Horoscopes

ARIES: Angry Aries explode, but when the storm's passed they're ready for reconciliation. Present energy's the opposite - the No Speak treatment. Don't get hooked in. You're usually so strong and on top of things you don't get support till you're obviously not coping. Ask for what you want this week, and do whatever you need to get it.

TAURUS: The present planetary potpourri gives Tauran spunk ratings an aphrodisiac lift, making your earthy allure extremely appealing this week. But like those old maps warning Here Be Dragons, you're also officially entering a majorly stubborn phase - so aim for a more negotiable style of control: say, flexible firmness, or supple determination...

GEMINI: This week the Month of Strong Medicine begins. Which requires staying power. Honesty. Zipping the lip and listening to your feelings. It also calls for conversational caution, because tactless words won't be easily forgiven and indiscreet gossip boomerangs back with an added whack. Send Twin Who Talks Too Much on holidays.

CANCER: Have you turned your lovely crabcave into a crabcage? Got defensive about your possessions and possessive about your loved ones? It happens this time of year and you have to deal with it. Sharpen the protective nippers if that makes you feel better, but don't make it too obvious - defence mode inevitably encourages aggression.

LEO: Your powerful presence could cause jealousy and resentment in others this week Majesty, so watch your royal step. And if certain ulterior motives are showing, certain people could point this out. Rather than go into Never-Been-So-Insulted mode, ask yourself if they might be, even slightly right. And answer yourself honestly.

VIRGO: Socially and professionally co-operative, Virgos can be hell on wheels up close and personal. Don't start World War Three over some little quirk - especially when your own sensitive digestion's disturbed by a nasty look or unkind word. Hostility hurts your health, but it's what you'll get unless you phrase this week's appraisals very, very carefully.

LIBRA: You love being at the centre of the social sizzle, but this week needs you acknowledging what you can and can't handle - and when you've reached your limit. It's hard for you, but do try not to judge on appearances. Keep an open mind. Awful toady types can carry pearls of wisdom, and angels are famous for appearing in strange and dreadful drag.

SCORPIO: Scorpios don't usually reveal the feelings percolating beneath their cool front, though they're expert at provoking emotions in others. But staying in control while driving others out of it could backfire spectacularly this week and damage intimate relationships. Remember you're way strong enough to be kind and giving without seeming weak and wussy.

SAGITTARIUS: This week's cosmic soup is a secretive blend, a mystery mix; lower frustration levels by accepting you probably won't be able to pin people down to anything definite. The old tongue-sharp-as-a-stiletto transit's operating, but if you soften your delivery a bit perhaps others won't take offence. Watch your back anyway.

CAPRICORN: This isn't a time for cutting tough contra deals in your personal life. Give generously, without a price tag, or not at all. When you're planning this week's moves and strategies, check whether they pass the karmic test: would you like to be treated that way? Because karma being what it is, some time or other you will.

AQUARIUS: What mad characters and outrageous situations can you write into your life script to infuriate and inspire you this week, Aquarians? Your out-there, outspoken side could certainly give this week a lift - but if your flipside (opinionated, argumentative, stubborn and troublesome) is on display, others may not want to play.

PISCES: As we enter the year's fatal attraction phase, the goddess of illusion's doing her most bewitching dance. It's a time of maximum magnetism, but can you tell what's fantasy and what's real? Certain things that seem highly desirable at first sight may pack an unforeseen wallop - making discernment this week's premier survival strategy.