time like taking an issue too seriously. A small choice can make a big difference now.

Wisdom comes from surprising sources. While my son was off nursery, poorly and indulging in an episode of Transformers, I heard a line that stuck out like a sore thumb: It's not the winner of the first battle that matters, it's the victor of the last that counts'. As Mars changes signs, with Mercury retrograde, you're realising that success isn't defined by a single encounter, and that progress is a meandering path. Don't question the wisdom of making the journey. Events this week will prove that you're on the right path. In your love life: You are hoping for the best, aren't you? Don't try to justify a hunch. But do follow it.

With Mercury retrograde, something controversial is in the air. Everywhere you turn, people are whispering, debating and arguing. Rumours are swirling and camps are forming. And you're being pulled this way and that, by people trying to make you turn you to their side. Let them talk. You don't need their half-formed thoughts or opinions. Although you might not have everything you wish for, you have wisdom in abundance and that's all you really need. This week, keep your own counsel. The only opinion that really matters is yours. In your love life: If we try too hard not to be noticed, we may end up drawing attention to ourselves! Can you get that balance right?

The great Terry Pratchet wrote there are times in life when people must know when to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this.' But the problem with this philosophy is that it doesn't teach us much about when the letting go' needs to be done. Difficult emotions have a way of sticking in our minds and hearts, and it's these that we need to learn to rid ourselves from. As your ruler, Mars, leaves your opposite sign, while Mercury is retrograde, perhaps the time has come to forgive someone for a past wrong. In your love life: Nobody has a deliberate agenda to make you unhappy. Make a determined decision to be happy; you will succeed.

The word generosity sounds like the conflation of generous' and ferocity' to me. That's almost certainly incorrect! But language and words are merely vehicles for expression. They're only right if they convey the meaning they're intended to make. As Mars changes signs, there's a risk that you'll exert pressure on someone through what you perceive to be an act of kindness. Though there's nothing wrong with being proactive, you're better off waiting for a distress call, than wading in without an invitation. In your love life: You are too close to a situation that you would be much better advised to stand further back from.

How can you change someone's mind? It's tempting to overwhelm them with the power of your argument and submerge their doubts under a deluge of facts. But this will only create feelings of coercion. And, when you want someone to see things from your point of view, the last thing you want them to feel is resentment. So let them carry on drifting down their path. When the right time presents, you can gently guide them towards your way of thinking. Be the sun, not the wind this week, and your influence will be effective. In your love life: Is an outdated expectation now creating unnecessary insecurity? If so, just relax. All will be well.

As Mars changes signs, it reveals unrealised potential. It's been lurking under the surface for a while, waiting for the right celestial conditions. You're becoming a force to be reckoned with. You're fizzing with unexplored inspiration and power. This week, if you think about an almost forgotten plan, you can revitalise your efforts to bring it to fruition. With Mercury retrograde, you'll need to walk before you can run. But, as your confidence reappears, any doubts about your ability to succeed will fade into a memory. In your love life: You may feel under stress; but much of this is just unnecessary worry within you. Things are due to turn out okay.

What brought you to this point? Was this the only road available? Was your planning flawless, or did you make a few wrong turns along the way? These sort of questions are inevitable now, as Mercury, in retrograde, prepares to conjunct your ruler, the Sun. But there is an alternative that deserves some consideration. Rather than being a problem, your present circumstances present a new reality that you're just coming to terms with. This week offers an experience that will be of immeasurable value. In your love life: An old arrangement needs to be looked at in a different way. A renegotiation is needed. It need not be a problem.

When we really want something, there's very little we can do to change our own minds. Even when what we're yearning for flies in the face of sense and reason. When we try to convince ourselves that there's a better, more logical option, our emotions overrule our pragmatism. You may be a realist, but your emotions are powerful. So, if you're finding it hard to disregard your feelings about something now, don't! Just be honest with yourself. Then you'll be able to strike a compromise between your heart and your head this week. In your love life: Are you reluctant to go towards that which you need to connect with? Just be calm, and enjoy the journey.

