Horoscopes: Friday, May 1

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
The illuminating lunar energy sheds light on puzzling issues. If you devote extra time to research and dig below the surface of situations, your tenacity will soon pay off. Keep your diary as clear as possible.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
You avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Instinct tells you that a good spread of interest, investment, time and energy allows greater scope for success. If an endeavour fails, you have something to fall back on.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
Objectivity is marred by personal interest. Your desire for certain outcomes influences the way you approach people and present your ideas to them. Practice detachment or seek advice from someone you trust.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Answers and messages are conveyed through dreams or daytime musing. Ruling Moon dramatises your thoughts and solutions appear when you least expect them. Remain hyper-alert at all times and trust your sixth sense.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Short-term pain leads to long-term gain. Your eyes are fixed on the horizon as you persistently push through barriers and work to achieve a chosen goal. Pride also prevents you from giving up.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
You avoid conjecture and deal only in fact. Past practice has taught you that guesswork can cause confusion and good reputations are built on ethical behaviour. Your genuine efforts are applauded by your peers.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
Keeping abreast of events is a full-time job. Unless you can delegate certain duties to others, lethargy and lack of interest may hamper your efforts. Take small steps rather than allowing work to overwhelm you.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
You trade stability for stimulation. One-off experiences appeal to your senses, even when there is a risk of upsetting the status-quo. Mars, the planet behind your push for adventure, lies at a prickly angle.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
Your maverick tendencies are tempered by a need to conform. This push and pull of energies suggests you'll keep a foot in both camps. Some people sympathise with your dilemma but others deem you fickle.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
There is life left in a situation but resuscitation is needed. Take a deep breath and pour all your energy into the process of recovery. Anything is possible and the scales are tipped in your favour.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
If you are going to force someone's hand, apply only gentle pressure. Co-operation is achieved through subtle urging and quiet persistence rather than bullying tactics. Doing the right thing by others is imperative.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
You switch allegiances for altruistic and not selfish reasons. The bigger picture is more important than personal prejudice, especially when needy people or worthy causes are involved. Take credit for your noble actions.

YOUR DAY
Wishing and dreaming alone do not achieve results. Ideas must be backed by practical application and proper plans put in place. There is a primal need for acknowledgement and acceptance by your peers.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
A desire for respect and recognition drives you. High-powered energy sharpens your ambition while keeping you honest and ethical at all times. You rely on hard work to produce the required results.