Monday, 3 October 2005

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
You may be addicted to the pleasure principle and will shun pragmatic people, practical issues and penny-pinching ideas. Some people might consider you a hopeless romantic, but others will fall under your spell and happily do your bidding.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
Something may slip from your grasp, but rather than feeling disheartened you are likely to be spurred on by new challenges. Whatever is stale or straightforward in your life needs an injection of ideas, energy or variety.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
A renewed sense of optimism sees you putting a positive spin on a difficult situation. Convincing others you have the answers may not be easy, but ruling Mercury gives you the gift of words and persuasive charm.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Mars provides the firepower needed to go that extra step or speak your mind. As a result, productivity levels may rise and you will earn respect from friends, colleagues and loved ones. Avoid long-winded explanations.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Someone new on the scene attracts your attention or an unexpected offer of assistance helps ease burdens. Rather than erring on the side of caution today, you could be more inclined to take risks and push boundaries.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
The new Moon helps tone down life's harsh realities and puts recent emotional dramas into proper perspective. This week you will find it easier to overlook faults in others or forgive yourself for unintentional slip-ups.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
A plan you recently put on hold can be brought back to life and put into practice. You have a much better chance of success the second time around, provided the missing ingredients are now in place.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)

If someone treats you in an offhanded manner, avoid taking his or her
actions to heart. Because your intuition and decision-making are skewed this week, you must practice the art of detachment or try to raise tolerance levels.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
Cracks could creep into a relationship, but you have no one to blame but yourself. A recent tendency to complain, criticise or come across as needy may have alienated friends and loved ones. Start patching things up now.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
This is the perfect time for a makeover in your environment, wardrobe or appearance. Rather than conforming to current styles or techniques, think outside the square or make bold statements with the look or colours you choose.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
A tendency to live in the moment could leave you vulnerable to criticism or at risk of making costly mistakes. Rather than giving in to impulses, be discerning about the choices you make and the company you keep.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
You could come off second best in competitive situations, yet will still insist on having the last word. The new Moon hints at tension in relationships or the work place, and cautions against being cocky when dealing with others.

YOUR DAY
The new Moon encourages fresh starts, but suggests it would be folly to let your guard down. Be aware that the opportunists may be out in full force, feathering their own nests and ignoring the needs of others. On a lighter note, planets in indecisive Libra provide a safety net by preventing people from making untimely or inept choices.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Something that holds promise could come to nothing. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket in the year ahead, and opt instead to keep plans open-ended and exploit opportunities as soon as they arise. Close co-operation with your friends and family members will reap rich emotional rewards.