If the sky had fingers, it would be reaching down to gently rub your shoulders this week. As Mars leaves your sign, so too does a source of tension. When you're in a state of relaxation, it's hardly the time to compete in a triathlon though! You may notice that you're energy levels are not as high as they've been. But easing off from a stressful situation is exactly what's required. It will not only help you to see how far you've come, it will help you consolidate the ground you've gained. Give yourself a well-deserved break. In your love life: We don't say what we ought to say, not knowing the right words. Why rock all those boats? Because you need to!

With your ruler Mars joining Jupiter in your sign, you are, at least temporarily, a god among mere mortals. You'll find that other people are more than willing to acquiesce to your heart's desires, and happy to be putty in your hands. This is a perfect week to explore a desire, or embark upon a great adventure. It's worth checking that you're clear that you really want to do whatever you decide to do, because however you decide to use your energy and luck now, there's a chance that you'll get more success than you bargained for! In your love life: The path you are on will bring wisdom and power. But you need to be absolutely clear about the ground-rules.

Explaining your feelings is never easy. You've poured your deepest concerns into someone's ear, but failed to elicit the response (or the interest) that you need. The problem is that we're all so used to this kind of non-communication that it's sometimes easy to assume that half-listening is the same as engaging in a meaningful way. And, rather than labour a point, we tend to shrug off the lack of interest, and keep our problems to ourselves. This week, though, if you try again, the chances are that you'll hear the response you need. In your love life: You fear that what you say may be misinterpreted or criticised. Stay patient in your emotional life now.

All the riches in the world aren't enough to buy your way into another person's heart. Money may open doors and oil wheels some people think it makes the world go round, but cold hard cash will never warm anyone's soul. Even in our consumer-crazy world some treasures remain truly priceless. As the Solstice arrives, and then the Full Moon converges with your ruler, June requires you to invest effort into potential relationships. There's every chance you will reap the rewards and establish new levels of trust and affection. In your love life: Fear of a conspiracy is a powerful thing. Rest assured; there is no conspiracy working against you now.

Your ruler Uranus makes another in a series of rare aspects with Neptune this month in the third of five alignments in a slow celestial dance. But there's little that could be described as slow' about your forecast. Energetic Mars is paying an extended visit to your sign. Even when it begins to move backwards, you're likely to be just as enthusiastic to race in a new direction as you were keen about your previous trajectory. With Venus opposite your sign, just be sure to cushion those you love from bumps along the way! In your love life: A protective force-field surrounds you. When trouble arises, you'll sense it. Your outlook is encouraging now.

Just before your ruler Neptune begins its annual trip backwards, it makes the third in a series of tense alignments with Uranus. With the tide turning for watery Neptune, plus groundbreaking Uranus shaking things up in earthy Taurus, you might be thinking that a tidal wave of change will sweep you off your feet. But the grand trine which Mercury forms with both your rulers suggests that you have the adventurous spirit and the presence of mind to adapt and thrive. No matter how deep or fast June's waters run, you'll swim just fine. In your love life: You instinctively know that you need a major change in a sensitive area of your life. You will soon achieve it.

Mars occupies the part of the sky that governs how you interact both with the environment and your political leanings. It also encourages you to move beyond what you would normally consider to be acceptable' and reach out to experience new cultures. We often surround ourselves with like-minded folk, but as Mars turns retrograde, and a campaign you've been passionate about loses momentum, you're being given the chance to extend boundaries and open up new possibilities. Your next step will take you as far as you need to go. In your love life: In a seemingly ordinary situation some magic is happening. Forget what makes you fearful. Trust what inspires you.

Sometimes we need to disagree with people. Strong friendships are built on shared challenges and setbacks we need to be able to acknowledge our true feelings with the people close to us in order to strengthen those bonds of trust. In June, there will be moments when you have to rock someone's boat. There will be occasions when someone's philosophy seems to be at odds with yours. But by nurturing the foundations on which your friendships are built, they'll be strengthened and prove just how valuable they are. In your love life: People are shouting. Do this. Do that'. Do they all know better than you? Perhaps they don't. Follow your heart.

