Tuesday, October 3

ARIES: (March 21 to April 20)
Mercury, the planet of contact, puts you in touch with people on your intellectual wavelength. Joint ventures benefit from the helpful energy and you are perfectly placed to carry through an ambitious business or romantic plan.

TAURUS: (April 21 to May 21)
Issues and problems relating to close friends and relatives can be dealt with more easily this week. A confrontation seems inevitable, but once the air is cleared you will most likely feel a profound sense of relief.

GEMINI: (May 22 to June 21)
With the planets providing an element of good luck and people viewing you in a positive light, you can confidently embark on a course of action. There will be no need for tricks or deception this week.

CANCER: (June 22 to July 23)
Someone who is affable but detached could cast uncertainty over an issue. You may find it difficult to grasp what others want or will be suspicious of those who appear duplicitous. Look below the surface today.

LEO: (July 24 to August 23)
Good relationships can be made even better with a little fine-tuning. Take a proactive, but light-hearted approach and listen to what loved ones have to say. At the very least, make some sympathetic noises.

VIRGO: (August 24 to September 23)
You are often depicted as a person who is in control and a stickler for detail. That image is tarnished this week by planets in Libra and without malice or intention, you could lose track of events.

LIBRA: (September 24 to October 23)
Habitually reluctant to make choices, you may surprise people when you take decisive steps towards a chosen goal. The might of Mars propels you forward and strengthens your spine as a buffer against the winds of change.

SCORPIO: (October 24 to November 22)
You may have to work harder to earn recognition or respect, but challenges along the way serve to make the victory so much sweeter. Mercury in your sign subtly changes you from an emotional to rational thinker.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 to December 22)
A desire to win may be your main motivation, but indications are you will quickly run out of steam. Despite being mentally incisive, your energy levels could waver and cause you to quit rather than plough on.

CAPRICORN: (December 23 to January 20)
Provided you have done your homework, the momentum in a project will slowly begin to build. Careful planning is about to reap rewards and support from a person of influence could be the icing on the cake.

AQUARIUS: (January 21 to February 19)
Venus engenders good relations and teaches you a thing or two about self-promotion. Normally contrary when dealing with people or situations outside your realm, you may be remarkable obliging and understanding in the days ahead.

PISCES: (February 20 to March 20)
Haphazard events will ultimately tie together and begin to make sense. In the meantime, take life in your stride and when feelings of frustration threaten to boil over, practice your own version of meditation or relaxation.

YOUR DAY
It may be impossible to anticipate outcomes or interpret people's moods. The fun lies in the element of surprise and the most effective coping tool will be flexibility. Having the last wordcould be the ultimate satisfaction for some, while others may choose language specifically for its shock value.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Time to inject fun back into your life and shed the mantle of responsibility. You have excellent prospects for financial gain, but risk-taking and positive partners must be part of the overall plan. Also, your social circle may expand or travel will beckon.