Horoscope

ARIES: If things aren't instant, you fast and furious ones knock yourself out trying to make it happen. But this week you're better off gliding along gracefully than trying to battle uphill. It's one of those times when charm and a light heart take you much further than hard work - and the present dense energy could do with a hit of spritz.

TAURUS: With Sun and Mercury in Taurus this week of course you're ultra-Taurean: an energetic powerhouse, a helpful, dependable friend and calming influence in a stormy world. No pushover though - if issues are important of course you won't budge or compromise, but why dig your heels in over small stuff that doesn't matter?

GEMINI: Contracts or major purchases are better postponed for the next six weeks. If this isn't possible, don't overlook the smallest detail. Take all possible precautions, get advice from professionals, check everything twice. And remember the quickest way to double your money is folding it in two and putting it back in your wallet.

CANCER: As you know but sometimes forget, emotional drama really saps your energy. Mars visiting the Cancerian home zone is always a touchy time, so be extra-respectful of family members' feelings. Lavish all the care you can on the Crabcave - feng shui it into a place of grace, a sacred site, power spot, healing sanctuary and nourishing nest.

LEO: Well well. Big Pussycat's on the prowl, having a growl and giving citizens that cross you a right royal mauling. But this is a highly un-smart time to make enemies - who might forgive, but won't ever forget. And is it really other people being so unreasonable? Or could it be time for a little mirror therapy, a small reality check?

VIRGO: Virgos get upset when things don't work, but why not just accept that some things don't ever go according to plan, and relax. At least try to... and instead of replaying the old anxiety tapes, toss them in the bin. That's right, get rid of them. They're not helping - only keeping you going over the same dreary old mistakes.

LIBRA: Treat this week's problems as solutions having a bad hair day, ie. fixable by the application of taste, attention and cash. With Venus retrograde the world's desperately seeking Libran style - so whether it's meals, visual effects, gifts or surprises, concoct and deliver as many therapeutic doses of beauty this week as you can manage...

SCORPIO: Watch your thoughts this week Scorps, as they turn into words. Which become actions, then habits which shape your future, and voila! you get the material manifestation of your thoughts... Dismiss it as spooky waffle if you will, but what you say ends up being what you get, so be extra aware of what you tell yourself.

SAGITTARIUS: Timing's critical this week, so be aware of the appropriate moment to push forward - and when it's better to stay still, say nothing and wait. If you suddenly get the urge to do something you've been putting off till the time was right, it probably won't get any righter than now - and is likely to be much easier than you ever expected.

CAPRICORN: Capricorns love good material stuff. But it's no secret that the more you acquire, the harder you work to maintain it. You can't take it with you, Caps - and this week it's worth considering one of insightful old maestro Bob Dylan's latest observations:
The things you have the hardest time parting with are the things you need least...

AQUARIUS: No-one recognises future trends faster than Aquarians. So remember when you get impatient that you're way ahead of the game, and others need time to catch up. And do something outrageous this week - even if it's just rearranging the furniture or changing your hair - otherwise you might get rebellious in a big way.

PISCES: As Venus and Neptune turn retrograde, this mundane plane becomes increasingly rude, crude and intrusive. Being sensitive to mass energy, you'll need plenty of time out to stay sane enough to do what you came here to do. Sun in Taurus is about resources - what resources can you call in to assist you this week?