The Sun and your ruler may be leaving your sign during June, but they'll be no less active in your life. Mercury forms a wonderful supportive Grand Trine with Jupiter and Neptune, just as the Solstice arrives, which will revitalise the celestial energy. It's a clear cosmic signal that if you apply your resources, and work hard, many of the visions you have for your future can begin to be realised. There's inspiration in the air. With the Sun and Mercury converging in your sign before they leave, be ready to shine your brightest. In your love life: Might it be wisest to hold a relationship together rather than let it fall apart? It's an option that's open to you.

The Solstice heralds the Sun's ingress into your sign. And with Venus and Mercury both spending time in Cancer too, there'll be plenty to keep you busy. The challenge is going to be working out whether to follow your heart or your head they won't always agree! But even if the visit of Mercury emphasises the cerebral, your feelings are such an integral part of your personality that you can't afford to ignore them. This is the moment to celebrate your strengths and plan for your year ahead. You deserve to enjoy it! In your love life: Is your mind closed to the idea that it's okay to feel okay? In your emotional life now, all is OK. And that is okay!

The month of June is action-packed for Leos. With Venus entering your sign, the arrival of the Solstice and Mercury popping in, you can put on a charm offensive that could turn your worst enemy into putty in your hands! Yes, there will be moments of drama. No, not everything will go your way. The T-Square with Jupiter suggests that you'll need your skills to renegotiate a peaceful resolution to a problem in a key relationship. But there's a celestial promise that you'll finish the month with almost everything you need. In your love life: Are you a little fearful of the solution to a problem, and eyeing it up anxiously? Don't be afraid.

Even The Beatles needed help from their friends. James Taylor promised us that we had one. And Freddie Mercury sang about a best' pal. We are sociable animals. And though you sometimes feel like building a moat to deter unwanted attention, your support networks are invaluable. This month the cosmic focus is on relationships. With a willingness to accept other people's visions, serious progress can be made towards furthering a cause you're passionate about. All you need is commitment and courage. Luckily, they are in abundance. In your love life: You can now see an area of potential. Before you act on that possibility, just check what it is likely to take out of you.

Insanity has been described as the impulse to keep doing the same thing over and over again in the hope of getting a different result. Innovation, in contrast, is applying a minuscule, ingenious twist to the exact same thing in order to achieve a better outcome. Superficially, these two procedures are almost identical! The true definition of creativity is knowing how to inject just the right amount of madness into a process so that you attain your goal. As Venus forms a T-Square at the Solstice, you'll find the sweet spot this month. In your love life: Expect soon to find fresh inspiration and motivation as a series of inspiring events boost your confidence.

It's frustrating when you push on life's accelerator pedal and it doesn't respond: when no matter what you do, you can't change to the required speed. Are you out of fuel, or have you let your battery run down? This month brings the chance to overhaul a system and conduct a thorough annual service. Mars' retrograde movement is like a visit to the astrological mechanic and the Solstice brings the energy and inspiration to solve any problem. Once you've passed this test, you'll be fully equipped to get back on to the high road. In your love life: At the bottom, the only way is up. At the top...? The trick is to be in the middle. Stay where things seem about right.

There's nothing wrong with being idealistic. When you're ingenious you're bound to think outside the box and aim for goals that others find impossible. Your natural state is to see the world as an exciting place full of opportunity so compromise doesn't come naturally to you. During this month of the Solstice all you have to do to achieve success is keep experimenting with the various options that come along. With your head and heart working in tandem with your imagination, June can be a breakthrough month. In your love life: You are conscious of both a carrot and a stick. You are not a donkey. If you must look at anything, focus on the carrot.

The great playwright, Oscar Wilde, once playfully, and paradoxically declared that he could resist everything, except temptation'. It's pertinent because your usually iron willpower could be about to buckle. Someone is making you an amazing offer and you're more than a little inclined to accept. It seems perfect so how can you refuse? Of course you shouldn't! But do you really need to show just how interested you are? Try not to scupper your negotiating position this week. But don't look a gift horse in the mouth either. In your love life: You want more respect from a certain someone. Try showing them some of what it is you would like them to show you.

What's next in this world of ever-increasing rules and regulations? No laughing? No expressions of joy? Perhaps they'll bring in a new Smile Tax, then we'd have to devote hours every day to trying to look miserable. But, by the look of your week ahead, you'd be struggling with that. Mercury changing signs is encouraging you to express yourself as fully as you know how. And the Full Moon suggests that you're about to experience an act of generosity from someone you're close to. Now that's worth smiling about. In your love life: The secret' is to relax a little, trust a little; it is time for you now, to trust your most positive, intuitive, feelings.

Imagine if we could apply science to the biggest moral questions. A group of physicists would call a press conference to reveal the solution to one of life's knottiest problems. After centuries of wrangling, they're going to define the difference between right' and wrong'. The world will hold its breath. And the answer is... never going to come. The truth, of course, depends on your viewpoint. Some questions can only be answered when you have faith in your instincts. Trust yours this week they'll give you the best possible guidance. In your love life: You may not seem to have much to choose from in your emotional life now, but one of your options is perfect.

We all know people who are quick to judge even when they don't know all the facts, loudly announcing their solution to a problem they don't fully understand. Their confidence means they're often listened to more than the experts! Right now you have the answer to a particularly tricky conundrum, but you're shy about letting others know. So, I'm going to say something that even those born under your sign occasionally need to hear much in your life will be improved this week if you are able to assert yourself a little more. In your love life: You may get a little emotionally overloaded soon. But that's more a blessing than a curse.

As your ruler forms a Grand Trine, the week promises wonderful developments in your social life. You're being encouraged to communicate with close companions because together you can take a dream a step further. With enthusiastic help, you'll see real progress in a cause that you feel passionate about. But, in order to encourage the most positive exchange of ideas, you're going to have to try to understand a mindset that has proved challenging. If you're creative, kind and generous you'll know what to do and how to do it. In your love life: Something deep inside you knows the right thing to say, do and choose. Find that emotional understanding and trust it.

The time comes, in all scenarios, when the chance to make a final adjustment has gone. A simple tweak that would have prevented the whole thing from unravelling. It's in times like these that we realise the danger of being reticent. Being overly cautious can be injurious, but it doesn't compare to the damage wrought by equivocating. Am I suggesting that you act with strength, bravery, boldness and speed? Yes! The problem is, that others don't seem to agree with you and are advocating restraint. Who will you listen to? In your love life: You are wondering what you have signed up for. You will find out soon. It will be less problematic than you fear.

Much as we might wish they would, our talents don't last forever. Whilst we might be agile, wise, courageous and skilful today, there's no guarantee that we'll stay that way. So as the Full Moon arrives, rather than deferring action, why not seize the moment? Make use of your manifold talents after all, you have a full arsenal at your disposal. How disappointing finally to get around to it only to realise you no longer have the right tools. Don't leave it a day longer. Forge your future now, whilst it's yours to shape as you will. In your love life: No one need know what you have within you. Your personal, emotional, secrets are as safe as you want them to be.

You seem to be surrounded by people who have very high opinions of themselves. Their certainty should be enough to set a million alarm bells ringing. No one's perfect no matter what they say. And when people believe they know almost everything about a situation, almost' is not the same as all'. It's in the tiny gaps that nuance and complexity lie. That one missing piece of knowledge might be the difference between success and failure. If you seek advice, this week, just be cautious of emphatic statements. In your love life: You've learned a lot in your emotional life lately, and soon you will gain another valuable lesson.

STOP IT! I can still hear it. No, no, no, it's still going that little voice in your head that's always telling you that you're no good at this, rubbish at that, and that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Why do you listen to it? There's absolutely nothing wrong with you - except, perhaps, your propensity to be overly self-critical. Fortunately, events this weekend provide you with a reminder of just how much you're valued, how happy you are to know such good people and how much you have to be proud of. In your love life: A difficult situation? Accept what you can't alter. Do your best to make what you can of it. It's more than you think!

Surely the secret to success isn't elusive. You simply work hard, invest your resources and then enjoy the fruits of your labour. At least that's the theory. Not all business plans can rely on such a harmonious and holistic approach, though. Many require more than a little luck too. Others need public acknowledgement and awareness in order to be profitable. But without perseverance, even the most advanced plan will fail. Although harvesting might be hard work, you can reap the rewards of what you've sown this week. In your love life: It's time to who in your emotional life is benefiting more than you are from a state of affairs?

I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of clairvoyants and psychics. At first, I must admit, I was apprehensive. Do they know what I'm thinking? Better not think about... too late! Yet, as I spent more time with them, I began to see that mindreading is a skill. But even the most talented psychic can only read what we allow them to see. If we're beaming messages across the room they can intercept them. This week, when it comes to your deepest, darkest fears, no one need know anything unless you choose to let them know. In your love life: What counts now is not what you can do with a dramatic gesture; it is what you can do slowly, subtly but surely.

Have you noticed that the most dramatic fights are often between very close friends? I know a family with twins who famously go from being thick as thieves to mortal enemies in five seconds flat. It's perplexing when people so close can fall out so profoundly. But rather than step in, the best thing to do is to stand back and let them cool down on their own. They'll be best of friends again before we know it. This week, rather than being tempted to wade into an argument, save your advice for someone who really needs it. In your love life: Meaningful communication is a rare commodity. But every so often, it happens, as you'll see in your emotional life soon.

A little sensitivity is in order this week. But, of course, no one can tell you how you should behave. You can be as blas© as you want to be. There will be consequences, though. Sometimes we're all tempted to throw our hands up and ask, Why should I care? But a life without caring is a life filled with pettiness and shallowness. It's one where distance and loneliness might replace close friends and shared experiences. That's why it's worth going the extra mile when it comes to emotional responsiveness this week. In your love life: Something is tugging on your heartstrings. What advice you would give to someone else in your position? Heed it.

You can be gorgeously generous, astoundingly approachable, incredibly ingenious, and unbelievably understanding... when you choose. And you can swing dramatically in the opposite direction too. Both of these paths can be successful. But once chosen it's hard to move from one to the other. Although you may be feeling unsettled or nervous about a scenario or person, try to fall back on to generosity and hope this week. Give the road of positivity absolutely everything you've got and it will give at least as much back to you. In your love life: We can look silly when we doubt something authentic. Give the benefit of the doubt. You will benefit.

It's as if you're walking around with a glowing light bulb above your head. People are attracted by your ingenuity. Even though you might find this perplexing, there's no doubt that your imagination is in overdrive and your ability to find extraordinary solutions to complex problems is at its height. As you lend an ear to those around you, the inspiration you're handing out will find its way back and affect your life. You'll find a simple way to resolve a conflict in your personal life too. Watch out for Eureka moments this week. In your love life: Is there a difference of opinion that can't be quickly fixed? To be properly cleared, this must be properly aired.

There's nothing less likely to create tranquillity than someone telling you to calm down. It's a point worth remembering when you're galvanised into action and looking for supporters this week. Now that Uranus has left your sign, and as Jupiter links to Neptune, your enthusiasm has been sparked and your zest for life awakened. Just be sure that you use your energy to inspire rather than alienate. If you want people to invest in your vision, you need to be inspiring dreams and shared visions. You're more than capable of that! In your love life: An aspect of the future remains hidden. Be glad. When the light dawns, you will be glad you were kept in the dark.

Since you're looking for advice, may I gently direct you towards Thomas Jefferson, who said, I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. Given your current situation, even though you don't always heed other people's words of wisdom, their insight might be well worth listening to. Seeking good counsel this week isn't a sign of weakness, nor will it make you vulnerable to misadventure. You'll find that support is available which will lighten your load and help you finish a tiresome task. In your love life: Every situation has an upside and a downside. Recognise what is possibly wrong; but focus on what is right.

Astrological forecasts can contain storm clouds, bright sunshine and everything in between. But just as it is possible to be happy in the middle of a downpour, so we can smile even when the planets create spots of turbulence. And though the weather doesn't have to control our moods, sometimes it means that good things are easier to come by. Venus is leaving your sign this weekend, but the Sun is arriving. With your ruler set to form a mystic rectangle it's time to put your worries aside and enjoy the celestial sunshine. In your love life: No matter how good things have been, you are going to see moments that far outshine those rays of hope.

We're all subject to the tides of political, economic and social uncertainty, no matter where the ripples originate. But it's always possible to find the warmth of compassion, even if we find ourselves in cold, insensitive environments. Hope can be found, even in apparently hopeless situations. This week, the circumstances you're working in shouldn't define you're capabilities. Your ingenuity and imagination aren't limited by external forces. As Venus moves into your sign you can start to be very confident in your abilities. In your love life: Don't fill your life with regrets and if onlys'. You will soon be glad of the thing that makes you feel most regretful.

You're so independent that you don't always feel comfortable asking for support. But this isn't always a strength. When you're contained within your self-sufficient bubble it's easy to be cut off from the joys of working with other people. Teamwork might be challenging but it brings satisfaction and friendship. This week, as long as you're prepared to rely on other people's assistance the cosmos provides the help you've craved but been reluctant to ask for. Once you open up to new possibilities, you might be amazed by what they bring. In your love life: You see a solution to a puzzle that's perplexing someone. Before you help, check that they want your assistance.

Go ahead, complain if you need to. No one can say you don't have a right to that. There are so many reasons to feel unsatisfied or discontented. Nothing's ever perfect, and a critical eye is one of the most important steps towards improving things. But what's most important is that you don't get into a state of mind when you see drawbacks rather than opportunities. Although you're free to come to your own decisions and voice your opinions, don't be surprised if you find yourself confounding your own expectations this week. In your love life: They say love makes the world go round. In your case it's true; things are about to turn for you in a good way.

In many corners of the globe, when a visitor arrives it's considered good practice to offer them a drink. Can I get you a cup of tea? Perhaps a coffee? In this ritual the accepted reply is, Please don't put yourself to any trouble ; at which point, the host insists that they wanted one anyway. This can lead to a scenario in which both parties are left trying to finish drinks that they never even wanted! This week it's important to make a gesture of kindness. But don't let a facade get in the way of a truly insightful and wise connection. In your love life: A situation seems serious; it requires discussion. If you don't just ignore that need, all will have a happy outcome.

My son loves watching superhero cartoons featuring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman battling against Brainiac' an alien who's primary weapon is a shrink ray. You could easily form part of their heroic Justice League this week! With Jupiter in your sign, you have your own personal growth ray'. Just because it's focussed on communication issues doesn't mean that you're due a week of battling against dark, nefarious forces. It's magnifying your imaginative, creative powers too. You're equipped for success. In your love life: Relationships involve power struggles. There's nothing wrong with any tension you are experiencing. Fear not.

The American magician, T. A. Waters said, Misdirection is the cornerstone of nearly all successful magic; without it, even the most skilled sleight of hand won't create an illusion of magic. You need to provide your audience with something awe-inspiring this week. Baffle their imaginations. Blow their minds. They'll be so busy watching the glitz and glamour that you'll be able to do what you want to do. Then, as long as your motives are good, the magic you create can change the dynamics of a tricky relationship for the better. In your love life: There's a temptation to take a superficial view of a situation that has great depth. It deserves more thought.

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.